J B and his Hawks Chance Recordings

J.B. Hutto & His Hawks! L-R Johnnie Mae Dunson, Joe Custom, George Mayweather, J.B. Hutto. Photo from the Mike Rowe Collection.

Spotify playlist

From the wiki

Joseph Benjamin Hutto was born in Blackville, South Carolina, the fifth of seven children. His family moved to Augusta, Georgia, when he was three years old. His father, Calvin, was a preacher. Joseph and his three brothers and three sisters formed a gospel group, the Golden Crowns, singing in local churches. Calvin Hutto died in 1949, and the family relocated to Chicago.^[2]

Hutto served as a draftee in the Korean War in the early 1950s, driving trucks in combat zones.^[3]

In Chicago, Hutto took up the drums and played with Johnny Ferguson and his Twisters. He also played the piano before settling on the guitar and performing on the streets with the percussionist Eddie "Porkchop" Hines. They added Joe Custom on second guitar and started playing club gigs. The harmonica player Earring George Mayweather joined after sitting in with the band. Hutto named his band the Hawks, after the wind that blows in Chicago.^[4] A recording session in 1954 resulted in the release of two singles by Chance Records. A second session later the same year, with the band supplemented by the pianist Johnny Jones, produced a third single.^[5]

I'll be in Trouble

 "I'll Be in Trouble" is a 1964 hit single by The Temptations for the Gordy (Motown) label. Written by Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson, the single was a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 33.^[1]

The Doors Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival East Afton Farm, Isle Of Wight, UK Sun. August 30, 1970

 So what was going on 50 years ago? Well it's almost time for the famous Isle of Wight Festival with the Doors. If you like festival films which I do then you might enjoy this. Festivals are a but unpleasant really I am not sure why people go but I am glad they do. 

0:38 Roadhouse Blues

5:47 Introduction 6:00 Back Door Man 10:16 Break on Through (To The Other Side) 15:04 When The Music's Over 28:32 Ship Of Fools 35:45 Light My Fire 49:43 The End (Medley: Across The sea/Away In India/Crossroads Blues/Wake Up)

"After the Fox" Intro (The Hollies & Peter Sellers) 1966

 It shouldn't really work - the Hollies and Peter Sellers but it does. I think the song is written by Burt Bacharach. 

"Bedazzled": Drimble Wedge and the Vegetation - 'Bedazzled' (1967)

 Great song - forecasting what 80s music was like. This reminds me of the Pet shop boys😄

'eat out to help out' in Midsomer Norton

 My third and probably final Eat out to help out meal. I know we don't like the Wetherspoons employee treatment but they invested something like 2 million on renovating the old cinema and it is vital for Midsomer Norton for it to survive. We support all the high street businesses. And it's dead cheap. There seemed to be more staff than customers as Norton has had a bit of a spike based on the Dolphin Inn so it has been peculiarly quiet.

20 years ago

 

One After 909 - The Beatles 60th

 So 60 years ago this summer the Beatles were born. Pete Best in on drums and their first Hamburg gigs under the name Beatles. Their set was all rock'n'roll covers Buddy, Elvis etc but they had this one original in the set - obviously this is from a little later but the 1960 versions on Youtube have poor sound. 

The Fall Hub Club Bath October 1993

 'The Fall are playing in Bath' said one of my neighbours who knew me to be a Fall fan so he delightedly told me. I raced into Bath to get tickets. They were bought from a record shop in Walcot called Nasher's. The Hub was a tiny venue. I had seen a couple of bands there one I remember was Peel faves Loop Guru. Anyway Sue and I made sure we were right at the front. Of course then you could smoke in pubs and clubs so we didn't need to go out on the street for a puff. Then I noticed a familiar face. Who is that? It was Gremlin one of my brothers old school mates. We exchanged looks of recognition. Then the band came on. I have been at the front at Fall gigs before and it's like standing in front a load of tanks in Tiananmen Square. Crushed under a mighty juggernaut - they weren't called the Mighty Fall for nothing. The Set list was amazing. I post it here for Fall fans. First time I had heard M5. I did save my ticket and get a Set list but this ticket is from http://thefall.org/gigography/gig93.html

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-fall/1993/the-hub-bath-england-33d7ac75.html

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Playlist based on the setlist

Polish-Soviet War of 1920

 So we are in the period of the centenary of this forgotten war.  Sometimes called the Miracle on the Vistula.

 Osprey published a campaign book earlier this year. Looks good. 

