Hi, Barry...
The regular stops on the Fullers circuit were. as I recall:
The Red Lion, Bentford
The Red Cow, Hammersmith (The Barn Bar)
The Adam & Eve, Hayes
The Nashville Rooms, West Kensington
The Roebuck, Lewisham
In those days there were so many music venues (apart from the Fullers pubs), especially around west London. You couldn't make a fortune, but they seem like halcyon days now! It was good to be out playing every night.
I remember doing a BBC session for 'Saturday Club' at that converted theatre on the Embankment (The Playhouse) in 1964. I was there with Eden Kane, the Beatles were on the session, and Jerry Lee Lewis did a set with the Nashville Teens (his UK group). Most of the participants were keen to listen to the 'playback' of their work (let's face it, that was the last chance to hear it at its best - the tapes sounded lousy on the radio!), but Jerry Lee had his raincoat on and was on his way out of the studio before his last chord had died away.
Colin Chandler: "Would you like to listen, Mr Lewis?"
Jerry Lee: "@#*~!".....
He did sound better than the rest of us put together, though.
That anecdote doesn't really belong here - it was a year or so before I ever met Gerry - but my pal deserves three pages (at least!) and I'm just long-winded enough to get them for him!
RR
Gerry Hogan - unsung hero
Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn
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Roger Rettig
- Posts: 10548
- Joined: 4 Aug 2000 12:01 am
- Location: Naples, FL
- Contact:
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Barry Gaskell
- Posts: 499
- Joined: 1 Jan 2007 8:50 am
- Location: Cheshire, UK
Hi Roger
Yep that's the list, time has confused me. Was it Sam and Janet at the Red Lion Brentford ?. I always remember the Sausages and mash they did for Sunday lunch which was a bonus for itinerant muso's at the time as food was always last on the list !!. We were at the Playhouse Theatre when Buck owens played there and he stopped the rehearsal to get the sound right much to chagrin of the producer and Wally. I can't remember if the producer was Dennis O'keefe or Bill Beb.I was with Phil Brady at the time, who now resides in spain.
A little mention of Ginny and Paul. They were living in Liverpool at the time and I can remember driving back from Birmingham in
the early hours from a gig with bass player Lawrence Ashley (Ashe) and Ginny in the back absolutely caned out of their minds on the juice and other things !! trying to get out of the car on the motorway at 70mph for some 'fresh air'.!!
What a thread this has started.
Regards
Barry
Yep that's the list, time has confused me. Was it Sam and Janet at the Red Lion Brentford ?. I always remember the Sausages and mash they did for Sunday lunch which was a bonus for itinerant muso's at the time as food was always last on the list !!. We were at the Playhouse Theatre when Buck owens played there and he stopped the rehearsal to get the sound right much to chagrin of the producer and Wally. I can't remember if the producer was Dennis O'keefe or Bill Beb.I was with Phil Brady at the time, who now resides in spain.
A little mention of Ginny and Paul. They were living in Liverpool at the time and I can remember driving back from Birmingham in
the early hours from a gig with bass player Lawrence Ashley (Ashe) and Ginny in the back absolutely caned out of their minds on the juice and other things !! trying to get out of the car on the motorway at 70mph for some 'fresh air'.!!
What a thread this has started.
Regards
Barry
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Barry Gaskell
- Posts: 499
- Joined: 1 Jan 2007 8:50 am
- Location: Cheshire, UK
Hi Roger
Yep that's the list, time has confused me. Was it Sam and Janet at the Red Lion Brentford ?. I always remember the Sausages and mash they did for Sunday lunch which was a bonus for itinerant muso's at the time as food was always last on the list !!. We were at the Playhouse Theatre when Buck owens played there and he stopped the rehearsal to get the sound right much to chagrin of the producer and Wally. I can't remember if the producer was Dennis O'keefe or Bill Beb.I was with Phil Brady at the time, who now resides in spain.
A little mention of Ginny and Paul. They were living in Liverpool at the time and I can remember driving back from Birmingham in
the early hours from a gig with bass player Lawrence Ashley (Ashe) and Ginny in the back absolutely caned out of their minds on the juice and other things !! trying to get out of the car on the motorway at 70mph for some 'fresh air'.!!
What a thread this has started.
Regards
Barry
Yep that's the list, time has confused me. Was it Sam and Janet at the Red Lion Brentford ?. I always remember the Sausages and mash they did for Sunday lunch which was a bonus for itinerant muso's at the time as food was always last on the list !!. We were at the Playhouse Theatre when Buck owens played there and he stopped the rehearsal to get the sound right much to chagrin of the producer and Wally. I can't remember if the producer was Dennis O'keefe or Bill Beb.I was with Phil Brady at the time, who now resides in spain.
A little mention of Ginny and Paul. They were living in Liverpool at the time and I can remember driving back from Birmingham in
the early hours from a gig with bass player Lawrence Ashley (Ashe) and Ginny in the back absolutely caned out of their minds on the juice and other things !! trying to get out of the car on the motorway at 70mph for some 'fresh air'.!!
What a thread this has started.
Regards
Barry
Gerry
You finally managed to get to page 3!!! Just keep your top on. (Our friends in the USA won't get that one).
I have received emails from all over the place with one common theme. Thanks for starting the Gerry thread. Well its been my pleasure. Some of the posts have filled in the blank spots in my memory bank which has loads of missing pixels these days.
You finally managed to get to page 3!!! Just keep your top on. (Our friends in the USA won't get that one).
I have received emails from all over the place with one common theme. Thanks for starting the Gerry thread. Well its been my pleasure. Some of the posts have filled in the blank spots in my memory bank which has loads of missing pixels these days.
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Damir Besic
- Posts: 12261
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- Location: Nashville,TN.
