Sir Henry @ Ed Debba

Candy Bus - Oak acetate demo - Good Morning Mr Wind - 1968

2012-01-24T17:31:00.003Z

Here is an interesting recording, all the more so since I have had contact with two band members: John Phillips and Alan George, both of whom kindly presented me with information and a rather splendid promotional band picture.

"Candy Bus was formed out of a band in the Sutton area of Surrey called The A-Jaes. Members were Trevor White, lead guitar and singer, and later in Sparks, Radio Stars and Jook; John Taylor, drums; Jack ? on bass, and me, John Phillips on Vox Continental ! We specialised in Beach Boys songs mostly with some Four Seasons and Jan and Dean thrown in. We had a manager called Michael B. Savage who at one time was closely connected with The Stones !
I lived in Leatherhead which became well known for the origin of John's Children. They wanted Trevor, who was best friends with John Hewlett, but he wouldn't leave us, so they got Marc Bolan instead .................
The "Good Morning Mr. Wind" was a demo for the song. It was written by Donovan who was a friend of Mike Savage and gave us the song. It was recorded by the second Candy Bus incarnation which was myself, Roger Meakin, lead guitar and vocals; John ? on bass; and Alan George on drums.
There is a rubbish pic attached ! Mike Savage's mum's stairs ..............
Thanks for the interest,
John Phillips

" Oak accetate of the Donavan song Good Morning Mr.Wind recorded at R.G.Jones studio Mordon Surry after playing 2 weeks at the Playboy Club Park Lane arriving at approx 6-30am setting up and recording 4 tracks :-Mr. Wind / Expecting to Fly / Original with backing vocal (ala George Martin tapes) but with Alan singing live Backwards!!! Engineer was not impressed and cut a lot of vocals from the tape. We did get a fit of the giggles during the takes. Final track was Susies New Shoes written by John Howe the Bass player that John Phillps couldn't remember his surname. John Howe was the bass player and vocalist of the Wurzals of Cider Drinker and Combie Harvester fame and appeared with them at Glastonbury a few years ago. He is no longer with us.

Im living on the Greek Island of Rhodes. I used to live in the West country in Paignton Devon and was in resident Band at the Grand Hotel Torquay (Mirage). I giged with Function band J B Enigma a Shadows Tribute and a folk rock band called Stormy Monday who are now called Dire Traits (Dire Straits tribute band)

Candy Bus was the Support band for a lot of bands at the time including :-Graham Bond Organisation / Brian Augur Trinity with Julie Driscoll / The Herd with Peter Frampton (Fairfields Hall) twice / Dave Dee Dozy Beaky Mick and Titch / Status Quo (Imperial College) Pictures of Matchstickmen No.8 in the charts / Jethro Tull / Traffic / Amen Corner / Vanity Fair (opening Bird Cage nightclub Harlow) / Harmony Grass (Billericay and we were both ripped off by the promoter who flitted with all the money) / Screaming Lord Such / Sounds Incorporated / Marmalade / The Perishers / Blodwyn Pig /.

We met the Beach Boys twice once in Yorkshire and the second time in Finsbury Park in the pub opposite the theater and gave Mike Love a 3inch tape of Mr. Wind and they said if we got it published in the UK they would put it out in the States on their new Brother Label. Unfortunately it was not to be.

Roger Meakin (top right in photo) Lead Guitar and Vocals. After Candy Bus split toured with the Band Esperanto after they recorded their album "Last Tango". Roger was last heard of in France but has not been in contact with any of us for years

Candy Bus was a fantastic experience but were not in the right place at the right time to get the recording contract although we did turn down the 5 year contract at 1% that the Quos manager did take and got loads of publicity by breaking the contract and going to America for a new one
A fantastic learning curve and a chance to see some of the great groups of the time.

Please let me know if this has been helpful to you and don't hesitate to contact me for any more info.

Best regards

Alan George (front left in photo)

Pre Tintern Abbey to the first incarnation

2012-01-19T18:39:00.005Z

Prior to forming Tintern Abbey, Don Smith was a member of Twickenham band, The Turnkeys. Below is a newspaper report from 1964 announcing the band's success in securing a contract to provide the score for a film.

Previously unheard demo acetates can be heard here Tintern Abbey acetates

Advert for the newly released Deram single, and a review:

Below are some previously unseen (in their original form) publicity shots for the first incarnation of Tintern Abbey, circa 1967. Thanks to Don Smith for providing all scans.

First Istanbul gig; Don Smith in action:

Unheard Tintern Abbey - from acetates - Donald Smith original guitarist

2011-12-28T18:27:00.016Z

Thanks to Tintern Abbey's original guitarist, Don Smith, I am able to bring you previously unheard songs by the band, including the illusive 'Snowman', an unknown track 'Tanya', and the original demo for their only single bearing the track 'Black Jack'.

Don Smith, Tintern Abbeys' original guitarist who featured on their sole single, began his relatively short musical career with a band called the "Turnkeys" In Richmond in the mid 60s. After he had been playing guitar for less than two years, by chance they scored a part (2 music tracks) in a black & white film (The Little Ones/1965) when they were overheard rehearsing by the daughter of Director Jim Connolly.

