"SALT" were part of the  congregation of St Mary's  in Upton, Wirral, a thriving Anglican Church. The two guiding forces seemed to be Peter Elliot (who possessed considerable technical skills) and Les Parry (singer/songwriter and these days a solo performer in his own right). They were already well established when Adrian joined them. Their previous keyboard player had left to go into the ministry. (Which is exactly what Adrian eventually did, as did John Carter, the keyboard player who came after him). Other members at the time Adrian was with them were Anne Collinson and Ellen Barrett on vocals and Ray Stewart on Bass.

If Adrian had an influence on them it was to move them from a folky/classical style towards exploring the rockier side of music. Peter Elliott moved from being on Hammond Organ to playing the drums. Les started using his electric guitar as much as the acoustic. Ray always was a closet rocker anyway! These changes were noticeable in their cassette release 'Song of the Spirit'. Some of the songs remained in a the folk mould. But others showed a definite move to new pastures.

This eclectic mix was further heightened by Salts involvement with "The Light of Experience", a musical based upon the life of St Paul, written by John Harrow. Composer Roger Mayor worked on some of the songs, whilst Salt took care of the others. The production performed to three nights of packed houses in the Little Theatre in Birkenhead, Wirral in May of 1980 and featured a full cast and youth choir, 'Shalom' drama group and 'Reflections' dance group. They all , like Salt were associated with St. Mary's church.

It's time to play 'Spot the Civil Servant'. Here's Adrian practicing away after coming straight from his job as a clerk in the Passport /office in Liverpool.  And there's that trusty SH1000 synthesiser being pressed once more into service!

SALT were also influenced by Canadian born songwriter, Barry Crompton, performing a number of his songs. Before his days with SALT Les Parry had worked with him and played Bass on his first album, "Harbinger".

Barry went on to make a number of albums on Christian labels, and had some success within the Contemporary Christian music scene in the States. As an aside from SALT's concerts Adrian got to put in a performance with Barry, making a guest appearance on lead guitar for a radio production.

Prior to joining SALT, Adrian had already declared his intentions to study theology at Aberystwth University in Mid-Wales, so he always just passing through.

After he left for college, he was invited back to St. Mary's for a solo performance (which provided material for a track on his later be produced solo album 'Jester Before the Throne'). He also took part in SALTS farewell performance in 1983.  They were still performing a couple of his songs, "HE KNOWS, YOU KNOW" (which was on the 'Song of the Spirit' cassette) and "DECISIONS" - which they had recorded on their following cassette release "Miracle".

SALT were an interesting and supportive group of people to work with. At times Adrian did find it strange to be a lone Presbyterian in a sea of Episcopalians, but that was a small thing compared to the challenge of trying to re-master his keyboard skills!

Peter                 Anne                     Ray

            Ellen                 Adrian                   Les

Click the trumpet blowers to download SALT playing two of Adrian's songs

At the bottom of the page are "He Knows You Know (live)" and "Decisions (live)"

Use your browsers back button to return from whence you came