Month: November 2020

remember your first mobile phone?

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Martin Stringer… I still use them. Better than Vodafone

Mick O’Dowd… It’s not cordless though!

Steve Reents… I still use one. Only drawback is it has a 50thousand foot string.

Dave Nattress… First was a Motorola so-called mobile with a big Black battery pack the size of a concrete block and the same  weight which the phone clipped on to.  You could take it and carry it around out of the car etc.  In the car it had an aerial with a magnetic mounting pad that sat on the roof.  The coverage in the UK off the major motorways was zero!!  This was about 1989.

Hippo Band – Lintonian Club Winchelsea Beach 27th November 1976

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Gerry Fortsch… Bloody hell this brings it all back, we played in this club until it was closed down, I hope it wasn’t our fault

Paul Huggett… Did loads of gigs there with Amethyst. And had very boozy youthful experiences there previously when it was the notorious 58 Club….. Regular band there then was King,Rod and Co – the Trowell brothers, Kirk Ronchetti and Greg, who did the high parts, a very good harmony band.

Gerry Fortsch… Yes Paul I played there in the 60s with a band called The Earl Dee Group (great name what) John Petrie, Colin Green, Gordon Reed and Tony Brook. We loved the old Geno Washington style. Remember if you wanted a late drink in the 58 club you had to purchase a pie, I think most of them ended up on the floor. Happy days.

Paul Huggett… Yes! I did see that band Gerry, just once – excellent as I recall (dimly!) Ha ha yes, Those Pies….. made of who knew what? Soaked up a bit of beer though.

Tony Court-holmes… t was a bugger to get home from when you were a bit pissed

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing Sumer Is Icumen In: The Pagan Sound of British & Irish Folk 1966-1975 – Various Artists, 3CD

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SUMER IS ICUMEN IN: THE PAGAN SOUND OF BRITISH & IRISH FOLK 1966-1975 Various  (3CD Set)

The latest excellent Grapefruit Records lovingly curated set is a long awaited follow up to their 2015 offering ‘Dust On The Nettles’, which was very warmly received and praised at the time. I have to say that although i enjoy a lot of the music contained here, it is not my area of expertise and i wouldn’t pretend to be knowledgeable about the genre, and therefore for once i will quote heavily from the better informed and of course offer my own opinion. All that said i think the title is self explanatory and you know what you’re in for. A voyage through an era in music history when traditional folk collided with the counter culture sounds of the late 60’s and early 70’s. The ‘Pagan’ aspect came about through a remark from legendary Folk stalwart Martin Carthy of Steeleye Span who said back then ‘the whole scene had a strong pagan feel, dark and elemental’. He was referring to other bands like Comus, Dr Strangely Strange and The Third Ear Band, the last band would perform with the ancient order of Druids, typically at dawn solstice ceremonies at places like Glastonbury Tor. Third Ear Band kick off Disc1 of the set with ‘Lark Rise’ a number i am familiar with however it’s the next track that conjures up a mixture of emotions in me and as soon as i hear it i am transported back to a cinema in 1973 and the terrifying image of The Wicker Man. ‘Corn Riggs’ by Magnet is one of the haunting songs from the film that has always stayed with me. Magnet weren’t actually a ‘real’ band like the others on this compilation they were a bunch of musicians assembled to provide the soundtrack to the film, however they capture the spirit of the ‘Pagan’ sound and vibe perfectly and anybody that’s seen the film that i have spoken to always refers to the music with a sort of hushed reverence. Moving on, other standout tracks on Disc1 number amongst them Traffic with ‘John Barleycorn’ Vulcan’s Hammer ‘The Keys Of Canterbury’, Kevin Coyne ‘White Horse’ & the unknown to me previously Amber with ‘ Swan In The Evening’. Disc2 starts with a ‘classic’ of the genre Fairport Conventions ‘Tam Lim’ a cornerstone of their live performances i have heard many times over the years. Bridget St John who i must confess i had forgotten about over the years joins the party with ‘Lizard Long Tongue Boy’, and again i am also familiar with Comus offering ‘The Bite’.  Dr Strangely Strange, a band much championed by John Peel give us ‘Strings In The Earth & Air’ and an old friend of mines favourite band  Principal Edward’s Magic Theatre weigh in with ‘Autumn Lady Dancing Song’. These are just a few of the highlights. Disc3  is probably the most accessible to those of you yet to be exposed to this genre with the more established Pentangle ‘Cruel Sister’, The Incredible String Band ‘Witches Hat’, Curver Air ‘Elfin Boy’ Mellow Candle ‘The Poet & The Witch’. Mellow Candle were a fabled Irish band who released one album on Deram ‘Swaddling Songs’ from which this track is taken. If you can find an original vinyl copy of that you could probably swop it for a Porche……..The disc concludes with a track from Mr Fox ‘Mendle’ a husband & wife team who along with another husband & wife duo Dave & Toni Arthur were devotees of self styled ‘King Of The Witches’ Alex Sanders, who many local people may know lived here in Hastings back in the day. A man who i once had a rather big falling out with when i rightly called him a charlatan in a local pub…(a whole other story). So in conclusion if you are into folklore, May Day, The Green Man legend, fairies, corn gods and magickal tales this 3CD set with 60 tracks (over 4 hours) and as ever a highly informative 40 page booklet is definitely for you. As i said at the start this may not be my area of expertise or knowledge but it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable experience getting acquainted with. Enjoy.