It was During 1966/7, at the height of the Kings Road scene during many visits to clubs in the area, that the original line up of Tintern Abbey was formed by Don Smith after meeting David MacTavish at the Overseas Visitors Club in EarlsCourt London. Smith brought John Dalton into the band after a meeting in the Cromwellian Club in South Kensington and Mactavish brought Stuart Mackay into the band after a meeting at the dole office, and it was this grouping of musicians who formed the quintessentially psychedelic Tintern Abbey.

With the help of a girlfriend of David Mactavish, the band gained financing and much promotion courtesy of Nigel Samuels (International Times), and an acetate demo was cut on the 29th July 1967 (Paid for by a friend of Mactavish,not Samuels) at R.G.Jones OAK studios, featuring Busy Bee/Bumblebee (Beeside) and Black Jack, which was turned down in favour of Vacuum Cleaner for the Deram release. After their single release, the band began work (with John Pantry engineering), on 'Snowman'. Demo acetates were cut, but the John Pantry-engineered IBC master-tape still survives (presently with bassist Stuart MacKay). It was during this time that Don believes the balance within the group went adrift, with him taking uppers, time keeping (Late arrivals to rehearsals etc) lead to disputes and Don was effectively "invited" to leave the band, and so it was that the classic Tintern Abbey came to an end. The bands history here onwards is well documented elsewhere. Don moved to Turkey for a year where he played with a popular Turkish group. Upon returning to England, he gained employment with ITV as a sound engineer for three years and then as a freelance boom operator in the film business and ceased to play guitar professionally

Interestingly, apart from one promo gig in Holland, this Tintern Abbey played no UK gigs.

Original Tintern Abbey demo, 29th July 1967 featuring

Black Jack / Busy Bee

Snowman

Tanya

This particular track was about a Chinese girl who liked to hang out in Trafalgar Square(Nelson/the tall man) chatting up tourists.

IBC acetate: Vacuum Cleaner / Busy Bee (Uncompressed)

Prerelease 33.3 rpm acetate recording dated 4th November 1967.

Vacuum Cleaner:

Beeside

Page Full of Hits one sided acetate - Busy Bee (33.3 rpm)

The Mellow Candle singles on SNB and Deram

2011-12-26T16:41:00.001Z

This band released 2 singles, their first being on Simon Napier's SNB label in 1968, the other a spin off from their only LP on Deram in 1972 (to follow).

Behind the scenes of Gentle Influence - Jeff Arundell

2011-11-30T19:49:00.002Z

It is with immense pleasure that I am able to bring you a history of Gentle Influence, a highly underrated Oxford band from 1969-70. This is all thanks to the band's bassist, Jeff Arundell who kindly put together the following commentary and photographs.

Following the break-up of the Newlanders, a very successful Witney (Oxfordshire) soul band, we formed The George Street Ideal to support our very talented vocalist, Martin Hester. We ‘found’ a new drummer, George Schwyzer, and the other members were Simon (Sam) Needler on Hammond Organ and Marc Pawley on guitar who also began to write songs together. We started to do a few gigs locally with some success and rehearsed in my parents’ house in the village of Shipton-under-Wychwood.

A wealthy Faringdon-based businessman, Rodney Harnett, approached us, said he would promote us, and eventually he became our Business Manager. We made a few demo’s and he managed to get some interest from John Schroeder, a legendary A&R man at Pye records. John introduced the song ‘Never Trust in Tomorrow’ and got Pye to sign us. However, one of the conditions was that we changed our name to Gentle Influence. They particularly loved Martin’s soulful ‘black’ sounding vocals. Sam and Marc wrote the B-side. We recorded the single in the famous basement studios of Pye Records in ATV House just off Marble Arch in London.

We were all semi-pro at the time and Rodney, with ambitious ideas, persuaded us to go fully professional and move to London. Gentle Influence was planned to be Pye’s answer to the new rave group ‘Love Affair’. Although ‘Never Trust’ got a lot of radio airplay on its release, and it was a Radio Luxemburg ‘Hit Pick’, it failed to sell enough and didn’t chart. Meanwhile we were rehearsing hard and doing a few gigs in and around London. One was the legendary open air Oxfam concert at Wembley Stadium on 13 July 1969 with a host of famous 60’s bands such as Love Affair, Status Quo, Grapefruit and Jimmy James & The Vagabonds.

It was very disappointing and rather worrying as we had all given up our jobs and had moved to London in expectation of great success. Rodney persuaded John Schroeder for Pye to fund and release a follow-up, ‘Always be a Part of My Living’ but this single also ‘bombed’. By the end of 1969, Rodney ended his management contract and we returned to Oxfordshire, got new jobs and resumed a semi-pro career for Gentle Influence. We were busier with gigs than we had ever been before, playing all over the southern part of UK!

At this time the BBC got in touch and asked us to record some live tracks for their daily Radio shows. Apparently the UK Musicians Union were becoming upset that there was too much airplay given to American records and curiously insisted that a certain percentage of music played should be recorded ‘live’ by the BBC. They hoped this would boost the involvement of UK professional musicians? So we started a very productive period of traveling up to BBC studios in Maida Vale, London most Sundays to record 6 live covers of popular songs in 6 hours. One track was then played each day of the following week to boost the percentage of recorded ‘live’ music on the BBC radio stations.

