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Jon's Rock n Roll

Welcome to Jon's Rock n Roll where he will bring you reviews and much more on his on going journey into Rock n Roll past present and future.

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IMELDA MAY (June 09)

IMELDA MAY.
Now this is a real cool rockin` gal.She is on tour following a recent guest spot on the jools holland show and even more recently has done a session on radio 2.
Ten years ago she performed under the name Imelda Clabby being a gutsy rock n roll girl singer along the lines of a Wanda Jackson or Janis Martin.I have a cd on which she belts out a song called `dealing with the devil` with great energy.She is accompanied by her husband Darryl Higham.Darryl has been on the rock n roll scene for years with his rockabilly band the enforcers and for me is best at performing the classic songs of the great Eddie Cochran.He is a mind of information on Cochran and of course plays that cool classic Gretsch guitar. He now no longer performs with the enforcers as he is now concentrating on Imelda`s band. I am glad Imelda changed her second name to May.Clabby sounded quite unflattering.The band includes the traditional classic rockin instruments of double bass,guitar and drums.

THE BLACK CAT BOPPERS (June 09)

THE BLACK CAT BOPPERS
I was looking` through the what`s on page of my local paper and a band called `the black cat boppers` stood out to me.The name suggested to me that they may just be a rockabilly boppin` rock`n`roll band. So my girlfriend and I set off to find the venue. The venue is one typical of booking regular jazz and blues bands.On arriving we found the venue really sets the scene.It is set out in rustic,cosy old fashioned setting that really sets the atmosphere for the music it entertains with.It is just as you would imagine a Latin jazz club in the `50`s/`60`s. The band play on the same level and apart from a big old comfy sofa,3 or 4 high bar stools and a few wooden tables and chairs at the front it was standing room only.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the band were a rockabilly line up of double bass,drums,guitar and vocalist. The guy on vocals,to my surprise,was the same who had sung with a favourite band of mine called `get smart` back in the 1980`s. He sings in a good rockin` rhythm `n` blues style and has a clear distinguished voice. The band were well rehearsed and had a great 1950`s Rockabilly sound just like the pioneers of rock`n`roll when they started out at sun studio ie- Elvis Presley,Roy Orbison,Johnny Cash etc.
The crowd was captured by the rockin` sound the whole way through. You couldn`t help but move to the rhythmic, rockin sound.
I managed to catch up with the lead singer and reminisce about 20 years ago telling him how I still have the LP he made with his band back then.He sadly hasn`t a copy. I requested he sing an old favourite `mystery train` and they performed it in their own style with the band singing backing vocals trai----n which we could join in to too.
My girlfriend,Robyn,and I met a young couple at the bar and the girl was saying that her father loved Johnny Cash`s music.Then low and behold they played `you`re my baby` which is a song written by Johnny Cash but more known for a young Roy Orbison singing.
A great night was had by all. Everyone loves good ol` rock`n`roll. You can`t beat it especially when it is played live!!
 

Shoreham r`n`r club

Feeling in the need to rock`n`roll the night away myfriend Jan and I went to check out
Feeling in the need to rock`n`roll the night away myfriend Jan and I went to check out Shoreham r`n`r club. On an early arrival we found ourselves in a queue with some people a bit older than ourselves putting us in mind of an over `50`s club.However,after being there for a while the hall soon filled up and there became a good mix of people.The dance floor was full all night with people jiving in all different styles including my quite amateur style. There were 3 or 4 teddy boys in their drapes,smartly dressed 1940`s jive/swing enthusiasts and rockabillies as myself. Even youngsters joined the throng obviously enjoying themselves. Even the DJ whom I was informed was Tom with the running wild record hop knew exactly what to play to keep the whole crowd happy.He was a very good DJ and it seems he must play a good different set at every gig what with his collection of material.He wasn`t swayed by peoples requests either.Some DJ`s I have come across are resident DJ at such clubs and play more or less the same set every time keeping mainly to the regular crowd`s favourites. In this case why not just compile a cd??.
I have also heard DJ`s that don`t really know the context of mixing the pace between jivers,strollers and boppers. It does not help when the type of people who go just jive to anything or everything.Then I have heard of DJ`s who tend to play their favourite present day cover bands rather than the original artists.This must be wrong as people surely always want to hear the original thing?. Anyway,that is me having my say about rockin` DJ`s.
I mentioned to someone at the club if anyone knew how to bop to the fast rockabilly boppers.I was told I should get up and do it so my friend and I went up and did exactly that.When we did so it seemed to encourage those without a partner to get up and dig the rockin` up on the dance floor rather than dancing on the spot hoping to be asked to jive. The DJ being as good as he was noticed the people wanting a good bop and toward the end to one track a good crowd of people got up to bop rather than jive.
The band `the roosters` came over as a well accomplished rockabilly/rock`n`roll band who do the rock`n`roll club circuit playin` covers of well known artists such as Elvis,Carl Perkins,Gene Vincent,Chuck Berry and other favourites.They are a very good band and one I would urge to write and perform their own material. A great night was had by all there.
Keep rockin`!
. On an early arrival we found ourselves in a queue with some people a bit older than ourselves putting us in mind of an over `50`s club.However,after being there for a while the hall soon filled up and there became a good mix of people.The dance floor was full all night with people jiving in all different styles including my quite amateur style. There were 3 or 4 teddy boys in their drapes,smartly dressed 1940`s jive/swing enthusiasts and rockabillies as myself. Even youngsters joined the throng obviously enjoying themselves. Even the DJ whom I was informed was Tom with the running wild record hop knew exactly what to play to keep the whole crowd happy.He was a very good DJ and it seems he must play a good different set at every gig what with his collection of material.He wasn`t swayed by peoples requests either.Some DJ`s I have come across are resident DJ at such clubs and play more or less the same set every time keeping mainly to the regular crowd`s favourites. In this case why not just compile a cd??.
I have also heard DJ`s that don`t really know the context of mixing the pace between jivers,strollers and boppers. It does not help when the type of people who go just jive to anything or everything.Then I have heard of DJ`s who tend to play their favourite present day cover bands rather than the original artists.This must be wrong as people surely always want to hear the original thing?. Anyway,that is me having my say about rockin` DJ`s.
I mentioned to someone at the club if anyone knew how to bop to the fast rockabilly boppers.I was told I should get up and do it so my friend and I went up and did exactly that.When we did so it seemed to encourage those without a partner to get up and dig the rockin` up on the dance floor rather than dancing on the spot hoping to be asked to jive. The DJ being as good as he was noticed the people wanting a good bop and toward the end to one track a good crowd of people got up to bop rather than jive.
The band `the roosters` came over as a well accomplished rockabilly/rock`n`roll band who do the rock`n`roll club circuit playin` covers of well known artists such as Elvis,Carl Perkins,Gene Vincent,Chuck Berry and other favourites.They are a very good band and one I would urge to write and perform their own material. A great night was had by all there.
Keep rockin`!