- Contact:
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Matt Dawson
- Posts: 356
- Joined: 22 Nov 2000 1:01 am
- Location: Luxembourg, Europe
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Must add my 2p worth to this thread...
about 12 years ago I had a 6 week tour of Germany booked but no band.....Gerry and Hogan's Heroes kindly stepped in, and it was the MOST fun I've ever had (producing a first class live CD to boot). That was without doubt the best band Ive ever played with before or since! Not only is Gerry an unbelievable steel player, he was always happy to help out carrying and setting up gear and did most of the driving. We once got the rented van stuck between 2 concrete bollards in Berlin but that was Jean-Marie Peschiutta driving not Gerry:)
There is no way to thank Gerry and Barbara for all they've done over the years- keep on playing Gerry!
Matt Dawson
about 12 years ago I had a 6 week tour of Germany booked but no band.....Gerry and Hogan's Heroes kindly stepped in, and it was the MOST fun I've ever had (producing a first class live CD to boot). That was without doubt the best band Ive ever played with before or since! Not only is Gerry an unbelievable steel player, he was always happy to help out carrying and setting up gear and did most of the driving. We once got the rented van stuck between 2 concrete bollards in Berlin but that was Jean-Marie Peschiutta driving not Gerry:)
There is no way to thank Gerry and Barbara for all they've done over the years- keep on playing Gerry!
Matt Dawson
Thanks for the nice comments Gerry, I don't think I've ever been called a star before 
. A small rock that sometimes gets too close to the sun might be more correct 
.
A quick Gerry story:-
A few years ago I booked a lesson with Gerry, I parked near the shop and Gerry popped his head out of the door and said his car was on the car park down the road opposite. He said 'wait here and follow me when I come out of the end of the road'. About a minute later up the road came Gerry's Volvo, quickly turned the corner and accelerated away.
I followed Gerry's Volvo for about 10 miles and almost lost him, he drove like a complete nutter, my gear was flying around in the back of my car and you can imagine my thoughts. Eventually he pulled up this long drive and stopped outside this massive house. I thought, I wonder if this is his house, I can't believe it's just his practice studio, so much for the poor steel player routine. He got out of the car and slowly turned around looking at me.
It was at this point I realised it wasn't him. The guy had the same car as Gerry, the same coat and similar hair cut (say no more). I jumped out of the car in disbelief and quietly asked 'could you tell me the way to Newbury'? I can't imagine what this guy was thinking, he must have noticed me following him. He didn't say too much he and pointed down his drive. I didn't say too much I either, I just drove away asap.
Meanwhile back at the shop Gerry assumed I knew my way to the practice studio and had gone ahead only to find me missing. Eventually I made my way back to the shop and we managed to get my lesson in.
All this after driving 150 miles (that's a long way for us Brits) and getting stuck on the M25 in traffic. Are those were the days.....
Oh well that's the end of my holiday now, I'll probably post again next year. I like the look of the new Forum b0b.
Happy New Year to you all
. A small rock that sometimes gets too close to the sun might be more correct .A quick Gerry story:-
A few years ago I booked a lesson with Gerry, I parked near the shop and Gerry popped his head out of the door and said his car was on the car park down the road opposite. He said 'wait here and follow me when I come out of the end of the road'. About a minute later up the road came Gerry's Volvo, quickly turned the corner and accelerated away.
I followed Gerry's Volvo for about 10 miles and almost lost him, he drove like a complete nutter, my gear was flying around in the back of my car and you can imagine my thoughts. Eventually he pulled up this long drive and stopped outside this massive house. I thought, I wonder if this is his house, I can't believe it's just his practice studio, so much for the poor steel player routine. He got out of the car and slowly turned around looking at me.
It was at this point I realised it wasn't him. The guy had the same car as Gerry, the same coat and similar hair cut (say no more). I jumped out of the car in disbelief and quietly asked 'could you tell me the way to Newbury'? I can't imagine what this guy was thinking, he must have noticed me following him. He didn't say too much he and pointed down his drive. I didn't say too much I either, I just drove away asap.
Meanwhile back at the shop Gerry assumed I knew my way to the practice studio and had gone ahead only to find me missing. Eventually I made my way back to the shop and we managed to get my lesson in.
All this after driving 150 miles (that's a long way for us Brits) and getting stuck on the M25 in traffic. Are those were the days.....
Oh well that's the end of my holiday now, I'll probably post again next year. I like the look of the new Forum b0b.
Happy New Year to you all
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Roger Rettig
- Posts: 10548
- Joined: 4 Aug 2000 12:01 am
- Location: Naples, FL
- Contact:
Hi, Mark
How wonderful to come across a fellow-sufferer!!!
In my case it was worse - I was following him to a gig we were playing together. We'd enjoyed a leisurely meal at his house and run through a couple of tunes prior to the engagement. We packed our respective cars with gear (it was more direct for me to return home to North London after the gig, so we decided to travel separately.)
"Don't worry" said Gerry - "I know the way - follow me!"
For a brief moment my vision was obscured by a spray of gravel (surely Gerry is the only man on Earth capable of getting wheel-spin in a Volvo?), there was a glimpse of his tail-lights, but that was the last I saw of him for about an hour-and-a-quarter. I tried manfully to match his staggering velocity, but it was hopeless....
Several 'phone calls to Barbara ensued (there were no cell-phones back then), and she eventually managed to locate an address for the venue. "What kept you?" said Our Hero, once I found the stage door.....
I know of what you speak, Mark. If Gerry lived in NC, he'd be a serious Nascar contender...
RR
How wonderful to come across a fellow-sufferer!!!
In my case it was worse - I was following him to a gig we were playing together. We'd enjoyed a leisurely meal at his house and run through a couple of tunes prior to the engagement. We packed our respective cars with gear (it was more direct for me to return home to North London after the gig, so we decided to travel separately.)
"Don't worry" said Gerry - "I know the way - follow me!"
For a brief moment my vision was obscured by a spray of gravel (surely Gerry is the only man on Earth capable of getting wheel-spin in a Volvo?), there was a glimpse of his tail-lights, but that was the last I saw of him for about an hour-and-a-quarter. I tried manfully to match his staggering velocity, but it was hopeless....
