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the bettajive review magazine #45

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Welcome to issue #45.  We have reviews of Hemsby 70, featuring the Bellfuries and Jenny Lee, pictured above.  Also the Casinos and the Intelli-Gents gigs at Chesterfield Rock 'n' Roll Club.  PLus FTM releases and some mildly amusing Bettajive Review stuff.  Please note, the review of the Rockabilly Rave, will be in the NEXT ISSUE ​of our magazine.  See below for further details

the bettajive review

​House! Just for a bit of fun fun fun campers, here’s a few bingo cards you can screenshot and play at your local club, weekender or just out and about yourselves.  Those sayings and utterances you may have heard, or for that matter said yourself.  The songs you may well still like, but are getting repetitive to the point of resentment.  The vintage shopping you all enjoy, and those reasons to avoid a jive.  So, you can cut out the bingo cards and take them to your favourite event, and tick off each category.  If you get a house……good for you

Vinyl collectors bingo

Yes dear readers, are you a serious collector, or one who dabbles in record buying?  Or are you a member of the record buyer's creche, those attached to the record buyer, responsible for carrying all the other 'stuff' while they 'flip, stack or reject' at the record stall.  Whichever, you might hear some of the following.  Tick 'em off as you hear them
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weekender questions bingo

Despite the most copious notes explaining the procedures and availabilities of service at a weekender, you might hear/read the following asked.
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Miserable gett at a weekender bingo

Think we have all stood next to, or worse still, been cornered by someone who rattles on incessantly about what's wrong with the Rock 'n' Roll scene or events attached to it.  Miserable gett bingo will probably be the easiest card to fill
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shopping for vintage bingo

Walk around a vintage market and hear the conversations.  Almost guarantee to hear some of the examples below.  Especially when you're around couples.....
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well that's a surprise to hear this bingo (sic)

Maybe a little self-indulgent here readers.  Some tracks that seem to be engrained in the psyche of some events.  Tracks that were once loved (apart from The Boss' Daughter, that's bloody awful on any level) and have almost reached saturation point.  Unlike 'Jitterbop Baby' which will never be overplayed 
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her reasons for not jiving bingo

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his reasons for not jiving bingo

It’s a bit sh*t
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​Dot…dot.  Best tracks in the world ever ever to wobble your jelly for this month are ‘Trash’ by Duane Eddy, Red Sovine’s ‘I’m and Old Pipeliner’ and Patti Page’s ‘Steam Heat’ (from the 1957 film ‘The Pyjama Game’ although Carol Haney sung it in the film)…….How rockin’ are you?  The flush system in a public convenience came on and didn’t wet my shoes, the dispenser actually had soap in it, the tap had hot water and came on automatically, and the hand driers stayed on until my hands were dry.  The others all commented as I left ‘Wow, he’s really rockin’……In case anyone wonders by reading the reviews below, this isn't the Andy Barker sponsored Bettajive Review.......Jimmy Edwards, he of ‘Love Bug Crawl’.  How many of you think of the moustachioed comedic actor of the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, playing ‘The Acrobat’ on the trombone? (raises hand)……. The lower stages are difficult for shorties like us.  At a weekender recently, I battled through the crowd to get a particular view of the stage for photos, between two sub six-footers, wearing Stetsons.  Someone at stage front called to me.  Forfeiting said vista, I approached this person, shuffling by tutting and sighing people, only for them to tell me how much they like Maggie’s Blue Suede News…….Recently at a market place gig, a very tall and flamboyant fellow decided to join in the strolling.  It was the one with the kick.  My goodness he nearly booted the sun out of the sky!.....How many of us go into a supermarket that has music playing, usually 80’s or 90’s.  Not long after you go in, well what do you know, Elvis comes on over the PA……Walking round said shops, how come we know all the words to the 80’s songs, yet can’t recall what we went in for unless we have a list?....Peter Crouch advertising laundry products on TV with 'Crazy Man Crazy' in the background?  Yes we saw it too .........Driving to both Hemsby and the Rave recently, so many roadworks, and so much antagonism, even the inflatable Noodle Guy stick figure outside one of the garages on the way looked like it was giving us the w*nk*r sign…….
 
Hop to it.  Once again readers, we took ourselves off to a couple of record hops recently.  Want2Jive cranked it up once again at Upton (near Pontefract) for their Bim Bam Boogie hop, with guest DJ Andy Barker from Chesterfield Rock n Roll Club.  Smashing sets of danceable delights on a Sunday afternoon, with a backdrop of various films and footage from 1940’s & 1950’s (naturally without sound).  The Want2Jive team of Dave and Louise also run jive boot camps at the same venue.  Check out their website for details.
 
Also on the calendar, Diamond D’s club in Garforth, near Leeds.  An intimate venue with a decent dancefloor and music from the stage courtesy of Diamond D herself and the Rhythm Rooster.  It’s informal, but at all times has a mix of the finest and well known tunes, and some obscurities peppering the sets.
 