Mike Sanchez.

On a par with rock`n`roll and rhythm and blues artists of old is Mike Sanchez who first came to my notice in the 1980`s when he headed a band called the big town playboys.
 
I have since seen him on a solo tour,as one of Bill Wyman`s rhythm kings with Georgie Fame and now with his own band.
 
His band have been playing at rock `n`roll weekenders, supporting acts such as Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis and at the annual rockers reunion.
 
 His music is a cool blend of rockin` rhythm and blues and boogie woogie.
 
He performs songs written by himself and others.
When covering hits of other artists, such as Fats Domino ,he sings them in a style which is all his own.
 
The audience gets drawn in as he looks wide eyed down at them with expressions of his excitement and enthusiasm.
 
He and his band are very professional and you can not help tapping your foot or dancing on the spot.
 
The music is that infectious.
 
 My favourite is called `red hot mama` a real crazy rockin` song.The crowd join in singin` the words `she`s a red hot mama`on the chorus and 3 or 4 girls are invited on stage to shake their stuff just like sexy red hot mamas !.
 
Keep Rockin!!

Legendary pumpin` piano rock`n`roll !.

Just recently two rock`n`roll legends have toured here in Britain.
 
I am speaking of Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis outrageous pumpin` piano artists whose hits have never been forgotten.
 
Who can say they don`t know the songs good golly miss molly.long tall sally and tutti frutti?.
Who can say they don`t know great balls of fire or whole lotta shakin` goin` on?
 
Any music fan of any age knows them wether into rock n roll or not.
 
These rock`n`roll greats must be aged in their 70`s now and as enthusiastic about their music as they have ever been.
 
Little Richard is a great entertainer churned out hit after hit on the `speciality`rercord label.
 
It has to be said he is very extravert.
 
He comes over with a very camp tone of voice and has an incredible shrill scream of "oooo!" along with the words "ooh my soul!".
 
He has great stage presence.
Posessed by his music he invites audience participation up to the point where couples get up jiving around him on stage.
 
His out fits and hair style have been outrageous through the years.
His hair quiffed up high and his brightly coloured suits including small sequin mirrors on them.
Totally outlandish! Present day he is a preacher in America.I presume he preaches in a gospel church where you can just imagine him throwing out his arms,crying out to the lord in adulation.And `ooh my soul` there must be a great gospel choir at his church congregation.
 
Jerry Lee Lewis is known as `the killer` for his outrageous behaviour pounding the piano keys like the devil himself.
 
Fifty years ago or so he took a dislike to Chuck Berry who took top of the bill ahead of him.In spite he poured petrol on his piano,set light to it,kicked his stool out from behind him,played to the end of `great balls of fire` and when it was extinguished exclaimed "top that!" or something to that effect.
 
 It must be 50 years ago now when Jerry Lee came on his fateful tour of England.He was in his prime back then but when it got out he had married his 14 year old cousin the British public were shocked, turned against him and called him a cradle snatcher.
 
His career then took a down turn.
He slowly emerged to popularity again through the country music scene and when the rock n roll scene made a big come back in the late `70`s and early `80`s.Indeed he performed at the london rock n roll show at Wembley stadium on 5th August 1972 along with rock n roll greats Little Richard,Bo Diddley,Bill Haley and Chuck Berry.
 
Jerry Lee has an obvious arrogance about him and that seems to be his appeal.I have had the pleasure of seeing Jerry Lee perform both in the USA and here in England.His performance in front of american fans by far excels that of when he plays here.In this country he seems to slurr his words and just trudge through greatest hits leaving his energy `til the end when he kicks away his piano stool in his rebellious manner.
 
However when I was lucky enough to see him in August of 1997 at BB Kings blues bar,Memphis,Tennessee it was quite a different story.He played with a lot of energy and zest as if showing off to friends.
 
 He actually played a request from the crowd `little queenie`.It was a fantastic performance pounding those piano keys.Again the trademark kicking away of the stool and walking off the stage with arrogance. Same month of that year I also got to see the famed Sun Studio which still has a piano which Jerry Lee may have recorded on back in the `50`s when he was on the record label with Elvis Presley,Johnny Cash,Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison. That same week I saw Jerry Lee Lewis in August 1997 I visited Graceland, saw Carl Perkins and Elvis` backing group the jordinaires but they are rockin` stories for another time.
Rock n roll is here to stay!!

THE STRAY CATS in London 10/09/08.

THE STRAY CATS in London 10/09/08.
This was the start of the stray cats final european tour. I had bought my ticket way in advance for this gig. I was very excited to be seeing Brian Setzer,Slim Jim Phantom and Lee Rocker again. I saw them last on their european tour in 2004 and it had to be said it was the best gig I have ever seen.
Twenty five years ago I religously bought their albums and learnt just about all the lyrics. I was even so mad as to sing on stage at college calling myself rockabilly alley cat Jon.Then I formed my first band The Jed Clampet trio with my own rendition of Stray cat strut.This was all so reminiscent...just like going back in time...
On arriving at the venue it was packed with people mainly from my generation most still dressed as they did then. Rockabillies,Teds,rockers and even some punk rockers.Alot,like me,the rockin quiffed hair thinning now.
As the Stray Cats came onto the stage their logo lit up behind them and the crowd cheered showing great enthusiasm. In response they very energetically burst into their set.It was awesome as the crowd jumped up and down singing along,appearing to spur them on enormously. Brian Setzer getting his very own sound out of his guitar that I am sure no other guitarist could manage.He came on dressed the part in a classic silvery coloured suit-very dapper. Slim Jim Phantom was being his usual crazy self literally jumping around his drum set.So expert with it and the only drummer I know who never ever sits.The man can not sit still!! Lee Rocker slapped the bass with such power it literally resonated through you.Such a good sound.
The heroic band romped through just about every song in their repertoire and much more. Their enjoyment in playing got the crowd going even more. The hits such as Runaway boys,Rock this town,Stray cat strut and sexy and seventeen were met with great approval to say the least. They fitted in 1950s rockabilly classics by Elvis Presley and Gene Vincent and then late 1970s/1980s covers such as I fought the law (the clash) and Sweet Gene Vincent (Ian Dury). I have never heard them sing sweet gene Vincent before but it was brilliant. Another surprise was that toward the end they brought on Dave Edmunds to sing the race is on with them. Dave Edmunds a singer and song writer in his own right actually produced the stray cats records back in the 1980s. There must have been four or five encores and how they kept going I do not know. They must have been on stage for two hours by my reckoning. Actually at the end after the last encore they joined arms to bow to the crowd as if to say that is our last tour ever. The crowd roared and they came back to bow and show their thanks. However,Slim Jim had other ideas and was running around the front of the stage drum sticks above his head when very suddenly and surprisingly slipped off stage into the orchestra pit or so it seemed. His two band mates got to his rescue before any security did. Eventually helped back on stage he and the band waved one more time and went off stage. Later we were to find out that Slim Jim had actually broken his arm and that very ironically meant the rest of the tour could not go ahead. It maybe a blessing in disguise,as they may feel they must re tour which will mean I can get to see them again.Yee Haw!
Cheers to Rohan,Bill Ko and Lyn who I went with. They put up with my constant rock n roll banter in the car. Weird thing is that this banter included Ian Dury having hit with Sweet Gene Vincent and of 1950s sun record legend Sonny Burgess noticing orchestra pits at venues in this country meaning he and his band could not jump into the crowd as part of their stage act. Very spooky!

