TEN was initially formed after what was to be the
new solo album from Gary Hughes developed into
something which cried out to be performed by an
ensemble cast. Gary had long wanted to work with
ex. DARE/ASIA guitarist Vinny Burns, who himself
had been keeping his eye on Gary as a singer he
was keen to work with. Obvious that it was meant to
be. As soon as the two were brought together it was
Vinny suggested they recruit the rhythm section of
DARE as he had worked with them before and knew
of their immense capabilities. John Halliwell and Ted
Rylands were brought into the fold from Manchester
band KAGE and quickly settled right in with the
others.
Originally, was the debut album to be self produced,
but during a chance conversation between band and
the record company it came up that legendary
producer Mike Stone was someone that everyone
involved would dearly like to work with. After hearing
a rough tape of the material Mike jumped on board.
The feeling that something rather special was
happening became even stronger. To get a producer
of such status was a major coup as Mike usually
worked with huge starts such as JOURNEY,
WHITESNAKE, ASIA FOREIGNER and QUEEN just
to name a few. His years of experience contributed
greatly to the overall sound of the debut album.
Stone also lead to them hiring The great working
relation between the band and him for the second
album "In The Name Of The Rose".
TEN is fiercely determined to show that to create a
great AOR/Melodic Rock record you don't have to be
American. Every aspect of the both albums, from the
musicians to the studio to the producer is British.
This is a staunchly proud act whose product can
stand against any from over the water.
Proof of this came firstly when the debut album was
reviewed in Japan's most influential and important
rock magazine, BURRN!. The editor-in-chief himself
gave the album an incredible 95/100. For an
established act such a score is Tare for a debut
album it is almost unique. This lead to sales of close
to 40.000 copies in Japan. Similar reviews followed
also in the press in Europe and big interest in the
band been started to be built up. When also album
no. 2 got a 95/100 review in BURRN! This really
confirms that TEN really got something special
going...Also showing that Germany starting to show
big interest in the band.
TEN is here to be in the forefront of the European
bands when the new wave of Melodic Rock strikes
back !!!!
