A Step By Step Guide To Singer/Songwriter and Pop Maverick Ian Passey.

In 1990, bespectacled guitarist Ian helped form indie guitar janglers Smedley along with Ian Darkes (drums), Neil Davis (bass), and Peter Gardner (vocals). Rising from the ashes of various school bands, it was time to hone their craft and start gigging. Often seen supporting Goth groups around the Midlands.

As the band came to an end, Passey (aka Paz) again teamed up with Darkes (aka Bulbs) in the madcap pop duo Professor Yaffle. They went on to release the critically acclaimed album Boing Boing Yaffle Yaffle, described by many as "The sound of Summer '93"

After 12 months spent busking his way around the world, Ian returned to the UK and promptly formed Jackpot. Joined by Chris Guillaume (bass) and Steve Watkins (drums), the mod-ish three piece went on to make a huge impact during the mid '90's. Gigs became events as they released a string of classic singles. In a bid to ensure their legendary status, they split at the height of their popularity in 1997.

Passey then came up with a complete new batch of songs for his next project - fronting flamboyant Britpoppers Swagger. Helped out by Steve Breen (bass), Tom Lewis (drums), and Robin Pitt (guitar), they amazed and intrigued audiences around the country before bowing out in style at The Water Rats, Kings Cross.

Apart from a couple of low key acoustic projects, Ian then took a break from music to begin work on his first novel. Yet to be completed, it's described by the author as "an ongoing venture"

After selling his former trademark Rickenbacker guitar to fund the purchase of home recording equipment, Passey began laying the foundations for what was to become The Humdrum Express. The DIY punk ethic moves on,but lives on.

In May 2005, The Humdrum Express released the debut album All Aboard. Following a major record label scramble, Passey signed to Liverpool based Chromium Records two months later.

The critically acclaimed Out With The In Crowd was then released as a download single in October.

A live return followed,performing with the likes of  Bob Mould, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, I Ludicrous, The Wombats and Wayne J Barber, before the release of second album Little Victories on 29th March,2007.

Performed in The Banyan Tree Cafe at the 2007 Glastonbury Festival before breaking all the rules by releasing a FREE e.p. in October. It shook the corridors of the music industry and is thought to be the catalyst for Radiohead releasing their "pay what you like" download album.

To Be Continued................

Eric Cameron.