Sfinx (3)

Romanian rock-pop band formed in Bucharest in 1963 by three high school students: Corneliu "Bibi" Ionescu, Octav Zemlička and Cristian Valica. Until 1967 they played at various festivals and student evening gatherings. The band's lineup changed often due to exams, school situations, opposition of parents and disagreements about repertory. The end of 1967 is the turning point with the coming of a new young drummer and guitarist (Marian Toroimac) and a 17 years old, high school music student and violinist (Dan Andrei Aldea). Their first album Lume albă ("White world") was released in 1975 and enjoyed a great success with the audience and critics. Their masterpiece was the 1978 released Zalmoxe (”Zalmoxis”), a concept album based on the archaic mythology of the Dacians featuring lyrics by Romanian poet Alexandru Basarab. It's a true progresive rock feast, with great keyboard parts. A few lineups during the years: (the total history of Sfinx takes note of at least 24 band members names) 1963: ● Octav Zemlička – vocals, lead guitar (1963–1967) ● Corneliu Ionescu – bass (the sole founding member of Sfinx until its dissolution (1963–1994) ● Cristian Valica – drums (1963–1967) 1964: ● Octav Zemlička – vocals, lead guitar (1963–1967) ● Idu Barbu – keyboards (1964–1967 & 1980–1981) ● Corneliu Ionescu – bass (the sole founding member of Sfinx until its dissolution (1963–1994) ● Cristian Valica – drums (1963–1967) 1967: ● Octav Zemlička – vocals, lead guitar (1963–1967) ● Silviu Hera – guitar (1967) ● Toni Niculescu – keyboards ● Peter Iordache – French horn ● Corneliu Ionescu – bass (1963–1994) ● Sergiu Zagardan – drums (1967–1968) 1970: ● Dan Andrei Aldea – vocals, guitar, violin, blockflotte (1968–1981) ● Corneliu Ionescu – bass (1963–1994) ● Marian Toroimac – drums (1968–1973) 1974: ● Dan Andrei Aldea – vocals, guitar, violin, blockflotte, Minimoog (1968–1981) ● Dan Bădulescu – guitar, vocals (1974–1975) ● Idu Barbu – keyboards (1964–1967, 1974–1975 & 1980–1981) ● Corneliu Ionescu – bass (1963–1994) ● Mihai Cernea – drums, vocals (1973–1994) 1977: ● Dan Andrei Aldea – vocals, guitar, violin, blockflotte, Minimoog (1968–1981) ● Nicolae Enache – keyboards (1975–1980) ● Corneliu Ionescu – bass (1963–1994) ● Mihai Cernea – drums, vocals (1973–1994) 1983: ● Sorin Chifiriuc – vocals, guitar (1982–1986) ● Doru Apreotesei – keyboards ● Sandu Grosu – keyboards (1982–1984) ● Edwin Surin – keyboards ● Corneliu Ionescu – bass (1963–1994) ● Mihai Cernea – drums, vocals (1973–1994) + ● Zoia Alecu – vocals (1985, 1990–) ● Alin Oprea – vocals (1985, 1990–) ● Florin Ochescu – guitar (1986–1989) Since 1994 relations between Corneliu ”Bibi” Ionescu and Mihai Mişu Cernea became cold, so the band divided into Sfinx and Sfinx Experience. Sfinx (1990–1994): ● Cristian Rus – vocals, guitars ● Mihai Coman – vocals, keyboards ● Corneliu Ionescu – bass (1963–1994) ● Paul Negoiţă – drums Sfinx Experience (1990–): ● Paul Ciuci – vocals, guitar (1991–1995) ● Zoia Alecu – vocals, guitar (1986–) ● Doru Căplescu – trumpet, keyboards (1992–1995) ● Mihai Cernea – drums, vocals, vocals (1973–1994) ● Zoia Alecu – vocals (1985, 1990–) ● Alin Oprea – vocals (1985, 1990–) ● Crina Mardare – vocals ● Elena Perianu – vocals