Work as a musician
Lander was an intricate part of the late Mersey Beat scene, playing with well-known local band The Hideaways. The band were one of the first R&B groups in Liverpool and to this day hold the record for the most performances in the Cavern's history, surpassing The Beatles. In the mid-1960s Lander kindled a relationship with Sonny Boy Williamson II (Aleck Ford 'Rice' Miller) who taught him the intricacies of the Blues Harmonica. [7] Lander's playing technique became much in demand and his enthusiasm for the music industry led him to record label Charisma Records, whilst still retaining his status as a respected session musician.
His reputation as both PR-man and session musician continued to grow and in 1975 he was approached by Apple Records to help with John Lennon’s Rock 'n' Roll album. As a musician he was invited to perform on various in-house sessions with artists such as Billy Preston. [8] Over the course of his career and directorships at various major labels, he has been instrumental in the careers of artists such ABBA, [9] Michael Jackson, [10] Nigel Dick [11] and The Proclaimers. [12] He was also responsible for breaking Meat Loaf in the UK, [13] receiving a proclamation by the Mayor of the City Of Cleveland. Lander is also noted for persuading a rather recluse guitar icon Jeff Beck into doing a TV interview which had a bizarre result. [14] Head-hunted by RCA records to run their Motown UK Record division, Lander joined them at the historic Motown 25th anniversary show: ‘Yesterday, Today, Forever’.
Whilst at Motown Lander was called to a session at Red Bus Studios in London to lay down a harmonica part with a then relatively unknown band called Culture Club which led him to create the now-famous harmonica lead on their No 1 - million seller "Karma Chameleon" and on "Church of the Poison Mind". Following the release came a glut of TV and Wembley Stadium appearances. Around this period Lander was invited to join Paul McCartney [15] on stage at The Odeon Hammersmith for a charity concert, and has since worked with Paul on his Flowers in the Dirt . [16]
As a musician Lander is credited with performances on over 2000 recording sessions. He is noted for his work with artists such as The Beach Boys, [17] Nazareth, [18] The Proclaimers, [12] Kirsty MacColl, [18] Prefab Sprout, [18] Maxi Priest, [18] Madness, The The, [18] Tina Turner, [18] Mike Oldfield, [18] The Communards, [18] Richard Ashcroft, [18] Annie Lennox. [18] In addition to all this he now has an entry in “Who’s Who In The Music Industry” [18] and has received one of the highest musical accolades - the Gold Award from BASCA ‘The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors’, held at London's Savoy hotel. This coveted award celebrates the achievements of a group of people who have made an outstanding contribution to Britain's music industry. Lander was also involved in the biggest event in the UK music calendar - The BRIT AWARDS. Lander had worked on this show for the past 22 years as floor Cam Director. [18] Judd is now based in Hertfordshire, just outside of London, where his office walls display a large array of Gold and Platinum discs and awards, serving as a testament to the contribution he has made and is still making in the music business.
Work in television
Lander moved into the world of television as a puppeteer on BBC's Saturday Superstore children's show for a period of five years, then as an associated producer on The St Lucia Jazz Festival [18] - shot in the Caribbean. His on-screen credits can also be seen in Resting Rough an odd but amusing short film about a flea ridden mattress, which featured Pierce Brosnan – Judd composed arranged and produced the film's music. [19] He also contributed to quite a few BBC drama episodes and headed the position as Director of promotions with London Records. His Chrysalis Records appointment saw him deliver the No. 1 hit "The One and Only" with Chesney Hawkes. [20] Other shows include - Top of the Pops , [18] The Tube , [18] The Old Grey Whistle Test [18] and Later... with Jools Holland . [18]
He then went onto become A&R/label Director at Warner Music Group, a division within media giants Warner Bros. delivering them a No. 2 and No. 3 chart singles. Over the past 10 years he has successfully returned to his PR roots - and with his indisputable wealth of media contacts he has already helped a host of international artists obtaining major TV media coverage - featuring artists such as LeAnn Rimes. [21]
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