The British heavy prog band Czar from London had its origins in the pop group Tuesday’s Children. While still under that name they began recording their first LP in January 1969 at Philips Studios. Further recordings were made over the course of the year in several sessions. Although Brian Shepherd was officially listed as the producer, the two sound engineers, Dave Voyde and Roger Wake, actually took charge of the production, both are credited as „Production Engineers“ on the album cover. By the end of 1969, the majority of the album had been completed, which ultimately prompted the group to make a fresh start under the name Czar. Shortly after their first live performances under this new name in January 1970, the drummer decided to leave the band. The final recording session took place at the end of February, and plans for the release of their debut album could finally be set in motion.

Their first and only LP was eventually released in May on Philips’ sub-label Fontana. Unfortunately, it was poorly promoted and not released outside England. Consequently, it sank into obscurity without a trace. Bob Hodges (keyb, voc), Mick Ware (g, voc), Paul Kendrick (b, voc) and Derrick Gough (dr) played a brand of early ’70s British underground prog driven by organ and Mellotron, accented here and there by a powerful lead guitar. Although the band toured extensively, a second album never materialised, which is why they disbanded in early 1971. Their legendary, one-and-only LP is now extremely valuable and as an original first pressing a rare collector’s item.