For more information go to https://www.cherryred.co.uk

Til next time…….stay safe……..Colin

 

 

Graham Sherrington… personally I like Capercaillie

 

What’s your favourite song by Van Morrison?

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Lloyd Johnson… Here comes the Night!’ Although he never wrote it and it was when he was in ‘Them’…

Jan Deane… Moondance

Colin Fox… They’ve just played ‘Baby Please don’t Go’ here on Spanish radio. When Van Morrison was lead singer with ‘Them’, great old song.

Beki Milton… Brown eyed girl

Eileen Adams… Beki, love this too xxx

Mike Waghorne… When he was with “Them”

John Busbridge… Brown Eyed Girl

Eileen Adams…Into the mystic

Mick O’Dowd… So many to choose from but Hymn to The Silence & Have I told you Lately are stand outs.

Peter Fairless… Have to agree, ‘Brown Eyed Girl’

Steve Thorpe… Baby please don’t go

Alan Esdaile… Difficult but when he was with ‘Them’ their version of It’s All Over Now Baby Blue. On his own, the little known ‘Snow in San Anselmo’.

Rontenn2001… Whatever Happened To P.J.Proby

Mike Vawdrey… It would have to be Madame George – a lament for people and places beyond recall

Andy Davies… Listen to the Lion, the live ‘too late to stop now‘ version. Although, damn -maybe ‘Bulbs’ from Veedon Fleece which must be my favourite album…..

Colin Gibson… My old mans a dustman

Phil Gill… The last one In the show.

Colin Bell… Having seen him 3 times in concert (cos i was paid too), i heartily agree Phil.

Terry Pack… About 30 years ago, the Johnny Mars band was booked for two nights at a big hotel in Newport. After the sound check on the Friday, we were having dinner before the gig and Van appeared, asking if he could sit in. Johnny said yes, and Van asked if he join us to sing ‘Help Me’. He asked Kohn not to introduce him, but just to play a couple of choruses as an intro and he would come up. We played a couple of choruses. No sign of him, so John took a solo for a few choruses. Still no Van, so Ray took a few choruses. No sign of him. John thinks he must have misheard him, and wanted an introduction, so announced ‘Ladies and Gentlemen. Van Morrison!’ 1000 people go nuts. Still nothing. We play the rest of the set and come offstage. Johnny has to deal with half the crowd asking if they imagined the whole Van Morrison introduction. Later, in the hotel bar, Van appears looking very sheepish. ‘I lost my nerve.’ he says. ‘Could I sit in tomorrow night?’ The following night, the place is even busier. Word has got out that Van (either) is going to sit in or that he had sat in the previous night (people must have convinced themselves that he had done). We play Help Me. No Van. Of course. Years later, I renew a friendship via Facebook with a couple from South Wales. They have great memories of the two nights in Newport and Van Morrison sitting in on both nights. I don’t dare contradict them.

Jeannette Wild… Tough one that. I am an avid fan and have seen him 3 times. Awesome. His version of st James infirmary Is brilliant……..too many to mention!

 

Ex-Lax. Who remembers having to take this as a kid?

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Alan Esdaile… I can remember my parents telling me it tastes like chocolate. You like chocolate. Argh! horrible, I spat it on the floor!

Dennis Torrance… That made me laugh it tasted terrible what was we eating then . I also remember liquid paraffin a horrible clear substance

Mike Waghorne… Should have eaten your veg as your mother told you too !

Gerry Powell… Milk of Magnesia was thrown down my throat if I refused to take that stuff. I still cannot eat dark chocolate as it reminds me of Ex-Lax

Michael Coller… Found that in the cupboard as a child, thought it was normal chocolate, ate it all, not a good result for my parents at the end

Gerry Fortsch… I remember my mate at work dishing it out to the lads and then they strangely disappearing for some time later.

Stuart Moir…I could always shit for England, no problem shoving smelly ones out

Annie Richards Cottis… Ah, but if things went the other way you’d get Kaolin & Morphine

Alan King… Bung me up Scott

Nigel Chorley… Economy family size????? Oh well we were all in the sxxt together. Share and Share alike

Vivienne Gibbs… We were always given syrup of figs – same effect and better taste

Ray Harper… Possibly a little to much information Stu.

Nicola Barfield… We were only talking about this yesterday

Gary Benton… Chocolated? Is that even a word?

Nick Prince… I remember Ex-Lax but I dont think I took it. I recall a slimming chocolate called AIDS in the 1970’s, clearly with a name like that it didn’t survive into the 80’s for long. For a while it was spelt AYDS but that change was too little too late.

Steve Thorpe… For that get up and go feeling….

Jason Stainer… That’s old school exlax. They’ve replaced the phenolphthalein with senna now because it turned out to cause cancer.

