Peter's first big music industry break came in 1969, when Epic Records signed him to record his debut solo LP, Knight of the Blue Communion.In addition to playing harmonica and providing backing vocals, Peter acted as arranger and composer, while his friend Tim Mayer provided all the lyrics. Ivers assembled a fascinating group of musicians to play on his record. On drums was Cleve Frank Pozar, with Richard Youngstein on contrabass, and Tony Ackerman on guitar. The horn section featured Steve Kowarsky on bassoon, Henry Schuman on oboe and Paul Balmuth on sax.However, the icing on the cake was chanteuse Yolande Bavan and the way in which Peter used her as lead vocalist on the album. Bavan was a singer and actress who was born in Sri Lanka and had started her professional career working as a vocalist with renowned pianist Graeme Bell.Knight of the Blue Communion drew comparisons with Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa, with Yolanda appearing to be the conventional vocalist cast in what was often a sea of avant-garde madness, a blend of blues, rock & jazz. Line-up / Musicians Steve Kowarsky/Bassoon Richard Youngstein/Contrabass Joe Seale/Electronics Tony Ackerman/Guitar Peter Ivers/Harmonica,Conductor Harry Schuman/Oboe R. Frank Pozar/Percussion Paul BalmuthSaxophone Yolande Bavan/Vocals Discography(Album) Knight of the Blue Communion 1969
1.Cat Scratch Fever 2.Water Curtain 3.Dark Illumination 4.Confession 5.Travelling Lightly 6.Showroom Model 7.Tobacco 8.Lord God Love 9.Knight of the Blue Communion 10.Gentle Jesus
