The bettajive Review Magazine #4
The Embassy Suite 'today'
Changing all the changes. We are, dear readers, of a certain age now where we are the ones shouting at the telly, older than police officers and complain about the young b*ggers and teenage oiks, around town. There was a time that we were that age, seems like yesterday, and it was then that I first went to a Rock n Roll gig.
Prior to that, it was the local Yoofie (youth centre) where you could get your fix with your mates. The problem, if you can call it that, was that there were all types of subcultures there, plus it was a time when Disco music was prevalent. That’s probably why when there’s a tune from Earth Wind and Fire, or The Jackson 5 on the radio, we know the words off pat!
After a while, a couple of my mates had ventured to Colchester (which back then was a day out you had to plan) and some events there, proper Rock n Roll events. The first one I went to, was Crazy Cavan and the Rhythm Rockers at the Embassy Suite. It was full! Loads of Teds, rockers and Rockabillies, it’s like we’d walked into heaven, no yoofie DJ playing Sh*w*ddw*ddy, and no skeeeen ‘eads having a go at you for ‘walking about, trying to look hard’ either.
There were songs I’d never heard before, like Wynonie Harris’ ‘Bloodshot Eyes’, The Deltones ‘Early Morning Rock’ and yes, the first time I’d heard Billy Fury’s ‘Type a Letter’. Cavan came on and opened with ‘She’s the One To Blame’ (interestingly the last time I saw Cavan, they opened with that song) and my mates were in raptures. What an incredible place that was, I thought.
Suffice to say, when you had to rely on a group of you going to make it worth ‘this dad’ taking you and ‘that dad’ coming to pick you up (petrol money as well!), the monthly Colchester gigs were red letter days in our calendars. I saw the Rockin Shades there, though approaching the door, the legend that was Piggy Lou, told us another band was playing on the ground floor. Three lads from Sudbury way, a few miles from my home town, who called themselves ‘Restless’, probably fresh from ‘double Geography’ that afternoon.
Prior to that, it was the local Yoofie (youth centre) where you could get your fix with your mates. The problem, if you can call it that, was that there were all types of subcultures there, plus it was a time when Disco music was prevalent. That’s probably why when there’s a tune from Earth Wind and Fire, or The Jackson 5 on the radio, we know the words off pat!
After a while, a couple of my mates had ventured to Colchester (which back then was a day out you had to plan) and some events there, proper Rock n Roll events. The first one I went to, was Crazy Cavan and the Rhythm Rockers at the Embassy Suite. It was full! Loads of Teds, rockers and Rockabillies, it’s like we’d walked into heaven, no yoofie DJ playing Sh*w*ddw*ddy, and no skeeeen ‘eads having a go at you for ‘walking about, trying to look hard’ either.
There were songs I’d never heard before, like Wynonie Harris’ ‘Bloodshot Eyes’, The Deltones ‘Early Morning Rock’ and yes, the first time I’d heard Billy Fury’s ‘Type a Letter’. Cavan came on and opened with ‘She’s the One To Blame’ (interestingly the last time I saw Cavan, they opened with that song) and my mates were in raptures. What an incredible place that was, I thought.
Suffice to say, when you had to rely on a group of you going to make it worth ‘this dad’ taking you and ‘that dad’ coming to pick you up (petrol money as well!), the monthly Colchester gigs were red letter days in our calendars. I saw the Rockin Shades there, though approaching the door, the legend that was Piggy Lou, told us another band was playing on the ground floor. Three lads from Sudbury way, a few miles from my home town, who called themselves ‘Restless’, probably fresh from ‘double Geography’ that afternoon.
It’s interesting looking back, that there were age groups in that venue, that although mixed, didn’t necessarily mix, if you get my drift. For us now, a five or six year age gap is nothing, but when you had twenty somethings in an assemblage, they didn’t want teenage kids hanging around. They were talking about cars and houses, where they were going at the weekend and drinking beer. We talked about how crap maths was and when we’d get our homework done. Now some of those peeps are among our good mates, and I joke with them that we used to have to scatter petals at their feet as they passed by in the 70’s, and avert our gaze, not making eye contact.
As we went to those events, so we’d learn about some others in the area. The Silver Era club in Maldon’s Jubilee Hall (sadly no longer with us) where Maurice and Margaret Stutley put on some brilliant nights. They were the first to put on the Stargazers, it was the first place I saw the Dynamite Band, and heard the songs ‘Shake Shake’ by the Bluetones and Tom Reeves’ ‘Primitive Love’, the latter of which wasn’t DJ Maurice’s favourite. Massive memory from there was the ‘All Night Rock’ 10” LP I won in the raffle, I still have today, containing some exceptional tracks from the Sun label, released originally in France. Ah the days when you got proper prizes in a club raffle, not one looking like there'd been a ram-raid at the local pound shop
As we went to those events, so we’d learn about some others in the area. The Silver Era club in Maldon’s Jubilee Hall (sadly no longer with us) where Maurice and Margaret Stutley put on some brilliant nights. They were the first to put on the Stargazers, it was the first place I saw the Dynamite Band, and heard the songs ‘Shake Shake’ by the Bluetones and Tom Reeves’ ‘Primitive Love’, the latter of which wasn’t DJ Maurice’s favourite. Massive memory from there was the ‘All Night Rock’ 10” LP I won in the raffle, I still have today, containing some exceptional tracks from the Sun label, released originally in France. Ah the days when you got proper prizes in a club raffle, not one looking like there'd been a ram-raid at the local pound shop
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My first car in '81
It all changed when I learned to drive and got my own car, not needing to cadge lifts from mates. Two of us would go to a gig in my Escort estate, and I’d end up bringing two or three others back again. Sometimes I didn’t even know them! 'Can ya gizza lift 'ome mate, here's 50p' Reeeeesult!
This is how it was younger readers, kids would get a bus to an event, and have no idea how they were getting home again. I’d drop people off at the end of roads, and see them totter off into the darkness, maybe not to see them again. Can you imagine that today??
Getting to an event early was essential, cos you could nip round the local chippy and get the classic combo of ‘Fifteen pence worth of chips and a battered sausage’ to fuel you for the evening. Oh, how we complained when the chips went up to eighteen pence though! And of course the old joke when you went in and asked for a 'firkin'. 'Don't you mean a gherkin?'
'No, a firkin'.
'Isn't that a unit of volume and mass?' (words to that effect)
'No, a firkin great bag of chips please'. How we laughed, but after the fifteenth time, the bloke down at t'chip oil, didn't find it as funny. 'Bloody Teddy Boys'. In true Tony Hancock* style we'd be like 'Teddy Boys, how dare you'.
After the gig though, you’d struggle to find a café/restaurant open, meaning the burger stand, that shone out like an oasis in the desert, was your only likely option. That particular fayre, was limited to a thin, reconstituted flat wheel shaped thing in between a white bap smothered in onions and tommy sauce, and a thin veil of something masquerading as cheese. The very ambrosia of the Gods, readers, I think. Not sure there were vegetarian, vegan or gluten free options back then, just an observation, nothing controversial meant. I think at one, they actually had lettuce, not icebergs, those floppy round ones that were half the price. Whatever we ate, we were as thin as twigs, probably due to burning the energy off on the dancefloor.
Think the speed of Ron Haydock's '99 Chicks', Little Richard's 'Heebie Jeebies', Johnny Powers 'Long Blond Hair', Pat Cupp's 'Do Me No Wrong', and the above named 'Shake Shake'. That was the speed we were going most of the time.
New music, new environments and a newly found range with wheels under us. That was the late 70’s and early 80s……
Dot….dot. Best tracks in the world ever ever to bump your miss Suzie for this month are The Impressors ‘Do You Love Her’ ‘My Heart’s Desire’ by the Blenders and Ronnie Dawson’s ‘Big Mac Attack’……Gucci using the Linkster’s ‘The Swag’ to advertise their wares eh? Plus ‘Rumble’ selling insurance.....And the Platters ‘Only You’ advertising mobile phones….Vic Vickers' 'Action Speaks Louder than Words', doesn't it seem at the end, everyone has naffed off and left him singing alone?.....*Welcome back younger readers who have been googling the great Tony Hancock, and been introduced to a pint of blood being very nearly an armful.....Have you seen our new flyers readers? Thanks to Andy Brittan from AB Creative for the design, grab one at an event near you……The Rock n Roll scene has lost one of it’s premier promoters, DJ, record collector and MC in Colin Silcocks recently. Here was a man who lived and breathed the Rock n Roll scene for many many years and gave countless bands their first gigs. We pass on our sincere condolences to his family and friends…..
If you like what you see and read here, help us keep this magazine free by popping us a donation over by using the button below. Thank you in advance
This is how it was younger readers, kids would get a bus to an event, and have no idea how they were getting home again. I’d drop people off at the end of roads, and see them totter off into the darkness, maybe not to see them again. Can you imagine that today??
Getting to an event early was essential, cos you could nip round the local chippy and get the classic combo of ‘Fifteen pence worth of chips and a battered sausage’ to fuel you for the evening. Oh, how we complained when the chips went up to eighteen pence though! And of course the old joke when you went in and asked for a 'firkin'. 'Don't you mean a gherkin?'
'No, a firkin'.
'Isn't that a unit of volume and mass?' (words to that effect)
'No, a firkin great bag of chips please'. How we laughed, but after the fifteenth time, the bloke down at t'chip oil, didn't find it as funny. 'Bloody Teddy Boys'. In true Tony Hancock* style we'd be like 'Teddy Boys, how dare you'.
After the gig though, you’d struggle to find a café/restaurant open, meaning the burger stand, that shone out like an oasis in the desert, was your only likely option. That particular fayre, was limited to a thin, reconstituted flat wheel shaped thing in between a white bap smothered in onions and tommy sauce, and a thin veil of something masquerading as cheese. The very ambrosia of the Gods, readers, I think. Not sure there were vegetarian, vegan or gluten free options back then, just an observation, nothing controversial meant. I think at one, they actually had lettuce, not icebergs, those floppy round ones that were half the price. Whatever we ate, we were as thin as twigs, probably due to burning the energy off on the dancefloor.
Think the speed of Ron Haydock's '99 Chicks', Little Richard's 'Heebie Jeebies', Johnny Powers 'Long Blond Hair', Pat Cupp's 'Do Me No Wrong', and the above named 'Shake Shake'. That was the speed we were going most of the time.
New music, new environments and a newly found range with wheels under us. That was the late 70’s and early 80s……
Dot….dot. Best tracks in the world ever ever to bump your miss Suzie for this month are The Impressors ‘Do You Love Her’ ‘My Heart’s Desire’ by the Blenders and Ronnie Dawson’s ‘Big Mac Attack’……Gucci using the Linkster’s ‘The Swag’ to advertise their wares eh? Plus ‘Rumble’ selling insurance.....And the Platters ‘Only You’ advertising mobile phones….Vic Vickers' 'Action Speaks Louder than Words', doesn't it seem at the end, everyone has naffed off and left him singing alone?.....*Welcome back younger readers who have been googling the great Tony Hancock, and been introduced to a pint of blood being very nearly an armful.....Have you seen our new flyers readers? Thanks to Andy Brittan from AB Creative for the design, grab one at an event near you……The Rock n Roll scene has lost one of it’s premier promoters, DJ, record collector and MC in Colin Silcocks recently. Here was a man who lived and breathed the Rock n Roll scene for many many years and gave countless bands their first gigs. We pass on our sincere condolences to his family and friends…..
If you like what you see and read here, help us keep this magazine free by popping us a donation over by using the button below. Thank you in advance
Danny McVey
The right Vey. A long overdue revisit to Hopetown Rockabilly Club in Yorkshire came about for us in mid-October. Having seen the Danny McVey Trio in the weekender setting before, we wanted to see their own show in a club environment, and Hopetown Liberal Club is always a good setting, although we’ve seen bigger crowds at Hopetown I must admit.
Danny McVey is the principal vocalist and rhythm guitarist, accompanied by the six string skills of Morgan Willis on lead and Wayne Harrison over from Norwich on bass. In fact his silver bass was a talking point among some attendees, was it wrapped in silver, or was it like a Dobro guitar and actually metal (blimey that would be heavy wouldn’t it). No drums and minimal ampage (not a word but you get my drift).
They opened up with the Surf Riders 1958 cut, ‘I’m Out’. If you listen to that song, or know it already, I suggest that the style and delivery pretty much sums up the trio. That and a certain Ric Cartey and Hasil Adkins resonance to the lead vocals throughout. A really good version by Danny vocally and the lads musically. His own composition, ‘Hello Heartache’ from the 2016 Rollin Records single, is a fine rocker, as is ‘French Woman’ that also made a welcome appearance, super guitar work on this one.
A few covers, with ‘I’m Ready’ and Jimmy Stewart’s ‘Nuthin’ But a Nuthin’ from ’57 deftly showcased, and the set ended with the flip of the band’s pink vinyl 45, ‘Knight of the Night’. The second set picked up where the first left off, following an instro track, I’ll be honest, I don’t know the name of. That was followed by another original from the EP, ‘Crazy To The Bone’, and to complete the collection from that release a couple of tunes later ‘One in a Million’. Always good to hear some original material, that has you guessing whether it had come from the vaults in Tennessee or from a recording studio in Crawley.
Another cover to flag up, was ‘Jenny Lu’, one of Hasil Adkins’ recordings from the 50’s and dispatch style mentions for Red Sovine/Lattie Moore’s ‘Juke Joint Johnnie’ and Ken Davis’ ‘Shook Shake’, bake mix cake and all. Oh, and not to forget the A side of the pink single, ‘Rock n Roll Star’. Good stuff in the ‘tonks of Yorkshire.
Click on the images below for full size pics
Danny McVey is the principal vocalist and rhythm guitarist, accompanied by the six string skills of Morgan Willis on lead and Wayne Harrison over from Norwich on bass. In fact his silver bass was a talking point among some attendees, was it wrapped in silver, or was it like a Dobro guitar and actually metal (blimey that would be heavy wouldn’t it). No drums and minimal ampage (not a word but you get my drift).