Eventually in 1970, the group ‘folded’ and we all went in completely different directions. I lost track of George, Martin took a welding job in Witney (a great waste as he was truly a much better singer than many who have achieved great fame and fortune), Sam took over the management of his family’s Sportswear and Skiwear Chain, Marc returned to work for Readers Digest in Swindon and I started my own business as a Used Car Dealer.

Above: A Flyer with photograph taken on the Victoria & Albert Bandstand in Hyde Park, London

Above: A Car Sticker promotional item

Above: 1. The group on a houseboat on the River Thames, Kew, London 1970
2. The group assembled on a farm gate: Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire December 1969

Above: 1. George Schwyzer – drummer 1970 2. Simon (Sam) Needler & Marc Pawley 1970

Above:

Left. Jeff Arundell – Bassist

Right. Martin Hester – Vocals

Many thanks to Jeff Arundell for all of the above. Image copyright remains that of Jeff Arundell.

The B side to their second single can be heard HERE

The World is a Trapezium - Motives - Tom Winter 1967

2011-10-05T15:31:00.002+01:00

It with great gratitude to Tom Winter and the Motives that I bring you what is most probably the rarest single (well EP really) from the psychedelic era.

Recorded at Telstar Studios in Weert, Holland, as a demo to promote the band, this EP contains 4 tracks revealing the band's quality musicianship and extraordinary song-writing of Tom Winter.

You can read more at Sweet Floral Albion

I Can Hear Colours

Ice Woman

Baby of the May

God Save Our Gracious Cream

The Sorrows - Ypotron / No No - 8 inch acetate

2011-08-28T17:46:00.002+01:00

One of a kind, the Sorrows really letting their hair down, in this acetate from the film Ypotron (Operation Y from 1966 - Italy).

No No was released in Italy only, Ypotron only on film.

The Carnaby - Jump and Dance - acetate

2011-08-28T16:52:00.002+01:00

There is a slight jump right at the beginning unfortunately (plays without problem on my Project deck however).. Nevertheless, a delightful prerelease of this essential English beat single, dated 29th October 1965.

You can hear the released version here, which was signed by all the band members.

Kippington Lodge - In My Life acetate

2011-08-28T16:42:00.000+01:00

The flip side to the stunning 'I can see your face'. I believe that this acetate plays the same (more or less) as the released version.

The Pussyfoot - Dee Dee Do Your Dance - Test Pressing

2011-08-18T19:26:00.001+01:00

The third single release by The Pussyfoot, released 24th November 1967.

This is a test pressing kindly passed on to me by the original band's vocalist Terry Barfield, to whom I am eternally grateful in continuing to unfold the band's history.

Such Sweet Sorrow - Windmill acetate?

2011-06-05T17:22:00.003+01:00

This acetate plays a remarkably different version of Windmill's 'Such Sweet Sorrow'. Indeed, in my estimation, this is a far sturdier rendition of the composition, with a more suitable tempo, balance of instruments and stronger vocals. My guess is that it is indeed Windmill, but an early cut from 1969.

You can hear the released version here

...and the acetate version below:-

I was fortunate in being able to talk to DJ John Cull about the band's vocalist Dick Scott (deceased):

"Dick was very closely involved with Ken Howard and Alan Blakely of Dave Dee fame so I would be surprised if he had released a song by someone else for his first single.

Dick was a great guy, but could be a little cruel to the guys in his band. He came from Street in Somerset and I got on very well for him.

They used to do two of three sets a night at the Star Palast in Kiel and I would do a disco before and after and during the breaks.

I've attached a couple of photos - me - then and now. The Star Palast photo was during one of the breaks in Dick's show."

John presents a programme on Brooklands Radio every Friday morning 9:30 to noon www.brooklandsradio.co.uk

Santa Lucia - Clive Whitelock & Dave Bowden 1968

2011-04-14T18:16:00.002+01:00

Today I bring you a rerecording of 'Santa Lucia' performed by Clive Whitelock, jointly written in 1968 along with Respect lead singer Dave Bowden. Dave and Clive appear below in this 1968 photograph sitting outside a pub in the estate they grew up in in the High Wycombe area of London.

Clive, a renowned songwriter, singer and poet can be found here at occasionallydavid

The IBC acetate recording of Santa Lucia can be heard Respect 1969-unreleased-acetate

Velvet Frogs- Momento Mori - OAK acetate B side

2011-03-05T17:23:00.001Z

Here for the first time is the B side to the Frogs' second OAK studio sessions in 1968 which saw their 'Momento Mori', or 'Wasted Ground' which featured on 'Psychedelic Schlemiels 4' last year.

Simon Dupree - Like the Sun, Like the Fire acetate 16.8.1967

2011-03-05T14:03:00.001Z

Mistitled as 'Like the Fire, Like the Sun', a metal acetate of the B side to
'Kites', and by far a better composition all round.

The Soundcasters - Pre-Pussyfoot 1965-6

2011-02-28T16:03:00.001Z

Prior to forming the Pussyfoot in 1966, the original members rehearsed and performed locally as 'The Soundcasters', dating back to their school days. As you can see, their success as 'The Pussyfoot' is in part down to the Hubert Pink, the Archdeacon of Hampstead. Three schoolboy band members were choirboys when Hubert Pink was Rector of Hackney and lent them a church room to practise in. Thus began the Soundcasters and eventually Pussyfoot.

Many thanks once more to Pussyfoot member Terry Barfield for the following news cuttings and photographs of the Soundcasters circa 1965/6.