Several 'phone calls to Barbara ensued (there were no cell-phones back then), and she eventually managed to locate an address for the venue. "What kept you?" said Our Hero, once I found the stage door.....
I know of what you speak, Mark. If Gerry lived in NC, he'd be a serious Nascar contender...
RR
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Rick Schmidt
- Posts: 3258
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Prescott AZ, USA
Hi Roger,
I should say, it wasn't Gerry's speeding that was at fault. I was at fault by following the wrong car out of the car park
. Gerry told me later when he got to the end of the road out of the car park I had gone 
, so that's where the switch occured. I should have checked the reg hey, but you wouldn't believe two cars of the same colour and type with almost identical people driving them would exit a car park within a minute or two of each other. It was almost spooky.
I should say, it wasn't Gerry's speeding that was at fault. I was at fault by following the wrong car out of the car park
. Gerry told me later when he got to the end of the road out of the car park I had gone , so that's where the switch occured. I should have checked the reg hey, but you wouldn't believe two cars of the same colour and type with almost identical people driving them would exit a car park within a minute or two of each other. It was almost spooky.-
Roger Rettig
- Posts: 10548
- Joined: 4 Aug 2000 12:01 am
- Location: Naples, FL
- Contact:
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Gerry Hogan
- Posts: 249
- Joined: 28 Nov 2004 1:01 am
- Location: Burghclere, Hampshire, England
Barry:
It’s good of you to add your memories and experiences to this thread! There can’t be many of us, from our side of the Pond, whose playing goes back as far as the ‘60s and so your thoughts are valuable. I’ll always remember the great Liverpool country bands coming down to the London circuit. So many had excellent steelers: yourself, Frankie, Ronnie, Tony are just a few I remember from the early days - later, of course, there's Dave. I heard recently that Frankie and Tony have passed away. Please give my best to Phil Brady, if you’re still in contact with him. He was a good ole boy!
Yes, it was Sam Fields at the Red Lion, Brentford. That’s when I first met Roger (at a Sunday lunchtime gig), and also Brian Hodgson (now bass player with Hogan’s Heroes). Rog and Brian were both with Eden Kane at the time (I think). I was very nervous when I knew they were in the audience. Both were keen James Burton fans, as I was; and Brian loaned me several great Rick Nelson albums, which featured James. Rog, Brian and myself have remained in fairly close contact ever since! I have been very flattered to read that Roger bought his Telecaster on the strength of the Red Lion gigs! I really wanted a Super 400 like he had!
Roger:
Thanks for getting us onto P3!
BTW: you missed “The Golden Lion” at Hillingdon! You’re correct about the number of gigs, not just in London but everywhere. It was possible to play every night of the week – not for much dosh, but it was liveable in those pre-Designer days! 
Ken:
I have taken your advice and remain fully clothed through this entire post!
Damir:
Nice of you to post here, and for reminding me of the November 1987 tour of the former Yugoslavia – how things have changed since then! BTW: It was Bruce who had the push-pull (black) and I had an MCI (sky-blue). The super band, Plava Trava Zaborava, friends of us in Hogan’s Heroes, organised the tour and supported us. Davor Rodik was their excellent steel player, who had a Sho-Bud Pro II D10 (if my memory serves me well) and I believe he sold that when he volunteered to fight in the war. Amazing, what he went through. He told us all about it in 1995 when he came all the way overland to England to see Jimmy Day at my Festival! I think he may have had a Promat D10 at that time. I remember seeing one in 1987 – great steel!
Matt:
It’s good of you to get on here, too! I certainly enjoyed that 6-week tour with you, and I know Peter and Brian did too! Your songs were so good and you organised the whole thing so well, what was there not to like? 
The farmhouse you rented for us was exquisite; we had a great time. I seem to remember you doing most of the driving – on Red Bull! And … I should hope I did carry and set stuff up! 
One thing I’m sad about is that it’s unlikely I’ll ever get the chance to do a tour with you again, because you play your own steel now!
Mark:
Thanks for setting the record straight!
Roger:
I remember your lovely Vanden Plas Princess lumbering along after me along the country lanes of Hampshire and Berkshire. Not really the kind of car to attempt to catch a speeding bullet, was it!
Rick:
Thanks for reminding me: my daughter, Sian, is going to be moving into her new home next summer, just about the time you might be able to organise coming over here to do some gigs …
Thanks everyone, for all the memories.
Gerry
Edited for a typo
It’s good of you to add your memories and experiences to this thread! There can’t be many of us, from our side of the Pond, whose playing goes back as far as the ‘60s and so your thoughts are valuable. I’ll always remember the great Liverpool country bands coming down to the London circuit. So many had excellent steelers: yourself, Frankie, Ronnie, Tony are just a few I remember from the early days - later, of course, there's Dave. I heard recently that Frankie and Tony have passed away. Please give my best to Phil Brady, if you’re still in contact with him. He was a good ole boy!
Yes, it was Sam Fields at the Red Lion, Brentford. That’s when I first met Roger (at a Sunday lunchtime gig), and also Brian Hodgson (now bass player with Hogan’s Heroes). Rog and Brian were both with Eden Kane at the time (I think). I was very nervous when I knew they were in the audience. Both were keen James Burton fans, as I was; and Brian loaned me several great Rick Nelson albums, which featured James. Rog, Brian and myself have remained in fairly close contact ever since! I have been very flattered to read that Roger bought his Telecaster on the strength of the Red Lion gigs! I really wanted a Super 400 like he had!
Roger:
Thanks for getting us onto P3!
BTW: you missed “The Golden Lion” at Hillingdon! You’re correct about the number of gigs, not just in London but everywhere. It was possible to play every night of the week – not for much dosh, but it was liveable in those pre-Designer days! Ken:
I have taken your advice and remain fully clothed through this entire post!
