The sole album from the rather short-lived Y KANT TORI READ is a highly collectable record, especially the rarer CD version. The reason for the demand lies simply with the fact that the female vocalist in this band project would enjoy enormous stardom in the 90's as a solo artist. The woman concerned was, of course, Tori Amos.

Born Myra Ellen Amos on August 22, 1963 in Newton, North Carolina, the singer had recorded a self-financed single, 'Baltimore' (backed with 'Walking With You'), on her own MEA label in 1980. A tribute to her adopted home city of Baltimore's Orioles baseball team

Following a string of club gigs and spending periods of employment as house pianist in local hotels, Tori (who had been given the name by a friend of a friend) eventually relocated to Los Angeles in September 1984. She promptly formed the Y KANT TORI READ band, although it would be another three years before she was noticed by a major record label. Signed by Atlantic and placed in the studio with producer Joe Chicarelli, although the original Y KANT TORI READ band would fragment during recording as a host of session players were drafted in to complete the album under Chicarelli's direction. Thus, amongst those contributing their talents, came MR. MISTER guitarist Steve Farris, Gene Black, of MARCUS and DEVICE), bassist Fernando Saunders and ex-CHOPPER and POCO keyboard player Kim Bullard. Backing vocalists include JAMES HOUSE and CHEAP TRICK's ROBIN ZANDER.

Despite a couple of singles ('The Big Picture' being accompanied by a 'made for MTV' Rock video that saw Tori tottering around on set in a pair of thigh high plastic, stiletto heeled boots), the record flopped badly.

However, Atlantic showed some degree of faith in their acquisition and gave her another chance, although the president of Atlantic, Doug Morris, was not at all impressed with her new, piano led material. In desperation, Amos teamed up with Steve Farris in order to pursue a Hard Rock direction in a manner altogether heavier than Y KANT TORI READ. Her close friends, however, made her see the error of her ways and persuaded her to stick with the piano. Atlantic in America eventually saw the light and, after sending her to Britain to be taken under the wing of the British end of Atlantic Records, Tori was able to flourish as a solo artist.