Good googa mooga peeps, check listings for future events.

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PictureCody Lee of the Casinos
​Double Bubble.  Two gigs to review at Chesterfield’s Rock n Roll Club, at it’s Dronfield headquarters.  Firstly, the Casinos, a four-piece playing classic Rock ‘n’ Roll are made up of Cody Lee on piano and vocals, lead guitarist John O’Malley, JJ King on upright bass and drummer Todd Knapp.  Their style is well suited to the dancers, with a varied playlist between the harmonies of Doo Wop through the thigh slapping Western Swing style.
 
DJs for this evening were the ever-present Andy B & Steve O.  I’ve said it before, I don’t think we have been to a Chezzy gig without having to refer to Shazam/Soundhound (other music identification applications, are available) to search for a gem they’ve played.
 
The Casinos looking sharp in their white tux jackets, announced their arrival with an exceptional take of Clyde McPhatter’s ‘Deep Sea Ball’.  That got ‘em out already.  Across the two sets we had such gems as the Cadets’ ‘I Want You’ to the Wezzie swinging sound of Pee Wee King/Dick Glasser’s ‘Catty Town’.  Some classic rockin from 1958, with Danny & The Juniors’ ‘At the Hop’ along with kicking Rockabilly in the form of Jerry Reed’s ‘When I Found You’.  Then switch gears to the zippy R&B sound of ‘Hook Line and Sinker’ (Smiley Lewis) and the jazzy lilt of Louis Prima’s ‘Buona Sera’.  Musically, the lads were tight and en-pointe, vocally adept.
 
If that doesn’t prime your phalanges, someone must’ve nailed your rockin’ shoes to the floor boards.  Bring on the likes of Jimmy Edwards’ ‘Love Bug Crawl’, tempered with Bobby Darin’s ‘Beyond the Sea’.  ‘Perfidia’?  Yes please, and if there’s going to be a stick on dancefloor winner when their new CD comes out, ‘Bon Appetit’ will be it.  With Carl Smith’s joyful ‘Go Boy Go’ and Elvis’ ‘Big Hunk o’ Love’ also vying for attention, these lads had the perfect menu for a full dancefloor, delivered in an accomplished and enthusiastic way.  Top stuff.

​Gallery images below

PictureAlan O'Donnell of the Inteli-Gents
​A few short weeks later, the Inteli-Gents rolled into town.  Phrase for the night, ‘probably ten years ago’.  Yes, dear readers, it’s probably been that long since many of us had seen the Inteli-Gents play live.  Over a hundred and sixty showed up for the return of Zac Zdravkovic on lead guitar, Alan O’Donnell on upright bass and drummer Mick Colley take the Dronfield stage.  This trio, are that type of band that produce a sound, so phat, it seems like there are more musicians than just the three.  They took the stage after a typically move-some Andy & Steve set, and clarified the previous comment by taking on the Five Keys ‘It’s a Groove’.
 
With impressive harmony vocals throughout the two sets, they hit the spot with every song they took on.  The Robins’ ‘Whadaya Want’ was a vocal delight, form the harmony to the falsetto, and Jack Hammer’s ‘Girl, Girl, Girl’  just sounded ace.  ‘Oop Shoop’, many will recall by Shirley Gunther, hit the high and goldens, and the Crew Cuts’ ‘Two Hearts, Two Kisses Make One Love’ was awesome.  Two of the best know tracks by the Four Tophatters, ‘Go Baby Go’ and the ever-popular ’45 Men in a Telephone Booth’ were welcome features toward the end of the first set.
 
Calling all angels, the opening line from the Crests’ ‘Trouble in Paradise’, heralded the start of the second set, another veritable treasure chest of top-drawer vocal songs.  ‘Stormy Weather’ a 1933 ‘torch song’, first performed by Ethel Waters at the Cotton Club.  Since then there has been so many covers, one of which is by the Spaniels.  That version was replicated in the Inteli-Gents set to considerable acclaim from the crowd.  ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Sh’Boom’ and ‘Flip, Flop and Fly’ set up, probably, their best-known track.  ‘Aqua Marina’ was the outro to the TV show, ‘Stingray’, originally recorded by Gary Miller.  The trio here, injected some tempo to it, to make their own winner.
 
‘Shake Your Hips’ the Slim Harpo blues bopper, closed a sublime show, that rocked, rolled and doo wop-ed from start to finish.  Welcome back lads
 
Two excellent gigs at the club.  Gallery images below

PictureThe big day
​A brief word about Roberto and Amalfi Bella’s birthday bash.  As a rule we don’t review birthday parties or other such personal events, and as Amalfi is my (A) birthday twin, I took no notes and no photos.  However, we must make mention of the bands that did play, especially the three they brought over from Spain, two of which we hadn’t seen before.  Kicking off with Lojo and the Mojos, a classic line up of frantic strumming rhythm guitar, searing lead guitar solos and driving engine room beat on bass and drums.
 
