The Marc Tanner Band was an American rock band fronted by Marc Tanner that released two albums on the Elektra label. They had a minor hit with the song "Elena" in 1979.
Background During their time the band released two albums, No Escape in 1979 and Temptation in 1980.Blue Desert. - West Coast Music, Marc Tanner Band They released two singles in 1979, "Elena" b/w "Lady in Blue" and "She's So High" b/w "Never Again". They released two more the following year, "Hold Your Head Up" b/w "Don't Say No (Surrender)", and "Hot and Cold" b/w "Temptation" in 1980.45Cat - The Marc Tanner Band - Discography
Career By February 1979, the group's debut album No Escape was released on Elektra, supported by the single "Elena".Billboard, February 17, 1979 - Page 1West Coast Music In France, June 16, 2010 - California Groove 2 (4CD Box-Set) to be released in July in France Among the musicians that appeared on the album were William "Smitty" Smith, formerly of the group Motherlode and Vanetta Fields.All Music - MotherlodeSessiondays - 1979 Marc Tanner Band – No Escape
For the week ending April 7, 1979, their single "Elena" had moved up from previous weeks position of 53 to 45, with "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor at No. 1.Billboard - Hot 100, The Week Of April 7, 1979 Also in April that year with a line up that had been together for two months, the band appeared at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, playing a 51-minute set. Billboard reviewer Eliot Tiegel commented on the intensity of the band with the bass, 2 guitars and drums drowning out the other instruments,Billboard, April 7, 1979 - Page 49 Talent In Action, MARC TANNER BAND, Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, Calif - ELIOT TIEGEL with a suggestion that this promising band should respect the beauty of its instruments rather than concentrate on the wattage output.Billboard, April 7, 1979 - Page 93 *Continued from page 49, Talent In Action, MARC TANNER BAND, Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, Calif - ELIOT TIEGEL In May 1979, Billboard had recommended "She's So High" as a top single pick.Billboard, May 12, 1979 - Page 79 Billboard's Top Single Picks, recommended Towards the end of May their record label was wrapping up a promo for the band's album No Escape. The marketing ploy had given out ten thousand tie clips in the form of handcuffs. There were also requests for the items from the nontraditional outlets, usually retail stores and radio. These were restaurants and night clubs. There was also an agenda to promote "Never Again" as a single.Billboard, May 25, 1979 - Page 33 Pro-Motions by HANFORD SEARL
It was reported in the September 29 issue of Billboard that the group were working on a new album.Billboard, September 29, 1979 - Page 39 Studio Track The group's second album Temptation was more towards band album in comparison to the previous which leaned towards a Marc Tanner solo album.
The band was managed by Lewis Kaplan who also managed Carole King's daughter Louise Goffin.Billboard, August 25, 1979 - Page 46 Talent, For Louise Goffin, Success Isn't Relative By PAUL GREIN
Later years Tanner has since embarked on a career in production and songwriting and is currently executive producer of a broadway play.
"Elena" is featured on the 4 CD compilation California Groove II, released in 2010.Amazon France - California Groove 2 (Coffret 4 CD) Compilation
Members Marc Tanner - vocals Linda Stanley - vocals Steve Mann - flute, saxophone Stephen Lyle - keyboards Michael Stevens - lead guitar Irvin Kramer - guitar Ronny Edwards - bass Joe Romersa - drums
Discography + Singles Title Release info Year Notes "Elena" / "Lady In Blue" Elektra E-46003 1979 "She's So High" / "Never Again" Elektra E-46043 1979 "Never Again" / "Never Again" Elektra AS-11419 1979 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, PromoDiscogs - The Marc Tanner Band – Never Again "Hold Your Head Up" / "Don't Say No (Surrender)" Elektra E-46589 1980 "Hot And Cold" / "Temptation" Elektra E-46614 1980
+ Albums Title Release info Year F Notes No Escape Elektra 6E-168 1979 LP Temptation Elektra 6E-240 1980 LP Schwann-1, Record & Tape Guide, Volume 32, Issue 11 - ABC Schwann Publications, 1980 - Page 234
References