Damir:
Nice of you to post here, and for reminding me of the November 1987 tour of the former Yugoslavia – how things have changed since then! BTW: It was Bruce who had the push-pull (black) and I had an MCI (sky-blue). The super band, Plava Trava Zaborava, friends of us in Hogan’s Heroes, organised the tour and supported us. Davor Rodik was their excellent steel player, who had a Sho-Bud Pro II D10 (if my memory serves me well) and I believe he sold that when he volunteered to fight in the war. Amazing, what he went through. He told us all about it in 1995 when he came all the way overland to England to see Jimmy Day at my Festival! I think he may have had a Promat D10 at that time. I remember seeing one in 1987 – great steel!
Matt:
It’s good of you to get on here, too! I certainly enjoyed that 6-week tour with you, and I know Peter and Brian did too!
Your songs were so good and you organised the whole thing so well, what was there not to like? The farmhouse you rented for us was exquisite; we had a great time. I seem to remember you doing most of the driving – on Red Bull! And … I should hope I did carry and set stuff up! One thing I’m sad about is that it’s unlikely I’ll ever get the chance to do a tour with you again, because you play your own steel now!
Mark:
Thanks for setting the record straight!
Roger:
I remember your lovely Vanden Plas Princess lumbering along after me along the country lanes of Hampshire and Berkshire. Not really the kind of car to attempt to catch a speeding bullet, was it!
Rick:
Thanks for reminding me: my daughter, Sian, is going to be moving into her new home next summer, just about the time you might be able to organise coming over here to do some gigs …
Thanks everyone, for all the memories.
Gerry
Edited for a typo
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Rick Schmidt
- Posts: 3258
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Prescott AZ, USA
Gerry...I don't think we could get another load under that bridge again. BTW, theres an IKEA TV commercial running in the states right now that does an uncanny job of re-creating that day of us driving that moving truck under that old English bridge...something that really makes me laugh.
Tell your daughter I've been getting in shape for the next time
Tell your daughter I've been getting in shape for the next time
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Roger Rettig
- Posts: 10548
- Joined: 4 Aug 2000 12:01 am
- Location: Naples, FL
- Contact:
Gerry
More on that Sunday lunchtime gig at the Red Lion...
It was actually Del Addison who told me (and Brian) about your band; he'd been trying to 'sell' me on country music for some time, and he figured - correctly - that if I heard some well-played stuff, I'd lose my reservations about it. You guys played some Buck Owens tunes and some Ricky Nelson gems, so the close relationship between the (then) modern country and rock'n'roll became more apparent to me as a result.
You invited me up on stage to play your Tele, and that freed you up to play steel on a couple of songs in which you'd normally play guitar. The epiphany for me that day - apart from the musical enlightenment I experienced - was the joy of playing my first-ever Telecaster! I found that I could sort-of play in 'that' style without ever having done it before. Previously, my big heavy-strung Super 400 had dictated my approach, but your guitar felt terrific! I bought my own Tele shortly afterwards, and the Gibson languished in its case thereafter!
By the way: at that time Del had his own semi-pro band and Brian was his bass-player. I would occasionally sit in with them when I wasn't on the road. Brian didn't turn pro until 1970 when I put a band together for Marty Wilde. Eden Kane's bass-player was Brian Gregg (of Johnny Kidd & The Pirates/Terry Dene's Dene-Aces 'fame'). As you say, the three of us have been associated in various ways since that time, and you guys - along with Peter Baron and Mike Bell - are the bedrock of my British 'music world'.
Just a footnote - Little Ginny called me last week to wish me a Happy New Year. I told her about her recent 'appearance' on the SGF and she was most flattered! She sends her best to all present....
RR
More on that Sunday lunchtime gig at the Red Lion...
It was actually Del Addison who told me (and Brian) about your band; he'd been trying to 'sell' me on country music for some time, and he figured - correctly - that if I heard some well-played stuff, I'd lose my reservations about it. You guys played some Buck Owens tunes and some Ricky Nelson gems, so the close relationship between the (then) modern country and rock'n'roll became more apparent to me as a result.
You invited me up on stage to play your Tele, and that freed you up to play steel on a couple of songs in which you'd normally play guitar. The epiphany for me that day - apart from the musical enlightenment I experienced - was the joy of playing my first-ever Telecaster! I found that I could sort-of play in 'that' style without ever having done it before. Previously, my big heavy-strung Super 400 had dictated my approach, but your guitar felt terrific! I bought my own Tele shortly afterwards, and the Gibson languished in its case thereafter!
By the way: at that time Del had his own semi-pro band and Brian was his bass-player. I would occasionally sit in with them when I wasn't on the road. Brian didn't turn pro until 1970 when I put a band together for Marty Wilde. Eden Kane's bass-player was Brian Gregg (of Johnny Kidd & The Pirates/Terry Dene's Dene-Aces 'fame'). As you say, the three of us have been associated in various ways since that time, and you guys - along with Peter Baron and Mike Bell - are the bedrock of my British 'music world'.
Just a footnote - Little Ginny called me last week to wish me a Happy New Year. I told her about her recent 'appearance' on the SGF and she was most flattered! She sends her best to all present....
RR
-
Gerry Hogan
- Posts: 249
- Joined: 28 Nov 2004 1:01 am
- Location: Burghclere, Hampshire, England
Roger:
Thanks for reminding me about the two "Brian"s! I'd quite forgotten that! Also, for reminding me of that day when you first "sat in"! As you quickly found out, there wasn't much difference in style between Don Rich and James Burton in those days (in overall approach). You were a masterful guitarist even in those days and so, you fitted right in from the off! I have to tell you that I've had so much fun working with you over the years since 1965/6. But you must know that already!