Los Volidos, looking sharp in their red western suits, delivered a super set of Western Swing and Rockabilly with the fullest sound and expert delivery.  The Radions, many were familiar with.  The thundering sound of ‘Who Combs the Werewolf’, and associated howling, the energetic rockers from Andalucia, played a storming set of pacy and punchy Rockabilly.
 
Add to that regular input from the Bellefords, a vocal trio from Ireland, appearing as guests, throughout the day, plus Lobo Jones and the Rhythmhounds and The Del Rio Ramblers.  Lobo Jones had the raw Rockabilly sound, mixing covers and originals and the Hillbilly & Western Swing sound of the Del Rio Ramblers, was a real treat.  Such is the authenticity of this Shaun Horton led combo, you’d think they’d transported directly from 1954 to the party.
 
DJs opening up the treasure chest of tunes, were Courtney Oakes, Hodgo, Andy B, and from Spain, Bop Hop.  Splendid sounds throughout a very special celebratory day. 

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You will read about Hemsby #70 below, now get to booking Hemsby #71, click the flyer for details

Hemsby #70

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 It arrived, Hemsby number 70.  The world’s longest running Rock n Roll Weekender celebrated it’s seventieth such event in early March 2025.  It has survived venue changes and configuration adjustments within the current site, as well as ownership and worldwide pandemics.  The original Pontins site is now in a state of redevelopment and demolition in equal parts, and subject to squabbles about it’s further development.  The memories of bopping in the Norfolk Bar are now buried under the foundations of the current advancement, whist remaining in the reminiscences and memories of those who were there.  The Vic and the ballroom, are no more.
 
The current site, effectively known as ‘across the road from’ has advanced immeasurably since the initial ‘Teds in beds in sheds’ layout of the mid 2000’s, to comfortable caravans.  The main ballroom here, gave way to become a car park and play area, the sunken dancefloor in, what is now the ballroom, is no longer sunken.  Each challenge has been met headlong, by Bill Guntrip and his team, ranging from the reconfigurations, to where to accommodate the market stalls.  The earlier check in time seemed to alleviate the snaking queue of previous years, and Viv Roberts’ team on reception, got us through in double quick time
 
No, as some people still want to remind you, it’s not like the 80’s.  Of course it isn’t, that was then, this is now.  Everything evolves, alters and changes, heck even my own boyish good looks are slightly different to 40+ years ago.  The people attending Hemsby 70 were making their own memories.  Clearly with the event sold out months ahead of time was testament to the continuing quality of the acts on.  Let’s jump into the fray and get on with the live turns
PictureKick 'em Jenny
​The Friday night ‘kicked off’ with Kick ‘em Jenny.  Now I’m not sure if there was any forethought when choosing her name, but there’s an active volcano just north of Grenada with the same appellation.  We could all make comparisons when this particular Jenny erupted onto the stage, taking a slug from a large vodka bottle on her way.  Many peeps will recall her ‘Don’t Bug Me Baby’ EP, which in itself is surprisingly over twenty years old now.  Her rasping vocal delivery, and frantically unleashed style on ‘Stressed Up’ have filled many a late-night bop session floor.
 
The personnel on stage to accompany this show, featured Relentless’ Anthony Smith on lead guitar and Darren Richards on bass, drafting in Gary Agar on drums and Tomizlav Tom Benzon on electric guitar.  ‘Doing Alright’ and Gene Maltais’ ‘Ragin Sea’ were among the early tracks that got the Kick ‘em treatment, when indeed she was upright and not thumping the bejesus of her (at least we hope it was hers) acoustic guitar, both horizontal on the stage.  Royce Porter’s ‘Yes I Do’ and the Recall’s ’65 ‘Nobody’s Guy’ rocker, set up ‘Stressed Up’.  I still don’t know the words.  That was a set that will stick in the collective memories for sure.

PictureThe Infernos
​Some dyed-in-the-wool classic Rockabilly next, with one of the finest exponents in the shape of the Infernos from the North East of England.  Brothers Ian and Gary Agar take up rhythm guitar and drums respectively, with Ian belting out the vocals.  They’re joined by the skilled lead guitarist Ian Rhodes and bassist John Cavanagh.  With a loud holler, they launched into Johnny Knight’s ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Guitar’, a 1958 barn-burner, perfectly suited to the Infernos style, and a real pace setter. 
 
An energetic set choc-full of quality rockers, expertly performed, followed.  The likes of Tarheel Slim’s ‘Number Nine Train’ (yes, we know it’s a bluesy number thank you) and Warren Smith’s super Sun sound on ‘Who Took My Baby’ were rocking delight for those bouncing down at the front.  Jenny had left her mark on the stage before the Infernos took the stage, and also left her lipstick on the mic, that transferred onto Ian.  The lippy shade did match his shirt mind you.
 