There were American volunteer pilots Kościuszko's Squadron which included King Kong producer Merian C Cooper.

 There is a great Polish film on the subject which I bought the DVD of. Rent it here,

The Mamas and The Papas - Straight Shooter - Monterey 1967 (live)

 The Monterey International Pop Music Festival

June 16 to June 18, 1967 County Fairgrounds, California

This is my favourite M&P song. It's kind of rhythm and blues. Not a huge fan but I have a soft spot for 60s MOR.

1/32 Samurai

 found these on Steve Weston's  site where you can buy them. Russian manufacturer.

Cass Elliot - California Earthquake

 I remember this song from my youth. It's good. 

A Brief History of Book Printing and Butler &Tanner

 I worked there and my Father and Uncle also were there.

BBC Signpost documentary from 1962 giving a brief history of the printing press and the 'modern' book printing at the Butler & Tanner works in Frome, Somerset.

 

Nunney 1973

 Some pictures by Elliot James of the Sealed Knot in 1974 and a postcard of the event. Legendary early reenactment weekend. Think I watched it. 

Mid-Century Fetish: Elvis Presley

 Don't like Elvis movies? This article might change your mind.

SLAUGHTER & THE DOGS - Where Have All The Boot Boys Gone

 Featuring film footage of Boot Boys in the 1970s.

Saw Slaughter and the Dogs at Yate of all places. Very good gig.

Sue in Midsomer Norton High street.

Sue was shopsitting Kelly's shop Magpie Vintage which is next to Celia's place which is a cool hair salon and a comic shop. Magpie vintage is a treasure trove of clothes and things. Drop in when in Midsomer Norton. It's not as trendy as Frome but there a record shop too in MSN.

Sonny Boy Williamson on King Biscuit Time in the 60s

 This is a bit of blues history. 15 minutes of Sonny Boy on the King Biscuit time radio show. It's when he has just come back from England and he is announced as 'the man with the spiked toed shoes' which I used for a song. I have this on vinyl but you lucky people get it free. See colour silent film of Sonny Boy here

KFFA Radio Program: V-8 Ford / Stormy Monday / Right Now / Come Go With Me

Early Beatles

 If you like pics of the early days of the fabs I have a small Pinterest page https://pin.it/4yAcdBj

Sonny Boy Williamson 2

 So who is my favourite bluesmen? Probably Sonny Boy Williamson (2). He was the first and I collected his records trying to accomplish the task of owning all his recordings. He was a great songwriter and managed to be one of the first bluesman on the radio with the King Biscuit time show in Helena Arkansas. I have selected one of my favourites that you might not have heard before.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TL-3GFAOdFc

Frome show field

 Sue and me 1979 in my parent's garden in Frome. This field (the Cheese show field) in the background was the place where the English Civil War society did a battle here about 1977. Ended badly when some Frome hooligans got in a fight with reenactors in the beer tent which actually got in the Daily Mirror. Ended up in court. Headline was something like Laughing cavalier loses smile. Now a hospital is here. 

The terraplanes 1983 Caxton club Frome

The Caxton Club was the company social club for the Frome printers Butler's and Tanners that my Dad was instrumental in setting up. The shirt I am wearing I gave to Kev Saunders when he joined Frenzy. Hear what we sounded like then here

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 Frome printer Herald Franks talks about the Caxton club.

Thunderbirds Are Go (1966) - Cliff Richard and The Shadows

 Not a big Shadows fan but I loved the Thunderbirds as a child. 

Live It Up1963

 Live It Up! is a British music film (US release title: Sing and Swing) released in 1963. It was filmed at Pinewood Studios and featured Gene Vincent, Jenny Moss, the Outlaws, Patsy Ann Noble, the Saints and Heinz Burt (most of them being produced by Joe Meek, who wrote the film's theme) among others. The film also featured young actor Steve Marriott (later a well-known singer and guitarist with Small Faces and Humble Pie).^[1] Another actor, Mitch Mitchell, later became the drummer of The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

The film was quite successful and Be My Guest was the follow-up

Mud Dogs Dog with the No-Bone Blues (2001)

Turn it Up! Somerset's blueswailing Mud Dogs (Ralph Mitchard guitar and Big Rich Vocals harp) from 2001 when the music (self-penned) was a hit on the Tyning Inn jukebox. Bass is by Oz and drums Johnny Rench. Recorded in a front room by Phil Cass.

Many years ago Animals & men got this review in Bristol's Venue

Despte such a glowing preview the event was sparsely attended. 