LEVI DEXTER

 
MY FRIEND WYN `THE MAD ROCKABILLY WELSH MAN` HAD INTRODUCED ME TO LEVI DEXTER`S MUSIC ON OUR ROCKIN` TRAVELS TOGETHER.IT WAS SUPERB ROCKABILLY/ROCK`N`ROLL FROM 1978 ON INTO THE 1980`S.
 
WE EVEN WATCHED THE DVD OF VARIOUS GIGS HE HAD PLAYED BACK THEN.IT ALSO SO HAPPENED I KNEW THROUGH A  GIRL FRIEND OF MINE IN AMERICA ABOUT HIS WIFE BERNIE DEXTER BEING A GORGEOUS 1950`S BETTIE PAIGE STYLE PIN UP MODEL .
 
SO TWO INTERESTS WERE THERE!
 
WE ACTUALLY MET LEVI AT THE BAR.I TOLD HIM HOW I WAS WRITING THIS REVIEW AND HE BEGGED ME TO BE KIND ABOUT HIM.NO WORRIES LEVI!
 
BOTH LEVI AND BERNIE ARE VERY FRIENDLY AND APPROACHABLE.
 
LATER IN THE EVENING ROCKIN` AND BOPPIN` ON THE DANCE FLOOR I FOUND MYSELF DANCING NEXT TO BERNIE.
 
I WAS SURPRISED AS SHE WAS SO PETITE WHERE AS HER PICTURES SHOW HER TO LOOK TALLER.
 
I MENTIONED THIS TO BERNIE AFTERWARD AND SHE GIGGLED AND REPLIED THAT SHE WAS WORKING ON BEING TALLER.
 
 SHE SIGNED AN AUTOGRAPH SAYING I HAD HER SHAKIN` ALL OVER.BEST RESULT WITH A GIRL I HAVE HAD IN AGES!!.
 
LEVI`S SONGS CONNECT WITH ROCKIN` ROLLIN` PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF AS IN `GET SO EXCITED` WHICH IS ABOUT BEING FED UP WITH WORK DOING AS OTHERS SAY ALL DAY AND THEN GETTING AWAY FROM IT TO GET SO EXCITED ROCK`N`ROLLIN` ON THE STAGE. 
 
LEVI CAME TO THE STAGE DRESSED IN BLACK WESTERN SHIRT WITH WHITE TASSLES .GREAT STAGE OUTFIT.HE LEAPT STRAIGHT UP TO THE MICROPHONE TO  OPEN WITH `I GET SO EXCITED` AND WHEN THE GUITAR SOLO CAME IN HE BOPPED AROUND THE STAGE LIKE A CRAZED CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF.
 
WE WENT MAD IN THE CROWD BOPPIN UP AND DOWN THROWING OUR ARMS IN THE AIR AND ROARING SCREAMS OF APPROVAL.YEE HAW!!!!
IT WAS LIKE A CELEBRATION OF KEEPING ROCK`N`ROLL/ROCKABILLY ALIVE SINCE HE FIRST STARTED 30 YEARS  AGO WHEN 1950`S R`N`R WAS REVIVED WITH BANDS SUCH AS THE POLECATS,MATCHBOX,CRAZY CAVAN,THE STRAY CATS AND  SHAKIN STEVENS.
 
 LEVI HAS PERFORMED WITH AND SUPPORTED SUCH BANDS.
 
ALTHOUGH NOW LIVING 4000 MILES AWAY IN THE USA LEVI STARTED OUT HERE IN ENGLAND IN  LONDON.
HE OBVIOUSLY STILL REMEMBERS IT WELL AND ASKED THE CROWD IF THERE WERE ANY TEDDY BOYS OUT IN THE AUDIENCE.
 
A SMALL CROWD DRESSED UNIFORMLY IN DRAPES  SHOUTED BACK UP AT HIM.
 
LEVI THEN DEDICATED HIS NEXT SONG TO THE LONDON AND SOUTHEND TEDS. HE TORE STRAIGHT INTO SINGING THE CRAZY CAVAN AND THE RHYTHM ROCKERS SONG `OAKIE BOOGIE` AND THEN MATCHBOX`S HIT `HURRICANE.
 
THE 1950`S ROCKABILLY SID KING NUMBER `LET`S ROLL` WAS THEN COVERED AND AS HE SUNG HE PULLED TO THE STAGE A YOUNG BOY WITH 1950`S FLAT TOP HAIR STYLE.THE YOUNG LAD BOPPED MADLY AROUND ON STAGE AND LEVI PUT THE MICROPHONE TO THE LAD`S MOUTH TO SING ALONG WITH THE CHORUS LET`S ROLL,LET`S ROLL BABY. NEW GENERATION OF ROCK`N`ROLLER!!
 
YET AGAIN VERY ENERGETICALLY ROCKIN` AND BOPPIN` AROUND THE STAGE HE ROMPED THROUGH HIS SONGS `IT`S THE BEAT`,`OTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT,`ROOM TO ROCK`,VICTIM OF KOOL,NOTE FROM THE SOUTH,RECKLESS REBEL AND I`M GONE.
 
HE COVERED THE ROCK`N`ROLL HITS `RIP IT UP`(LITTLE RICHARD),`BLUEJEAN BOP` (GENE VINCENT),`SLOW DOWN` (LARRY WILLIAMS) AND 16 CHICKS (JOE CLAY).
 
THAT WAS SHOW OVER UNTIL THE CROWD APPLAUDED LOUDLY FOR HIM TO COME ON TO DO AN ENCORE. HE CAME BACK ON STAGE TO SING A MEDLEY OF SONGS INCLUDING THE POLECATS HIT SINGLE `ROCKABILLY GUY`.
 