Something a little slower, and again perfectly suited to this band, Jack Earls’ ‘Sign on the Dotted Line’ and the super cool Carl Perkins/Mann (pick your preference) ‘Look at That Moon’.  Then let’s ratchet it up again with the crowd pleasing ‘Ain’t That a Dilly’ with it’s pounding bassline, and the lesser-covered John Kerby rocker ‘Get Hot or Go Home’.  Top it all off with Benny Joy’s ‘Crash the Party’, a fitting end to a terrific set.

PictureThe Blue Cats
​Neo-Rockabilly, often referred to as a sub-genre of Rockabilly, was something that typified the intensity of the early 80’s, mixing classic 50’s sound with a pace, rattling bass lines and twanging guitar sound.  Pioneers included Restless, the Deltas and the last band on Friday at Hemsby, the Blue Cats.  Neo, when it’s done well, avoids that ‘punk-with-a-bass’ distortion, and for many, remains refreshingly innovative.
 
Many of the tunes are original compositions by the band.  The seminal classic song, ‘The Tunnel’ has always been a favourite among fans, however as a listener, I’d never really analysed the lyrics.  It’s a very well-conceived and crafted song with lyrics from Clint Bradley (and Carlo Edwards), based around mental health, which would resonate today. 
 
There were some cover tunes in the set, the likes of ‘Long Blond Hair’, an immersive call-and-answer take of ‘Train Kept a’Rollin’ and a tribute to Crazy Cavan with ‘Wildest Cats in Town’.  Of their own material, standouts for the crowd were the likes of ‘Man With a Mission’ and ‘Heaven’s Gate’ along with, from the G-Men days ‘Gotta Go’.  A hugely popular set concluded with a mix of ‘Love Me’ and ‘All I Can Do is Cry’ rubbing shoulders with the Johnson Brothers’ ‘Casting my Spell on You’.

PictureJenny Lee
Saturday’s live music began in the afternoon, with a debut, and a Jenny, mark two.  Last Hemsby, Jenny Lee took part in the jam session, which resulted in her getting a spot om the stage for a full show.  She was backed by Harry Chappell on lead guitar, Sherman Dakota on drums and switching from stage manager to bass player, Trevor Coveney.  Her vocal style, had a very natural Wanda Jackson lilt to it, a prime example of which was the opening tune, ‘Mean Mean Man’.
 
Along with the Wanda material, some other prominent female rockers were cleverly weaved into the set, thinking immediately of Connie Francis’ ‘Stupid Cupid’ and Brenda Lee’s ‘Let’s Jump the Broomstick’.  A decent headcount had shown up for the performance, and were well into the show, word must’ve got around as the crowd swelled throughout.  And rightly so with the likes of ‘Whirlpool’, ‘Fujiyama Mama’ , ‘Money Honey’ and ‘Hard Headed Woman’, all Wanda well-knowns, hitting the high spots.
 
A well deserved encore to a super set, had the rip-roaring ‘Let’s Have a Party’ ringing out.  Let’s make it clear, she’s not a Wanda tribute or a soundalike, that’s how she sounds.  We’ll see more of Jenny Lee, for sure. 

PictureRampage
​Next up, Rampage, billed from the UK and Switzerland, fronted by ace guitarist and vocalist Brandon Ashington.  He was ably backed by the collective musical talents of Sam French on bass, Jesus Lopez on drums and rhythm guitarist Ruben El Pavoni.  The opening drum beat, for the first track, was instantly familiar.  ‘Rampage’ originally by the Planet Rockers, is without doubt a latter day classic, (as well as being one of the best tracks in the world ever ever) and it was reproduced note for note, perfectly. 
 
It would be churlish to suggest that the best tune in the show was an instrumental, and immediately they matched with a fine vocal and musical delivery of Clyde Arnold’s ‘Black Smoke, Blue Tears’.  Charlie Rich’s ‘Rebound’ was a real tear-up, with the likes of ‘Mystery Gal’ and ‘Take it or Leave it’ rocking out.  This band had a really tight sound, chocca with catchy rhythms and some super-cool guitar solos.
 
Not many take on ‘Baby Baby’ and do it so well, which set up ‘El Camino Real’ and Bob Luman’s Imperial beauty, ‘This is the Night’.  Some authentic Rockabilly rocked the set to an end, with the encore, a 1960 instrumental curio, ‘Dirty Robber’.  Top drawer stuff.

PictureThe Sureshots
​The afternoon ended with a real party sound.  The Sureshots, from the North East of England, once again graced the Hemsby stage, bringing their own style of interactive bants and top Rockabilly sounds to the event.  Gaz Allen takes the lead vocals and keeps it real on rhythm guitar, with ace lead Joe Guillan, bassist John Cavanagh and Gary Agar on drums.  Never ones for conformity, they rarely have a set list, or if they do, they don’t stick to it.  With the ad-libbed show, comes random stuff from all angles, which is a real treat to see.
 