The CREATION - Life is Just Beginning (alternate version)

2011-01-08T18:51:00.001Z

From 1967

Tintern Abbey

2010-12-18T17:16:00.002Z

This photograph is of Tintern Abbey 1968/9, and appears to be a signed publicity shot, being the third incarnation of the band.

My thanks to Damian Jones for this.

You can hear both sides of their only published single from an Emidisc acetate HERE

RESPECT - Original line-up circa 1966/7. With thanks to Paul Russell

2010-12-16T19:10:00.002Z

I am fortunate in being able to bring you 2 previously unseen photographs of the High Wycombe band 'Respect' whose acetate Santa Lucia I previously posted and which you can now hear along with four Respect compositions on Psychedelic Schlemiels 4 (Wooden Hill).

Many thanks to original band member Paul Russell for sending me these and granting me permission to publish them here. Regarding the photographs and origination of the band, Paul says:-

"My role in the band was nothing extraordinary, I was as suggested previously and original co-founder with Blackie, and co-writer of 'Nothing' I played mainly rhythm guitar when Mick joined the band as he was a little more versatile than I so he was appointed Lead guitarist, I sang lead vocals on a couple of songs one namely 'All or Nothing' the superb Small Faces hit and Mick and I sang BV's on most others, apart from this my role nothing too noteworthy. I played many of the High Wycombe Town Hall functions as support act to the named artists of the day, Small Faces, Geno Washington & Ram Jam Band, The Move, The Who I believe from memory and a fair few others that escape me at present..."

PUSSYFOOT - Cool Cats Slinking to the Top

2010-12-12T15:13:00.011Z

Two newspaper clippings sent to me by Pussyfoot song writer and vocalist Terry Barfield. You can open the images full size by clicking on them.

At the bottom you can listen to the B side from their 1967 unreleased acetate - Saints and Angels

Pussyfoot 'Dark Star'

2010-12-03T19:42:00.003Z

Please accept my apologies for those of you trying to hear this acetate. I lost many of my music links and am gradually working to put this right.

Normal service will resume shortly.

The Pussyfoot tracks are now up and running, although I still have some others to do.

The Pussyfoot unreleased 1966 demo 'I Can See'

2010-10-27T14:11:00.010+01:00

I was very kindly sent a demo of 'I Can See' and 'Things That Still Remind Me' by Pussyfoot vocalist Terry Barfield, along with some unseen photographs of the band from 1966.

Concerning the demo Terry recalls:

That version of " Things that still remind me" is the first demo we
recorded and was to be the A side with" I can see" as the B side of
our first release, prior to signing up with Decca in 1966.
Then at rehearsals we played them Freeloader and that became our " A "
side and "Things that still remind me" was Re recorded at the Decca
studios.

Blue Existence

2010-09-05T17:10:00.013+01:00

An acetate in very poor shape (warped and almost unplayable).

Little is known about this UK 60s band.

I include a taster of side 2 (fade out three quarter way through).

You will be able to hear the full 2 sides on Wooden Hill Records forthcoming 'Psychedelic Schlemiels Volume 4'.

http://www.tenthplanet-woodenhill.co.uk/woodenhillbyband.html

Thank you to all those fellows and ladies who left words of encouragement.

Signing off

2010-05-11T08:54:00.001+01:00

Sir Henry.

The SPONGE - (Wimple Winch) 1969

2010-04-25T17:58:00.004+01:00

This is a rarely seen single here, one side Dave Berry, the other Dave Berry and the Sponge, comprising the drummer Lawrence Arends of Wimple Winch and Just Four Men.

Huma Lama

Peter and the Wolves - Woman on my Mind 1968

2010-04-25T17:46:00.005+01:00

Just one more from Peter and the Wolves:

Woman on my Mind

Old and New

Peter and the Wolves - Lantern Light 1968

2010-04-25T17:28:00.006+01:00

Another by Peter and the Wolves, both sides.

Lantern Light

Break up Break down

Peter and the Wolves - Little Girl Lost (and found) 1967

2010-04-25T16:46:00.005+01:00

Following on from the Factory, another John Pantry project, with both sides for you to enjoy.

Little Girl Lost (and found)

Is Me

The FACTORY - Red Chalk Hill (Unreleased version)

2010-04-23T18:00:00.005+01:00

Also coming from the Factory's drummer, a sneak preview of an unreleased version of the B side to 'Try a Little Sunshine.

This is the only known recording, on acetate in fragile condition:

Red Chalk Hill.

The FACTORY - Gone (Second Rough Mix)

2010-04-20T19:22:00.003+01:00

This acetate was owned by the Factory's drummer - and provides a rough mix of the B side to 'Path through the Forest', 'Gone'.

Jason Crest - Black Mass 7 minute acetate

2010-04-18T16:39:00.004+01:00

Here is a never before seen 7 minute version of Jason Crest's seminal composition, Black Mass, which I have discovered on a cancelled 10 inch Philips metal acetate.

Whilst sounding essentially the same as the single release, the mix is different, brighter sound, cleaner, more dynamic, with different introduction and ending.

I have no idea why it was cancelled, and Jason Crest themselves are apparently unaware of this recording being made.