They opened up with the Surf Riders 1958 cut, ‘I’m Out’. If you listen to that song, or know it already, I suggest that the style and delivery pretty much sums up the trio. That and a certain Ric Cartey and Hasil Adkins resonance to the lead vocals throughout. A really good version by Danny vocally and the lads musically. His own composition, ‘Hello Heartache’ from the 2016 Rollin Records single, is a fine rocker, as is ‘French Woman’ that also made a welcome appearance, super guitar work on this one.
A few covers, with ‘I’m Ready’ and Jimmy Stewart’s ‘Nuthin’ But a Nuthin’ from ’57 deftly showcased, and the set ended with the flip of the band’s pink vinyl 45, ‘Knight of the Night’. The second set picked up where the first left off, following an instro track, I’ll be honest, I don’t know the name of. That was followed by another original from the EP, ‘Crazy To The Bone’, and to complete the collection from that release a couple of tunes later ‘One in a Million’. Always good to hear some original material, that has you guessing whether it had come from the vaults in Tennessee or from a recording studio in Crawley.
Another cover to flag up, was ‘Jenny Lu’, one of Hasil Adkins’ recordings from the 50’s and dispatch style mentions for Red Sovine/Lattie Moore’s ‘Juke Joint Johnnie’ and Ken Davis’ ‘Shook Shake’, bake mix cake and all. Oh, and not to forget the A side of the pink single, ‘Rock n Roll Star’. Good stuff in the ‘tonks of Yorkshire.
Click on the images below for full size pics
Darrel Higham
High Points. To Letchworth in Hertfordshire next, with the latest presentation from DJ Domino at the Jackman Community Centre. Here on stage, Darrel Higham and the Enforcers with Domino sharing DJ duties with the expertise on the decks of Steve Grinster. This club is one of those lucky ones that draw in a good crowd most times, testament to Nigel and Beverly mixing up the flavours with the acts they choose to play at the club.
Throughout the DJ sets we had some cracking dance tunes, the two DJ format works very well, and give the host plenty of time to mingle with the crowd(!). The trio took to the stage, after being given a Freudian slip of a name (Daryl Hall) in the introduction, and launched into a typically rocking set, opening with Herbie Smith’s ‘Baby Moon’.
Something for everyone in these two sets readers, from the trio of Darrel on lead guitar and vocals, Adam Miles on bass and drummer Rob Tyler with Cliff’s ‘High Class Baby’ and the rarely covered Johnny and Jonie dancefloor classic ‘Kee Ro Ryin’ hitting the mark. Now you’re bound to get some serious Eddie Cochran material in an Enforcers set and indeed this gig was no exception. ‘Hallelujah I Love Her So’, ‘Completely Sweet’, the powerhouse instrumental ‘Scratchin’ and ‘Nervous Breakdown’ all featured in the first set. Good also to hear the brace of Ricky Nelson tunes in the first set, ‘Shirley Lee’ and ‘Do You Know What I Mean’, and a real curve ball in Gene Simmons’ ‘Turnip Greens’.
The second set, included more of the band’s own stuff as well as the covers, especially material from the latest CD release ‘Bop Machine’. ‘The Brain Freeze’ was influenced by Darrel’s daughter eating ice cream, Ronnie Hayward’s ‘You Hound Ya Lie’ has an Enforcers’ twist, and Hank Legault’s ‘I Knew’ from ‘57 could have been written for the band.
Levi Dexter jumped up on stage to take on a few numbers, the likes of 'Jitterbop Baby', 'Honey Bunn' and 'Baby Let's Play House'
Pitch in as many Cliff Gallup licks as you can in a song and you have ‘Jumping With Gene’, and the Eddie Cochran slowy from the pen of Merle Travis, ‘Never’, from 1962, and you have some of the highlights of the second set, which was as well received as the first. Powerful encore with ‘Rockabilly Boogie’, that ended a memorable show. Another ace in Herts.
Click on the images below for full sized pics
Throughout the DJ sets we had some cracking dance tunes, the two DJ format works very well, and give the host plenty of time to mingle with the crowd(!). The trio took to the stage, after being given a Freudian slip of a name (Daryl Hall) in the introduction, and launched into a typically rocking set, opening with Herbie Smith’s ‘Baby Moon’.
Something for everyone in these two sets readers, from the trio of Darrel on lead guitar and vocals, Adam Miles on bass and drummer Rob Tyler with Cliff’s ‘High Class Baby’ and the rarely covered Johnny and Jonie dancefloor classic ‘Kee Ro Ryin’ hitting the mark. Now you’re bound to get some serious Eddie Cochran material in an Enforcers set and indeed this gig was no exception. ‘Hallelujah I Love Her So’, ‘Completely Sweet’, the powerhouse instrumental ‘Scratchin’ and ‘Nervous Breakdown’ all featured in the first set. Good also to hear the brace of Ricky Nelson tunes in the first set, ‘Shirley Lee’ and ‘Do You Know What I Mean’, and a real curve ball in Gene Simmons’ ‘Turnip Greens’.
The second set, included more of the band’s own stuff as well as the covers, especially material from the latest CD release ‘Bop Machine’. ‘The Brain Freeze’ was influenced by Darrel’s daughter eating ice cream, Ronnie Hayward’s ‘You Hound Ya Lie’ has an Enforcers’ twist, and Hank Legault’s ‘I Knew’ from ‘57 could have been written for the band.
Levi Dexter jumped up on stage to take on a few numbers, the likes of 'Jitterbop Baby', 'Honey Bunn' and 'Baby Let's Play House'
Pitch in as many Cliff Gallup licks as you can in a song and you have ‘Jumping With Gene’, and the Eddie Cochran slowy from the pen of Merle Travis, ‘Never’, from 1962, and you have some of the highlights of the second set, which was as well received as the first. Powerful encore with ‘Rockabilly Boogie’, that ended a memorable show. Another ace in Herts.
Click on the images below for full sized pics
Rob Hillier of the Devil's Cut Combo
Sounding the Retreat. To Northampton for the final gig review of this issue, and Eddie Gibbs’ presentation at the Vintage Retreat in the town. I don’t think we’ve been to another town with quite as many traffic lights! It literally felt like we went twenty yards to yet another set, normally on red.
The Vintage Retreat premises opened in 2013 and now includes a tea room and the Retro Room where the event this particular evening’s event was taking place. Entertainment was the Devil’s Cut Combo with Kelvin’s Red Hot Rhythm serving up the sounds. The Retro Room itself has been designed in the classic Art Deco style, with a feature wall behind the stage. The ceiling is lower than many places, making for a more intimate ambience.
DJ Kelvin, played a huge variety of tunes, from Elvis’ ‘Kissin’ Cousins’ through ‘My Pigeon’s Gone’ by Jesse Stone as Charles Calhoun, Peggy Lee’s version of ‘Every Night, Buddy and Ella Johnson’s ‘My Old Man’ and Hot Boogie Chillun’s ‘Black Cat Bone’. A good mix, to keep the crowd on their toes.
The Devil’s Cut Combo are a four piece, that bring their own upright piano and a considerable amount of decorative bric-a-brac, from a time period they represent through their music. The style is very much a hot mix of jump jive and R&B, a sort of ‘somewhere
in the 50’s’ category. The band members tend to go by their nicknames Slim D. Ville Proseco George, The Preacher Man and 'Wild' Bill Renwick. The main vocals are performed by front man Slim, or as many would know, Rob Hillier.
They presented two sets of, I’m pretty certain, original material, the likes of the rock-along sound of ‘Shake That Boogie Baby’, the piano pounding on ‘Pig’s Knuckle Soup’ a boogie woogie tune, that’s a sharp as a tack. Plenty of bounce too with the intriguingly titled tracks such as ‘Bottom Shelf Bourbon Meltdown’, ‘Monkey Shoulder’ and ‘Pay My Rent (Oh Mama Mama)’.
The second set continued much as the first, I think the two combined totalled around thirty songs, with the requested ‘Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar’ (from a previous incarnation) rubbing shoulders with ‘Two Dollar Shake’, ‘Dirty Fingerprints’ and ‘My Baby Likes To Rock ‘n’ Roll’. A typically polished and professional performance from a band that seem to have carved out their own niche, whether performing on the big stage or on the back of a truck. Big up to Eddie Gibbs for this venture too, who observed himself that it was all ‘rather good’.
Click on the photos for full size pics
The Vintage Retreat premises opened in 2013 and now includes a tea room and the Retro Room where the event this particular evening’s event was taking place. Entertainment was the Devil’s Cut Combo with Kelvin’s Red Hot Rhythm serving up the sounds. The Retro Room itself has been designed in the classic Art Deco style, with a feature wall behind the stage. The ceiling is lower than many places, making for a more intimate ambience.
DJ Kelvin, played a huge variety of tunes, from Elvis’ ‘Kissin’ Cousins’ through ‘My Pigeon’s Gone’ by Jesse Stone as Charles Calhoun, Peggy Lee’s version of ‘Every Night, Buddy and Ella Johnson’s ‘My Old Man’ and Hot Boogie Chillun’s ‘Black Cat Bone’. A good mix, to keep the crowd on their toes.
The Devil’s Cut Combo are a four piece, that bring their own upright piano and a considerable amount of decorative bric-a-brac, from a time period they represent through their music. The style is very much a hot mix of jump jive and R&B, a sort of ‘somewhere
in the 50’s’ category. The band members tend to go by their nicknames Slim D. Ville Proseco George, The Preacher Man and 'Wild' Bill Renwick. The main vocals are performed by front man Slim, or as many would know, Rob Hillier.
They presented two sets of, I’m pretty certain, original material, the likes of the rock-along sound of ‘Shake That Boogie Baby’, the piano pounding on ‘Pig’s Knuckle Soup’ a boogie woogie tune, that’s a sharp as a tack. Plenty of bounce too with the intriguingly titled tracks such as ‘Bottom Shelf Bourbon Meltdown’, ‘Monkey Shoulder’ and ‘Pay My Rent (Oh Mama Mama)’.
The second set continued much as the first, I think the two combined totalled around thirty songs, with the requested ‘Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar’ (from a previous incarnation) rubbing shoulders with ‘Two Dollar Shake’, ‘Dirty Fingerprints’ and ‘My Baby Likes To Rock ‘n’ Roll’. A typically polished and professional performance from a band that seem to have carved out their own niche, whether performing on the big stage or on the back of a truck. Big up to Eddie Gibbs for this venture too, who observed himself that it was all ‘rather good’.
Click on the photos for full size pics
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Your hosts for the Boston Jive Christmas Party are Claire and Neil Seabrook. A cracking double header with the B Sides, a popular trio from Lincolnshire, and Sugar Ray and the Lucky Strikes, fronted by the multi talented Pat Reyford. All supported by Mister Big Feet on sounds.
An ace night in an excellent venue 
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For the second Southport Rumble event in the North West of the UK, your hosts Kevin Greener and Tracey Hobbs, have built on the success of this year’s weekender, with a stellar line up for 2020.
They also run successful country music events at the same venue and in the North East and the Rock Ridge Rumble weekender that you can read about in this issue (above), and check the old weekender page on our site for a full review of the 2019 debut weekender. And we have a picture of Kevin and Tracey :) 
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Interview with DJ Domino aka Nigel Babb
Well stop the press, to coin his own phrase, it's DJ Domino aka Nigel Babb. We met Nigel a few years ago, a massively enthusiastic guy, who has an almost insatiable love for Rock n Roll. He had an initial concern about what to say in the interview, I just said 'Say whatever you want to'. Well, here we are......
BJR. We ask most of our interviewees a similar question, so here goes. What got you into Rock n Roll?
Domino Well Andrew my dear Dad Denzil Decourcey Babb got me into music from an early age from the late sixties starting with Trojan reggae rocksteady ska listening to great artists like Desmond Dekker, Toots And The Maytals Bob Marley and the Wailers FATS DOMINO, NAT KING COLE etc etc then I got into GLAM ROCK Slade Sweet , Mud, T.REX David Bowie , Suzi Quattro ( Goodness gracious me ! ) from the age of 9 years old in 1972 !
I was aware of the Legendary Elvis Presley's great track Burning love in 1972 . However in 1974 / 1975 I started picking up on Rock and Roll via the magazines I was collecting in masses called the RECORD MIRROR . In that magazine they had charts from the early 60's and Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Cliff Richard and The Shadows, Elvis Presley, Del Shannon, Duane Eddy were very prominent in those charts which really gained my interest and my first for knowledge for rock and roll in other articles in in that great music magazine.
I got my first ever rock and roll album from the free vouchers record mirror were putting in their magazines to collect over a period of time . I collected the right amount to send of and receive my first rock and roll album GOLDEN DECADE. That great album that the fantastic music compiler of great cd compilations and much much more DAVE PENNY is aware of that album from previous discussions we had have That great album on CONTEMPO label had great tracks by Del Shannon, Adlibs, Ketty Lester and Johnny And The Hurricanes . That album was the fuse that lit my starting love of Rock and Roll followed on by my dear Mum buying my ELVIS PRESLEY GREATEST HITS ( 7 album boxset) on reader's digest in 1975 when I was 12 years old which led to me buying many rock and Roll records albums up to 1979 with pocket money from dear Mum and Dad .buying rock and roll 45's from school and friends giving me rock and roll music.
Also see the Legendary Elvis Presley Bill Haley And The Comets films from 1976 further cemented my love of rock and roll dove tailing into buying my first Eddie Cochran album in 1978 when I was 15 years old ( 15th anniversary album The very best of Eddie Cochran which in turn turned me into a massive Eddie Cochran fan which in turn made me buy ship loads of his fantastic output across many formats including 45's LPs EPS boxsets , pictures, DVDs etc etc to this present day !
BJR. Do you recall the first rocking gig you went to?
Domino The first rockin' gig/ club i went too was in 2012 run monthly by Graham Urquhart and he had on the great band from Holland called MISCHIEF and it was the night I discovered the fantastic rockabilly bopper WOODPECKER ROCK by NAT COUTY AND THE BRAVES !!!!! Wow what fantastic track I thought !!!! (The club name escapes me atm but I will find out!) when I came out ........ Came out a closet rockabilly! Lol!