A humorous and highly accomplished set sprung to life with ‘Put Your Cat Clothes On’ and a pacy take of Kenny Smith’s ‘I’m So Lonesome Baby’ and Ted Harris’ ‘Just Thought I’d Set You Straight’.  A couple of strollers perhaps?  Why not.  Lou Graham’s ‘Wee Willie Brown’ and Buddy’s ‘Modern Don Juan’.  Revving up again, with another Buddy mainstay ‘Rock Around With Ollie Vee’.  Then we had a couple of guest musicians join the lads, with Jean Pierre on piano and Cavanagh jnr on sax.  Together they kicked into gear with versions of ‘Wild One’ and ‘High School Confidential’.
 
The set came to a rowdy crescendo with a sublime take of Sonny Burgess’ ‘We Wanna Boogie’, and the encore of ‘Turn My Back on You’.  These guys never disappoint, so chalk up another great show at Hemsby.

PictureThe Bellfuries
​Would you believe that the next act on were making their Hemsby debut?  Yes readers, The Bellfuries, were first-timers, and typically when they do play in the UK, they drew a bumper crowd into the hall.  Lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Joey Simeone, has a knack for songwriting, that resonates as modern day poetry.  Since their album ‘Just Plain Lonesome’ hit the record stalls, and ‘Hey Mister Locomotive’ drew folk onto the dancefloor, the enigmatic sound of the Bellfuries, is massively popular.  Especially when you consider that album is nudging a quarter of a century since it’s release.
 
The towering figure of Deke Dickerson, took the lead guitar duties, as an honourable Bellfurie, with the venerable Bobby Trimble on drums and bassist Jeff ‘Shecky’ Seaver.  Joey’s songs are now so embedded in the British psyche, that as soon as we hear the opening bars, the audience singing starts.  That said, off we all went with ‘Up to your Old Tricks Again’, and from ‘Workingman’s Bellfuries’ (2015), more ‘ah-ooos’ in ‘Loving Arms’.  Certainly folks, the songs sounded ‘just like the records’ as the crowd devoured ‘Bad Seed Sown’ and ‘You Must be a Loser’.
 
A duet, with Deke, came out of left field.  There may have been people searching the internet on their phones to try and find ‘I’m Just Too Lazy’ on a Bellfuries record.  Well, it’s a Hillbilly record, originally a ‘B’ side in 1955, by the Farmer Boys, and a mainstay of the Dave and Deke Combo.  The version on stage at Hemsby, was an exceptional had-to-be-there moment. With ‘Just Plain Lonesome’ and the ever-popular ‘Hey Mister Locomotive’ closing the set.  Well, it did but for the noise that brought them back for two more kickers, ‘Your Love is all that I’m Missing’ and the intense and dramatic lyrics of ‘Beaumont Blues’.  Smashing set by the Bellfuries once again.

PictureCM Wolf
​I guess that the joint headliner on Saturday with the ‘furies, would be CM Wolf and the Backbones.  Brief backstory for anyone wondering at this point, CM is Chris Moinichen, former lead singer with the Delta Bombers, and since leaving the band, this is his latest incarnation.  The Backbones for this show were essentially the band Rampage from earlier in the day, with Brandon Ashington, Sam French, Jesus Lopez JL and Ruben El Pavoni. 
 
Would it be the Bombers Mk 2?  Well opening up with ‘The Wolf’, the track that introduced many to the sound (via ‘Night Coppers’ on TV), could have sold the family silver in one go.  But there was plenty of other quality material during the show.  ‘Sorrow and Pain’ ‘Give ‘em All’, ‘Top Shelf Woman’ and ‘Save Me’ resonated well with the crowd.  There were some covers too, and a particularly awesome take of Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Smokestack Lightning’, Chris sure can holler, folks.  There was a nod to the Sun sound as well with Jack Earls’ ‘Slow Down’.
 
We even got a bit of Ska, with a tribute to the Beat, the reggae/ska band formed in Birmingham in ’78, about which I confess I know absolutely nothing.  The finale that had the crowd in raptures, was another Bombers tune, ‘Pressure and Time’.  Could we call this a debut?  I don’t know, but it was extremely well supported and an appreciated by the Hemsby faithful.  The sound wasn’t as ‘heavy’ as I recalled the Bombers, but saying that, it had lost nothing in style and panache.

PictureThe Mean Devils
​Topping off Saturday night, a welcome return to these shores for the Mean Devils from Portugal.  It’s been several years since they last visited the UK, and many will recall them backing the great Billy Lee Riley.  Here they were, a little more hirsute, facially, but with every ounce of energy that we recall, as they tore into Little Jimmy Dickens’ ‘Hole in my Pocket’, and their own ‘Don’t Stop the Bop Rock’.
 
Johnny Horton’s ‘I Don’t Like I Did’ eased off the gas for a bit before the breathless and frantic ‘Booze’ revved the crowd up again.  A personal favourite has to be ‘Wizard of Wax’, a truly authentic Rockabilly sound, with Johnny Burnette styled vocal oddities a la ‘Please Don’t Leave Me’.  Very glad we got to hear that one mid-set.  Pedro Serra’s vocals also put you in mind of Ronnie Self, and ‘Tootsie-Coo’ is a fine yardstick tune to make a comparison. 