Wimple Winch 4 track acetate - Atmospheres

2010-02-06T17:14:00.003Z

Was this a proposed EP for release in 17th January 1967? This 10 inch Fontana acetate brings together all tracks from their 2 singles with the 'Atmospher' choice. It is listed as an EP on the label. 'Atmospheres' is shortened, slightly different mix.

There are severals sites carrying the band's history, but briefly, from Mersyside (as Four Just Men) moved to Manchester as Wimple Winch (Stockport area) disbanding in 1967.

Rumble on Mersey Square South

Save My Soul

Atmospheres

The SELOFANE: Chase the Face - 1968

2010-01-07T16:30:00.005Z

The second of only two singles by this obscure English band. Chase the Face is an interesting Baroque style pop song, with great (at times) off key brass, and a good dose of organ. You might also care to listen to 'A Girl called Fantasy'.

This demonstration copy released 13th September 1968.

Off some interest is that this copy was sent to FINITO (a record producition and promotion comapany headed by Tony Palmer & Adrian Rudge up until 1970 when Rudge moved to Polydor).

The Masked Phantom

2009-12-08T17:48:00.001Z

An obscurity here from 1966 on Parlophone. This travels well with the previous listing, Sir Henry & His Butlers.

Sir Henry & His Butlers - Cosmorama

2009-12-08T17:42:00.003Z

A Danish beat group who had a minor hit in the UK with 'Camp' (later known as the 'Rolo Sensation') and so seems appropriate to air them here with this atmospheric instrumental, dated 1968.

Serendipity - 1968 and 1969

2009-12-06T14:59:00.006Z

A side each here from both singles by this Tunbridge Wells' group once known as 'Abject Blues'.

Castles (1969)

Through with You (1968)

Symphony For the Madman - unsigned band late 1960s

2009-11-29T09:46:00.004Z

This is one of five tracks from a 10 inch acetate that I have come across, in the vein of Mellow Candle and Comus, plenty of acoustic guitar, violin and flute.

If this rings a bell with anybody, jogs your memory, you think you know who it might be, then drop me a telegram to the address at the top of the page or leave a message.

ANAN - I Wonder where My Sister's Gone - 1968

2009-10-27T17:18:00.004Z

An odd ditty here by this duo, this their second (and better) release on PYE. A projected LP was shelved on account of little interest in either 45.

John Carter and Russ Alquist - 1968

2009-10-27T12:12:00.008Z

Two songs that typify the late sixties - and recorded in that great year, 1968. Both song-writers were prolific in their own right but teamed up for this one single of psychedelic frenzy. On the Silver Spark label.

Dedicated to an old friend, Cecil.

Midsummer Dreaming:

The Laughing Man:

The OPEN MIND - 4 track acetate

2009-10-14T11:13:00.008+01:00

A Philips 10 inch metal acetate containing four tracks from the 1969 album. I have no idea what the intention of this acetate was (an EP release?) other than it is a demo dated 14th November 1969. Numbering on the acetate suggests that an EP release was considered.

All tracks appear to play at a higher pitch than vinyl releases.

Horses & Chariots:

My Mind Cries:-

Soul:

The Pussyfoot 1967

2009-07-30T10:24:00.003+01:00

Second Decca release:-

Mr Hyde:-

Hasty Words:-

The Pussyfoot 1966

2009-07-30T10:13:00.010+01:00

Their first Decca releasem, one of three altogether (the last in 1968 on Pye). You might also want to refer to the unreleased acetate 'Dark Star' that I put up earlier).

Things that still remind me:-

Freeloader:-

All So Long Ago - Sweet Feeling

2009-07-25T11:14:00.002+01:00

I have now realised that my copy has the labels on the wrong side, hence my posting 'Charles Brown' as 'All so Long ago' (I have now corrected the entries).

Sweet Feeling - Charles Brown

2009-07-23T17:38:00.003+01:00

Demonstration released in 1967, later to become 'Ruperts People'.

RESPECT 1969: Update

2009-06-30T13:13:00.005+01:00

I am thrilled to have made contact with band member 'guitarist' Michael Henry Grant, who has kindly passed on some fascinating information about the band. I copy below, some of the email sent to me recently:

"I have just been surfing the web and what did I just find? An original of our Bands demo disc recorded in London at the IBC studio. The recording of both songs were done in an hour. We had a few cut for our own use and also a few that we left with Recording Labels in London and also one with Roy Wood and Trev Burton of the Move. They wanted to start up a label for unknown groups and as we got to know them fearly well we drove up to Birmingham from High Wycombe and left them a copy to hear.

Our lead singer Dave was often said to resemble Paul Jones of Manfred Mann, although we could never hear the simularity. Dave and Keith left the band and joined up with a band called "Farm" who's bassist was Nigel Harrison (yes ,of Blondie fame) and the late Paul Hammond who played drums with Atomic Rooster and had a number one hit with Tommorow Night.

Take a look at this web link for more information on our Band, which I believe, disbanded

http://www.california-ballroom.info/bands/respect.htmd

when I moved to Germany.

Ah! yes, both songs were originals. Santa Lucia was penned by Dave Bowden and Clive Whitelock (a friend of Daves) and was originally an accoustic spanish feeling - The Minstrel was a co-operation of the band - Dave writting the words and the basic melody from me - although alot of comparison was made to The Weight by the Band - wasn't intentional and I'm not sure even if I heard The Weight before the tune came into my head.

