Description

Scheduled For Release Feb 13 2026

Discover the Sophomore Jazz‑Fusion Masterpiece: Turning Point’s “Silent Promise”

Analogue October Records presents a definitive vinyl reissue of Turning Point’s second and final studio album, Silent Promise, originally released in 1978. Building on the momentum of their debut, this record captures a band refining their fusion of jazz, rock and Canterbury‑style experimentation. The reissue has been mastered and cut by Caspar Sutton‑Jones at Gearbox Records directly from the original ¼‑inch stereo master tapes, preserving every nuance of its warm analogue sound for a new generation of listeners.

Turning Point: A Short History

In 1975, bassist Jeff Clyne and keyboardist Brian Miller, both alumni of Isotope, assembled saxophonist Dave Tidball, drummer Paul Robinson and vocalist Pepi Lemer to explore jazz‑rock fusion with a distinctly British twist. Influenced by Magma, Chick Corea and Flora Purim, they aimed to blend complex compositions with accessible melodies. After touring widely—including support slots for National Health—and releasing just two albums, Turning Point concluded their journey in 1980, leaving behind a brief yet influential legacy.

Album Concept

Silent Promise showcases a more rhythmic and refined approach than its predecessor while retaining the band’s trademark atmospheric improvisation. The title track sets the tone with fluid bass lines and interlocking rhythms. “Awakening” introduces a burst of energy before giving way to “May Day Morn,” whose melodic groove recalls the pastoral side of the Canterbury scene. “Beginning Again” explores layered keyboards and soaring saxophones, while “Queen of the White E” unfolds as an extended suite of shifting moods. The album’s closing sequence—“Mirror,” “Mirror, Mirror,” and “Green Tranquility”—balances meditative passages with intricate interplay. Throughout, Clyne’s inventive bass and Robinson’s dynamic drumming anchor Miller’s keyboard textures, Tidball’s expressive saxophones and Lemer’s evocative vocals.

Recording

The album was recorded at Morgan Studios in London in early 1978 and produced and engineered by Martin Levan. Leveraging the studio’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities, the band captured a warm, live feel while layering acoustic piano, electric piano and synthesizers to create lush harmonic backdrops.

Release and Reception

Originally issued on the Gull label in 1978, Silent Promise quickly sold out its initial pressing and became a sought‑after rarity. While it did not gain mainstream attention, its blend of rhythmic sophistication and melodic invention endeared it to collectors and connoisseurs of jazz‑fusion.

Mastering

This new edition has been mastered and cut at Gearbox Records by Caspar Sutton‑Jones directly from the original ¼‑inch master tapes, ensuring the richest possible analog presentation. The result is a pressing with exceptional clarity, depth and warmth.

The Artists

• Jeff Clyne – bass guitar

• Brian Miller – electric & acoustic piano, synthesizer

• Dave Tidball – tenor & soprano saxophone

• Paul Robinson – drums, percussion

• Pepi  Lemer – vocals

Additional creative contributions include sleeve design by label owner David Howells (total legend btw!), illustration by Paul Monteagle, photography by Les Cirkle, and production & engineering by Martin Levan.

Limited Edition Release

This reissue will be pressed on premium vinyl at Record Industry, Harrlem in a limited, hand‑numbered run, guaranteeing audiophile quality and collectability. Each copy honors the album’s historic significance while delivering the immersive sound experience Turning Point envisioned.