​What you need on a Saturday night at a weekender to top off the day, is a band with a butt-kicking sound and energetic stage show.  The Mean Devils fit that bill perfectly and were an absolute treat to behold.  Welcome back lads.

​Hemsby dot…dot.  Best tracks in the world ever ever to bubble-up your hot-tub for this Hemsby were Mac Curtis’ ‘Turn Away From Me’, ‘Zig Zag’ by the Ramrods, ‘Seven Lonely Days’ by Patsy Cline and the Keil Isles version of ‘Bullmoose’…..The DJ only room, now a permanent feature of Hemsby weekenders, also doubled-up during the day as the venue for Want2Jive’s lessons for beginners and those who wished to brush up on some jive moves.  Highly popular feature folks…….Gotta love the DJs peeps.  They are the continuity lubricant between the live acts, that keep the dancefloor moving and the mood buzzing.  For your listening pleasure at this Hemsby were Richie Guest, Slim Tim, Mouse, Bill and Jimmy Guntrip, Deano and David Woodfield (78rpm Sessions) and Tojo.  Super stuff……The 78rpm Sessions, so surprising that some of that stuff was recorded on 78’s in the first place and the fact that many have survived to this day……Usually security have to wake up stragglers on the Monday morning to get us to leave.  This Hemsby however, a caravan shaking fly past by the RAF made sure everyone was up (or was it a fly past for Viv Roberts’ birthday?)……Oh, and thank you for all the new readers who have come along specifically to read this Hemsby review.  Yes you, and I know what you wanted to read about…….. Spencer Evoy, once again the MC with the mostest, whose fervour for building an act up, and whipping up enthusiasm in the crowd is so infectious, he could make the weekly supermarket shop a real event……
PictureThe Jets
​Sunday was a much more chilled day, with the Jam Session taking place in the afternoon.  The evening however, sprung to life with Rock n Roll circuit favourites, The Jets.  Brothers Bob (bass & vocals), Ray (lead guitar & vocals) and Tony (drums & vocals), have fifty years of experience performing.  From the fiery and teenage testosterone driven late 70’s and early 80’s through to the present day, they have electrified audiences across the country and indeed the world.  So let’s start with a bang, and the thumping drumbeat of ‘(You Just Don’t Know How To) Treat Your Man’.
 
From the album, ‘Cotton Pickin’ came the stutter vocals of ‘Nervous’, which set up one of their best known tracks, ‘Yes Tonight Josephine’ which charted at #25 in 1981.  The Marcels’ ‘Blue Moon’ was #1 in the charts the day Ray was born, and it’s now a regular tune in the Jets set, once again demonstrating their versatility. Going way back to the beginning, ‘Rockabilly Baby’, from 1978 and racing through the decades for an original composition, the doo wop sound of ‘You Are My Temptation’.
 
The snare drum came to the front for a regular request, The Fantastics’ ‘Millionaire Hobo’, which was followed by another change in styles, the thunderous blues bopper ‘Thunder Road’ and some straight ahead classic Rockabilly, Gene Wyatt’s ‘Lover Boy’.  With a stroll beat of ‘Talk All Night’ and another of their chart hits ‘Love Make the World Go Round’ ending the show, it was obvious they were coming back for more, with some acca pela, and Danny and the Juniors ‘Rock and Roll is here to Stay’.  Over the years, the Jets have been like a fine wine, the more the maturity, the smoother the quality.  Just excellent.

PictureThe Metrotones
​Sunday night at Hemsby(s), always used to have a Doo Wop band, and this time, it was one of the best known on the Rock n Roll circuit, the Metrotones.  OK, first things first, there was only three vocalists, Dave Tonner, John Pannemans and Paul Solomons.  The backing band were led by the ever dependable Jay Gipson on lead guitar. 

​What followed was a veritable promenade through the best loved vocal and doo wop sounds you’re likely to hear.  They set the pace with the Videos ‘Trickle Trickle’ from 1958 and the vocal dexterity of the Carnations’ ‘Long Tall Girl’.
 
The Chords, or the Crew Cuts, you choose, recorded ‘Sh’Boom’ in 1954 and the ‘Tones recounted it very well, with just the right amount of ‘ya da da das’ .  The Calvanes were five vocalists on ‘Crazy Over You’, so would it work with just three?  Well yes it did!  And so did ‘Who’s That Knocking?’, originally by the Genies from 1959.  Even those tracks, for me, were trumped by their version of Johnny Maestro and the Crests’ ‘My Juanita’, a faultless song for them to take on.
 
The Five Satins’ dreamy ballad, ‘In The Still of the Night’, Dion’s ode to a disloyal lover in ‘Runaround Sue’ and the definitive ’45 Men in a Telephone Booth’ from the back catalogue of the Four Tophatters, ended a terrific set.