THE BAND CHOSEN TO BACK LEVI WERE THE CAT HOUSE CREEPERS WHO WERE REALLY FANTASTIC AND EVEN HAD A GREAT STAGE PRESENCE.YOU`D NEVER HAVE THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THEY HAD PERFORMED TOGETHER.
 
NOW GET LISTENIN` ON THE ZONE RADIO www.thezoneradio.co.uk  FOR TRACKS I HAVE CHOSEN OF LEVI AND ORIGINAL BAND `THE RIPCHORDS`.TURN UP THE SOUND,TURN UP YOUR JEANS AND GREASE BACK YOUR HAIR TO ENJOY AUTHENTICALLY.
NEXT REVIEW IS A ROCKABILLY RAVE,
REAL GONE ROCKIN` JON.
 

THE 4OTH HEMSBY ROCK`N`ROLL WEEKENDER

THIS WAS THE 4OTH HEMSBY ROCK`N`ROLL WEEKENDER AND A FAVOURITE ONE FOR MANY.IT IS NOT JUST LIKE ANY  HOLIDAY AT A HOLIDAY CAMP.

THIS IS SERIOUS ROCK`N`ROLL.PEOPLE AT THIS WEEKENDER RE LIVE THE ROCK`N`ROLL ERA IN EVERYDAY LIFE.EVERYONE AT THESE WEEKENDERS LIVES THE 1950`S R`N`R LIFE STYLE-THE MUSIC,CLOTHES,CARS AND BIKES OF THE ERA.STORES ARE THERE TO SELL CLOTHES AND MUSIC OF THE ERA.TURN UP IN 21ST CENTURY FASHION AND YOU`LL FEEL VERY OUT OF PLACE.IT WOULD BE LIKE WEARING WINTER CLOTHING ON A NUDIST BEACH IF YOU DID.

IT`S GREAT FOR AN EVERY DAY ROCKIN` PERSON LIKE MYSELF TO MEET UP THERE WITH FRIENDS OLD AND NEW INTO THE SAME INTEREST!

AT SUCH WEEKENDERS ORIGINAL ROCK `N` ROLL ARTISTS OF THE 1950`S  HAVE PERFORMED.THESE INCLUDE JACK EARLS,SONNY BURGESS,HAYDEN THOMPSON,JOHNNY POWERS AND CHARLIE FEATHERS WHO RECORDED AT THE FAMOUS SUN STUDIO ALONG WITH ELVIS,JOHNNY CASH,JERRY LEE LEWIS AND ROY ORBISON.OTHERS WHO HAVE PLAYED INCLUDE BILL HALEY`S COMETS,GENE VINCENT`S BLUE CAPS,JOHNNY BURNETTE`S TRIO WITH ROCKY BURNETTE,CHARLIE GRACIE,MARVIN RAINWATER  AND MANY OTHERS. IN THIS THE 21ST CENTURY MORE OF THE LATE 1970`S/ 1980`S ROCKABILLY BANDS ARE BACK .THESE WERE BANDS FROM WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER.IT TAKES ROCKIN` PEOPLE OF MY AGE BACK TO THEIR YOUTH!! THE POLECATS,THE JETS,RESTLESS,THE BLUE CATS,KING KURT AND OTHERS.MAKES IT EXTRA SPECIAL.RIGHT NOW I AM GETTING EXCITED ABOUT SEEING `THE STRAY CATS` AGAIN`.THEY PLAY HERE IN ENGLAND IN SEPTEMBER.

THIS REVIEW IS OF DALE HAWKINS WHO BACK IN 1957 RECORDED THE WELL KNOWN ROCK`N`ROLL HIT `SUSIE Q`, HE CAME TO THE STAGE APPEARING TO BE QUITE GAUNT LOOKING AND WEARING A BLACK BASEBALL CAP. HE WAS ENTHUSIASTIC AND VERY HAPPY TO BE THERE PERFORMING.HE CAME ACROSS WELL WITH HAVING SUCH A PROFESSIONAL GROUP BEHIND HIM. HE HAD A SHORTER SET THAN I THOUGHT HE WOULD AND SO MISSED OUT A COUPLE OF SONGS I LIKE SUCH AS `MISS MERGUITORY`S DAUGHTER AND SEE YOU SOON,BABOON.IN ANY CASE IT WAS GREAT TO SEE HIM SING A SET INCLUDING `SUSIE Q`,LITTLE PIG,FOUR LETTER WORD (ROCK),TORNADO,MY BABE,GOOBLIE BOOBLIE,JUANITA AND ONE HE HAD THE CROWD TO SING WITH HIM `LA DO DADA`. MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE IS `JUANITA` NOT BECAUSE IT HAPPENS TO BE MY SISTER`S NAME BUT BECAUSE IT IS A GREAT ROCKIN SONG .

IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE ORIGINAL ROCK`N`ROLL ARTISTS AND DALE HAWKINS HAS MADE GREAT ACHIEVEMENT IN HIS CAREER.HIS SONGS HAVE BEEN COVERED BY SUCH BIG NAMES AS ELVIS PRESLEY,GENE VINCENT,THE ROLLING STONES AND CREEDENCE CLEAR WATER REVIVAL.

ROCK`N`ROLL ZONE RADIO LISTENERS!

JON

THE HAMBLE ROCK`N`ROLL CLUB

AT THE END OF APRIL JUST HAD TO GET OUT AND ROCK`N`ROLL SO GOT ON TO A ROCK`N`ROLL SITE GIG LIST AND SAW THAT AT HAMBLE, IN THE AREA I LIVE,AT THE ROCK`N`ROLL CLUB WAS A BAND CALLED DANNY AND THE SENIORS.IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT OF DANNY AND THE JUNIORS WHO IN THE 1950`S HAD THE TOP HIT ` AT THE HOP`. I THOUGHT IT COULD BE A TRIBUTE BAND. HAD NEVER HEARD OF A DANNY AND JUNIORS TRIBUTE BAND BUT IT WOULD CERTAINLY BE WORTH THE NIGHT OUT IF IT WERE.SO I SET OFF ALL EXCITEDLY TO GO ROCKIN`.

ON ARRIVAL I WAS DISAPPOINTED TO FIND THEY WERE NOT LIKE I WAS HOPING AT ALL.THEY WERE YOUR AVERAGE 1950`S STYLE ROCK`N`ROLL COVERS BAND.THEY SEEMED TO BE CALLED DANNY AND THE SENIORS AS THE SINGER WAS YOUNG AND THE REST OF THE BAND OLDER.

IN MOST BANDS SUCH AS THIS YOU CAN IMAGINE THE LEAD SINGER TRYING TO EMULATE ELVIS PRESLEY,EDDIE COCHRAN, BUDDY HOLLY OR GENE VINCENT .