Guitar for sale from Les Harding

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Guitar for sale from Les Harding. It once belonged to Ray Fenwick. 1986 cherry red jackson chavel model 4, with locking tremolo, usa plate on the back,humbuck and 2 single coil pick ups, maple neck. If interested please contact Cris Kennard through Facebook, or happy to pass on any messages.

Robert Searle… Great guitar, really great sounds

Merv Kennard… also has rose wood fret.

Jacquie Hinves… I remember that guitar so well. Why don’t you see if Ray would like to buy it?

Merv Kennard… no longer for sale, Les has decided to keep it.

Des O’Connor R.I.P.

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photo: http://www.desoconnornow.com

more details... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54950051

Helena Kingshott… Oh no ,not another celebrity gone

Gareth Huggett… Legend

Jacqueline Marsh… So very sad he was a lovely man

Jeff  Belton… Never met the gentleman, but had a great sense of humour, play his music on my radio shows. Will sadly be missed

Dennis Torrance… I grew up watching his tv shows always good entertainment . Another entertainer gone from our lives just seems to be endless lately. RIP Des god bless condolences to his family and many friends.

Kevin White… My mum used to love him when she was still with us, he was a proper celebrity and all round entertainer. RIP Des

Roger Simmonds… Oh no every week or so a famous person dies lately!

Roland Clarke… A customer of mine recorded one of his albums and he told me for all the jokes, he was a consummate professional who pretty much nailed in a single take. With many years in the business, I can tell you that this is really rare and there are only a handful of pros that can do this. RIP Des.

Janet Rennie… Saw him at potters bar a few years ago . He was so good . RIP des

Rosemary Hughes… RIP Des xx

Peter Houghton… RIP Des

Alan Esdaile… sad news. All round great entertainer, that had to put up with a lot of stick over the years from Morecambe and Wise and others about his singing but his records during the heyday sold very well.

Vivienne Gibbs… Alan, they were only jealous cos he always had a beautiful younger girl on his arm. I loved Des – always had such a cheeky smile

Harry Lavender… R.I.P. Des O’Connor

John Beeching… Saw him at the Paladium in the early 60s, one of the funniest stand up routines I’ve ever seen.

Tony May… What a great guy Des was! So many smiles he gave us all and he was such a wonderful sport… A lot of today’s ‘snowflakes’ could learn a lot from his attitude! THANKS for everything Des – I won’t forget that infectious laugh of yours!

Warren Elias… What a great person sad.RIP

Steve Thorpe… I remember his Andy Pandy sketches. So full of innuendo carried off with the cheekiest grin on TV. RIP to a very funny guy.

Mick O’Dowd… Such an all round entertainer of the old school. Very few left now and there will probably be no more of his ilk. Always raised a smile and he could take stick (Morecambe & Wise) and turn it around. What a trooper. RIP Des. Thanks for the memories.

Eddy Butcher… Very sad to hear R I P sir a perfect gentleman

Nicola Dobson… RIP Des

Andy Qunta… Great entertainer and personality. R.I.P.

Jan Warren… R.I.P. Des 🙁 xx

Rontenn 2001… Des was brilliant and a real legendary super-star. R.I.P. Des O’ Connor.

Iain Cobby… Quote from Eric Morecambe; ‘The Des in Des O’Connor is short for desperate’ and, ‘Des has just done a one-man show. Let’s hope two turn up next time’. So funny guys, all those memories from the halcyon days of variety. RIP Des.

Wendy Weaver… I remember seeing Des on the Palladium the very first time he appeared as an unknown. He was filling in for somebody at short notice and he was so funny. I can still remember his routine.

Colin Norton… Des was the compere on the Buddy Holly UK Tour 1958.

http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/gallery/archtops5/arch1.html

Linda Lewis… RIP

Barry French… Very sad, used to like his comic sketches with Jack Douglas (Check out the green eyed yellow God sketch on YouTube) R. I. P.

Paul Coleman… Such a brilliant all round entertainer. Good comedian. Saw him a few times, mostly at Kings Country Club. Maybe him & Eric are havin a laugh together.! R. I. P.

Who went to the Millennium Dome 2000?

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Martin Richter… my sister-in-law worked there

Roland Clarke… Don’t you mean, who dares admit they went to the millennium dome in 2000?

Tyler White… Yes I went a few years later when it was Nike park then to the 02 arena

Phil Thornton… Yes I saw the millennium show twice ! I have the album and it still sounds great ! – the politicians and media types tried to ruin it but they failed!

Lyn Humphrey… Went with my family and enjoyed ourselves. The children laughed the most at the recorded Tommy Cooper jokes in the ‘mouth’ of the giant human body we were in–and up till then they didn’t even know who Tommy Cooper was! The Beatles tribute band were good, and the Harry Ramsden fish & chips were average. It was a nice family day out, and hard to believe it was all 20 years ago!

Dave Nattress… Went with my eldest daughter KT and it was an interesting enough experience.

Janette Sharpe… Yes, I took my son. What was it all about??? Still none the wiser!

Ken Hatch… Yes, saw the show…..absolutely fantastic. The media hype was a load of rubbish and absolutely shameful.