Hi-Tension

British Funk and Disco Band

Pioneering British, Brit Funk Group Hi Tension. Hi Tension were a band from north west London who started as Hot Waxx and included Phil Fearon (Galaxy and Kandidate) and Lloyd Phillips, brother of Paul (Kandidate), in the early '70's before becoming the famous Hi-Tension. They had major chart success with hit tracks British Hustle and the very funky Hi Tension. The group comprised: brothers Paul Mclean (lead guitar) and Patrick Mclean (saxophone), brothers David Joseph (keyboards / lead vocals) and Ken Joseph (bass guitar), uncle and nephew Jeffrey Guishard (percussion/ lead vocals) and Leroy Williams (congas), Paul Phillips (rhythm guitar / vocals), David Reid (drums) and Courtney Pine (sax on tour). The band split in the early '80's with David Joseph pursuing a solo career. In 1984 Ken, Leroy and Jeff reformed the band (with other members David Joseph and Paul Phillips on the recording sessions) and released 'Rat Race' in 1984, and 'You Make Me Happy' (originally recorded as 'Happy' by Surface) in 1985. Both versions scored in the Top 40 at the same time. Paul Phillips was first seen as a Record Producer in 1981 with AD 2000 and then DC Allstars and for Record Label Streetsounds.