After discovering that there was a rockin scene through the first people I met by chance Bill Guntrip (Pink Cadillac club / Hemsby weekender) Leigh and Frances Matthews. My first weekender I attended in 2012 was HEMSBY WEEKENDER! I was totally and utterly blown away by the people great bands DJ'S record/Cd stalls like Bim Bam records , Spindrift records clothing stalls 50's dress and cool style of the men and women, the 50's cars and bikes
I met many many new friends and went on to make many many great top top friends that weekend and before and right up to now like Jett Black, Marilyn Black, Marilyn Black, Mark and Nicola Houghton, Spiros Nicolaou, John Kennedy etc Chris Edwards Geraldine Edwards-Brown, plus so many dear many dear friends. I had no clothes! Lol! I mean 50'S clothes Freddies, Prison blues Jeans, Levi jackets, Charlie Harper shirts, baker boy hats etc then. I had no idea that there was even a rockin scene at all till 2012! But I had been buying rock and roll, rockabilly, British rock and roll etc since 1975 when I was 12 .I was loving other music with friends not associated with the rockin scene at all !!!! On my discovering of the rockin scene I felt I found my home and I went out nearly 7 days a week totally smashing clubs/ weekenders
Well stop the press, to coin his own phrase, it's DJ Domino aka Nigel Babb. We met Nigel a few years ago, a massively enthusiastic guy, who has an almost insatiable love for Rock n Roll. He had an initial concern about what to say in the interview, I just said 'Say whatever you want to'. Well, here we are......
BJR. We ask most of our interviewees a similar question, so here goes. What got you into Rock n Roll?
Domino Well Andrew my dear Dad Denzil Decourcey Babb got me into music from an early age from the late sixties starting with Trojan reggae rocksteady ska listening to great artists like Desmond Dekker, Toots And The Maytals Bob Marley and the Wailers FATS DOMINO, NAT KING COLE etc etc then I got into GLAM ROCK Slade Sweet , Mud, T.REX David Bowie , Suzi Quattro ( Goodness gracious me ! ) from the age of 9 years old in 1972 !
I was aware of the Legendary Elvis Presley's great track Burning love in 1972 . However in 1974 / 1975 I started picking up on Rock and Roll via the magazines I was collecting in masses called the RECORD MIRROR . In that magazine they had charts from the early 60's and Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Cliff Richard and The Shadows, Elvis Presley, Del Shannon, Duane Eddy were very prominent in those charts which really gained my interest and my first for knowledge for rock and roll in other articles in in that great music magazine.
I got my first ever rock and roll album from the free vouchers record mirror were putting in their magazines to collect over a period of time . I collected the right amount to send of and receive my first rock and roll album GOLDEN DECADE. That great album that the fantastic music compiler of great cd compilations and much much more DAVE PENNY is aware of that album from previous discussions we had have That great album on CONTEMPO label had great tracks by Del Shannon, Adlibs, Ketty Lester and Johnny And The Hurricanes . That album was the fuse that lit my starting love of Rock and Roll followed on by my dear Mum buying my ELVIS PRESLEY GREATEST HITS ( 7 album boxset) on reader's digest in 1975 when I was 12 years old which led to me buying many rock and Roll records albums up to 1979 with pocket money from dear Mum and Dad .buying rock and roll 45's from school and friends giving me rock and roll music.
Also see the Legendary Elvis Presley Bill Haley And The Comets films from 1976 further cemented my love of rock and roll dove tailing into buying my first Eddie Cochran album in 1978 when I was 15 years old ( 15th anniversary album The very best of Eddie Cochran which in turn turned me into a massive Eddie Cochran fan which in turn made me buy ship loads of his fantastic output across many formats including 45's LPs EPS boxsets , pictures, DVDs etc etc to this present day !
BJR. Do you recall the first rocking gig you went to?
Domino The first rockin' gig/ club i went too was in 2012 run monthly by Graham Urquhart and he had on the great band from Holland called MISCHIEF and it was the night I discovered the fantastic rockabilly bopper WOODPECKER ROCK by NAT COUTY AND THE BRAVES !!!!! Wow what fantastic track I thought !!!! (The club name escapes me atm but I will find out!) when I came out ........ Came out a closet rockabilly! Lol!
After discovering that there was a rockin scene through the first people I met by chance Bill Guntrip (Pink Cadillac club / Hemsby weekender) Leigh and Frances Matthews. My first weekender I attended in 2012 was HEMSBY WEEKENDER! I was totally and utterly blown away by the people great bands DJ'S record/Cd stalls like Bim Bam records , Spindrift records clothing stalls 50's dress and cool style of the men and women, the 50's cars and bikes
I met many many new friends and went on to make many many great top top friends that weekend and before and right up to now like Jett Black, Marilyn Black, Marilyn Black, Mark and Nicola Houghton, Spiros Nicolaou, John Kennedy etc Chris Edwards Geraldine Edwards-Brown, plus so many dear many dear friends. I had no clothes! Lol! I mean 50'S clothes Freddies, Prison blues Jeans, Levi jackets, Charlie Harper shirts, baker boy hats etc then. I had no idea that there was even a rockin scene at all till 2012! But I had been buying rock and roll, rockabilly, British rock and roll etc since 1975 when I was 12 .I was loving other music with friends not associated with the rockin scene at all !!!! On my discovering of the rockin scene I felt I found my home and I went out nearly 7 days a week totally smashing clubs/ weekenders
Some of the gang at Dominos
BJR Since we’ve known you, you have started a club and DJ’d at some high-profile clubs and events. When did you start DJing?
Domino Yes Andrew I started DJ-ing in clubs/ weekenders circa 2013. Starting at the great rockin club in Luton called DONT KNOCK THE ROCK run by Porky Guest, Sarah Guest, Little Lee, Ritchie Guest. I kept asking and asking them and they initially said ' You are not a DJ! ' But I said I was a jiver, bopper and I can feel a great beat for dancers in my soul So when I realised the Ritchie from my neck lock! Lol! The team agreed to let me DJ for them for a long period of time and showed me the ropes of Dj-ing and keep me at ease with their excellent tuition which I am forever grateful for.
This in turn further down the line lead me to DJ at, JONNY B'S ( Kav Kavanagh ) FATS CITY ( Dinger) JINXS JOINT ( Howard Cox ) RED HOT AND ROCKIN ( Mark and Lin Vincent) PINK CADILLAC CLUB ( BILL GUNTRIP) PYRAMID CLUB JUMP BACK BOOGIE ( Adrian Waters ) ALL SAINTS ROCKIN CLUB ( Colin the train ) BOP STREET ( SIMON AND CHARLIE TUGWELL) NINE LIVES ROCK AND ROLL CLUB ( SPIKE AND LINETTE) YAXLEY ROCK AND ROLL CLUB BOP STREET ALLDAYER WEEKENDERS, RHYTHM RIOT, HEMSBY WEEKENDER, SHAKEDOWN WEEKENDER ........... APPEARANCES ON STEVE STACK O WAX RADIO SHOW DOMINO ROCK AND ROLL CLUB (I am Host and DJ with my dear partner Beverly Buckland)
I have truly loved DJ-ing at all above venues which represents a dream come true for me beyond my wildest dreams and beyond!
BJR And your DJ name ‘Domino’, what influenced that choice?
Domino When I first got in the rockin scene my nickname DJ name was WEEKENDATNIGHS PLACE! Weekend part of my name coming from one of my favourite Eddie Cochran tracks WEEKEND. I was DJ-ing at HOWARD COX'S great and fabulous JINXS JOINT club in London. Howard said to me we need to shorten your DJ name! He came up with DOMINO! That name sounded great and just right for me and it was also the name of my dear Dad Denzil Decourcey Babb's favourite 50's R'N'B artiste FATS DOMINO.
BJR Do you have a set playlist for the evening, or ad lib, when you see the crowd come in?
Domino. I do not play to playlist. I play to the crowd. I Dj across the board with music styles like British rock and roll, Hillbilly, Rockabilly, 50's Rhythm and Blues jump jive etc. Classic rock and roll , rock and roll , jiving instrumentals , Blues boppers, etc etc . I will play some track to engage the impending jivers, boppers, strollers. I look all around the room to gauge people's body language, see if they are moving tapping their feet etc etc .
Once you get a few jivers up it is my task to play a good mixture of tune in various tempos pace and styles to encourage more dancers to get up to keep the flow too. If the floor clears or people are slow to get up and dance then I enjoy the challenge to find the tunes to hit the spot I like to sandwich lesser known tracks in make the crowd think wow what is that great track ! and I imagine I am a dancer on that dancefloor too and that helps me too in picking tunes that I got a great feel for in my heart and soul
Domino Yes Andrew I started DJ-ing in clubs/ weekenders circa 2013. Starting at the great rockin club in Luton called DONT KNOCK THE ROCK run by Porky Guest, Sarah Guest, Little Lee, Ritchie Guest. I kept asking and asking them and they initially said ' You are not a DJ! ' But I said I was a jiver, bopper and I can feel a great beat for dancers in my soul So when I realised the Ritchie from my neck lock! Lol! The team agreed to let me DJ for them for a long period of time and showed me the ropes of Dj-ing and keep me at ease with their excellent tuition which I am forever grateful for.
This in turn further down the line lead me to DJ at, JONNY B'S ( Kav Kavanagh ) FATS CITY ( Dinger) JINXS JOINT ( Howard Cox ) RED HOT AND ROCKIN ( Mark and Lin Vincent) PINK CADILLAC CLUB ( BILL GUNTRIP) PYRAMID CLUB JUMP BACK BOOGIE ( Adrian Waters ) ALL SAINTS ROCKIN CLUB ( Colin the train ) BOP STREET ( SIMON AND CHARLIE TUGWELL) NINE LIVES ROCK AND ROLL CLUB ( SPIKE AND LINETTE) YAXLEY ROCK AND ROLL CLUB BOP STREET ALLDAYER WEEKENDERS, RHYTHM RIOT, HEMSBY WEEKENDER, SHAKEDOWN WEEKENDER ........... APPEARANCES ON STEVE STACK O WAX RADIO SHOW DOMINO ROCK AND ROLL CLUB (I am Host and DJ with my dear partner Beverly Buckland)
I have truly loved DJ-ing at all above venues which represents a dream come true for me beyond my wildest dreams and beyond!
BJR And your DJ name ‘Domino’, what influenced that choice?
Domino When I first got in the rockin scene my nickname DJ name was WEEKENDATNIGHS PLACE! Weekend part of my name coming from one of my favourite Eddie Cochran tracks WEEKEND. I was DJ-ing at HOWARD COX'S great and fabulous JINXS JOINT club in London. Howard said to me we need to shorten your DJ name! He came up with DOMINO! That name sounded great and just right for me and it was also the name of my dear Dad Denzil Decourcey Babb's favourite 50's R'N'B artiste FATS DOMINO.
BJR Do you have a set playlist for the evening, or ad lib, when you see the crowd come in?
Domino. I do not play to playlist. I play to the crowd. I Dj across the board with music styles like British rock and roll, Hillbilly, Rockabilly, 50's Rhythm and Blues jump jive etc. Classic rock and roll , rock and roll , jiving instrumentals , Blues boppers, etc etc . I will play some track to engage the impending jivers, boppers, strollers. I look all around the room to gauge people's body language, see if they are moving tapping their feet etc etc .
Once you get a few jivers up it is my task to play a good mixture of tune in various tempos pace and styles to encourage more dancers to get up to keep the flow too. If the floor clears or people are slow to get up and dance then I enjoy the challenge to find the tunes to hit the spot I like to sandwich lesser known tracks in make the crowd think wow what is that great track ! and I imagine I am a dancer on that dancefloor too and that helps me too in picking tunes that I got a great feel for in my heart and soul
BJR. Quick fire questions, CD or Vinyl?
Domino CD AND VINYL as I have ship loads of both! My new Technics Turntables will be ready for Friday 13th of December for our Hicksville Bombers event
BJR Favourite bopper (you being a serious proponent of the art!)
Domino Lol! You know I love a good Bop Andrew! In my younger I could smash the boppers all night! Lol! Nowadays I wait till the last 40 seconds of a bopper so I have enough energy to walk of the floor! ........ Lol!
Here is my Top five Boppers. 1, WOODPECKER ROCK. NAT COUNTY AND THE BRAVES. 2 DO ME NO WRONG. PAT CUPP 3, TANGI PAHO. SONNY STARNS 4, ENNIE MINNIE MO HOYT JOHNSON. 5, BOPPIN THE BLUES. CARL PERKINS. I could easily do a top 1.000 boppers! Lol! as there are many many boppers I have left out!
BJR Since then, you and your partner Beverly, started the Domino Rock n Roll club in Letchworth, how has that been going?
Domino By and large we had had a fabulous support from our dear friends from the past present and the future. It has been very encouraging to see many new faces each month. We are also seeing people dear friends travel from near and far from places like Scotland Cyprus, Portsmouth, Cambridge, Wales, Kent, Hitchin, Stevenage, Letchworth, Luton, Essex London, Southend Basingstoke Milton Keynes etc etc which is so great to see.
We can have up and down attendances too due to many events on near and far family commitments holidays etc etc . Myself and my dear partner work very hard at our club not to be complacent and not expect our dear friends to support us every time which is great but we do realise there is loads on every month with so much choices. If our dear friends cannot make our event, we will always love them no matter what.
With our range of advertising campaigns fantastic help and support from our dear friends spreading the word about our fabulous venue, award winning design flyers by Andy Brittan at ABCREATIVE helps us immensely to catch the public's eye with are unique and great flyers. Plus, we have promo films to advertise our club the great rockin artists guest DJs stall-holders record/ cd sellers who are appearing at our club to great effect which promotes I feel that DOMINO ROCK AND ROLL CLUB is a great rockin place. It is hard work for myself and Beverly to run the club on so many facets and levels but we enjoy the challenge and we will and try to adapt to the ever-changing landscape on the rockin scene where
BJR. Your band and DJ line ups are varied, can you explain the process of picking acts for your events?