IN THIS BAND THE LAD ON VOCALS CLEARLY WANTS TO BE A ROY ORBISON.HE HELD THE GUITAR AND TOOK  THE SAME STANCE AS ORBISON USED TO ON STAGE.HE DONNED THE ROY ORBISON SHADES WHEN SINGING ONE OF THE HITS.HIS VOICE SOUNDED QUITE ALIKE TO THE MAN HE WAS EMULATING.HE SUNG THE EARLY `50`S SUN STUDIO HITS SUCH AS OOBY DOOBY,DOMINO AND YOU`RE MY BABY REALLY WELL.IT WAS ACTUALLY REFRESHING SEEING A  BIT OF A ROY ORBISON TRIBUTE AS SUCH.

IN MY OPINION THE BAND WERE NOTHING SPECIAL OTHERWISE.THE CROWD CERTAINLY ENJOYED IT THOUGH WHICH WAS THE MAIN THING.

THE HAMBLE ROCK`N`ROLL CLUB CROWD ARE VERY MUCH A JIVE CLUB CROWD.FAIR PLAY TO THEM FOR GETTING OUT AND ENJOYING THEMSELVES.YOU CAN SEE THEY LOVE A GOOD ROCK`N`ROLL JIVE.I THINK MOST GO REGULARLY..

IT IS A FAR CRY AWAY FROM LIVING IT ALL AS A MAD ROCKABILLY OR TEDDY BOY JIVING,BOPPING AND WAILING THE NIGHT AWAY ON A FEW TOO MANY BEERS AND DRESSING TO IMPRESS THE GIRLS.

IN THIS CLUB I HAVE BOPPED MADLY AWAY TO GREAT ROCKABILLY HITS SUCH AS JOHNNY BURNETTES `ROCKABILLY BOOGIE`  ONLY FOR 3 OR 4 OTHERS TO JOIN ME AND THE REST TO GIVE US A WIDE BIRTH TO SAY THE LEAST.SO IT IS VERY TAME TO WHEN I FIRST SPRUNG ON TO THE ROCKIN` SCENE.

IF I WERE TO MARRY AGAIN (GOD FORBID) I COULD NOT TAKE MY STAG NIGHT TO SUCH A CLUB. WE WOULD GET LYNCHED!

I HAVE HEARD THAT AT SOME ROCK`N`ROLL JIVE CLUBS THAT SOME JIVING COUPLES HAVE BEEN HEARD TO COMPLAIN THAT SOME OF THE MUSIC REQUESTED IS MUCH TOO MUCH ROCKABILLY FOR THEM.THEY LIKE ELVIS,CARL PERKINS,EDDIE COCHRAN,ROY ORBISON AND BUDDY HOLLY AND NOT ROCKABILLY . 

THAT IS CONFUSING BECAUSE THE SINGERS THEY LIKE ARE ACTUALLY THE ONES THAT STARTED ROCKABILLY.THESE GUYS ARE KINGS OF ROCKABILLY.

ROCKABILLY WAS COINED ROCK`N`ROLL.

 I COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT PEOPLE WHO  SAY SUCH THINGS EITHER DON`T KNOW THEIR MUSIC PROPERLY OR MEAN THEY DON`T LIKE  NEO-ROCKABILLY/PSYCHOBILLY OR ANYTHING VERGING ON IT.

KEEP ROCKIN`!!

Viva Las Vegas May 2008

OH VIVA VIVA LAS VEGAS!!
 
DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS AT THE `SAHARA HOTEL/CASINO WHERE SUCH NAMES AS DEAN MARTIN,FRANK SINATRA,SAMMY DAVIS  JUNIOR (THE RAT PACK) AND LOUIS PRIMA PERFORMED IN THEIR PRIME STARRED `THE COASTERS,`THE PLATTERS` AND `THE `MARVELLETTES`.
 
NOT AS YOUNG AS THEY WERE BACK IN THEIR HEY DAY AND NOT QUITE THE ORIGINAL LINE UPS OF 40 YEARS AGO BUT ALL IN INCREDIBLE VOICE FOR SURE.
 
 THE COASTERS THIS TIME INCLUDED THE BROTHER OF FRANKIE LYMON OF FRANKIE LYMON AND THE TEENAGERS FAME.
 
HE SHOWED HOW HE CAN STILL DANCE AND SOMERSAULT ABOUT LIKE WAY BACK WHEN THEY WERE YOUNG IN THE `50`S AND 60`S .
 
WE ALL KNOW SUCH SONGS AS PLEASE MR POSTMAN,SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES,LOVE POTION NO.9,TWIGHLIGHT TIME,YAKETY YAK AND CHARLIE BROWN TO NAME ONLY A FEW.
 
THE GROUPS WERE IN SUCH FINE , FANTASTIC VOICE AND ALL SOUNDED JUST LIKE IT WAS A TRIP BACK IN TIME.
 
AND I WAS ABLE TO ENJOY IT ALL WITH MY FRIEND BONNIE WHO IS A ROCK `N`ROLL GIRL LIVING IN VEGAS.
 
AS MOST OF THE AUDIENCE WE WERE KEPT CLAPPING AND SINGIN ALONG ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE SHOW.
 
LAUGHING ASWELL AS ALL PERFORMING QUITE COMICLY ENCOURAGED AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION.
 
`THE COASTERS` CAME ON STAGE FIRST AND A LITTLE WAY THROUGH THEIR REPERTOIRE WERE TO CALL A LADY IN THE AUDIENCE CALLED LUCY BROWN TO THE STAGE.
 
THUS INSTEAD OF SINGING `CHARLIE BROWN` THEY CHANGED THE WORDS TO LUCY BROWN. 
 
AND LUCY BROWN DIDN`T GET OFF LIGHTLY AS SHE HAD TO SING THE WORDS `WHY`S EVERYBODY KEEP PICKIN ON ME`.
 
 WHEN THEY CAME TO SING THE HIT `SEARCHIN`` TWO OF THEM CAME FROM THE STAGE SEARCHIN THROUGH AND SINGIN AMONGST THE CROWD.
 
 
WITH THE PLATTERS THEN COMING ON IN SUCH SPLENDID FORM A LADY IN THE AUDIENCE GOT VERY ENTHUSIASTIC AND EXCITED SHOUTING `GO GIRL GO` !
 
THIS WAS TO  THE AMUSEMENT OF THE SINGER AS SHE IS HARDLY SUCH A YOUNG GIRL IN THIS  DAY AND AGE.
 
 
THE MARVELLETTES ENTERTAINED THE AUDIENCE BY COMING FROM THE STAGE LOOKIN FOR A MAN CALLED BILL.
 