Laugh Clown Laugh, One in the bush

The last posting I did on Laugh Clown Laugh was very popular so here is another. How I remember them. 

Anthony Devis, Landscape with a Hut in an Oak Tree and the ‘Man in the Moon’ Inn (1785)

Alan Wilson/Canned Heat playlist

Canned Heat. When I was a teenager at school I used to hitch everywhere and On the Road Again was my theme. Al Wilson the singer harmonica player in this was an impressive young man. Musicologist multi instrumentalist and environmentalist he died September 1970 at the age of 27. He was an original vocalist with a falsetto style that suited the material. Here's a short playlist of his vocals, and a couple of Hooker n Heat tunes.

Canned Heat Goin' Up The Country

Stereo edit of Canned Heat performing Goin' Up The Country on the Hits a Go-Go, Swiss TV show in 1970.
 

Below is the original on which the song is based. The woodwind are called quills, Read about Alan Wilson's work in rediscovering old blues songs at http://blindowl.net/

1970 - Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive music

At Shepton Mallet late June. See photos etc here

I have vague memories of this happening as it was near Frome. One of my Dad's workmates' son was going and he borrowed a sleeping bag off us and of course it got runied. Canned Heat played and Jefferson Airplane. 

Wikipedia

Mutartis Boswell No Hugs

Sue got.these items today from Frome artist Mutartis Boswell. Patches t-shirt etc. Contact him on Facebook if you want anything.

UK Weetabix Advert - Battle of Naseby (1994)

British Breakfest cereal. I had left the ECWS by this time but my hat was in it. 

Birds Eye, Steakhouse, Southern Fried Chicken TV Commercial 1992

UK American Civil War reenactors were used in this directed by Mel Smith. 

Ralph Mitchard

Pic of me in about 2003 in my much loved Fall t-shirt for FallFriday. Love long sleeved t-shirts with text on the sleeves.

The Monkees Mary Mary

When I was a kid I didn't like the Monkees. I used to think they were a rip off  of the Beatles and I never found their humour. I knew they were bogus as I recognised Mickey Dolenz from the tv series Circus Boy which I liked. But Sue likes them so we have their music on occasionally and I have come to respect them. Yes it is a rip off but a very well crafted one by some of the best songwriters and session musicians there were.

Mamma Talk to your Daughter J B Lenore 1954

This is a minimalistic classic. No intro -  boom straight into the verse and it grabs you from the start. A really minimal guitar solo finishes the party. Wiki

Full documentary movie 'The Howlin' Wolf Story"

A documentary about the great blues man 'Howling Wolf' ( Chester Burnett ) with many interviews with other famous blues men and rare video footage of blues history

Chicago Blues Documentary 1972 42 mins

Documentary about Chicago Blues and the migrating black community that brought it there. Made in 1972 the political tensions of the late 60's are still an all pervasive presence but it makes for an edgy and atmospheric portrayal of the era and the music. With Muddy Waters, Johnnie Lewis, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, J.B. Hutto, Junior Wells, Floyd Jones..

John Lee Hooker and Al Wilson 1970

From http://www.blindowl.net/index.html

Hear one of the great collaborations from Hooker n Heat in 1970 with 'Let's Make it'  here

Sonny Boy on RSG

Sonny Boy Williamson II, January 8, 1965 on British TV music show Ready, Steady, Go accompanied by Gary Farr and the T – Bones. Photograph by Val Wilmer.

Photo from here where there are some fantastic pics of Sonny Boy in Europe

Laugh Clown Laugh Frome synth duo

This photo by Chris Stocker of the Black Swan in the 80s has Frome synth outfit Laugh Clown Laugh (Dominic O'Brien and Sam Findlay) in it. I remember watching them in the 80s at a pub in Beckington. They have released an album on Seattle's Medical Records. Hear it here

They also have a blog where you can buy t-shirts see what they are up to  and so forth - go here

Kitsch-22 trousers (Modzart)

I don't have much of my punk clothes left - just a few t-shirts and these trousers. They were from a shop just off Oxford street in London called Kitsch-22. Their label was Modzart. I also had some red leopard print drainpipes but they are long gone. Can't find much in the web about this shop though it was popular with punks - I think 999 used to wear their stuff. From what I have found out the Kitsch-22 designs got sold to BOY in 1980. A few t-shirts on ebay at high prices.

