The origin of Affinity was, circa 1965 in the science department of the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. Three science students called Lynton Naiff (piano), Grant Serpell (drums), and Nick Nicholas (double bass) had formed the US Jazz Trio, they played at University events and local gigs. When Serpell graduated a year later he was replaced by Mo Foster who had earlier been playing bass guitar in his school band but had now adapted to playing drums. After university Naiff and Serpell, along with members of other bands gathered from other university bands, formed the pop group Ice. Although Ice was moderately successful commercially it only lasted for about a year before it disbanded. Although Ice had disbanded, Naiff and Serpell were keen to continue with a career in music. They decided to start a new jazz-influenced pop band. To this end they invited Foster to join them, only this time on bass guitar as Serpell would be carrying out the drummer's duties. After holding auditions they met ex-Tridents guitarist Mike Jopp. They liked his playing and his ability to play both jazz and pop, and perhaps more importantly he had his own amp and a car.The auditions continued for a singer. They unanimously decided on an English teacher they had met previously, Linda Hoyle. After obtaining a loan, which was guaranteed by Jopp's father, they bought the equipment needed to start the band. They bought Impact amplifiers, a Hammond M102 organ, a Gibson EBO bass guitar, some microphones and a grey Ford Transit van. They then spent the summer of 1968 rehearsing, writing, and generally chilling out at a rented bungalow on the edge of Brighton. The first thing they needed to do though was invent a name for themselves, eventually they settled on "Affinity" which came from the name of an Oscar Peterson LP. 01 - I Am And So Are You 02 - Night Flight 03 - I Wonder If I Care As Much 04 - Mr. Joy 05 - Three Sisters 06 - Cocoanut Grove 07 - All Along The Watchtower 08 - Eli's Coming 09 - United States Of Mind LINK