PictureJake Calypso
​He’s here again, that enigmatic bespectacled Frenchman, Herve Loison from Pas De-Calais, who, when he takes on the guise of Jake Calypso, morphs into something completely different.  With his band Red Hot, consisting of lead guitarist Christophe Gillet, drummer Thierry Seller and Lincolnshire’s own Dave Kopke on upright bass.  It was kind of a surprise when they opened with the instantly recognisable ‘My Baby Rocks’, one of his best known tracks.  As Jake strummed the chords, it seemed like there was a palpable ‘tick-tick’ countdown to the explosion.
 
Up next was the popular ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Train’ involving the audience holding the note on this Charlie Feathers sounding song.  Similarly, with ‘Turn Me Loose’ the crowd sang along, and a particular favourite of this scribe, ‘Call Me Baby’, was simply a delight to be a part of (admittedly, a small and somewhat insignificant part).  Each song heightened the visual experience too, with Jake knee sliding, jumping, falling, head-standing, leaning wide-eyed over the audience and later, crowd surfing.  If you were down the front, you could’ve done with a risk assessment prior to a Jake Calypso show.
 
Latter day rockers, all original Herve Loison compositions, followed one breathless delivery after another.  ‘Rockabilly by Plane’ was conceived in the 1980’s (he says), ‘I’m a Real Cool Cat’ and ‘I’m a Boppin’ Cat’, not necessarily feline related, and ‘Saturday Night Tease’, short and sweet, but extended to fit the occasion.  Snorts, shouts and high pitched vibrato, peppered the vocals as the crowd loved every second of what was the most fitting of conclusions to the live acts at Hemsby 70.
 
As the strains of ‘How Low Do You Feel’ morphed into ‘Jungle Rock’ the last peeps standing bopped until the lights unceremoniously came on, and DJ Jimmy Guntrip announced that the weekender was over.  To well-meaning and tongue-in-cheek ‘boos’, there was also the promise that we’d all be back again in November 2025 for the 71st Hemsby Weekender.  Such was the flourish of booking requests whilst keys were returned Monday morning, it’s most likely that this will be another sellout.  So don’t delay folks

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Vinyl reviews

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​Maverick Records – Double sider
 
Talk about a one-two punch.  Well here it is, on Maverick Records, mastered by Flat Top Mark.  This is a storming double header, featuring two tracks that have filled floors in the last ten years since they gained popularity in DJ sets
 
‘Johnny the Hummer’ by Ray Smith (1934-79), is a superb jiver from the artist who had recorded some of the Rockabilly classics on Sun Records including the hit ‘Rockin’ Little Angel’.    This song was recorded on the infinity label out of California in 1961.  A top dance tempo with an ace sax break, complementing a story of a chap that attracts the ladies simply by humming.  Excellent
 
Tony Douglas’ ‘Thunder and Lightning’ was originally recorded in 1961 on the ‘D’ label out of Texas.  This song is just an exquisite Hillbilly bopper, soaked in fiddle and slidey steel guitar, and Tony Douglas’ vocals are delivered in superlative style.
 
A twin spin for DJs and music lovers alike

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​FTM DJ Spin Off – Carrie vs Jezebel
 
Ding ding, round one (note round one, more to come we understand) Flat Top Mark does it again.  Combining two of the circuit’s prominent DJs in a spin off, Carrie Hope and Jezebel, choosing a track each for this 45rpm release.  The record is presented in a picture sleeve, colourful and eye catching, designed by Sam French.
 
Carrie’s spin is a track that has been making waves on the dancefloor for a while now.  When many hear the name Johnny Mathis, it’s easy to jump to the wrong conclusion.  No this isn’t that Johnny Mathis, it’s the Country Johnny Mathis who recorded with that prefix to differentiate himself from the popular singer of the same name.  He’d recorded for Mercury and ‘D’ labels (Chicago and Texas).  ‘Big Old Heart Full of Love’ is a a mid-tempo jive beat tune which is a real joy.  Catchy steel guitar and uplifting beat.
 
Jezebel’s spin on the flip side is ‘That’s What’s Knockin’ Me Out’ by Jimmy Liggins and the Drops of Joy Orchestra. Jimmy Liggins (1918 – 1983) was a guitarist and band leader, active from the mid-40’s until the 1960’s.  This track from Specialty records 1951, is a perfect foil for the A side, a corking R&B number, with just the right rhythm for dancers.
 
Two ace tracks that look like they are kicking off a cool series.  Release is limited to 300 copies

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​FTM vs The Preacher – Round 12
 
Just when you thought the slugfest between Flat Top Mark and Simon Preacher was reaching a split decision from the judges at ringside to declare the winner, they return with round twelve in the series.
 
Side A, is Preacher’s choice, Kirby Leigh with ‘Lonely Walking Blues’. It appears that it was Kirby Leigh’s sole single release, in 1965 on B-J Records who in turn didn’t produce much beyond this single.  Being from the mid-60’s it has a certain vibe, much like you’d expect, heavily on the organ, kind of like the Doors, with a stinging guitar solo mid-song.
 