So, let's hear it for the Minstrel :-)

with Respect

Michael Henry Grant
Kaiserslautern, Germany"

Link to the original acetate:-

Respect (1)

Tintern Abbey EMIDISC Acetate 4th November 1967

2009-05-29T18:48:00.006+01:00

Prerelease metal acetate recording dated 4th November 1967.

If anyone else has a Tintern Abbey acetate, or knows the whereabouts of one, I would like to hear from them.

Vacuum Cleaner:

Beeside

Wheels of Time

2009-05-23T13:42:00.005+01:00

From Ireland, released just one single in 1967, this being a demonstration copy complete with promotional poster (measuring about 2X1 foot.

1984:-

As requested, below is the B side which has never been compiled, and not surprisingly as it is rather ordinary (and out of place with the A side), so posted for interest only.

So Long:

Wintertime - The VIPPS or VIPS 1966 acetate

2009-05-08T18:15:00.004+01:00

Wonderful mid sixties sound of England. A CBS advanced copy one sided acetate.

Looking Glass - The GODS - 1968 acetate

2009-04-13T19:02:00.008+01:00

This is a 45 rpm acetate single of the ultimate track 'Looking Glass' from the Gods' first long playing record of 1968, GENESIS.

This aceate is different from the original in that it omits the final halogen gas influenced voices at the tail end, hence its 4 minutes 7 seconds running time.

A splendid find I am sure you will agree.

Some of you will notice the similarity with the early seventies progressive outfit Uriah Heep (Ken Hensley's vocals), links also with Rare Bird and Toe Fat.

1969 unreleased acetate

2009-03-13T19:32:00.018Z

For your delight, the best of English progressive/psychedelia.

An unkown recording from 1969, titled Santa Lucia, by 'Respect'.

An IBC acetate.

Side 1 is titled 'The Minstrel', a more acoustic affair.

Sylvia Day (SNB) 1968

2009-01-28T18:39:00.002Z

A request here, and one I am delighted to provide. On Simon Napier-Bell's own label, an unknown female artist with an extraordinarily high voice, and teriffic orchestral backing.

Sylvia Day sings:

Show a little love

You don't understand

Long Islands Virgins Gone - Bulldog Breed (Unreleased)

2009-01-18T18:34:00.007Z

Here is a preview of the second side of this acetate, a track that initially I disliked, but with repeated play consider the more interesting and accomplished, musically.

Mp3 now removed. Contact me if interested.

Bulldog Breed: Unreleased acetate -Nightingale Lane

2009-01-16T18:17:00.013Z

I have unearthed a 7 inch 2 sided acetate recorded at Eden Studios, 1969, credited to:

R.Harrison, R.Hunt, B.Jinks

Side 1 - Nightingale Lane
Side 2 - Long Island Virgins Gone

Clearly this is an unreleased recording by the band members who recorded on DERAM, and I can verify that R.Hunts family lived in Nightingale Lane (London) during the late 1960s.
If anyone can shed light on this or put me in contact with the band members to verify the recording I would be most grateful. I won't be putting a sound file for the time being, but might in the future. Needless to say, both tracks are absolutely stunning.

I have decided to provide a preview of Nightingale Lane, low quality mp3 fade in and fade out (half way through). The second side is in fact a more interesting 'psychedelic ballad which I might release if enough interest is shown, and I can obtain contacts to band members for the purpose of gaining permission to have both tracks pressd as a vinyl single.

Mp3 now removed. Contact me if interested.

Still Life

2008-12-13T14:42:00.004Z

Previously known as Jon (see other entry) and later became 'Titus Groan'. This single is seldom seen.

Columbia demonstration release date, 9th February 1968

Sad People: Lonely Man

2008-12-13T14:37:00.002Z

A 1969 release on the excellent Chapter 1 label.

Pussyfoot unreleased acetate...DARK STAR

2008-12-13T14:31:00.006Z

Previously known as the Soundcasters, and also Rare Breed (whenJohn Williams David Townsend Terry Barfield leftthe Band in !967, and new recruits arrived). This sounds like a 1967/8 recording, which never saw the light of day.

Advision one acetate. 'Dark Star'. On the flipside is Saints & Angels both of which can now be heard on Psychedelic Schlemiels 4

Frisco Bay

2008-12-01T18:09:00.003Z

As promised, the B side of State of Micky & Tommy's second release, circa 1967.

We are the Moles Part 1

2008-11-15T13:23:00.004Z

An oddity here,rumoured to be Simon Dupree & the Big Sound under another name (who went on to form Gentle Giant).

The Moles (Parlophone) 15th November 1968

40 years to the very day!

Joy of a Toy

2008-11-15T13:13:00.004Z

The Soft Machine, a US only release (and their 2nd single) from 1968 on Probe.

Laugh at the Poor Man...

2008-11-15T13:06:00.002Z

Octopus 1969 on Penny Farthing, previously known as the 'Cortinas', from Hatfield I believe.

My Friend Jack. 'The Smoke' 1966

2008-10-28T15:23:00.003Z

This puts the Rolling Stones in the shade.

Banned by the BBC who thought that 'sugar lumps' were to do with LSD.

KATE: Empty World

2008-10-21T19:02:00.002+01:00

An obscure London group which came to nothing after releasing three sinles during 1968. This the B side of their second outing.

The B side 'Empty World'

The A side 'Hold Me'.

Old links almost complete...