Domino When I am selecting a band or DJ I have in mind what I think the people would like to see but also select exciting rockin bands that would appeal to the masses whether the band is in UK or abroad I would have seen the bands we book performing at over gigs events weekenders or I would have bought the music output of the bands we book as this is also a great indicator of the musical style performance charisma professionalism of bands booked to appear at Domino rock and roll club .
We also have bands contacts us regarding bookings and they in turn would state what events they have played at or they would send me a cd or song links of their band via You Tube. I would like to think I know if a band will go down well but ultimately it is down to friends from the past present and the future who will embrace the bands on their own likability merit.
The Dj's we chose are top top DJs on top of their game and many many of our guests DJs have DJ-ed in many venues in UK and abroad. Flipping the coin on itself if the music is in their heart and soul it doesn't matter how long these guys have been DJ-ing as long as they dig the music they play which they always do and gauge the feel of the boppers jivers strollers and people just really enjoying their music whether they are sitting or standing. Who I am to judge anybody be it Artists or DJs as long as they dig what they play in their heart minds body and soul then that is a battle won in my book.
Domino CD AND VINYL as I have ship loads of both! My new Technics Turntables will be ready for Friday 13th of December for our Hicksville Bombers event
BJR Favourite bopper (you being a serious proponent of the art!)
Domino Lol! You know I love a good Bop Andrew! In my younger I could smash the boppers all night! Lol! Nowadays I wait till the last 40 seconds of a bopper so I have enough energy to walk of the floor! ........ Lol!
Here is my Top five Boppers. 1, WOODPECKER ROCK. NAT COUNTY AND THE BRAVES. 2 DO ME NO WRONG. PAT CUPP 3, TANGI PAHO. SONNY STARNS 4, ENNIE MINNIE MO HOYT JOHNSON. 5, BOPPIN THE BLUES. CARL PERKINS. I could easily do a top 1.000 boppers! Lol! as there are many many boppers I have left out!
BJR Since then, you and your partner Beverly, started the Domino Rock n Roll club in Letchworth, how has that been going?
Domino By and large we had had a fabulous support from our dear friends from the past present and the future. It has been very encouraging to see many new faces each month. We are also seeing people dear friends travel from near and far from places like Scotland Cyprus, Portsmouth, Cambridge, Wales, Kent, Hitchin, Stevenage, Letchworth, Luton, Essex London, Southend Basingstoke Milton Keynes etc etc which is so great to see.
We can have up and down attendances too due to many events on near and far family commitments holidays etc etc . Myself and my dear partner work very hard at our club not to be complacent and not expect our dear friends to support us every time which is great but we do realise there is loads on every month with so much choices. If our dear friends cannot make our event, we will always love them no matter what.
With our range of advertising campaigns fantastic help and support from our dear friends spreading the word about our fabulous venue, award winning design flyers by Andy Brittan at ABCREATIVE helps us immensely to catch the public's eye with are unique and great flyers. Plus, we have promo films to advertise our club the great rockin artists guest DJs stall-holders record/ cd sellers who are appearing at our club to great effect which promotes I feel that DOMINO ROCK AND ROLL CLUB is a great rockin place. It is hard work for myself and Beverly to run the club on so many facets and levels but we enjoy the challenge and we will and try to adapt to the ever-changing landscape on the rockin scene where
BJR. Your band and DJ line ups are varied, can you explain the process of picking acts for your events?
Domino When I am selecting a band or DJ I have in mind what I think the people would like to see but also select exciting rockin bands that would appeal to the masses whether the band is in UK or abroad I would have seen the bands we book performing at over gigs events weekenders or I would have bought the music output of the bands we book as this is also a great indicator of the musical style performance charisma professionalism of bands booked to appear at Domino rock and roll club .
We also have bands contacts us regarding bookings and they in turn would state what events they have played at or they would send me a cd or song links of their band via You Tube. I would like to think I know if a band will go down well but ultimately it is down to friends from the past present and the future who will embrace the bands on their own likability merit.
The Dj's we chose are top top DJs on top of their game and many many of our guests DJs have DJ-ed in many venues in UK and abroad. Flipping the coin on itself if the music is in their heart and soul it doesn't matter how long these guys have been DJ-ing as long as they dig the music they play which they always do and gauge the feel of the boppers jivers strollers and people just really enjoying their music whether they are sitting or standing. Who I am to judge anybody be it Artists or DJs as long as they dig what they play in their heart minds body and soul then that is a battle won in my book.
BJR Is there one band or act that you’d love to have on the Domino stage? Let’s broaden it out, past or present (alive or otherwise). Kind of a dream ticket
Domino My dream line up of great dream bands I would like to play at Domino rock and roll are the ones who have performed at our club or about to play at our club this year include: THE JETS , DARREL HIGHAM AND THE ENFORCERS, PHIL HALEY AND HIS COMMENTS, (UK) THE GO GETTERS,( SWEDEN ) MIKE BELL AND THE BELLTONES ( FINLAND ) CHERRY DIVINE ( AUSTRALIA) JAKE CALYPSO ( FRANCE ) SPUNY BOYS ( FRANCE ) DANNY MCVEY TRIO ( UK ) HICKSVILLE BOMBERS( UK )
Dream bands I would love to play at Domino rock and roll club include: BILL FADDEN AND THE RHYTHM BUSTERS UK, ANITA O’NIGHT AND THE MERCURY THREE, THE Legendary PAT CUPP, ART ADAMS, THE LEGENDARY EDDIE COCHRAN GENE VINCENT AND THE BLUE CAPS. BILL HALEY AND HIS COMETS, (ELVIS PRESLEY SCOTTY MOORE, BILL BLACK, DJ FONTANA) JERRY LEE LEWIS LITTLE RICHARD DONNIE ELBERT, WYONIE HARRIS, BIG JOE TURNER. CARL PERKINS, JOHNNY CASH, BARBARA PITTMAN, KENNY PARCHMAN, JODIMARS, BOYD BENNETT. That would be some dream line up for sure man!
BJR What does the future hold for you
Domino Since myself and my dear partner Beverly Buckland have been running the club, we have put in ship loads of hard work love and much pleasure into Domino rock and roll club. From the start nobody knew who we were as a club so we travelled to many clubs, weekenders, gigs. all dayers etc etc to spread the word about our club.
Our advertising campaigns were and are quite striking as we try to cover areas near and far. On the whole we have had very good turn outs as your good selves and many of our dear friends can testify to that and we don’t take things for granted as we are always trying to improve our club on many levels and of course we have had our peaks and troughs regarding numbers and we always try our best before during and after that we have done our best to make our rockin nights out fantastic for everybody.
We are very happy how things have been going but we are always trying to improve on our friendly service and big welcome to all everyone who comes to Domino R'N'R. Our reputation is spreading as people friends from the past present and the future can come and have a great time and enjoy the great atmosphere the great bands and DJ'S we have had at our club we strive to continue in that vein but keep a close eye on the ever changing rockin scene landscape.
I have now crystal ball for myself Beverly at Domino rock and roll club but here is what is coming and in planning stage for next year.
1 : New exciting event list completion for 2020 very soon folks !
2 : More DJ-ing at other clubs and special venues
3 : Big special news to be announced on DJ-ing at major events.
4 : A new club night launch
5 : Improvements to be made to enhance Domino rock and roll rockin experience for all on many levels .
6 : Y'all will just have to wait and see and watch this space for more special news !
How can people get in touch with you to book you as a DJ or for details about the club?
Domino I can be contacted on : Facebook page Nigel Babb
Facebook group page: DJ DOMINO AKA NIGEL BABB
Phone number 07597938200
Email address [email protected].
Instagram account nigel_babb
Domino My dream line up of great dream bands I would like to play at Domino rock and roll are the ones who have performed at our club or about to play at our club this year include: THE JETS , DARREL HIGHAM AND THE ENFORCERS, PHIL HALEY AND HIS COMMENTS, (UK) THE GO GETTERS,( SWEDEN ) MIKE BELL AND THE BELLTONES ( FINLAND ) CHERRY DIVINE ( AUSTRALIA) JAKE CALYPSO ( FRANCE ) SPUNY BOYS ( FRANCE ) DANNY MCVEY TRIO ( UK ) HICKSVILLE BOMBERS( UK )
Dream bands I would love to play at Domino rock and roll club include: BILL FADDEN AND THE RHYTHM BUSTERS UK, ANITA O’NIGHT AND THE MERCURY THREE, THE Legendary PAT CUPP, ART ADAMS, THE LEGENDARY EDDIE COCHRAN GENE VINCENT AND THE BLUE CAPS. BILL HALEY AND HIS COMETS, (ELVIS PRESLEY SCOTTY MOORE, BILL BLACK, DJ FONTANA) JERRY LEE LEWIS LITTLE RICHARD DONNIE ELBERT, WYONIE HARRIS, BIG JOE TURNER. CARL PERKINS, JOHNNY CASH, BARBARA PITTMAN, KENNY PARCHMAN, JODIMARS, BOYD BENNETT. That would be some dream line up for sure man!
BJR What does the future hold for you
Domino Since myself and my dear partner Beverly Buckland have been running the club, we have put in ship loads of hard work love and much pleasure into Domino rock and roll club. From the start nobody knew who we were as a club so we travelled to many clubs, weekenders, gigs. all dayers etc etc to spread the word about our club.
Our advertising campaigns were and are quite striking as we try to cover areas near and far. On the whole we have had very good turn outs as your good selves and many of our dear friends can testify to that and we don’t take things for granted as we are always trying to improve our club on many levels and of course we have had our peaks and troughs regarding numbers and we always try our best before during and after that we have done our best to make our rockin nights out fantastic for everybody.
We are very happy how things have been going but we are always trying to improve on our friendly service and big welcome to all everyone who comes to Domino R'N'R. Our reputation is spreading as people friends from the past present and the future can come and have a great time and enjoy the great atmosphere the great bands and DJ'S we have had at our club we strive to continue in that vein but keep a close eye on the ever changing rockin scene landscape.
I have now crystal ball for myself Beverly at Domino rock and roll club but here is what is coming and in planning stage for next year.
1 : New exciting event list completion for 2020 very soon folks !
2 : More DJ-ing at other clubs and special venues
3 : Big special news to be announced on DJ-ing at major events.
4 : A new club night launch
5 : Improvements to be made to enhance Domino rock and roll rockin experience for all on many levels .
6 : Y'all will just have to wait and see and watch this space for more special news !
How can people get in touch with you to book you as a DJ or for details about the club?
Domino I can be contacted on : Facebook page Nigel Babb
Facebook group page: DJ DOMINO AKA NIGEL BABB
Phone number 07597938200
Email address [email protected].
Instagram account nigel_babb
An announcement from the Atomic team
Any of you, who attended the Atomic Vintage Festival this year, will have recalled the dramatic plunge in temperatures from the tropical heights of 38c on the Thursday to 28c on the Friday and rain and wind with 14c temps on the Saturday and Sunday.
There will not be a 2020 Atomic event. Attendees past and present have been asking about the future Atomic events, so we are pleased to be able to present the latest scoop on the event
We have exciting news for ATOMIC fans!
We have been working hard behind the scenes and are finalising details with a huge NEW INDOOR VENUE, ready to re-launch ATOMIC in 2021.
We know that you love the cars, the top quality live music, the dedicated DJ rooms, the cinema and all the amazing ATOMIC attractions, and how keen you are to enjoy them all again.
Thanks for all the fantastic emails and messages – we can’t wait to see you all at the new venue.
If you're not already on the ATOMIC newslist, click here to sign up... https://www.atomicfestival.co.uk/join-the-atomic-mailing-l…/
You’ll get details of the new date and location as soon as they are released, and you’ll be the first to know when Early Bird tickets go on sale for the fabulous relaunch of one of your favourite shows!
The countdown to a new, dry ATOMIC starts now.
Robin & Colette, Jerry Chatabox & Miss Mary Ann
Any of you, who attended the Atomic Vintage Festival this year, will have recalled the dramatic plunge in temperatures from the tropical heights of 38c on the Thursday to 28c on the Friday and rain and wind with 14c temps on the Saturday and Sunday.
There will not be a 2020 Atomic event. Attendees past and present have been asking about the future Atomic events, so we are pleased to be able to present the latest scoop on the event
We have exciting news for ATOMIC fans!
We have been working hard behind the scenes and are finalising details with a huge NEW INDOOR VENUE, ready to re-launch ATOMIC in 2021.
We know that you love the cars, the top quality live music, the dedicated DJ rooms, the cinema and all the amazing ATOMIC attractions, and how keen you are to enjoy them all again.
Thanks for all the fantastic emails and messages – we can’t wait to see you all at the new venue.
If you're not already on the ATOMIC newslist, click here to sign up... https://www.atomicfestival.co.uk/join-the-atomic-mailing-l…/
You’ll get details of the new date and location as soon as they are released, and you’ll be the first to know when Early Bird tickets go on sale for the fabulous relaunch of one of your favourite shows!
The countdown to a new, dry ATOMIC starts now.
Robin & Colette, Jerry Chatabox & Miss Mary Ann
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Your hosts for Hemsby nowadays are Bill Guntrip and his family. Following May’s event, Bill has announced a super line up for 2020. And indeed has a ‘save the date’ for 16th to 19th October 2020. In the meantime, check out the website for further details, and get booking, it’s going to be a good one.
Word is that there has been a lot of repeat bookings from this May, and in the regenerated camp site and new ownership, has reinforced the fact that the longest running Rock n Roll Weekender, is still going strong 
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photo credit, thanks to Amalfi Bella
June's Jives
Hello folks.
Well we are back from the Rockabilly Blowout, and the Rhythm Riot, both weekenders were brilliant music wise.
We stayed off site at the Blowout, but the venue its held in Drayton manor theme park which is large enough for all the people that attended, 3 rooms one which holds a couple of stalls and has a bar, the second in the middle is the hall for the bands, and the 3rd hall holds more stalls and also has a bar, and seating. A great time was had except we missed most of Saturday due to me having a migraine.