Side B, Mark’s shout is a Rockabilly belter.  ‘You’re Gonna Treat Me Right’ by Jimmy Stayton & Country Cats, was recorded in Delaware in 1956 and released on the Blue Hen label based in that state.  It’s your classic Rockabilly format, just the right amount of reverb on the vocals, delivered slightly frantically, and super cool guitar solo.  It’s a beaut folks, limited to 280 copies (ours is ultra-cool white vinyl)   

In the next few issues, look out for reviews of The Rockabilly Rave, Hot Rock n Boogie, Rockin at the Bomber Command, Rock 'n' Roll Rampage, FTM record releases, Al Michaels, Marcel Riesco, Shaun Horton, Charlotte Porter and Marcel Bontempi 
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Excellent line up for May
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Click either flyer for details
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Cool beans in Edinburgh at the end of May. Click flyer for details
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You will have recently noticed a shift in the types of weekender venue locations, now that Pontins has effectively closed. Many sites can now accommodate motorhomes. Check out our friends at Vista Motorhomes, and their fleet to suit your needs. Motorhome hire from compact 2-berth to large 6-berth motorhomes. Modern and well-equipped with kitchens and bathrooms www.vistamotorhomes.co.uk tel 07376 659005 email [email protected] or click on the link on the photograph below
Check our Razzle Dazzle at their store and at various events around the country.  Website https://razzledazzlevintage.org.uk/
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PictureRacketeer Radio brings you the New Golden Age of Radio with over 20 scheduled radio programs from around the world, airing each week. Racketeer Radio features the longest running radio program on air, favorite radio programs from 1930s - 1950s as well as the latest programs in the vintage revival.​Hear your favorite classics, along with the newest released tunes from Big Band, Swing, Jump Rhythm and Blues to Lounge, Rockabilly and More. In the Racketeer Radio App find News, Updates, Events and More, go to linktr.ee/RacketeerRadio.
​Razzle Dazzle Vintage, in addition to appearing at various events on the calendar, have now opened a new shop in Lincolnshire.  You can find them on Google Maps, as well as their website Vintage Store - Razzle Dazzle Vintage .  Check out their range of pristine vintage items and retro jewellery, and pay them a visit soon ​5, Hoddins Way, Long Sutton, Lincs. PE12 9JB

​There is now a site up an running where you can check out what's on and upload your gigs.  See  MBSN Gig Guide (bluesuedenews.co.uk) ​for details.

Notice to advertisers:-  The advertisers in this issue, have paid for their adverts, if you would like to run one with us, and have your event/facility open to our 40,000 + viewers per month, drop us a line to [email protected] for details.  If you have a company that makes and sells clothing or accessories, you have a themed event or location, you run a record label or shop, you can advertise with us as well. Anything associated with Rock n Roll music, or 1940’s, 1950’s related.  We will include a brief article on your company and services if required, as well with your advert, and a clickable link attached to the flyer, which will take customers directly to your webpage or event page on social media.  Adverts are £30.00 per month, much less than most printed magazines, and reaching far more potential customers and attendees, more bang for your buck.  

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.  This has to be a two way street for us to be able to continue beyond 2024.  Many thanks 
 
Bands and artists who would like their music or latest record release reviewed.  We listen to records several times before writing a word about them.  We research songs if they are covers, credit writers, performers and musicians.  In effect, we pay true reverence to your recordings, not relying in on merely describing a song as a bopper, jiver or stroller.   If we don't know about your release, we can't review it.  You can send it to us in electronic form or the actual article, drop us an email and we'll arrange it.  We do not plagiarise unlike some other sites and publications.  Get in touch at [email protected] if you want your record included.

When you get chance to, as seemingly the case is now, do go and support live music, gigs, clubs and bands.  Never before has the industry needed it's customers than now.  It's much more exiting than two cans and a takeaway in front of the telly. 

When we are able to get out and about, if you would like us to cover your event or club night, please get in touch.  For two press passes, we will review your event, or your band's show at a gig, in detail, in both words and pictures.  We are out there, boots on the ground, front, centre and right and most points in between.  

Photographs in this magazine have been provided by the subjects, for use here, or are from our own library. All are copyright

NB, Events and all advertised services are supplied by the advertisers themselves.  We do not accept any responsibility for any alterations or adjustments, cancellations or disputes between customers and the advertisers.  Please check before booking, travelling to, or buying from advertisers in our magazine

Please note that all material on this website is (c) Andrew Smith, June Smith, The Bettajive Review.  Please avoid copying and pasting articles or parts of articles to your websites or social media, we'd much prefer people to visit our site direct.  Thank you for reading our online magazine.  Comments, remarks, suggestions and yes, even gentle criticism, all welcome.  We do not share links to adult sites here, although adults are welcome to read it.   We are considering deleting some early issues and we're interested in your thoughts on whether we should keep them or not.  Drop us a note with your thoughts sometime. 

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​Cheers 'til next month
 
Andrew and June

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