2008-10-06T19:29:00.001+01:00

I am close to completing all old music links.

New music posts coming very soon.

After the fire...Unknown Suffolk Fair 1982

2008-09-14T18:54:00.001+01:00

Just one more of my monochromes of the bygone age of East Anglian Fairs.

Aftermath of beer tent burning down (see below).

Click to enlarge photograph.

MRS. MAN - Andwellas Dream

2008-09-14T17:54:00.004+01:00

Not a single I particular care for, but certainly a significatnt one, as it contains a non album release, Mrs Man, and is the rarest of their three single releases. Their album 'Love & Poetry' is considered a psychedelic great. Mrs Man is anything but psychedelic, instead more a country, laid-back effort. I include it here for interest only.

Released 29th August 1969.

Gentle Influence - 'Captain Reale'

2008-09-14T17:31:00.004+01:00

This Oxford band produced just 2 singles, both with worthy B sides, strong vocals, big sound. This is their second release of 1969.

Henry Tudor (1967)

2008-09-12T18:06:00.003+01:00

One more for tonight.

'Another Name for Nowhere' by Henry Tudor. Release date: 24th February 1967. I know absolutely nothing about this group other than the track is a Decca pre-release, and both tracks are attributed to 'jontony'.

Est-ce Que Je Suis

2008-09-12T17:20:00.005+01:00

Ex Soft Machine (Australian) Daevid Allen's first venture with French-based Gong of 1969, recorded, and released in France only, on BYG.

Not for the faint-hearted.

APPLE - Buffalo Billycan

2008-09-08T17:42:00.003+01:00

Probably England's foremost psychedelic band. No introduction needed.

A demonstration copy 18th October 1968.

Definitely back on tap!

2008-09-08T16:42:00.001+01:00

Although this lot went up in flames circa 1982...another East Anglian fair.

Music links gradually back on tap!

2008-09-07T16:29:00.002+01:00

I have begun the laborious task putting back missing music files to all old posts. This might take up to a week. I will begin posting new material shortly too.

Another monochrome, East Anglia 1981?

Spring Never Came Twice

2008-08-31T18:12:00.004+01:00

Terribly sorry for the lack of activity this month and the continued lack of music links to files prior to July. This will be corrected shortly, I assure you.

Here for you delectation, a little know ballad by Jason Cord on Chapter One, 1969.

Girl called Fantasy

2008-08-06T12:45:00.004+01:00

The Selofane. A little known pop group who released one other (more interesting) single the same year. Heavily orchestrated, and clearly of its time. Cupids Inspiration comes to mind.

I believe that they headed the Spanish expo in 1968. If anyone can verify this, do please leave a message.

NB: Regarding the technical problem with dead links, as soon as I return to England (2 weeks or so), I will have the problem rectified. Until then, please accept my apologies.

Marquis of Kensington (Minstrels): Reverse Thrust

2008-08-05T14:31:00.005+01:00

Earlier I posted 'FLASH' by the Marquis of Kensington (Mike Leander). This is the first of the two releases, a musical ditty, in reverse.

Immediate (lilac), 1967.

Normal service will be resumed shortly...

2008-08-05T07:47:00.005+01:00

It has been drawn to my attention that the music cannot be listened to owing to technical difficulties. On account of this, and in my absence from England, I am testing a new method for conveying music. Please accept my apologies for the disruptions.

Below is Barry Mason's 'Collection of Recollections' released in Deram in 1966.

Might I extend my gratitude to Expo67, whose blog is most interesting, and led me to trying out DivShare.

ONYX

2008-07-11T19:00:00.004+01:00

Thamaris Khan, 1969. A powerful release, yet complete flop upon. These fellows originated from Cornwall, releasing on mainly PYE and once on CBS.

SHE - The Frame

2008-07-11T18:45:00.004+01:00

From Birmingham, little known, mod sound. Demonstrations release, 25th November 1966.

For Mr.Mindful: Marquis of Kensington (Mike Leander)

2008-07-11T18:31:00.005+01:00

FLASH (1967/8) A splendid instrumental with piano, hammond, stomping beat and fuzz guitar.

Only one more by this outfit. I'll have it put up some time.

Twenty Ten (2010), just 2 years to go...

2008-07-11T18:06:00.006+01:00

As promised. I could only locate my Japanese pressing of this, the second of Tinkerbell's Fairydust's three releases. In Japan, this was a hit for quite a while, whilst it sank without trace in England.

Note the misspelling 'Tinkabell's Fairydust'.

Albion Fairs, East Anglia...old monochromes...

2008-07-10T16:15:00.009+01:00

These might be of interest to some of you. During the period 1978 to 1982 I toured the many East Anglian (Albion) fairs with Nick Turner and a band going by the name (at the time) of 'Thandoy', later to become 'Karmakanix'. The upshot is that I have come across many monochrome photographs from this period taken with my trusty OM1. Alongside the usual music, I'll put some up from time to time. Might jog some memories.

I should add: double clicking on a photograph will enlarge the image.

Toby Twirl

2008-07-06T16:58:00.003+01:00

Back in Time

A reasonable pop number from this Newcastle group, the Tex-Mex vein.

Rainbow Ffolly

2008-07-06T16:34:00.005+01:00

Go Girl

This group came from High Wycombe, released one single and one album. Presumably Parlophone were not too overwhelmed by the commercial performance of these first efforts.