Now the Rhythm Riot. Well, the music halls are fantastic, my favourite is the ballroom upstairs, lots of seating and a wonderful sprung dance floor. People often complain about the accommodation, yes it's a Pontins site, that says it all really. The promotors Robin and Colette Weathersbee, and Jerry Chatabox put a lot of hard work into running this event and clearly it works well. The venue itself is run by Pontins, so any complaints should be aimed at Pontins.
The chalets are cold and people were ripped off for electric, but once you’re over the halls and dancing your socks off, you tend to forget about the outside world, and wonder honestly how long do spend in the chalets anyway?
We take our own bedding as well as our own food etc. This is advisable, as there are microwaves in the chalets, and we take heaters as well. Having attended the Riot for over 20 years, and all have been different, I can't help but feel for the promoters, getting flack for the accommodation, they can't do much about it, people would be better of complaining to Pontins.
Both events were absolutely fantastic musically, the bands and the DJ's played some awesome stuff.
I’d definitely recommend both events.
Ta ta for now. June
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Hello folks.
Well we are back from the Rockabilly Blowout, and the Rhythm Riot, both weekenders were brilliant music wise.
We stayed off site at the Blowout, but the venue its held in Drayton manor theme park which is large enough for all the people that attended, 3 rooms one which holds a couple of stalls and has a bar, the second in the middle is the hall for the bands, and the 3rd hall holds more stalls and also has a bar, and seating. A great time was had except we missed most of Saturday due to me having a migraine.
Now the Rhythm Riot. Well, the music halls are fantastic, my favourite is the ballroom upstairs, lots of seating and a wonderful sprung dance floor. People often complain about the accommodation, yes it's a Pontins site, that says it all really. The promotors Robin and Colette Weathersbee, and Jerry Chatabox put a lot of hard work into running this event and clearly it works well. The venue itself is run by Pontins, so any complaints should be aimed at Pontins.
The chalets are cold and people were ripped off for electric, but once you’re over the halls and dancing your socks off, you tend to forget about the outside world, and wonder honestly how long do spend in the chalets anyway?
We take our own bedding as well as our own food etc. This is advisable, as there are microwaves in the chalets, and we take heaters as well. Having attended the Riot for over 20 years, and all have been different, I can't help but feel for the promoters, getting flack for the accommodation, they can't do much about it, people would be better of complaining to Pontins.
Both events were absolutely fantastic musically, the bands and the DJ's played some awesome stuff.
I’d definitely recommend both events.
Ta ta for now. June
If you like what you see and read here, help us keep it free by popping us over a donation using the button below. Many thanks in advance
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Your hosts for the Hot Rock n Boogie weekender in 2020 are Neil and Claire Seabrook, of Boston Jive. Next year is the third event, and boasts an excellent line up.
Each year, there are different features to help improve the event, the venue and the experience for attendees. It's gonna be another good one folks! 
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Your host for the Rockabilly Rave, is Jerry Chatabox. Next year, 2020, marks the 24th year of Europe’s, if not the world’s premier Rockabilly Festival. Next year sees for one event only, the Bellfuries, lead singer Joey Simeone pictured below will be performing at. Yes readers, they are reforming just for the Rockabilly Rave.
This isn't quite the finished article folks, there's more to come. Keep checking back readers 
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Racketeer Radio will be launched Jan. 1st 2020. Beginning then Racketeer Radio will be playing the best music and programs from the golden age along with the best radio shows of today, featuring music inspired from the sounds of the 1930s-1960s. Programs of true crime, noir, Hollywoodland, Gangsters, Vintage Lifestlye and so much more. Connecting you with todays favorite bands their news, tours, and updates. Sharing with you the best vintage inspired brands, events, news and everything in between. Racketeer Radio is your central station for the vintage life style, the Nostalgic Culture.
keep up to date before the launch www.RacketeerRadio.com www.instagram.com/Racketeer_Radio |
Record reviews
Waiting by the Dance Floor -Howlin’ Ric and the Rocketeers
CD review
Castleford based five piece, Howlin’ Ric and the Rocketeers, have been making waves on the Rock n Roll circuit for a couple of years now, and following their 45rpm release in May ’19, they’ve now presented a full album. Howlin’ Ric is the alter ego of lead singer Richard Colley, who is the songwriter and rhythm guitarist to boot.
The opening track, ‘Your Lovin’ Days Are Through’, was the ‘A’ side of their single, a stick-on dance floor jive winner, well-crafted and cool rhythmic beat. The band’s and in particular Ric’s vocal style, puts us in mind of J D McPherson, continuing with ‘I’m Coming Home’. This like all the tracks, is an original song, not to be confused with others of the same title 😊. This one is a slower paced bluesy sounding, promising a lover they will return.
Rocking up the tempo next with ‘If I Didn’t Care’, a true powerhouse rocker with some excellent lead guitar work from El Nico, Nicholas Carew, lasting a frantic and breathless minute and three quarters. The antithesis, tempo wise, follows with ‘Take My Hand’, four and a half minutes of balladlike excellence, with some deft guitar work and an atmospheric, and maybe a little melancholy but hugely effective, sax break.
If you combine an infectious drum beat, with the classic ‘Shave and a haircut two bits’ guitar riff, you have ‘Stop Checkin’ on Me’. The vocal style has the feel of Etta James’ ‘I Just Want To Make Love’ fused with Bo Diddley ‘You Don’t Love Me’. Midway through, the pace changes, with a cracking sax break, before reverting to type with Ric’s expertly pitched ‘whoo hoo’ vocal delivery mimicking the sax. Hey folks, this is a corker.
Next up, a straight-ahead rocker, ‘Poor Boy’, with one of those hand clapping tempos, and a ballsy bass rhythm, and thumping drum beat, complemented by a searing guitar solo. Following on ‘Whatever Happened To That Girl’ is a complete contrast, a slow and smoochy lament with backing vocals reminiscent of the Flamingos’ ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’, with Ric’s vocals en pointe.
Onto a more jive tempo with ‘Hard To Please’, a classic showcase for each instrument and it’s player, on this go-getting rocker. Two and a half minutes of Rock n Roll joy that’s another candidate for the best on the release. A step toward to the early sixties sound next with the garage-meets-surf sound of ‘Joan Glover’. Immediately, I think of the actress of that name (‘Dead Man Walking’ et al), however the lyrics suggest that Howlin’ Ric is planning to marry her, even though she’s clearly not keen. Intriguing, however, regardless of the mystique surrounding Ms Glover, this is a quality Sonic-esque stroller, expertly delivered.
More rocking out with ‘Leg Shakin’ Mama’, and its rapid drum rattling beat, credit Jack Amblin for that, adding to the fullest sound on a frantic two-and-a-half-minute beauty. ‘I Wanna Know’ is a call and answer song, cleverly delivered, so as the listener thinks it’s finished, before we are off again. Loving the R&B vibe on this one, readers.
The CD is rounded off with ‘Shake It’, a piano pumping, tune featuring Chris Dylan Lloyd on the eighty-eight keys, that wouldn’t have been out of place in a Killer or R. Penniman set. Another out and out rocker that has been a mainstay of the live shows we’ve seen. Well worthy of signing off the release with.
The personnel of Richard Colley (aka Howlin’ Ric) on Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Nicholas Carew playing Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals, Adam Richards keeping rhythm on Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals, Percussion, Ben Powling expertise on Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Backing Vocals, and in the engine room Jack Amblin on Drums, Backing Vocals, Percussion, make a smashing sound. The tracks are well conceived, well written and musically accomplished. The selection and listing allow the listener light and shade, rockers and ballads and a first-class insight into a highly talented bunch of lads.
Don’t wait by the dancefloor, get on it!
CD review
Castleford based five piece, Howlin’ Ric and the Rocketeers, have been making waves on the Rock n Roll circuit for a couple of years now, and following their 45rpm release in May ’19, they’ve now presented a full album. Howlin’ Ric is the alter ego of lead singer Richard Colley, who is the songwriter and rhythm guitarist to boot.
The opening track, ‘Your Lovin’ Days Are Through’, was the ‘A’ side of their single, a stick-on dance floor jive winner, well-crafted and cool rhythmic beat. The band’s and in particular Ric’s vocal style, puts us in mind of J D McPherson, continuing with ‘I’m Coming Home’. This like all the tracks, is an original song, not to be confused with others of the same title 😊. This one is a slower paced bluesy sounding, promising a lover they will return.
Rocking up the tempo next with ‘If I Didn’t Care’, a true powerhouse rocker with some excellent lead guitar work from El Nico, Nicholas Carew, lasting a frantic and breathless minute and three quarters. The antithesis, tempo wise, follows with ‘Take My Hand’, four and a half minutes of balladlike excellence, with some deft guitar work and an atmospheric, and maybe a little melancholy but hugely effective, sax break.
If you combine an infectious drum beat, with the classic ‘Shave and a haircut two bits’ guitar riff, you have ‘Stop Checkin’ on Me’. The vocal style has the feel of Etta James’ ‘I Just Want To Make Love’ fused with Bo Diddley ‘You Don’t Love Me’. Midway through, the pace changes, with a cracking sax break, before reverting to type with Ric’s expertly pitched ‘whoo hoo’ vocal delivery mimicking the sax. Hey folks, this is a corker.
Next up, a straight-ahead rocker, ‘Poor Boy’, with one of those hand clapping tempos, and a ballsy bass rhythm, and thumping drum beat, complemented by a searing guitar solo. Following on ‘Whatever Happened To That Girl’ is a complete contrast, a slow and smoochy lament with backing vocals reminiscent of the Flamingos’ ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’, with Ric’s vocals en pointe.
Onto a more jive tempo with ‘Hard To Please’, a classic showcase for each instrument and it’s player, on this go-getting rocker. Two and a half minutes of Rock n Roll joy that’s another candidate for the best on the release. A step toward to the early sixties sound next with the garage-meets-surf sound of ‘Joan Glover’. Immediately, I think of the actress of that name (‘Dead Man Walking’ et al), however the lyrics suggest that Howlin’ Ric is planning to marry her, even though she’s clearly not keen. Intriguing, however, regardless of the mystique surrounding Ms Glover, this is a quality Sonic-esque stroller, expertly delivered.
More rocking out with ‘Leg Shakin’ Mama’, and its rapid drum rattling beat, credit Jack Amblin for that, adding to the fullest sound on a frantic two-and-a-half-minute beauty. ‘I Wanna Know’ is a call and answer song, cleverly delivered, so as the listener thinks it’s finished, before we are off again. Loving the R&B vibe on this one, readers.
The CD is rounded off with ‘Shake It’, a piano pumping, tune featuring Chris Dylan Lloyd on the eighty-eight keys, that wouldn’t have been out of place in a Killer or R. Penniman set. Another out and out rocker that has been a mainstay of the live shows we’ve seen. Well worthy of signing off the release with.
The personnel of Richard Colley (aka Howlin’ Ric) on Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Nicholas Carew playing Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals, Adam Richards keeping rhythm on Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals, Percussion, Ben Powling expertise on Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Backing Vocals, and in the engine room Jack Amblin on Drums, Backing Vocals, Percussion, make a smashing sound. The tracks are well conceived, well written and musically accomplished. The selection and listing allow the listener light and shade, rockers and ballads and a first-class insight into a highly talented bunch of lads.
Don’t wait by the dancefloor, get on it!
I Ain’t Gonna Hush – Sarah Mai
CD review
Just before issue #3 of our magazine was produced, we had an email from Sarah Mai, with an invite to review her new CD. To do a performer or band justice, we like to listen to the music and tracks in their entirety at least five times, so we held the review over to this issue. However, with this release, it was easy to start a review even after the first listen!
Here, Sarah pays a handsome tribute to some of the greatest female vocalists of the 40’s and 50’s with this eleven-tracker, which opens up with ‘Sentimental Journey’. This track originally written in the 40’s by Bud Green, Les Brown and Ben Homer and became Doris Day’s first Number One record. It has been recorded by a myriad of different artists from Conway Twitty, to Frank Sinatra and Amy Winehouse. I tell you what readers, this version, is exquisite in its delivery, musically and vocally, and you’ll love the male harmony vocals backing Sarah. Such a cool vibe.
A word about the accompaniment. The instruments, and all the backing vocals are by Pat Reyford, who also recorded everything and produced the CD. Bet he even makes a good cup of char as well! Seriously, the results are first rate.
Next up, from the smooth delivery of ‘Sentimental Journey’, to the more jumping blues sound of LaVern Baker’s ‘Bop Ting a Ling’. Again, she makes full use of the male backing vocals, on a version that has a smashing dancefloor tempo. Another LaVern tune follows, ‘Fee Fi Fo Fum’, another Baker bounce, perfectly replicated by Sarah, and the backing vocals are en point.
Back to 1951 now and you might recall Rosemary Clooney’s harpsicord odd-ballery, ‘Come On a My House’, which has it’s roots in the hospitality shown by the original composer’s experience with Armenian relatives, and their providing house guests with welcoming gifts and food. Here they use guitar, bass and sax to form the rhythm, and inject the R&B bounce into it. This makes it run along very smoothly, whilst retaining the zip of the original.
A real one-two punch in the next brace of tunes. Firstly, Ruth Brown’s ‘Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean’ which has its origins in Blind Lemon Jefferson’s ‘One Dime Blues’. This oft covered tune, is given the Sarah Mai treatment, and is as good a cover as you are likely to hear around the circuit today. Next, Big Mama Thornton’s ‘Hound Dog’, the embittered lyrics and vocal from the Peacock recording of 1952. Retaining the bass line and super cool guitar riffs of the original, Sarah makes a fine job of the vocal presentation.
The title track ‘I Ain’t Gonna Hush’, was originally written and recorded by Cordella De Milo as an answer record to Big Joe Turner’s ‘Honey Hush’ and featured the six string talents of Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson. This version incorporates the Big Joe rolling piano sound as well as ace guitar break. It’s a beauty folks.
