Clandestine Root

Clandestine Root was a very successful, though unsigned band in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Primarily a "folk rock" group, they drew a large fan base in northern England, where they performed in pubs, and clubs for almost ten years. Based in Leeds in Northern England they played covers of songs by Donovan Leach, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and other contemporary folk/rock artists as well as more commercial style music, depending on the venue.

They were lucky enough to be signed by Robert Stigwood, Richard Montcrief, and other concert promoters to provide opening and backing performances to "big name" touring artistes and bands. At one time. Jeff Christie (Who wrote and performed 'Yellow River' ) was closely associated with Clandestine Root. The Ryan twins (Barry and Paul) were close associates of the band, as were Helen Shapiro, Marti Wilde, and to some extent the late great, Frankie Vaughan.

The artistic force behind Clandestine Root was Gordon Parry. He was one of those rare musicians who could play any instrument put in front of him. Other permanent members were Gordon's cousin Greg Springer, and Boris Oldroyd. Sally Armistead was the female lead voice, and the driving force of the band. Sally's vision was an up-beat version of Peter, Paul & Mary, with some serious rock thrown in, whilst the others were happy to 'go with the flow'. Somehow, between them, they made it work.

The band backed up many headline acts: Roy Orbison, The Everley Brothers, Gene Pitney, and even a crew out of Sheffield known as Joe Cocker & the Grease Band, who performed on a regular basis at a dance studio in Leeds called Mark Altman's.

Sadly, Gordon Parry died a few years ago, although the band broke up long before that.

Their name will be remembered by Any Number of people who were finishing school in the late 60's & early 70's in and around Leeds & Bradford. Clandestine Root played almost every school dance, and backed up every major tour over those years.