Me in 1978 with Kitsch 22 red leopard print and kitsch t-shirt of a les paul and Chinese characters

Pic of the shop off New Bond Street from a BFI article on Punk

Me in red leopard print kitsch-22 strides. Nigel in Seditionaries bondage trousers 1978

Blues before Sunrise

I have made a collection of photos of some of my favourite bluesmen. Go here

1970 Fleetwood Mac - Peter Green - The Green Manalishi Live Sweden

Sad to hear of the passing of Peter Green. Fleetwood Mac were a British blues band worth listening to even in this day and age. 

Fighting For Liberty by Stephen M Carter

Detailed story of the events of 1685

This is a fantastic book and to my mind a welcome addition to anybody's library. It brings fresh insight into the rebellion and a new way of telling the story of the two expeditions of 1685. One of the novel approaches of this book is it deals with the Argyll venture in Scotland on an equal footing as the more famous rebellion in the West. Battles north of the border hitherto forgotten are examined and presented.

I would say the nature of this book is detailed military history - a particular good feature of this book is the many skilled maps of the events and skirmishes. Ideal for wargamers. I would say this is probably the most detailed book on the Rebellion out there - I believe it has taken many years to put this together and it shows by being full of useful information. Of course it's not just archives that feature in this book the author has been out travelling and visiting the sites of events photographing them and this is a another useful feature.

I feel like I have learnt a lot about the Monmouth episode that I didn't know so full marks for that. It has a lively style that keeps you reading and seeing what happens next. The colour plates are very good and useful as well as the many monochrome images from the era that pepper the text. If you have an interest in the events of 1685 then this book should be on your shelves.

Hooker n' Heat

Easily the best of all the collaborations that occurred around this time (London Sessions etc) this one is really well executed. Only a few of the tracks are true collaborations as a lot of the album is Hooker solo but the collaborations are so good. Alan Wilson's harmonica is brilliant. His last studio recording.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooker_%27n_Heat

Robert Nighthawk Eli's Place 1964

This is one of my favourite blues clips on YouTube. It's filmed at Maxwell street market Chicago where you might have seen John Lee Hooker in the Blues brothers movie. But this is closer to its heyday in time. Blues combos would often play in the streets it was a staple of establishing a name or getting some change.

Billy Boy Arnold

A blues legend who is still very much alive making great records. Listen to his 57 hit Rockin' itis
He started out playing with Bo Diddley. Here is a great interview about the early days. Below is him doing a fine version of his 55 hit I Wish you would in 2012. Wiki

Dissenters - a novel set in Frome

I grew up in Frome Somerset so I have always been interested in the 17th century history including the Monmouth rebellion. This novel by a local author looks really good.

Dissenters: Conscience and Corruption in 17th-century Frome, a novel by Liz Hutchinson

In the 1660s English society experiences religious, social and industrial upheavals. Throughout the land, thousands of Puritan clergy are expelled from their churches and homes, dissenting congregations suffer repression by the magistrates and meet illegally. In Frome, Somerset, a family is impoverished and drawn into a smuggling gang. The changing times offer new opportunities – some less reputable than others – and violence is often the first response to those who enforce the law. The town’s flourishing woollen industry allows some to build fortunes, especially the more unscrupulous developers. But for others, the threat of poverty, starvation or the gallows is always present . . .

May 2020, 274pp, paperback, £10.95, ISBN 978-906978-83-9.

Devil's Music Giles Oakley

This was the book of a BBC series from 1976. I got it then as an essay prize at school. The show was good I taped it on audio cassette as this was pre Video. First time I heard Charley Patton. 

Blues Who's who Sheldon Harris 1981

Paperback. A big fat phone book of a tome. But it's only ok. There's some useful photos and it is impressive but it's not essential. 

Moanin' at Midnight: The Life and Times of Howlin' Wolf Segrest, James, Hoffman, Mark (2005)

2010 my brother got me this for my 50th, and Howlin' Wolf's centenary, as we are exactly 50 years apart. It's a very good book that if you like the man you need. 

Blues records 1943-1966 Mike Leadbitter and Neil Slaven 1968

This was an invaluable help to a young blues enthusiast. It details all the sessions with who plays on what of your favourite blues artists. Record sleeves aren't always full of this type of information so this book fills in the gap. 

Nothing but the blues Mike Leadbitter 1971

My copy has no dust jacket. Image from ebay. Another book I got to know through Frome Library but managed to pick up my own copy. It's a collection of interviews with blues musicians as published in Blues Unlimited. Grouped in regions. Some nice monochrome photos too. Mike Leadbitter wiki