I was amazed at how much common ground we had in our musical tastes: e.g. Peggy Lee - the album "The Man I Love", which included the exquisite, "The Folks Who Live On The Hill"; we even concurred down to Frank Sinatra! Do you remember "The Concert Sinatra" album I introduced you to? You introduced me to Steely Dan! How had I missed them? We both separately loved Poco, especially "You'd Better Think Twice"! However, I never did get to play it in a band until I joined you and Brian in Fatso, some years later. I was thrilled to be in that band!
I'm so pleased that you came along to the Red Lion that day!
The first time I saw Ginny (Little Ginny as she was called then) was in 1965, at a country music "Jamboree" at The White Hart, Acton. She was about 12 years old, or so, and was really very good! She was being backed by Ed King's Ranch Boys, who I've mentioned before in this thread. Over the years I've worked many enjoyable gigs with Ginny, and later with Ginny and Paul. She's a trouper! I haven't seen her for some years, unfortunately.
Jason (from some way back in this thread):
I've found out the name of the label on which Country Fever's album, "Mountain Music Jamboree" was released in 1969-ish. It was Rediffusion. I hope this helps.
Gerry
Thanks for reminding me about the two "Brian"s! I'd quite forgotten that!
Also, for reminding me of that day when you first "sat in"! As you quickly found out, there wasn't much difference in style between Don Rich and James Burton in those days (in overall approach). You were a masterful guitarist even in those days and so, you fitted right in from the off! I have to tell you that I've had so much fun working with you over the years since 1965/6. But you must know that already!I was amazed at how much common ground we had in our musical tastes: e.g. Peggy Lee - the album "The Man I Love", which included the exquisite, "The Folks Who Live On The Hill"; we even concurred down to Frank Sinatra! Do you remember "The Concert Sinatra" album I introduced you to? You introduced me to Steely Dan! How had I missed them?
We both separately loved Poco, especially "You'd Better Think Twice"! However, I never did get to play it in a band until I joined you and Brian in Fatso, some years later. I was thrilled to be in that band! I'm so pleased that you came along to the Red Lion that day!
The first time I saw Ginny (Little Ginny as she was called then) was in 1965, at a country music "Jamboree" at The White Hart, Acton. She was about 12 years old, or so, and was really very good! She was being backed by Ed King's Ranch Boys, who I've mentioned before in this thread. Over the years I've worked many enjoyable gigs with Ginny, and later with Ginny and Paul. She's a trouper! I haven't seen her for some years, unfortunately.
Jason (from some way back in this thread):
I've found out the name of the label on which Country Fever's album, "Mountain Music Jamboree" was released in 1969-ish. It was Rediffusion. I hope this helps.
Gerry
REDIFFUSION MUSIC RECORD CATALOGUE
Cheers Gerry, looks like 1970...
ZS/50 MOUNTAIN MUSIC JAMBOUREE- COUNTRY FEVER (1970)
I have seen this listed and thought that LP was another group... (and had totally forgot about it). Another one to look for. (I love it)
Some other REDIFFUSION LPs
ZS/01 SARABANDE OF WIVES -THE NEW ELIZABETHANS (SYD DALE
ZS/ 36 GENTLE SOUNDS OF BILL MCGUFFIE PLUS SIX (1970)
ZS/40 GREATEST COUNTRY & WESTERN HITS-Don Hill
ZS/42 ROSANELLA LOVE'S COUNTRY
ZS/52 SOUNDS LIKE HITS NO 12 - TOP HITS GROUP (1970)
ZS/70 RAY MERRELL SINGS COUNTRY
ZS/98 EVERYBODY'S TALKIN' - Pete Moore Orchestra
ZS/115* SEVEN AGES OF MAN - (1972)
May not be credited on the album, but this session was cut by Harold McNair. McNair (born November 05, 1931 in Kingston, Jamaica — died March 07, 1971 in Maida Vale, North London) was a renowned saxophonist and flautist. This set was cut with Gordon Beck, Ian Green, Madelaine Bell, Rosetta Hightower, Tony Roberts, Colin Green and Pat Arnold.
ZS/128 WIMBLEDON GIRL SINGERS WITH RONALD BINGE (1972)
ZS/142 CLARINET MARMALADE - SID PHILLIPS (1974)
chosen to give a timeline more than anything, of course they're always rough timelines with budget albums.
ZS/50 MOUNTAIN MUSIC JAMBOUREE- COUNTRY FEVER (1970)
I have seen this listed and thought that LP was another group... (and had totally forgot about it). Another one to look for. (I love it)
Some other REDIFFUSION LPs
ZS/01 SARABANDE OF WIVES -THE NEW ELIZABETHANS (SYD DALE
ZS/ 36 GENTLE SOUNDS OF BILL MCGUFFIE PLUS SIX (1970)
ZS/40 GREATEST COUNTRY & WESTERN HITS-Don Hill
ZS/42 ROSANELLA LOVE'S COUNTRY
ZS/52 SOUNDS LIKE HITS NO 12 - TOP HITS GROUP (1970)
ZS/70 RAY MERRELL SINGS COUNTRY
ZS/98 EVERYBODY'S TALKIN' - Pete Moore Orchestra
ZS/115* SEVEN AGES OF MAN - (1972)
May not be credited on the album, but this session was cut by Harold McNair. McNair (born November 05, 1931 in Kingston, Jamaica — died March 07, 1971 in Maida Vale, North London) was a renowned saxophonist and flautist. This set was cut with Gordon Beck, Ian Green, Madelaine Bell, Rosetta Hightower, Tony Roberts, Colin Green and Pat Arnold.
ZS/128 WIMBLEDON GIRL SINGERS WITH RONALD BINGE (1972)
ZS/142 CLARINET MARMALADE - SID PHILLIPS (1974)
chosen to give a timeline more than anything, of course they're always rough timelines with budget albums.
Eden to country
Eden Kane band circa 1962. . originally the The Rhet Stoller
Group; Rhet Stoller (lead guitar), Roger Rettig (rythmn guitar), Brian Gregg (ex Pirates on bass guitar) and drummer Bernie Martin.
