David Essex (May 4. 1979) 20 Flights Up - Single
Artist: David Essex Label: Mercury (UK) Country: United Kingdom Catalogue: 6007 220 Date: 4 May 1979 Section / Pages: Single Release / Discography Title: 20 Flights Up (from the album Imperial Wizard)
Overview
Released on 4 May 1979, 20 Flights Up was issued in the UK as a 7-inch, 45 RPM single on Mercury Records. The track was taken from Essex’s early‑1979 album Imperial Wizard, but despite strong production and a polished pop‑rock arrangement, the single failed to chart in the UK.
Produced and arranged by Mike Batt, the A‑side runs 3:22 and showcases Essex’s melodic songwriting and theatrical vocal delivery. The B‑side, “Are You Still My True Love”, features The Whistlebinkies and was produced by Essex himself.
Release Details
Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Stereo Label Variants: Mercury – 6007 220 / 6007220 Genre: Rock, Pop Style: Pop Rock
A‑side: 20 Flights Up
Producer / Arranger: Mike Batt
Duration: 3:22
B‑side: Are You Still My True Love
Featuring: The Whistlebinkies
Producer: David Essex
Duration: 3:34
Credits & Notes:
Marketed by Phonogram
℗ 1979 Phonogram Ltd.
Published by Imperial Wizard Songs
Pressed by PRS Ltd.
Lacquer cut at RCA Studios, London
Lacquer cut by Big D’s
Written by David Essex
International Issues:
Scandinavia – Mercury 6007 220 (1979)
Ireland – Mercury 6007 220 (1979)
Imperial Wizard – Album Release: February 1979
Artist: David Essex Label: Mercury (UK) Country: United Kingdom Catalogue: 9109 616 Date: February 1979 Section / Pages: Album Release / Discography Title: Imperial Wizard Format: LP (Blue Vinyl)
Overview
Released in February 1979, Imperial Wizard marked David Essex’s return with a theatrical, orchestrated pop‑rock album blending lush arrangements, narrative songwriting, and a polished late‑’70s production aesthetic.
The album features a mix of Essex‑penned material and select collaborations, including the Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice composition “Oh What a Circus.” Musicians include Kenney Jones, Herbie Flowers, Chris Spedding, Francis Monkman, Ray Cooper, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, giving the record a rich, expansive sound.
The album’s concept, artwork, and visual identity were shaped by Essex himself, with cover illustration by Tony Wright and photography by Brian Aris.
Musicians
Drums: Kenney Jones, Trevor Morais, Barry De Souza
Bass: Herbie Flowers (John Fiddy on “Oh What A Circus”)
Guitars: Phil Palmer, Chris Spedding
Keyboards: Francis Monkman, Paul Maguire, David Essex
Synthesizers: Ken Freeman
Percussion: Ray Cooper
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
Tracklist
A‑Side
A1 – Let It Flow
A2 – Call On Me
A3 – Are You Still My True Love
A4 – Oh What A Circus
A5 – Imperial Wizard
B‑Side
B1 – I Forgot To Forget You
B2 – Oh What A Feeling
B3 – Won’t Change Me Now
B4 – Goodbye First Love
B5 – 20 Flights Up
B6 – Ships That Pass In The Night
Production Credits
Produced by David Essex (A1, A2, A3, B3, B6)
Produced by David Essex & Christopher Neil (A5, B1, B2)
Produced & arranged by Mike Batt (A4, B4, B5)
String arrangements: David Cullen
Brass arrangements: Alan Wakeman
Engineers: Paul Hardiman, Robert Butterworth, Laurence Diana
SOURCES
Discogs
45cat
BBC Official Charts
Wikipedia
All single artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.
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