 THEY CHOSE A MAN THAT TO THEM LOOKED LIKE HE WAS CALLED BILL, LEAD HIM TO THE STAGE AND SUNG `DON`T MESS WITH BILL` DANCING AROUND HIM AND SINGING OH DON`T MESS WITH BILL AND SUCH LIKE.
 
SO A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!.
 
EVEN MY GLASS OF DRINK WAS COOL THAT NIGHT AS IT LIT UP DIFFERENT COLOURS.
 
TYPICAL LAS VEGAS STYLE.
 

MY ROCKIN` ADVENTURES

MY ROCKIN` ADVENTURES IN LAS VEGAS TOOK  ME TO THE GOLD COAST HOTEL TO A YEARLY VIVA LAS VEGAS ROCKABILLY WEEKEND.GREAT BANDS AND GREAT MUSIC AND FASHION OF THE 1950`S.BABES DRESSED AS 1950`S PIN UP MODELS,BURLESQUE DANCERS,COOL CLASSIC CARS,GREASERS AND ROCKABILLY GUYS LIKE ME.THE ROCK`N`ROLL SCENE IN AMERICA IS SO DIFFERENT.THERE ARE NONE OF YOUR TEDDY BOYS THERE AND IT IS APPARENT THAT ALOT OF THE PEOPLE INTO ROCKABILLY, ROCK`N`ROLL AND THE 1940`S JUMP JIVE MUSIC ARE ALSO VERY KEEN ON PUNK ROCK AND PSYCHOBILLY MUSIC.STRANGE MIX COMPARED TO ENGLAND.SEEMS TO COME FROM THE REVIVAL OF ROCKABILLY BACK IN THE `70`S AND `80`S.PUNK BANDS SUCH AS THE CLASH AND THE CRAMPS WERE VERY POPULAR AND SO WERE NEO ROCKABILLY BANDS SUCH AS THE STRAY CATS, THE POLECATS,LEVI DEXTER,MATCHBOX,SHAKIN` STEVENS AND SUNSETS AND CRAZY CAVAN AND RHYTHM ROCKERS ETC.INDEED SOME PUNK BANDS WOULD HAVE A NEO ROCKABILLY BAND AS SUPPORT ON TOUR OR VICE VERSA.THEN IN MID 1980`S PSYCHOBILLY (BETTER DESCRIBED AS PUNKABILLY MUSIC) BECAME VERY BIG IN LONDON.BUT ALL DERIVES FROM 1950`S ROCK`N`ROLL. IT IS A GREAT EXPERIENCE TO GO TO SUCH A ROCKIN` ROLLIN` WEEKEND AS VIVA LAS VEGAS AND MY PICK OF THE BANDS WAS DEKE DICKERSON AND HIS BAND THE ECCOFONICS.

DEKE DICKERSON IS SIMPLY A GUITAR GEEK.A BRILLIANT,EXPERIENCED GUITARIST VERSATILE TO ALL KINDS OF MUSIC.ROCKABILLY,ROCK`N`ROLL AND HILLBILLY HIS SPECIALITIES.HE IS A HARD WORKING ARTIST AND AT SUCH WEEKENDERS WILL SET UP GUITAR FORUMS TO PLAY AND SHOW SKILLS ON GRETSCH,GIBSON,STRAT`,STEEL GUITARS TO NAME A FEW.AFTER THESE FORUMS YOU MAY GET TO GO THROUGH THOSE CHORDS THAT YOU  FIND DIFFICULT WITH HIM.HE IS A VERY APPROACHABLE.MY MATE ROCKIN` WYN AND I CAUGHT UP WITH HIM AND SPOKE ABOUT ROCKABILLY MUSIC AND HOW BANDS LIKE HIS ARE KEEPING THE ROCKIN` SCENE ALIVE. THIS ESPECIALLY WITH ORIGINAL ARTISTS OF THE 1950`S BEING OF A DYING BREED IN THIS DAY AND AGE. HIS BAND INCLUDE THE KING OF NERDABILLY CRAZY JOE.HE IS SO CALLED BECAUSE HE LOOKS LIKE YOUR AVERAGE NERD.HE IS A VERY ORDINARY AND SMALL AND LOOKS VERY STUDIOUS IN HIS GLASSES.THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN PLAYS HIS GUITAR WITH SUCH CLASS THAT YOU STAND BACK IN AMAZEMENT  AND SEE THAT HE IS INFACT A CRAZY GUITAR KING OF ROCKABILLY/ROCK`N`ROLL.WITH HE AND DEKE YOU HAVE 2 INCREDIBLY TALENTED MUSICIANS.THEY PLAYED THEIR SET WHICH WAS FUN AND A PLEASURE TO WATCH .MY FAVOURITE MOMENT BEING WHEN THEY PLAYED A DOUBLE NECKED GUITAR .YOU WOULD THINK ONE OF THEM WOULD PLAY IT BUT THEY SET ABOUT PLAYING IT AT THE SAME TIME!CRAZY JOE SAT PLAYING THE BOTTOM NECK OF THE GUITAR AT FIRST  JUST FOR DEKE TO STAND BEHIND HIM AND INTERRUPT TO PLAY THE TOP NECK OF THE GUITAR.YOU DON`T SEE THAT EVERYDAY.

I WAS ABLE TO PICK UP A GREAT CD OF HIS CALLED 3 DIMENSIONS AS ON IT HE PLAYS 3 DIMENSIONS OF MUSIC WHICH ARE ROCKABILLY/ROCK`N`ROLL AND HILLBILLY/COUNTRY. MOST TRACKS BEING SONGS HE HAS WRITTEN HIMSELF WHICH ARE A GREAT LISTEN.

KEEP ROCKIN` CATS AND CHICKS!!

TOOK  ME TO THE GOLD COAST HOTEL TO A YEARLY VIVA LAS VEGAS ROCKABILLY WEEKEND.GREAT BANDS AND GREAT MUSIC AND FASHION OF THE 1950`S.BABES DRESSED AS 1950`S PIN UP MODELS, BURLESQUE DANCERS, COOL CLASSIC CARS, GREASERS AND ROCKABILLY GUYS LIKE ME.

THE ROCK`N`ROLL SCENE IN AMERICA IS SO DIFFERENT.THERE ARE NONE OF YOUR TEDDY BOYS THERE AND IT IS APPARENT THAT ALOT OF THE PEOPLE INTO ROCKABILLY, ROCK`N`ROLL AND THE 1940`S JUMP JIVE MUSIC ARE ALSO VERY KEEN ON PUNK ROCK AND PSYCHOBILLY MUSIC.

STRANGE MIX COMPARED TO ENGLAND.SEEMS TO COME FROM THE REVIVAL OF ROCKABILLY BACK IN THE `70`S AND `80`S.