More Ruth Brown next with her ’55 recording ‘As Long As I’m Moving’, another popular track on the circuit, and with the added backing vocal twist, and top notch sax break, this version stands with the best. Next up, track that has its origins as far back as the early ‘20’s, ‘This Train’, made popular as a Gospel hit by the likes of Sister Rosetta Tharpe later on. The Ruby Turner recording gained popularity around ten years ago on the Rock n Roll circuit, and to be honest, got overplayed. However, you’ve got to check out this version, cleverly reworked into a hand-clapper, with a piano rhythm and sax accompaniment to the vocals.
Continuing the quality next with another LaVern Baker track, with the skilfully showcased ‘Whipper Snapper’, and concluding the CD is Ruth Brown’s frantic rocker ‘Hello Little Boy’. That’s the perfect culmination to a super set of tracks, in a package that combines the design skills of Daryl Blyth and Jive Aces Alex Douglas and the photography from Patrick Watson.
Make no bones about it peeps, this is an excellent debut CD, go get one!
CD review
Just before issue #3 of our magazine was produced, we had an email from Sarah Mai, with an invite to review her new CD. To do a performer or band justice, we like to listen to the music and tracks in their entirety at least five times, so we held the review over to this issue. However, with this release, it was easy to start a review even after the first listen!
Here, Sarah pays a handsome tribute to some of the greatest female vocalists of the 40’s and 50’s with this eleven-tracker, which opens up with ‘Sentimental Journey’. This track originally written in the 40’s by Bud Green, Les Brown and Ben Homer and became Doris Day’s first Number One record. It has been recorded by a myriad of different artists from Conway Twitty, to Frank Sinatra and Amy Winehouse. I tell you what readers, this version, is exquisite in its delivery, musically and vocally, and you’ll love the male harmony vocals backing Sarah. Such a cool vibe.
A word about the accompaniment. The instruments, and all the backing vocals are by Pat Reyford, who also recorded everything and produced the CD. Bet he even makes a good cup of char as well! Seriously, the results are first rate.
Next up, from the smooth delivery of ‘Sentimental Journey’, to the more jumping blues sound of LaVern Baker’s ‘Bop Ting a Ling’. Again, she makes full use of the male backing vocals, on a version that has a smashing dancefloor tempo. Another LaVern tune follows, ‘Fee Fi Fo Fum’, another Baker bounce, perfectly replicated by Sarah, and the backing vocals are en point.
Back to 1951 now and you might recall Rosemary Clooney’s harpsicord odd-ballery, ‘Come On a My House’, which has it’s roots in the hospitality shown by the original composer’s experience with Armenian relatives, and their providing house guests with welcoming gifts and food. Here they use guitar, bass and sax to form the rhythm, and inject the R&B bounce into it. This makes it run along very smoothly, whilst retaining the zip of the original.
A real one-two punch in the next brace of tunes. Firstly, Ruth Brown’s ‘Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean’ which has its origins in Blind Lemon Jefferson’s ‘One Dime Blues’. This oft covered tune, is given the Sarah Mai treatment, and is as good a cover as you are likely to hear around the circuit today. Next, Big Mama Thornton’s ‘Hound Dog’, the embittered lyrics and vocal from the Peacock recording of 1952. Retaining the bass line and super cool guitar riffs of the original, Sarah makes a fine job of the vocal presentation.
The title track ‘I Ain’t Gonna Hush’, was originally written and recorded by Cordella De Milo as an answer record to Big Joe Turner’s ‘Honey Hush’ and featured the six string talents of Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson. This version incorporates the Big Joe rolling piano sound as well as ace guitar break. It’s a beauty folks.
More Ruth Brown next with her ’55 recording ‘As Long As I’m Moving’, another popular track on the circuit, and with the added backing vocal twist, and top notch sax break, this version stands with the best. Next up, track that has its origins as far back as the early ‘20’s, ‘This Train’, made popular as a Gospel hit by the likes of Sister Rosetta Tharpe later on. The Ruby Turner recording gained popularity around ten years ago on the Rock n Roll circuit, and to be honest, got overplayed. However, you’ve got to check out this version, cleverly reworked into a hand-clapper, with a piano rhythm and sax accompaniment to the vocals.
Continuing the quality next with another LaVern Baker track, with the skilfully showcased ‘Whipper Snapper’, and concluding the CD is Ruth Brown’s frantic rocker ‘Hello Little Boy’. That’s the perfect culmination to a super set of tracks, in a package that combines the design skills of Daryl Blyth and Jive Aces Alex Douglas and the photography from Patrick Watson.
Make no bones about it peeps, this is an excellent debut CD, go get one!
FTM In the Groove Part Three – Cd Review
The incredibly prolific producer and DJ, Flat Top Mark Philips, has mixed up and mastered yet another magnum opus in his series of ‘In The Groove’ compilations. Here he’s supplied more heterogenous tracks, not following any particular format, opening with the ‘007 James Bond Theme’ by James and the Marksmen. In typical FTM style, there’s iconic Bond quotes mixed in among the music.
Similarly, moving directly on to ‘Miserlou X’. Dick Dale v/s Flat Top Mark on this version, which again heavily relies on commentary from Pulp Fiction. In particular Pumpkin and Honeybunny during the opening scene, with Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer’s characters holding up a restaurant, and threatening the rest of the diners. Not for the faint hearted this, but hugely effective, also including Samuel L Jackson’s, Jules’ ‘My name is the law’ speech.
For those only familiar with ‘Glad All Over’ and ‘Bits and Pieces’ let FTM introduce you the Dave Clark Five’s instrumental from the early ‘60’s ‘Chaquita’, some low-down R&B for you. Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders were a band from Birmingham who had that ‘Mersey Beat’ in the early sixties, showcased here with ‘In Love’, the flip to ‘Please Mr Postman’ in ’63.
Another instro track follows, this being ‘Crack Up’, a 1965 ‘A’ side by Gary Mure, and beyond that I can’t tell you much about it, other than it does what the title suggests, with stinging guitar riffs and organ solos. Another curio for us was an interestingly named band All The Marbles, and what appears to be one side of their only release ‘I’m Gonna Lock You Up’ from ’66. No probs with ID on the next track, one of Elvis’ standards, ‘Suspicion’. Here the Guv’ner is vocally at his best on this Pomus/Shuman beauty from ’62.
FTM then takes on Johnny Cash’s ‘Big River’ making ‘Big River Blast’. It’s not the first time he’s reworked this tune, but each time, there’s something a bit new, a fresh wrinkle if you will, with the Man in Black only having to introduce himself to induce rapturous cheers. In the Cash vein, Robbie Fulks’ cover of ‘Cry Cry Cry’ slots in well. The Chicago based alternative country singer-songwriter pays a fitting tribute in this version.
More Cash to start the next track, with the opening trumpet sound to ‘Ring of Fire’, but that’s not close to what comes next. Titled ‘Walk the Medicine Line’ by Alex The Dog and FTM, it kind of defies categorising. You’ll have to listen yourselves 😊. A name many will be familiar with, is Floyd Dakil, and his dance floor winner ‘Dance Frannie Dance’ from ’64. He the former guitarist for Louis Prima, performs ‘Bad Boy’, which was the next release in ’65 from the above named.
Once again readers, I’ve drawn a blank as far as the next track, ‘Sharp Shooter’ by the Marques is concerned. It’s a pretty cool instro sound, and dare I suggest in the ‘Green Onions’ vein. I wondered if it was ever used for a TV show, ‘cos it has that vibe. Some soul next with Bob Cain’s self-penned track from ’64 ‘Why When You Get What You Want (You Don’t Want It no More)’, which apart from being the longest title on the CD, is a pretty good cross over sound. Similarly, George Freeman’s ’63 cut ‘You Guessed It’ has that Jackie Wilson early sixties style about it.
It’s always good to hear a song from one of the Rock n Roll genre’s big names that rarely gets an outing, often eclipsed by their smash hits. Such is the case with Ricky Nelson’s ‘You Never Know What You’re Missing’ recorded on Imperial Records in 1959. He’s on fine form on this track readers, one for the DJ sets. Next a track that viewers and fans of ‘True Blood’ will recognise as the theme tune to the fantasy horror drama. FTM has given it a remix and a few twists as well.
From the Coral label in 1959, comes Romance Watson’s ‘Come a Little Closer’. Watson was primarily a Gospel and Soul singer, this fits somewhere between the two. Now for a touch of true class, with an alt take on ‘Shake It Baby’ by the exceptional talent that is John Lee Hooker. I think this version has the dream team of Jump Jackson, T-Bone Walker and Willie Dixon backing the Boogie Man. Whatever, it’s up there with Hooker’s best, and like he says often through the song ‘one more’!
More from the Guv’ner next with an alternative cut of ‘We’re Coming in Loaded’ from the film Girls Girls Girls, and another remix of a classic, this time it’s Jackie Wilson’s ‘Reet Petite’. American singer and actor, Hoyt Axton, pitches in with a vocal oddity ‘Double Double Dare’ from 1964 on Vee Jay Records.
Finally, some more exquisiteness, from Ray ‘The Genius’ Charles (that’s how he is billed on the CD). Here he is fronting a big band, with lady backing singers, and a velvet smooth vocal delivery, performing ‘No One’. I was astonished to discover that this was a ‘B’ side, or maybe it was a double ‘A’, seeing as it was coupled with ‘Without Love (There is Nothing) on Paramount Records in 1963.
This is another massively varied collection of music from the 50’s and 60’s, and as usual some have had the FTM input, giving them an added twist. Hot stuff
The incredibly prolific producer and DJ, Flat Top Mark Philips, has mixed up and mastered yet another magnum opus in his series of ‘In The Groove’ compilations. Here he’s supplied more heterogenous tracks, not following any particular format, opening with the ‘007 James Bond Theme’ by James and the Marksmen. In typical FTM style, there’s iconic Bond quotes mixed in among the music.
Similarly, moving directly on to ‘Miserlou X’. Dick Dale v/s Flat Top Mark on this version, which again heavily relies on commentary from Pulp Fiction. In particular Pumpkin and Honeybunny during the opening scene, with Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer’s characters holding up a restaurant, and threatening the rest of the diners. Not for the faint hearted this, but hugely effective, also including Samuel L Jackson’s, Jules’ ‘My name is the law’ speech.
For those only familiar with ‘Glad All Over’ and ‘Bits and Pieces’ let FTM introduce you the Dave Clark Five’s instrumental from the early ‘60’s ‘Chaquita’, some low-down R&B for you. Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders were a band from Birmingham who had that ‘Mersey Beat’ in the early sixties, showcased here with ‘In Love’, the flip to ‘Please Mr Postman’ in ’63.
Another instro track follows, this being ‘Crack Up’, a 1965 ‘A’ side by Gary Mure, and beyond that I can’t tell you much about it, other than it does what the title suggests, with stinging guitar riffs and organ solos. Another curio for us was an interestingly named band All The Marbles, and what appears to be one side of their only release ‘I’m Gonna Lock You Up’ from ’66. No probs with ID on the next track, one of Elvis’ standards, ‘Suspicion’. Here the Guv’ner is vocally at his best on this Pomus/Shuman beauty from ’62.
FTM then takes on Johnny Cash’s ‘Big River’ making ‘Big River Blast’. It’s not the first time he’s reworked this tune, but each time, there’s something a bit new, a fresh wrinkle if you will, with the Man in Black only having to introduce himself to induce rapturous cheers. In the Cash vein, Robbie Fulks’ cover of ‘Cry Cry Cry’ slots in well. The Chicago based alternative country singer-songwriter pays a fitting tribute in this version.
More Cash to start the next track, with the opening trumpet sound to ‘Ring of Fire’, but that’s not close to what comes next. Titled ‘Walk the Medicine Line’ by Alex The Dog and FTM, it kind of defies categorising. You’ll have to listen yourselves 😊. A name many will be familiar with, is Floyd Dakil, and his dance floor winner ‘Dance Frannie Dance’ from ’64. He the former guitarist for Louis Prima, performs ‘Bad Boy’, which was the next release in ’65 from the above named.
Once again readers, I’ve drawn a blank as far as the next track, ‘Sharp Shooter’ by the Marques is concerned. It’s a pretty cool instro sound, and dare I suggest in the ‘Green Onions’ vein. I wondered if it was ever used for a TV show, ‘cos it has that vibe. Some soul next with Bob Cain’s self-penned track from ’64 ‘Why When You Get What You Want (You Don’t Want It no More)’, which apart from being the longest title on the CD, is a pretty good cross over sound. Similarly, George Freeman’s ’63 cut ‘You Guessed It’ has that Jackie Wilson early sixties style about it.
It’s always good to hear a song from one of the Rock n Roll genre’s big names that rarely gets an outing, often eclipsed by their smash hits. Such is the case with Ricky Nelson’s ‘You Never Know What You’re Missing’ recorded on Imperial Records in 1959. He’s on fine form on this track readers, one for the DJ sets. Next a track that viewers and fans of ‘True Blood’ will recognise as the theme tune to the fantasy horror drama. FTM has given it a remix and a few twists as well.
From the Coral label in 1959, comes Romance Watson’s ‘Come a Little Closer’. Watson was primarily a Gospel and Soul singer, this fits somewhere between the two. Now for a touch of true class, with an alt take on ‘Shake It Baby’ by the exceptional talent that is John Lee Hooker. I think this version has the dream team of Jump Jackson, T-Bone Walker and Willie Dixon backing the Boogie Man. Whatever, it’s up there with Hooker’s best, and like he says often through the song ‘one more’!
More from the Guv’ner next with an alternative cut of ‘We’re Coming in Loaded’ from the film Girls Girls Girls, and another remix of a classic, this time it’s Jackie Wilson’s ‘Reet Petite’. American singer and actor, Hoyt Axton, pitches in with a vocal oddity ‘Double Double Dare’ from 1964 on Vee Jay Records.
Finally, some more exquisiteness, from Ray ‘The Genius’ Charles (that’s how he is billed on the CD). Here he is fronting a big band, with lady backing singers, and a velvet smooth vocal delivery, performing ‘No One’. I was astonished to discover that this was a ‘B’ side, or maybe it was a double ‘A’, seeing as it was coupled with ‘Without Love (There is Nothing) on Paramount Records in 1963.