Group; Rhet Stoller (lead guitar), Roger Rettig (rythmn guitar), Brian Gregg (ex Pirates on bass guitar) and drummer Bernie Martin.
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Roger Rettig
- Posts: 10548
- Joined: 4 Aug 2000 12:01 am
- Location: Naples, FL
- Contact:
Jason - where do you find this stuff?!
Rhet Stoller was an excellent musician, and his unique approach opened many doors for us. He managed to get an almost orchestral sound (with his ES-5 and Binson Echorech unit), and we'd do 'The March of The Siamese Children', 'The Magnificent Seven', and lots of material that other two guitar/bass/drums groups wouldn't have thought of tackling. That's why Eden wanted us - we got a pretty full sound and could 'cover' the string parts on his hits. Rhet didn't stay with Eden very long, so I was eventually promoted to 1st guitar. Coincidentally, I've just received three monochrome photos of that band - taken in 1962 - by e-mail; a lovely surprise, although I'd long forgotten what Roger Rettig looked like at twelve stones (168 lbs)!!! At that weight I was dwarfed by that Gibson Super 400...
Gerry:
Thanks for your nice comments. I think some of the happiest moments I've spent on stage were when we would play 'You Better Think Twice'. I would sing it and cover the Telecaster part (with my low 'E' tuned to a 'G'), and it was such a joy to 'float' on top of that super rhythm section (Pete and Brian) while you and I traded those signature licks from the record. I don't normally like to be 'tied' to what's played on the record, but that song (along with 'Hello, Marylou') has to be an exception! I'm happy to say that our version of that tune was always well-received, and I was particularly proud when we played it at the 'Guitarist Magazine' show just before we backed Albert for his set - he came on stage vigorously applauding our efforts, and he's not an easy 'sell'!
My Lincoln has a six-CD changer in the boot (sp!), and do you know what's one of the 'six' right now? "The Concert Sinatra"! It's a 'hardy perennial' on my play-list to this day (along with Take Six' "He Is Christmas" and Buddy's "Emmons Guitar Co." - another that you introduced me to!) I mention the Lincoln Town Car as it's the nearest thing I could find to my venerable Princess Vanden Plas - the one that was left in the dust by the Hogan Volvo - here in the USA; I like being comfy!
Oh, and I must mention another of my very favourite gigs - our tour of Britain and Ireland with Sonny Curtis. What a great writer and guitarist he is, and what a professional! He was - and is - such a hero to me, as I saw him playing guitar with Don & Phil Everly (along with the other two Crickets, Jerry Alison and Joe B. Maudlin) at the East Ham Granada in 1962. I learned (or relearned) much from our 1990 tour, not the least of which was how great dynamics could be achieved with a minimum of volume. Once again, you were a vital and stimulating element in that band.
I realise while recalling all this just how lucky I've been to have shared a stage with such good players; Gerry's right up there with the very best of them.
RR
Rhet Stoller was an excellent musician, and his unique approach opened many doors for us. He managed to get an almost orchestral sound (with his ES-5 and Binson Echorech unit), and we'd do 'The March of The Siamese Children', 'The Magnificent Seven', and lots of material that other two guitar/bass/drums groups wouldn't have thought of tackling. That's why Eden wanted us - we got a pretty full sound and could 'cover' the string parts on his hits. Rhet didn't stay with Eden very long, so I was eventually promoted to 1st guitar. Coincidentally, I've just received three monochrome photos of that band - taken in 1962 - by e-mail; a lovely surprise, although I'd long forgotten what Roger Rettig looked like at twelve stones (168 lbs)!!! At that weight I was dwarfed by that Gibson Super 400...
Gerry:
Thanks for your nice comments. I think some of the happiest moments I've spent on stage were when we would play 'You Better Think Twice'. I would sing it and cover the Telecaster part (with my low 'E' tuned to a 'G'), and it was such a joy to 'float' on top of that super rhythm section (Pete and Brian) while you and I traded those signature licks from the record. I don't normally like to be 'tied' to what's played on the record, but that song (along with 'Hello, Marylou') has to be an exception! I'm happy to say that our version of that tune was always well-received, and I was particularly proud when we played it at the 'Guitarist Magazine' show just before we backed Albert for his set - he came on stage vigorously applauding our efforts, and he's not an easy 'sell'!
My Lincoln has a six-CD changer in the boot (sp!), and do you know what's one of the 'six' right now? "The Concert Sinatra"! It's a 'hardy perennial' on my play-list to this day (along with Take Six' "He Is Christmas" and Buddy's "Emmons Guitar Co." - another that you introduced me to!) I mention the Lincoln Town Car as it's the nearest thing I could find to my venerable Princess Vanden Plas - the one that was left in the dust by the Hogan Volvo - here in the USA; I like being comfy!
Oh, and I must mention another of my very favourite gigs - our tour of Britain and Ireland with Sonny Curtis. What a great writer and guitarist he is, and what a professional! He was - and is - such a hero to me, as I saw him playing guitar with Don & Phil Everly (along with the other two Crickets, Jerry Alison and Joe B. Maudlin) at the East Ham Granada in 1962. I learned (or relearned) much from our 1990 tour, not the least of which was how great dynamics could be achieved with a minimum of volume. Once again, you were a vital and stimulating element in that band.
I realise while recalling all this just how lucky I've been to have shared a stage with such good players; Gerry's right up there with the very best of them.
RR
seek
Roger, I say seek and ye will find, I found Roger Dean via you my friend.
Seeing as my info is from '62, and you just got some '62 pics, we might have the same source even.
Speaking of the Everly's touring the old world, the box set that came out last year has a live disc from the 1965 tour of Europe with Jim Gordon, Marshall Leib (bass) and Sonny Curtis with Don & Phil. Absolute killer set!
Seeing as my info is from '62, and you just got some '62 pics, we might have the same source even.