PUNK BANDS SUCH AS THE CLASH AND THE CRAMPS WERE VERY POPULAR AND SO WERE NEO ROCKABILLY BANDS SUCH AS THE STRAY CATS, THE POLECATS, LEVI DEXTER, MATCHBOX, SHAKIN` STEVENS AND SUNSETS AND CRAZY CAVAN AND RHYTHM ROCKERS ETC.

INDEED SOME PUNK BANDS WOULD HAVE A NEO ROCKABILLY BAND AS SUPPORT ON TOUR OR VICE VERSA.THEN IN MID 1980`S PSYCHOBILLY (BETTER DESCRIBED AS PUNKABILLY MUSIC) BECAME VERY BIG IN LONDON.

BUT ALL DERIVES FROM 1950`S ROCK`N`ROLL. IT IS A GREAT EXPERIENCE TO GO TO SUCH A ROCKIN` ROLLIN` WEEKEND AS VIVA LAS VEGAS AND MY PICK OF THE BANDS WAS DEKE DICKERSON AND HIS BAND THE ECCOFONICS.

DEKE DICKERSON IS SIMPLY A GUITAR GEEK.

A BRILLIANT, EXPERIENCED GUITARIST VERSATILE TO ALL KINDS OF MUSIC.ROCKABILLY, ROCK`N`ROLL AND HILLBILLY HIS SPECIALITIES.

HE IS A HARD WORKING ARTIST AND AT SUCH WEEKENDERS WILL SET UP GUITAR FORUMS TO PLAY AND SHOW SKILLS ON GRETSCH, GIBSON, STRAT`,STEEL GUITARS TO NAME A FEW.

AFTER THESE FORUMS YOU MAY GET TO GO THROUGH THOSE CHORDS THAT YOU  FIND DIFFICULT WITH HIM.HE IS A VERY APPROACHABLE.

MY MATE ROCKIN` WYN AND I CAUGHT UP WITH HIM AND SPOKE ABOUT ROCKABILLY MUSIC AND HOW BANDS LIKE HIS ARE KEEPING THE ROCKIN` SCENE ALIVE. 

THIS ESPECIALLY WITH ORIGINAL ARTISTS OF THE 1950`S BEING OF A DYING BREED IN THIS DAY AND AGE.

 HIS BAND INCLUDE THE KING OF NERDABILLY CRAZY JOE.

HE IS SO CALLED BECAUSE HE LOOKS LIKE YOUR AVERAGE NERD.

HE IS A VERY ORDINARY AND SMALL AND LOOKS VERY STUDIOUS IN HIS GLASSES.THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN PLAYS HIS GUITAR WITH SUCH CLASS THAT YOU STAND BACK IN AMAZEMENT  AND SEE THAT HE IS INFACT A CRAZY GUITAR KING OF ROCKABILLY/ROCK`N`ROLL.WITH HE AND DEKE YOU HAVE 2 INCREDIBLY TALENTED MUSICIANS.

THEY PLAYED THEIR SET WHICH WAS FUN AND A PLEASURE TO WATCH .

MY FAVOURITE MOMENT BEING WHEN THEY PLAYED A DOUBLE NECKED GUITAR .YOU WOULD THINK ONE OF THEM WOULD PLAY IT BUT THEY SET ABOUT PLAYING IT AT THE SAME TIME! CRAZY JOE SAT PLAYING THE BOTTOM NECK OF THE GUITAR AT FIRST  JUST FOR DEKE TO STAND BEHIND HIM AND INTERRUPT TO PLAY THE TOP NECK OF THE GUITAR.YOU DON`T SEE THAT EVERYDAY.

I WAS ABLE TO PICK UP A GREAT CD OF HIS CALLED 3 DIMENSIONS AS ON IT HE PLAYS 3 DIMENSIONS OF MUSIC WHICH ARE ROCKABILLY/ROCK`N`ROLL AND HILLBILLY/COUNTRY.

MOST TRACKS BEING SONGS HE HAS WRITTEN HIMSELF WHICH ARE A GREAT LISTEN.

KEEP ROCKIN` CATS AND CHICKS!!

KING KURT- 23RD FEBRUARY 2008

KING KURT- 23RD FEBRUARY 2008 AT UNDERWORLD,CAMDEN HIGH STREET,LONDON.
 
THIS VENUE IS MADE FOR GREAT ATMOSPHERE.IT`S AN UNDERGROUND SPIT AND SAWDUST VENUE A LOT LIKE YOU WOULD IMAGINE THE CAVERN IN LIVERPOOL WHERE THE BEATLES AND SUCH BANDS WOULD HAVE STARTED OFF. JUST THE VENUE FOR A BAND SUCH AS `KING KURT`.THEY`RE A NUTTY, CRAZY BAND WHO STARTED OUT BACK IN THE EARLY-MID 1980`S ON THE STIFF RECORD LABEL JUST AS IAN DURY AND BLOCKHEADS,ELVIS COSTELLO AND MADNESS ETC DID. THEY ARE SUCH A CRAZY BAND THAT BACK THEN FANCY DRESS WAS COMMON PLACE.THEY`D DRESS IN LOUD FLOWERY WOMENS DRESSES OR JUNGLE LOIN CLOTHS AND SUCH OUTFITS. FANS WHO DRESSED THE SAME WOULD GET REDUCTION ON TICKETS. ROCKABILLIES,PSYCHOBILLIES,SCOOTER BOYS AND PUNKS WITH BIKER/DOC MARTEN BOOTS,LEATHER JACKETS,TATTOOS AND HIGH QUIFFED AND MOHICAN HAIRSTYLES. ON STAGE ANTICS INCLUDED POURING ALCHOHOL STRAIGHT FROM THE BOTTLE INTO MOUTHS OF THE LADS FRONT OF STAGE.FOOD FIGHTS COULD BE KNOWN TOO. THIS ALL ALONG WITH THE `WRECKING` (BUNDLING AND PUSHING EACH OTHER AROUND THE DANCE FLOOR) TO THE MAD BEAT.JUNGLE SOUNDS OF `OOO WALLAH WALLAH` (1ST ALBUM TITLE IN 1986) AND BANANA BANANA... HEY HEY HEY! (1984 SINGLE) COULD BE HEARD.`DESTINATION ZULU LAND` MADE THE CHARTS BACK THEN.ROAD TO RACK `N`RUIN,HORATIO..OH OH OH!,BO DIDDLEY GOES EAST AND BILLY (1986) WERE OTHER KURT SOUNDS.
SMEGGY THE NOW REKNOWNED LEAD SINGER PLAYS ENTERTAINER ENCOURAGING THE CROWD TO INTERACT.AT THIS GIG THE DOUBLE BASS WAS PAINTED AS IF IT WERE A FIERCE SHARK AND THE SLAPPING OF THE BASS WAS JUST AS FIERCE KEEPING THE BEAT TOGETHER.THE LEAD GUITARIST WORE DARK GLASSES,BLACK SILK SHIRT AND KILT.SMEGGY AND HIS BASS PLAYER THREW OFF THEIR TEE SHIRTS TO SHOW OFF THEIR MANY TATTOOS AND THE CROWD SHOWED APPRECIATION.THEY SURGED FORWARD TO RECIEVE A SLUG OF WHISKY STRAIGHT FROM THE BOTTLE INTO THEIR MOUTHS. NO DRESSES OR JUNGLE WEAR THIS TIME BUT THE SAME FASHION OF BACK IN THE `80`S WAS THERE.GIRLS WITH ROCKABILLY `50`S DRESS AND HAIRSTYLES AND LADS WITH LEATHER ,BOMBER,HARRINGTON AND GAB JACKETS OF THE TIME.TURN UP JEANS AND BIKER BOOTS ROCKIN STYLE ETC.JUST AS I STILL DO. SUPERB!
PSYCHOBILLY RULES OKAY! ROCKABILLY/ROCK`N`ROLL AT A MAD AND FAST PACE.RAW AND POWERFUL BUT NOT FOR THE WEAK HEARTED!
ROCKIN` JON O.
WATCH OUT FOR REVIEWS ON VIVA LAS VEGAS ROCKABILLY WEEKENDER,HEMSBY R`N`R WEEKENDER AND ROCKABILLY RAVE WEEKEND.