This is another massively varied collection of music from the 50’s and 60’s, and as usual some have had the FTM input, giving them an added twist. Hot stuff
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Steve Russell
I Gotta Cut Out & The Things You Do – The Slingshots 45rpm
There are bands readers, that you like, and bands you make a point of seeing and getting their recordings as soon as they are released. For us, the Slingshots were such a band. Mind you, their releases were sporadic in nature, but boy were they worth the wait. Sadly, the band are no more, however OHA Records have released two singles, featuring two brand new tracks.
It’s an interesting ‘trademark’ of Olaf Haspel’s OHA label that 45’s are produced single sided, so effectively the ‘B’ side is complete silence. Both these tracks are worthy of ‘A’ side billing as you will see.
There’s often talk of ‘modern day poets’, in music. Lead singer, rhythm guitarist and songwriter, Steve Russell fits that moniker. No stereotypical ‘wild Rockabilly hepcat’ lyrics in his songs, just carefully crafted stanzas and strophe, set to the classic Rockabilly sound akin to Carl Perkins’ style.
The band backing Steve, are Dave Kopke on the upright bass, with JD England on lead guitar and John Boulton on drums. Together they make a super tight sound. The first track details a taxi driver in New York hankering after a move to relocate from the city he dislikes, to the south, southern girls and honk tonks. All set to a mid-tempo bop beat, it doesn’t get any better than that folks
Record two, ‘The Things You Do’, the basis of which is a list of things that (Steve) believes in, but can’t believe his partner loves him when they ‘do the things you do’. It’s the list of things he believes in though readers that will not only raise an eyebrow, but a smile as well. How many times have you heard ‘homeopathy’, ‘Dr Who’ and a reference to Elvis living in Hartlepool in a Rockabilly song?
These two tracks are simply exquisite examples of the type of creativity that the music scene (any not just ours) needs. The singles are in high demand and once they are gone, they are gone. Check the record dealers online for details
There are bands readers, that you like, and bands you make a point of seeing and getting their recordings as soon as they are released. For us, the Slingshots were such a band. Mind you, their releases were sporadic in nature, but boy were they worth the wait. Sadly, the band are no more, however OHA Records have released two singles, featuring two brand new tracks.
It’s an interesting ‘trademark’ of Olaf Haspel’s OHA label that 45’s are produced single sided, so effectively the ‘B’ side is complete silence. Both these tracks are worthy of ‘A’ side billing as you will see.
There’s often talk of ‘modern day poets’, in music. Lead singer, rhythm guitarist and songwriter, Steve Russell fits that moniker. No stereotypical ‘wild Rockabilly hepcat’ lyrics in his songs, just carefully crafted stanzas and strophe, set to the classic Rockabilly sound akin to Carl Perkins’ style.
The band backing Steve, are Dave Kopke on the upright bass, with JD England on lead guitar and John Boulton on drums. Together they make a super tight sound. The first track details a taxi driver in New York hankering after a move to relocate from the city he dislikes, to the south, southern girls and honk tonks. All set to a mid-tempo bop beat, it doesn’t get any better than that folks
Record two, ‘The Things You Do’, the basis of which is a list of things that (Steve) believes in, but can’t believe his partner loves him when they ‘do the things you do’. It’s the list of things he believes in though readers that will not only raise an eyebrow, but a smile as well. How many times have you heard ‘homeopathy’, ‘Dr Who’ and a reference to Elvis living in Hartlepool in a Rockabilly song?
These two tracks are simply exquisite examples of the type of creativity that the music scene (any not just ours) needs. The singles are in high demand and once they are gone, they are gone. Check the record dealers online for details
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Flat Top Mark v/s The Preacher Round 6
Here is another FTM label, two-sider featuring a choice each from Flat Top Mark and Simon ‘The Preacher’. Some things you can guarantee in this series of 45s, is variety and a selection of tunes that would have a foot in many a music camp.
Take Groove 1 for example, there’s no ‘A’ and ‘B’ side, Bobby Comstock’s ‘Right Hand Man’. Bobby Comstock was a Rock n Roll singer who performed mainly in the (very) late fifties into the early 60’s. His first success came with Pee Wee King & Redd Stewart’s ‘Tennessee Waltz’ in 1959 with his band, the Counts. ‘Right Hand Man’ is from 1964 on the Ascot record label. Here it’s a noticeable shift in style to the sixties beat with a shoutback chorus, though retaining a thumping rockin’ tempo and, the sax break is a delight.
Flip the record over and Mark pitches in with Frantic Freddie’s ‘Charmaine’. Backed by his band the Pro-Teens, Allentown, Pennsylvania native Freddie Milander wrote this song, which was released in 1965 (although there were suggestions of a release in 1961) on the White Rock Record label. Again, this track relies heavily on the sax and tambourine in the percussion section. A solid hand-clapper with a stinging guitar solo.
Two super cool rocking garage tracks from the 60’s
Here is another FTM label, two-sider featuring a choice each from Flat Top Mark and Simon ‘The Preacher’. Some things you can guarantee in this series of 45s, is variety and a selection of tunes that would have a foot in many a music camp.
Take Groove 1 for example, there’s no ‘A’ and ‘B’ side, Bobby Comstock’s ‘Right Hand Man’. Bobby Comstock was a Rock n Roll singer who performed mainly in the (very) late fifties into the early 60’s. His first success came with Pee Wee King & Redd Stewart’s ‘Tennessee Waltz’ in 1959 with his band, the Counts. ‘Right Hand Man’ is from 1964 on the Ascot record label. Here it’s a noticeable shift in style to the sixties beat with a shoutback chorus, though retaining a thumping rockin’ tempo and, the sax break is a delight.
Flip the record over and Mark pitches in with Frantic Freddie’s ‘Charmaine’. Backed by his band the Pro-Teens, Allentown, Pennsylvania native Freddie Milander wrote this song, which was released in 1965 (although there were suggestions of a release in 1961) on the White Rock Record label. Again, this track relies heavily on the sax and tambourine in the percussion section. A solid hand-clapper with a stinging guitar solo.
Two super cool rocking garage tracks from the 60’s
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Your host Tom Ingram, presents the biggest festival of Rockabilly in the world at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas Nevada, USA.
From it's beginnings in 1998, now over 20,000 people attend the various stages, to watch a truly varied and diverse line up of bands, and take part in the various events, pool party, burlesque show and car show. This is a unique event that takes place in April 2020. Here we share some of the acts appearing at the event for you 
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rockabilly blowout #6
Fat n Furious
Rockabilly Blowout #6
Early November, and someone threw the Autumn switch. Suddenly we’d got frost and heavy rain with darkness in the middle of the afternoon. You need a boost, readers, and what better than a three day event at Drayton Manor Park in Staffordshire, for the 6th Rockabilly Blowout. This is the theme park and zoo set in the grounds of the former Drayton Manor, the history of which is very interesting from the mansion being built in 1835, to it’s destruction in 1926, being requisitioned in WWII, and a small theme park being opened in 1949. It is now the 5th most popular theme park in the UK.
The event itself was the brainchild of Kev Robson, and is in aid of Asthma UK, in memory of James Robson. It sells out each year as does the onsite accommodation, which is a pretty large hotel, with the facility to camp on site as well. The main event takes place in the Hamilton Ballroom We stayed a bit further out, along with a number of other folk to make the short hop over each day. Camping? Errrr no, 😊 .
The Hamilton Ballroom has two large rooms off of it, both with bars and areas for stalls. Indeed one has an area for chilling if that’s what you want to do.
We arrived just in time to catch the opening bars of the first act on, Fat n Furious. This band is one of Dave ‘Porky’ Coates’ incarnations with Tim Read on bass, Mike Waters thrashing the cans and the talents of Toby Kerridge on lead guitar, backing him. The style, apparently is, Rockabelly, what do reckon that is then? Well a few bars into the first instro track and that should get your attention. It’s loud proud and takes no prisoners.
Although some of the titles you’d have heard of before, there’s a resonance about them that’s just that bit different. Taking their opener, the powerhouse instrumental ‘Kampai Osaka’ as an example, rattling good surf romp, that stirred the souls of the crowd ever increasing in numbers as they heard the set starting.
I have to flag up the version of Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Smokestack Lightning’ as well, not many take this classic on, and if they do, they don’t quite attain the level that this got to. There was time for ‘Ice Cold’, Johnny Horton’s ‘I’m Coming Home’ and Hank III ‘Seven Months, Thirty-Nine Days’, in a set that gotcha like a cow prod. Top stuff.
Early November, and someone threw the Autumn switch. Suddenly we’d got frost and heavy rain with darkness in the middle of the afternoon. You need a boost, readers, and what better than a three day event at Drayton Manor Park in Staffordshire, for the 6th Rockabilly Blowout. This is the theme park and zoo set in the grounds of the former Drayton Manor, the history of which is very interesting from the mansion being built in 1835, to it’s destruction in 1926, being requisitioned in WWII, and a small theme park being opened in 1949. It is now the 5th most popular theme park in the UK.
The event itself was the brainchild of Kev Robson, and is in aid of Asthma UK, in memory of James Robson. It sells out each year as does the onsite accommodation, which is a pretty large hotel, with the facility to camp on site as well. The main event takes place in the Hamilton Ballroom We stayed a bit further out, along with a number of other folk to make the short hop over each day. Camping? Errrr no, 😊 .
The Hamilton Ballroom has two large rooms off of it, both with bars and areas for stalls. Indeed one has an area for chilling if that’s what you want to do.
We arrived just in time to catch the opening bars of the first act on, Fat n Furious. This band is one of Dave ‘Porky’ Coates’ incarnations with Tim Read on bass, Mike Waters thrashing the cans and the talents of Toby Kerridge on lead guitar, backing him. The style, apparently is, Rockabelly, what do reckon that is then? Well a few bars into the first instro track and that should get your attention. It’s loud proud and takes no prisoners.
Although some of the titles you’d have heard of before, there’s a resonance about them that’s just that bit different. Taking their opener, the powerhouse instrumental ‘Kampai Osaka’ as an example, rattling good surf romp, that stirred the souls of the crowd ever increasing in numbers as they heard the set starting.
I have to flag up the version of Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Smokestack Lightning’ as well, not many take this classic on, and if they do, they don’t quite attain the level that this got to. There was time for ‘Ice Cold’, Johnny Horton’s ‘I’m Coming Home’ and Hank III ‘Seven Months, Thirty-Nine Days’, in a set that gotcha like a cow prod. Top stuff.
Next up, by his lonesome, Dollar Bill, multi-instrumentalist and talented songwriter Ian Bowerman, bringing his own brand of foot stomping blues to the Blowout stage. Surrounded by guitars of various tones, his drum kit operated just by the feet and harmonica holder, Dollar Bill set about thumping his way through the set.
Make no bones about it readers, this is a full sound, and for the majority, is original material, although ‘Shake Your Hips’ is given a slight twist. The standard stage accompaniment on maracas, during his shows, took place too. Heartily recommend to you all, ‘The Juice Ain’t Worth a Squeeze’ and ‘Gotta Keep Movin’ On’ out on Rollin’ Records.
Make no bones about it readers, this is a full sound, and for the majority, is original material, although ‘Shake Your Hips’ is given a slight twist. The standard stage accompaniment on maracas, during his shows, took place too. Heartily recommend to you all, ‘The Juice Ain’t Worth a Squeeze’ and ‘Gotta Keep Movin’ On’ out on Rollin’ Records.
Last on, Joe King and the Jesters, a band that we’d not seen before. This gave Kev Robson, host and organiser for the Blowout, a stint on stage with his trusty bass, with Greg Escrader, resplendent in red, (please don't point out the irony of the photo with him wearing a dark jacket ;) ) taking the majority of the vocals. They set the stall out with a cracking version of ‘Kiss Me’, Larry Terry’s ‘Hepcat’ and Jimmy Lloyd’s ‘I Got a Rocket in My Pocket’, and then threw a little wrinkle in with ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’, in the Lloyd Price style, thanks to the addition of piano.
Back on the frantic pace with ‘Screamin’ Mimi Jennie’ before lead guitarist Andy Wren, took the vocals on ‘Yes I’m Gonna Tell’. The crowd were into these guys from the start, with the likes of ‘Fickle Chicken’, Short Fat Fannie’ and ‘Goodbye Little Darlin’ Goodbye’ all rowdily cheered. This is the sort of stuff you need in your lives, readers. Excellent.
Back on the frantic pace with ‘Screamin’ Mimi Jennie’ before lead guitarist Andy Wren, took the vocals on ‘Yes I’m Gonna Tell’. The crowd were into these guys from the start, with the likes of ‘Fickle Chicken’, Short Fat Fannie’ and ‘Goodbye Little Darlin’ Goodbye’ all rowdily cheered. This is the sort of stuff you need in your lives, readers. Excellent.
Marc and the Wild Ones
Saturday began with a band that we’d not seen for about five or six years, from Germany, Marc and the Wild Ones. Marc, a tall presence on stage, with additional hat height, is an ace front man, with a good voice, especially when playing their own material as with the newest Ruby Records’ 45rpm, ‘I Wanna Scream’.
This was a memorable set, with covers of Jay Swan’s ‘You Don’t Love Me’, Bobby Lawson’s ‘If You Want My Love’ (not often you hear that played live!) Carl Perkins’ ‘Where the Rio De Rosa Flows’ and Benny Ingram’s ‘Jello Sal’. Good to hear ‘Boppin’ Mary Lou’ as well, a classic sounding Rockabilly track, the subject of a Bopflix film in a weekender chalet in 2013. The whole lot was rounded off in a super cool fashion with ‘Desperado Love’. Top drawer band, super tight sound, and a really well constructed set.
There unfortunately readers, Saturday ended for us. June came down with the mother of all migraines during the morning, getting progressively worse, and we had to return to base for the rest of the day. As it was a drive away, there was no way I would/could get back to cover bands. It had to have been bad, Carlos and the Bandidos is one of her favourite bands.
