This band from Portland, Oregon, USA were most renowned for October 1981’s US number 3 hit single, ‘Harden My Heart’. This track, which also reached the UK Top 50, was a prime example of the band’s AOR sound, delivering passionate guitars, wailing saxophone, emotive vocals, and an enormous chorus. Originally known as Seafood Mama, Quarterflash boasted the talents of husband-and-wife team Rindy Ross (vocals/saxophone) and Marv Ross (guitar). The other members of the band were Jack Charles (vocals/guitar), Rich Gooch (bass), Rick DiGiallonardo (keyboards) and Brian Willis (drums). They had two further US Top 20 singles with ‘Find Another Fool’ (number 16, February 1982) and ‘Take Me To Heart’ (number 14, June 1983). They recorded three strong albums, although their 1981 debut met with most commercial success, reaching number 8 in America. Quarterflash split-up in 1985 after the release of Back Into Blue, but the Rosses re-formed the band in 1990 much to the delight of classic AOR fans. Joined by Doug Fraser (guitar), Sandin Wilson (bass), Mel Kubik (keyboards) and Gregg Williams (drums), they recorded a new studio album, Girl In The Wind. Six years later, on 11 August, they played their final show in Portland.