RICHARD HAWLEY GIG SOUTHAMPTON GUILDHALL 6TH FEB 2008.

 
I HAD HEARD GOOD REPORTS ABOUT RICHARD HAWLEY ALTHOUGH DIDN`T ENTIRELY KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT.HE HAS BEEN IN A BAND CALLED `THE LONG PIGS` BACK IN THE 1980`S WHO WERE APPARENTLY WERE UNDERATED.THEN WENT ON MORE FAMOUSLY TO PLAY WITH JARVIS COCKER IN `PULP`.
 
BEING A ROCK`N`ROLL/ROCKABILLY ENTHUSIAST I NOTICED THE PHOTO OF HIM ON HIS TOUR FLYERS DEPICTING HIM IN A COUNTRY AND WESTERN STYLE SHIRT AND QUIFFED HAIR.
 
I WENT TO THE GIG WITH MY MATE PHIL WHO HAS GOOD VARIED TASTE TO MUSIC.IT TURNED OUT THAT WE BOTH REALLY ENJOYED THE SHOW.
 
 BEING MIDWEEK IT WASN`T PACKED BUT ENOUGH PEOPLE FOR A GOOD ATMOSPHERE.HE INTERACTED WITH THE CROWD MAKING A BIT OF FRIENDLY BANTER AND EXPLAINED HE GREW UP IN SHEFFIELD WHEN HE FIRST BECAME INTERESTED IN MUSIC.INDEED SOME OF HIS SONGS ARE TO DO WITH THAT PERIOD IN HIS LIFE.
 
HIS REPERTOIRE IS SUCH THAT JUST ABOUT ALL GENRES OF MUSIC WERE CATERED FOR.INDEED HE HAD A SELECTION OF 3 GUITARS WHICH HE PLAYED AS TO WHAT STYLE OF MUSIC HE WAS PLAYING.ALSO HIS BASS PLAYER DIDN`T JUST PLAY BASS GUITAR BUT ALSO DOUBLE BASS.HE PLAYED SOME BALLADS LIKE `LADY`S BRIDGE` TITLE OF HIS NEW ALBUM,OTHERS COUNTRY SOUNDING AND OTHERS  THAT ROCKED ALONG IN HIS OWN STYLE.AT ONE POINT HE ASKED THE CROWD IF THEY LIKED `ROCKABILLY`? AND I SCREAMED OUT FOR HIM TO PLAY IT! HE PICKED UP THE GRETSCH STYLE GUITAR AND THE BASS PLAYER SWAPPED TO PLAY SLAP STYLE DOUBLE BASS.THE NUMBER WAS CALLED `SUICIDE` AND REALLY ROCKED ALONG.I WAS BOPPING ALONG LIKE MAD.BRILLIANT!! HE HAD A GOOD APPLAUSE FROM THE CROWD SO OF COURSE CAME ON TO DO AN ENCORE.
 
JUST HE AND HIS GUITARIST CAME ON STAGE AND HE PLAYED THE RICKY NELSON HIT `LONESOME TOWN` EXPLAINING THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST SONG HE LEARNT TO PLAY AND SING WHEN HE WAS IN HIS EARLY TEENAGE YEARS.A VERY GOOD RENDITION TOO.HE PLAYED ANOTHER OF HIS OWN TRACKS FROM HIS ALBUM TOO TO END THE SHOW.
 
EVERYONE SEEMED TO HAVE REALLY ENJOYED THE GIG.HE IS ONE TO LOOK OUT FOR FOR SURE.GREAT TALENT AS A SINGER SONG/WRITER.BUY THE ALBUM `LADY`S BRIDGE`. CERTAINLY WORTH A  LISTEN.
 
KEEP ROCKIN`
JON O

James Intveld conert review

James Intveld & USA band

Hemsby R n R Weekend

Saturday 13th October 2007

 

First UK Appearance for a Californian who is a singer songwriter and a all round musician and all round entertainer.

He has looks of a cool movie star  in the mould of a young Elvis Presley, Dean or Brando.

This has been so much so he was the man behind Hollywood star Johnny Depp's voice in the 1950's set  Rock n Roll film Cry Baby, was also lead guiarist in American Rockabilly/Rock n Roll band The Blasters.

In his own right acted as one of the main characters in road movie house 66 and continues to work in the film industry.

James Invelted and his band are a great professional outfit and a pleasure to watch.

The band were so tight musically and James had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand.

The moves and charisma he had it all.

He was too modest in just saying "thanks for coming" when he signed photo at the end of the show.

Review by Jon Ozamiz

 

 

 

At long last The Billy Fury story is finally told on DVD featuring his music, interview's with Billy and other people that knew him.

Such as people from his family, Sir Jimmy Savile, Alvin Stardust, Vince Eagar, Michael Winner, Paul Gambaccini, John Leyton and Clem Cattini.

This DVD is is full of information about how Billy got started in music, his movies, the comeback in the 80's and sadly his ill health that took Billy away.

The only drawback to the DVD is that they talk too much about his managers life style which Michael Winner does, but if you get past that the rest is a fantactic story of England's greatest Rock n Roll star.

For Billy's fans I would say yes your enjoy this and also so will general fans of Rock n Roll, this is a must.

That's what I think anyway

Wayne.

Running time 80 Min Approx