The Astronettes Sessions: Ava Cherry’s Lost Album with David Bowie

Ava Cherry is a singer and songwriter who is best known for her relationship and collaboration with David Bowie in the 1970s. She was part of a group called The Astronettes, which consisted of her, Jason Guess, and Geoff MacCormack, who were Bowie’s friends and backing vocalists. In 1973, they recorded an album with Bowie as the producer and songwriter, but the album was never released until 2009. The album is called The Astronettes Sessions, and it is a rare and remastered gem of rock history.

In this article, we will explore the story behind The Astronettes Sessions, Ava Cherry’s lost album with David Bowie. We will also review the songs and the style of the album, and explain why it is worth listening to for any fan of Bowie or Cherry.

The Story Behind The Astronettes Sessions

The Astronettes Sessions was recorded in November 1973 at Olympic Studios in London, except for one song that was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York in 1974. The album was produced by David Bowie, who also wrote most of the songs and played various instruments. The album featured Ava Cherry on lead vocals, Jason Guess and Geoff MacCormack on backing vocals, Mike Garson on piano, Herbie Flowers on bass, Aynsley Dunbar on drums, Luis Ramirez on percussion, and Mark Pritchard on guitar.

The album was intended to be a showcase for Ava Cherry’s talent and a launchpad for her solo career. However, due to various reasons, such as contractual issues, artistic differences, and personal problems, the album was shelved and forgotten for decades. It was only in 1995 that some of the songs were released under the title People From Bad Homes by Griffin Music in the US and Golden Years in the UK. However, these versions were not authorized by Bowie or Cherry, and they had poor sound quality and incorrect credits. It was not until 2009 that the album was officially released by Black Barbarella Records in the UK and MSI Records in Japan under the title The Astronettes Sessions. The album was digitally remastered by Iestyn Polson and featured a new cover design by Les Clark.

The Songs and the Style of The Astronettes Sessions

The Astronettes Sessions consists of 12 songs that range from rock to soul to jazz to pop. The songs are mostly original compositions by David Bowie, except for three covers: “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys, “How Could I Be Such A Fool” by Frank Zappa, and “Spirits In The Night” by Bruce Springsteen. The songs showcase Ava Cherry’s powerful and versatile voice, as well as Bowie’s creative and experimental style.

Some of the highlights of the album are:

“I Am A Laser”, a funky and futuristic song that features Bowie’s vocals and synthesizer effects.
“Seven Days”, a soulful and romantic ballad that showcases Cherry’s range and emotion.
“Having A Good Time”, a catchy and upbeat pop song that reflects Cherry’s optimistic attitude.
“People From Bad Homes”, a dark and dramatic rock song that criticizes the society and culture that oppresses women.
“I Am Divine”, a glam rock anthem that celebrates Cherry’s self-confidence and beauty.

The style of the album is eclectic and diverse, reflecting the influences and interests of both Bowie and Cherry. The album has elements of blues rock, psychedelic rock, avant-garde rock, soul music, jazz music, pop music, and glam rock. The album is also influenced by the musical trends of the early 1970s, such as funk music, disco music, reggae music, and punk rock. The album is a unique and original blend of genres and sounds that creates a distinctive and memorable musical experience.

Why You Should Listen to The Astronettes Sessions

The Astronettes Sessions is a rare and remastered album that you should not miss if you are a fan of David Bowie or Ava Cherry. Here are some reasons why you should listen to The Astronettes Sessions:

The Astronettes Sessions is a lost treasure of rock history that reveals a fascinating and forgotten chapter of Bowie’s and Cherry’s careers. It shows their musical collaboration and their personal relationship in the 1970s.
The Astronettes Sessions is a showcase of Ava Cherry’s talent and potential as a singer and songwriter. It demonstrates her powerful and versatile voice, her expressive and emotional delivery, and her charismatic and confident personality.
The Astronettes Sessions is a testament of David Bowie’s genius and creativity as a producer and songwriter. It displays his experimental and innovative style, his diverse and eclectic influences, and his original and memorable songs.
The Astronettes Sessions is a unique and original blend of genres and sounds that creates a distinctive and memorable musical experience. It has elements of blues rock, psychedelic rock, avant-garde rock, soul music, jazz music, pop music, and glam rock.

The Astronettes Sessions is a rare and remastered album that you should not miss if you are looking for something different and original. It is a hidden gem of rock history that will entertain you and surprise you.