It’s interesting at just how many DJs played at the Blowout, and the variety of tunes you get. Of course, we didn’t see them all, but those we did, kept the floor moving throughout, and each one came up with at least one ‘Crikey when did you last hear this?’ or ‘What’s this then?’ moment.
This was a memorable set, with covers of Jay Swan’s ‘You Don’t Love Me’, Bobby Lawson’s ‘If You Want My Love’ (not often you hear that played live!) Carl Perkins’ ‘Where the Rio De Rosa Flows’ and Benny Ingram’s ‘Jello Sal’. Good to hear ‘Boppin’ Mary Lou’ as well, a classic sounding Rockabilly track, the subject of a Bopflix film in a weekender chalet in 2013. The whole lot was rounded off in a super cool fashion with ‘Desperado Love’. Top drawer band, super tight sound, and a really well constructed set.
There unfortunately readers, Saturday ended for us. June came down with the mother of all migraines during the morning, getting progressively worse, and we had to return to base for the rest of the day. As it was a drive away, there was no way I would/could get back to cover bands. It had to have been bad, Carlos and the Bandidos is one of her favourite bands.
It’s interesting at just how many DJs played at the Blowout, and the variety of tunes you get. Of course, we didn’t see them all, but those we did, kept the floor moving throughout, and each one came up with at least one ‘Crikey when did you last hear this?’ or ‘What’s this then?’ moment.
So, Sunday, we were back on deck for the day, and the first rock out, Jack and the Real Deals. This was one of what will be a rare live performance by the band for a couple of years apparently, so, for us we were glad to be around for it. Jon Jack Boxwell, takes lead vocal and rhythm guitar, with Sid on lead, backed by rhythm section of Dave Kopke on upright bass and drummer Andy Turner.
An enthusiastic bunch crammed down the front of the stage, for some back and forth bants with the band as they presented a supreme set of goodies, with ‘Doin’ Alright’ setting the pace. The first few tracks were covers, the likes of the Collins Kids ‘Whistle Bait’ and Buddy’s ‘Down The Line’, and I must flag up ‘My Blackbirds are Bluebirds Now’, a rarely heard cover, delivered with considerable accomplishment.
The ‘Deals do decent original as well, and their rockers, ‘Chain Gang Blues’, ‘Moth to a Flame’, ‘All I Want is You’ and particularly ‘Jokers’ Wild’ slot in perfectly among the reworkings. Another flag up, is their take on Gene Simmons’ ‘Chains of Love’, Jack’s wife Debbie’s favourite song, he mentioned, and dug a Facebook hole by comparing her non-attendance and a new patio he’d got. The front row was on it like a car bonnet! A cracking set by a group that always delivers.
An enthusiastic bunch crammed down the front of the stage, for some back and forth bants with the band as they presented a supreme set of goodies, with ‘Doin’ Alright’ setting the pace. The first few tracks were covers, the likes of the Collins Kids ‘Whistle Bait’ and Buddy’s ‘Down The Line’, and I must flag up ‘My Blackbirds are Bluebirds Now’, a rarely heard cover, delivered with considerable accomplishment.
The ‘Deals do decent original as well, and their rockers, ‘Chain Gang Blues’, ‘Moth to a Flame’, ‘All I Want is You’ and particularly ‘Jokers’ Wild’ slot in perfectly among the reworkings. Another flag up, is their take on Gene Simmons’ ‘Chains of Love’, Jack’s wife Debbie’s favourite song, he mentioned, and dug a Facebook hole by comparing her non-attendance and a new patio he’d got. The front row was on it like a car bonnet! A cracking set by a group that always delivers.
From God’s own county of Essex, an immensely popular four piece, The Honkabillies were up next, with the two Frankies Reidel, Claire Gipps and Rich Lyons taking to the Blowout stage. This band, who have recently signed to Reb Kennedy’s Wild Records is always a delight, and musically spot on throughout, as they rocked out ‘Crawdad Hole’ to start with.
I suppose if you wanted to give them a label, you could say they’re Western Swing meets Rockabilly, at a local Honky Tonk bar. Take Johnny Horton’s ‘Cherokee Boogie’ and ‘Honky Tonk Man’ as a for instance, a characteristic one-two punch, mixed in with Dwight Yoakham’s ‘Guitars, Cadillacs and Hillbilly Music’. Add in some classic Johnny Cash like ‘So Doggone Lonesome’ and ‘Big River’, a bit of Hank with ‘Move it On Over’ and their must-play kicker ‘Freight Train Boogie’, you could well have the picture by now.
With Frankie Jnr doubling up on the steel guitar as well as lead guitar, the sound is such that you think there are a lot more in the band that the four on stage. Naturally they had to come back, and tore it up to ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’. I’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve seen this outfit perform, but it’s always been quality, and this was no exception.
I suppose if you wanted to give them a label, you could say they’re Western Swing meets Rockabilly, at a local Honky Tonk bar. Take Johnny Horton’s ‘Cherokee Boogie’ and ‘Honky Tonk Man’ as a for instance, a characteristic one-two punch, mixed in with Dwight Yoakham’s ‘Guitars, Cadillacs and Hillbilly Music’. Add in some classic Johnny Cash like ‘So Doggone Lonesome’ and ‘Big River’, a bit of Hank with ‘Move it On Over’ and their must-play kicker ‘Freight Train Boogie’, you could well have the picture by now.
With Frankie Jnr doubling up on the steel guitar as well as lead guitar, the sound is such that you think there are a lot more in the band that the four on stage. Naturally they had to come back, and tore it up to ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’. I’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve seen this outfit perform, but it’s always been quality, and this was no exception.
Spunyboys
From just across the channel, came the visually explosive trio, the Spunyboys. If you’re reading this thinking, is that they guy with the big hair, yes, it is. That defies gravity folks, and the elivated stage meant, Remi’s pompadour was inches away from the ceiling. So, no bass lobbing about on the stage. Don’t think that would stop him though, if you can’t do it on stage, do it off and in the audience.
Visual antics and stage shows are on thing, however, can they deliver musically? Simply put, yes, as the got everyone involved with ‘How Low Do You Feel’ to start with. It almost seems the music is incidental to the show, bass standing and balancing, and the songs are extended considerably, an example being ‘We’re Gonna Rock n Roll wooooo’ or whatever it’s called.
I’m not sure if the set is adlibbed, there seems to be a spontaneity about it that suggests so, as ‘Saturday Night Fish Fry’, Rock n Roll Legacy’, ‘In Dreams’ and ‘Rockin’ Bones’ rattled out. A massively enthusiastic set from the French lads. As Remi himself said 'Alright mate'
Visual antics and stage shows are on thing, however, can they deliver musically? Simply put, yes, as the got everyone involved with ‘How Low Do You Feel’ to start with. It almost seems the music is incidental to the show, bass standing and balancing, and the songs are extended considerably, an example being ‘We’re Gonna Rock n Roll wooooo’ or whatever it’s called.
I’m not sure if the set is adlibbed, there seems to be a spontaneity about it that suggests so, as ‘Saturday Night Fish Fry’, Rock n Roll Legacy’, ‘In Dreams’ and ‘Rockin’ Bones’ rattled out. A massively enthusiastic set from the French lads. As Remi himself said 'Alright mate'
A change of gears next as we were heading toward the end of the event. The Doel Brothers, Gordon, Tom and David, with Sam French on bass and Phil Morgan sliding the steel, have new recordings out, and they showcased some of them during a top drawer show of country rocking styled tunes. ‘New England in the Fall, That’s All’ opened the show, a song which when you hear it would immediately sum up the band’s modus operandi, with a an infectious and bouncing beat and well-crafted lyrics.
It’s always good to hear new material from bands that take their style from years ago and recreate it in their own lyrics and tunes. The title track of the new album ‘There’s a Bottle on the Table’ is a David Doel original, which is a case in point, as is ‘Country Bum’ along with Gordon’s compositions ‘Beer Bucket Boogie’ and ‘Hole in My Shoe’. Quality assured readers.
There were a few covers, Carl Smith’s ‘Go Boy Go’, is a corker, as was Chuck Bowers’ ‘Pig Pen Boogie’ and Johnny Champion’s ‘Beer Drinking Daddy’, among a masterclass of this particular type of music.
It’s always good to hear new material from bands that take their style from years ago and recreate it in their own lyrics and tunes. The title track of the new album ‘There’s a Bottle on the Table’ is a David Doel original, which is a case in point, as is ‘Country Bum’ along with Gordon’s compositions ‘Beer Bucket Boogie’ and ‘Hole in My Shoe’. Quality assured readers.
There were a few covers, Carl Smith’s ‘Go Boy Go’, is a corker, as was Chuck Bowers’ ‘Pig Pen Boogie’ and Johnny Champion’s ‘Beer Drinking Daddy’, among a masterclass of this particular type of music.
Scotty Baker
They kept their kit set up on stage, and changed Tom for Curtis Doel on drums ready for the final act, from Australia, Scotty Baker. It’s almost like, a homecoming for Scotty, who first appeared at the 2013 Rockabilly Rave. The go-to band to back him in this hemisphere has been the Doels for a while now, which works well, as Scotty launched into the embittered lyrics of ‘Wasted My Name’, a rocker about infidelity in marriage and the inevitable consequence.
Scotty is a story teller in his lyrics, with the penniless lament ‘Broke on Pay Day’ and ‘50 Buick’. There was a song and answer song in the set, with ‘Move to the City’ countered by ‘Move Back to the Country’, two that follow a similar format musically, and contain lyrics that raise a smile, and maybe some empathy to the listener. Top tribute to Hank Williams with ‘Hank’s Cadillac’ and the burlesque sound of ‘Katerina’.
Unusually, for a Scotty Baker show, we got a cover song, an Elvis number. From the 1968 MGM movie, ‘Speedway’ came ‘Let Yourself Go’, which suits the Baker style perfectly, and indeed has a similar vibe to the afore mentioned ‘Katerina’. It would make a good side to a vinyl 45 release (oops did I say that?.....)
The set ended with a real blast, in ‘Ladykiller’ before the calls for more rang out, and indeed a rowdy request for ‘Cheater’ which was duly obliged. A truly excellent conclusion to a super event.
Massive kudos to Kevin Robson and his team for putting this event on, the proceeds of which go to Asthma UK www.asthma.org.uk . Next year’s event has some outstanding acts already booked, the likes of the Rhythm Shakers, Eddie and Thee Scorpions, Jack Baymoore and the Bandits and Pike Cavalero. Book early to avoid disappointment.
We have
Scotty is a story teller in his lyrics, with the penniless lament ‘Broke on Pay Day’ and ‘50 Buick’. There was a song and answer song in the set, with ‘Move to the City’ countered by ‘Move Back to the Country’, two that follow a similar format musically, and contain lyrics that raise a smile, and maybe some empathy to the listener. Top tribute to Hank Williams with ‘Hank’s Cadillac’ and the burlesque sound of ‘Katerina’.
Unusually, for a Scotty Baker show, we got a cover song, an Elvis number. From the 1968 MGM movie, ‘Speedway’ came ‘Let Yourself Go’, which suits the Baker style perfectly, and indeed has a similar vibe to the afore mentioned ‘Katerina’. It would make a good side to a vinyl 45 release (oops did I say that?.....)
The set ended with a real blast, in ‘Ladykiller’ before the calls for more rang out, and indeed a rowdy request for ‘Cheater’ which was duly obliged. A truly excellent conclusion to a super event.
Massive kudos to Kevin Robson and his team for putting this event on, the proceeds of which go to Asthma UK www.asthma.org.uk . Next year’s event has some outstanding acts already booked, the likes of the Rhythm Shakers, Eddie and Thee Scorpions, Jack Baymoore and the Bandits and Pike Cavalero. Book early to avoid disappointment.
We have
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We will include a brief article on your company and services as well with your advert. We will be emailing many of you in this regard too.
We want to keep this magazine free to read, so rely on advertisers and donations. If you like what you see, help us keep it free by popping us a donation using the button. Many thanks
Please note that all material on this website is (c) Andrew Smith, June Smith, The Bettajive Review. Please do not copy and paste articles or parts of articles to your websites without asking us first. Thank you for reading our online magazine. Comments, remarks, suggestions and yes, even gentle criticism, all welcome, although preferably not the proposal we received from one responder! Anatomically I just don't bend that way!. Keep up to date with us here, or on our various platforms:-
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email [email protected]
Cheers 'til next month
Andrew and June
Next month:- Our review of the Rhythm Riot, with photographs, Pat Reyford and the Lucky Strikes at Spalding and the Hicksville Bombers at Letchworth among others. Our big interview is with Viva Las Vegas organiser Tom Ingram. There will be reviews of releases from Marti Brom, The Sweet Georgia Boys, The Grinstorm Show, Flat Top Mark’s FTM 45’s and the final Hollywood Hunk series of the Guv’ner Rides again. All that and much more
We will include a brief article on your company and services as well with your advert. We will be emailing many of you in this regard too.
We want to keep this magazine free to read, so rely on advertisers and donations. If you like what you see, help us keep it free by popping us a donation using the button. Many thanks
Please note that all material on this website is (c) Andrew Smith, June Smith, The Bettajive Review. Please do not copy and paste articles or parts of articles to your websites without asking us first. Thank you for reading our online magazine. Comments, remarks, suggestions and yes, even gentle criticism, all welcome, although preferably not the proposal we received from one responder! Anatomically I just don't bend that way!. Keep up to date with us here, or on our various platforms:-
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/The-Bettajive-Review-569161136474404/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bettajivereview/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AndrewBettajive
email [email protected]
Cheers 'til next month
Andrew and June
Next month:- Our review of the Rhythm Riot, with photographs, Pat Reyford and the Lucky Strikes at Spalding and the Hicksville Bombers at Letchworth among others. Our big interview is with Viva Las Vegas organiser Tom Ingram. There will be reviews of releases from Marti Brom, The Sweet Georgia Boys, The Grinstorm Show, Flat Top Mark’s FTM 45’s and the final Hollywood Hunk series of the Guv’ner Rides again. All that and much more