Tinkerbells Fairydust

2008-07-06T16:19:00.006+01:00

Lazy Day / In my Magic Garden.

Three single releases, and an album which never made a release. I believe that a few test pressings were made, and stock copies exist, less than ten.

2010 is a more interesting composition which I will put up at a later date

Lazy Day

In my Magic Garden

Virgin Sleep - Secret

2008-07-06T15:54:00.004+01:00

A masterpiece of the era. From the Richmond side of London I believe.

Walking Through the Streets of My Mind

2008-07-06T15:40:00.004+01:00

Another release by Timebox, of much greater interest than the previous single.

walking through the streets of my mind.mp3

John Bryant - I bring the Sun

2008-06-28T13:38:00.003+01:00

The most obscure release by this prolific song writer, on the MCA label, released 17th May 1968, and as far as I can see, uncatalogued.

'I bring the Sun' will not disappoint. In the same box are all of his other releases during the 1960s, which I might put up later.

THE OWL- Run to the Sun

2008-06-28T13:13:00.005+01:00

The only release by this obscure band, who were born out of 'Our Plastic Dream'. Vocalist 'Vincent Edwards' released several solo singles in the late sixties, including 'Run to the Sun' on the CBS label.

This release, a demo on United Artists released 18th October 1968, complete with press release snippet.

Timebox

2008-06-28T12:42:00.004+01:00

A splendid band that was once very popular on the British club scene, and which cut a few eccentric tracks, notably 'Gone is the sad man' and 'Baked jam roll in your eye'. This track is a more upbeat pop number, but still has that certain sound unique to the late sixties England.

Girl don't make me wait:-

'SelppiN' by DAVID...Hammond discoteque...

2008-06-25T14:46:00.006+01:00

Not an awful lot to say about this little gem, except a splendid play on words. Typical of the era...1969-70.

David had one other release as far as I am aware on Philips, 'Light of your Mind'.

DARWIN'S THEORY, 1966

2008-06-20T16:26:00.005+01:00

On the Major Minor label, a rare British beat gem.

The MAZE, 1967, , as promised for WD...

2008-06-18T16:28:00.006+01:00

Typical late sixties sound, not at all like Deep Purple. This is a delightful MGM demonstration copy.

The CARNABY 1965

2008-06-17T17:51:00.008+01:00

Their only single, 'Jump & Dance' (this group owned boutiques in Carnaby Street) was a resounding flop, and probably sold in very small numbers. A signed copy...

I was kindly sent a link to another blog featuring the Carnaby, which contains some stunning photographs of the band circa 1965.

See more here (With thanks to WILTHOMER)

The Carnaby Press cuttings and publicity photographs 1965

ICE 1968

2008-06-12T15:40:00.005+01:00

Just dug this one out from a rotting box. Worthy of a spin.

From London I believe, Sussex University aobut the time of 1967.

Ice Man, released 1st March 1968

As promised: Granny Takes a Trip...

2008-06-10T17:57:00.004+01:00

The Purple Gang, promotion copy 1967 on Transatlantic, BIG 101.

The STATIC...Page One 1967

2008-06-07T18:45:00.007+01:00

On Larry Page's Page One label, this one orff release by The Static. Another British obscurity.

when you went away.mp3

let me tell you.mp3

I'm Gonna bring a Watermelon to my Gal tonight...

2008-06-07T18:14:00.005+01:00

Found this old number at the bottom of a pile. The Bonzo's first release...for Mr.Mindful, Parlophone 1966.

im gonna bring a watermelon.mp3

ALICE - Jon Plum

2008-06-05T18:29:00.004+01:00

Last up for this evening, and one Mr.Mindful will appreciate, on the CBS in-house SNB label run by Simon Napier-Bell, the duo, Jon Plum's 'Alice'.

Real Live Permanent Dream - The Orange Machine

2008-06-05T18:09:00.006+01:00

From Ireland, 1968. A release of note, complete with press release, a freebie.

Incidentally, clicking on any of the images will load them full size

THE END

2008-06-05T17:57:00.008+01:00

A splendid unreleased track from the End who were gathering material for their first LP in 1968/9, when their end really did arrive. Acetate, doubtful if more than half a dozen were ever pressed.

I could be wrong about an LP release.

Addendum: An LP was released 1969. This track did not appear on it.

Info: 690403A 3rd April, 1969: THE END. Probably London, Olympic Sound Studios. Producer: BW.
- Second Glance (David Brown/Nicky Graham/Terry Taylor/Paul Francis)
Line-up: Jim Henderson (voc)/David Brown (Bass, voc)/Nicky Graham (keyb, voc)/
Terry Taylor (gtr)/Paul Francis (dr)

Especially for Mr.Mindful: Trekkas 'I Put a Spell on You' 1966

2008-06-03T17:10:00.006+01:00

As promised, the somewhat hard to find only release from the Welwyn Garden City band, The Trekkas.

Some sod removed the centre. Certainly wasn't me.

Mickey Goes Out - unidentified artist, possible links with Wilde Flowers / Robert Wyatt

2008-06-03T16:51:00.004+01:00

Certainly dating from 1967/8, of the Canterbury school of musicians from this era. Should anybody be able to cast light on this track I'd be most pleased. I have no recollection of this acetate.

Any thoughts Mr.Mindful?