AMOREENA BY PANHANDLE

 AMOREENA BY PANHANDLE – A STUDY OF THE RECORDING AND THE BAND

The British studio project Panhandle recorded a distinctive version of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s “Amoreena” for their only album, released by Decca Records. The LP, titled simply “Panhandle,” was issued by Decca under the catalog number SKL 5105. Most historical discographic sources place the release in 1972, although some collectors refer to sessions dated in late 1971. The album was released exclusively as an LP and had no commercial single extracted from it.

Panhandle was not a touring band, but rather a studio ensemble assembled around some of the most respected musicians in the British rock and session scene. The lineup included guitarist Chris Spedding, well known for his work with Jack Bruce and later for his strong solo career; bassist Herbie Flowers, one of the most recorded English session players and a founding member of Sky; and keyboardist and actor Dudley Moore, who contributed piano parts. The project also featured well-known vocalists such as P. P. Arnold on backing vocals. The album was produced by Rodger Bain, a producer famous for his early work with Black Sabbath.

The record presented a collection of rock, soul, and contemporary pop reinterpretations, transforming known songs into studio-driven arrangements with high technical quality. Their version of “Amoreena” stands out for its warm instrumentation, polished production, and faithful yet modernized interpretation of the Elton John original. Even with a high-caliber cast, Panhandle remained a short-lived recording project and did not continue beyond this album. Commercial impact was minimal at the time, but the LP eventually became a collector’s item due to the presence of top-tier musicians and for its unique selection of covers. A later reissue on CD by Prog Temple reintroduced listeners to this obscure but fascinating entry in early 1970s British studio rock.

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