Speaking of the Everly's touring the old world, the box set that came out last year has a live disc from the 1965 tour of Europe with Jim Gordon, Marshall Leib (bass) and Sonny Curtis with Don & Phil. Absolute killer set!
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Roger Rettig
- Posts: 10548
- Joined: 4 Aug 2000 12:01 am
- Location: Naples, FL
- Contact:
Jason,
You could be right; Jay Bee at the California-Pool Ballroom website was kind enough to unearth those old photos, and I'm so frustrated that my incompetence prevents me from posting them on the Forum. I can't even bring them up on my computer, much less send them to a 'host'....
Gerry, and everyone: I've just spoken with my old friend, Del Addison (the eponymous leader of the erstwhile 'Johnny Dee Band', circa 1960 or so...), and he's reminded me that our list of Fullers gigs is not quite complete. There was, of course, the Clarendon Hotel in Hammersmith Broadway; in fact, I believe my very first gig with the Kingpins was at that venue. How could I have forgotten that salubrious establishment?
Del, of course, is a much older hand than even we all are at this game, and he fronted his own band for many years. On one of Del's gigs, it wouldn't be long before he'd raise an eyebrow in our direction and mutter the fateful command - "The Gruesome Twosome, chaps....", and we'd launch into a medley of 'A Fool Such As I' and 'Walk On By' (NOT the Dionne Warwick hit, I hasten to add!) Fear not - the 'shuffle' was alive and well, even at the Working Men's Clubs of West London....
I know he'd want me to send his compliments to Gerry on this thread, and I'm grateful to Del, not only for those gigs he gave me when things were a bit slack, but for getting me to listen to Buck Owens at a time in my life when their stage-outfits would have prejudiced me against them immediately! He's also indirectly responsible for me getting to know Gerry Hogan.
Our destinies turn on such apparently inconsequential bends in the road...
RR
You could be right; Jay Bee at the California-Pool Ballroom website was kind enough to unearth those old photos, and I'm so frustrated that my incompetence prevents me from posting them on the Forum. I can't even bring them up on my computer, much less send them to a 'host'....
Gerry, and everyone: I've just spoken with my old friend, Del Addison (the eponymous leader of the erstwhile 'Johnny Dee Band', circa 1960 or so...), and he's reminded me that our list of Fullers gigs is not quite complete. There was, of course, the Clarendon Hotel in Hammersmith Broadway; in fact, I believe my very first gig with the Kingpins was at that venue. How could I have forgotten that salubrious establishment?
Del, of course, is a much older hand than even we all are at this game, and he fronted his own band for many years. On one of Del's gigs, it wouldn't be long before he'd raise an eyebrow in our direction and mutter the fateful command - "The Gruesome Twosome, chaps....", and we'd launch into a medley of 'A Fool Such As I' and 'Walk On By' (NOT the Dionne Warwick hit, I hasten to add!) Fear not - the 'shuffle' was alive and well, even at the Working Men's Clubs of West London....
I know he'd want me to send his compliments to Gerry on this thread, and I'm grateful to Del, not only for those gigs he gave me when things were a bit slack, but for getting me to listen to Buck Owens at a time in my life when their stage-outfits would have prejudiced me against them immediately! He's also indirectly responsible for me getting to know Gerry Hogan.
Our destinies turn on such apparently inconsequential bends in the road...
RR
country folk
Hey Roger, that's the site, I really dig those sort of tribute pages.
Roger, Jerry, everyone, did any of the BBC -Wally Wyton 'Country Meets Folk' shows ever get released, seems like the BBC released LPs of just about everything else from that period.
Jerry, what was the earliest studio work that you did, 'Country Meets Folk' or sessions for commercial release?
cheers
Jason
Roger, Jerry, everyone, did any of the BBC -Wally Wyton 'Country Meets Folk' shows ever get released, seems like the BBC released LPs of just about everything else from that period.
Jerry, what was the earliest studio work that you did, 'Country Meets Folk' or sessions for commercial release?
cheers
Jason
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Gerry Hogan
- Posts: 249
- Joined: 28 Nov 2004 1:01 am
- Location: Burghclere, Hampshire, England
Chaps! I've just returned to this after a couple of days, and spotted the extra postings! Once again, thank you!
Roger:
Del Addison! What a super chap! I have had the pleasure of working with Del a few times in the past. I seem to remember John Hamilton was involved too. I haven't see either of them for a few years, though.
Re: The Clarendon, Hammersmith; I did mention that venue in passing, with reference to the the time the ground-floor gig was called "The Ranch House". Prior to that, the first floor venue (a Masonic Hall!) was used for "Jamborees", where several country bands would play a couple of times each during the evening. I also worked with Hank Locklin at one or two of these events. He was a great singer and was very popular with the West London Irish contingent. (This element of the population was swollen during the mid-'60s by Irish workers over to build the Victoria Line. Many of them became friends because they liked the band and used to follow us from gig to gig!
Tony (Smart):
A very belated "thank you" for your posting some days ago! How I missed that I don't know. I know jolly well that my being nominated for the SGHoF is quite uncalled for, but thanks for the thought! Running the Steel Guitar Festival was a complete self-indulgence, and I wish I could have indulged myself for many more years! Thanks, also, for your continuing support
Jason:
The first recording I remember doing was a BBC Radio show called "Easy Beat" in 1960. It was recorded live on a Sunday evening at the Playhouse Theatre in Northumberland Avenue, near Charing Cross tube station (Roger refers to this in an earlier posting). It would be broadcast a week later at 11 a.m. on Sunday morning. The show went out regularly on The Light Programme for many years. Brian Matthew was the compère, and guitarist, Bert Weedon, was the leader of the staff band "The Easy Beats". Gordon Huntley played steel in our band at that time. He had a triple neck Fender Stringmaster to which he had attached, via bike brake cables, one pedal, taken from a farm tractor (I believe he said it was the accelerator!). It sounded great! One tune we played was "This Is Southland", from "Two Guitars, Country Style" by Jimmy and Speedy! Well, it was a nice try, anyway!
I remember having to ask for a half-day off school so I could go to play at the audition for that show a few weeks earlier!
Gerry
Roger:
Del Addison! What a super chap! I have had the pleasure of working with Del a few times in the past. I seem to remember John Hamilton was involved too. I haven't see either of them for a few years, though.
Re: The Clarendon, Hammersmith; I did mention that venue in passing, with reference to the the time the ground-floor gig was called "The Ranch House". Prior to that, the first floor venue (a Masonic Hall!) was used for "Jamborees", where several country bands would play a couple of times each during the evening. I also worked with Hank Locklin at one or two of these events. He was a great singer and was very popular with the West London Irish contingent. (This element of the population was swollen during the mid-'60s by Irish workers over to build the Victoria Line. Many of them became friends because they liked the band and used to follow us from gig to gig!
Tony (Smart):
A very belated "thank you" for your posting some days ago! How I missed that I don't know.
I know jolly well that my being nominated for the SGHoF is quite uncalled for, but thanks for the thought! Running the Steel Guitar Festival was a complete self-indulgence, and I wish I could have indulged myself for many more years! Thanks, also, for your continuing support Jason:
The first recording I remember doing was a BBC Radio show called "Easy Beat" in 1960. It was recorded live on a Sunday evening at the Playhouse Theatre in Northumberland Avenue, near Charing Cross tube station (Roger refers to this in an earlier posting). It would be broadcast a week later at 11 a.m. on Sunday morning. The show went out regularly on The Light Programme for many years. Brian Matthew was the compère, and guitarist, Bert Weedon, was the leader of the staff band "The Easy Beats". Gordon Huntley played steel in our band at that time. He had a triple neck Fender Stringmaster to which he had attached, via bike brake cables, one pedal, taken from a farm tractor (I believe he said it was the accelerator!).
It sounded great! One tune we played was "This Is Southland", from "Two Guitars, Country Style" by Jimmy and Speedy! Well, it was a nice try, anyway! I remember having to ask for a half-day off school so I could go to play at the audition for that show a few weeks earlier!
Gerry
Gosh Gerry, I remember Easybeat. I used to particularly enjoy listening to Wout Steenhuis's steel guitar playing. He used to play along to tape recorded backing tracks - a novelty then but commonplace these days. My old mentor when I was a teenager - Kealoha Life, was a little dismissive of Wout, saying that he was not an authentic Hawaiian player. An interesting fact was that Mr Steenhuis's day job was being the owner of a jam factory in Kent! He was always a regular on Easybeat.
Gerry - the first time I saw you play was at the Ponderosa, which was at the Boars Head in Wickham, Hampshire. I hadn't been playing pedal steel too long and went along one Saturday night to see the Tumbleweeds with Jerry West. I had heard so much about Jerry, and I was a little disappointed to learn when the band arrived that he was off touring with Slim Whitman. My disappointment was short lived as you arrived (a little late ) and set your Sho-Bud up. You were really good, and if my failing memory serves me right, you played an old Victor Sylvester piece as an instrumental. I can hum it but I can't remember the title. Is it called "You're Dancing on My Heart"?
The Ponderosa was a great venue. I first saw Albert Lee there who played with the 'Weeds as a dep job. He did 12th Street Rag - it was frightening. Ray Flacke, Adrian Legge, Billy Bremner and so many great lead players played there in the early days. It made me all the more determined to play there.
A couple of years later, and a massive amount of woodshedding under my belt, I played on that same stage and on the same bill as Jerry West. A real character. His Fender 400 had seen better days, but unlike my own guitar it actually had a knee lever! Jerry was really into Lloyd Green then (must have been about 1972) and Tom Brumley, although his playing style never reflected that influence. He reckoned that knee levers were the secret of all the licks we were hearing on the records. He was only partly right as it turned out. I was playing a twin 8 string Ormston Burns then - it was a heap of rubbish really but it looked the part. He was very kind about my playing in a polite sort of way.
Finally,Terry Dene was fleetingly mentioned in an earlier post by Roger. He lived 3 doors away from me in 1985 before I moved house. He still looked the part and was still occasionally gigging in local pubs and clubs in Southampton. I suppose we are all still old rockers at heart.
Gerry - the first time I saw you play was at the Ponderosa, which was at the Boars Head in Wickham, Hampshire. I hadn't been playing pedal steel too long and went along one Saturday night to see the Tumbleweeds with Jerry West. I had heard so much about Jerry, and I was a little disappointed to learn when the band arrived that he was off touring with Slim Whitman. My disappointment was short lived as you arrived (a little late
) and set your Sho-Bud up. You were really good, and if my failing memory serves me right, you played an old Victor Sylvester piece as an instrumental. I can hum it but I can't remember the title. Is it called "You're Dancing on My Heart"?The Ponderosa was a great venue. I first saw Albert Lee there who played with the 'Weeds as a dep job. He did 12th Street Rag - it was frightening. Ray Flacke, Adrian Legge, Billy Bremner and so many great lead players played there in the early days. It made me all the more determined to play there.
A couple of years later, and a massive amount of woodshedding under my belt, I played on that same stage and on the same bill as Jerry West. A real character. His Fender 400 had seen better days, but unlike my own guitar it actually had a knee lever! Jerry was really into Lloyd Green then (must have been about 1972) and Tom Brumley, although his playing style never reflected that influence. He reckoned that knee levers were the secret of all the licks we were hearing on the records. He was only partly right as it turned out. I was playing a twin 8 string Ormston Burns then - it was a heap of rubbish really but it looked the part. He was very kind about my playing in a polite sort of way.
Finally,Terry Dene was fleetingly mentioned in an earlier post by Roger. He lived 3 doors away from me in 1985 before I moved house. He still looked the part and was still occasionally gigging in local pubs and clubs in Southampton. I suppose we are all still old rockers at heart.