NEWS PAGE FOR JUNE 2010

joemeeksociety@gmail.com

THUNDERBOLT + NEWSLETTER

The latest Thunderbolt  Magazine plus Newsletter now mailed out to Joe Meek Society Members   
 -  50 plus feature packed pages:
  • Deke Arlon Story
  • Lee Diamond & The Cherokees
  • The Avalons
  • John Leyton At The BBC
  • Joe Meek Concert Review
  • Eddie Silver and The Joe Meek Connection
  • Joe's Tribute Records
  • Alan Caddy Interview
  • 2010 AGM Report
  • Bobby Shafto
  • Classic TV - The Prisoner
  • Unpublished photo of Heinz
  • Plus Newson News/Internet News/Meek Mail/Book Review/Photo News

RIP CRISPIAN ST PETERS


Crispian passed away on June 8th after a long illness.

Robb Shenton has pointed out the Meek Connection:

 "There is a Joe Meek connection; his backing musicians in his heyday, were ‘The Puppets’, who were signed to Joe at the time, and had two singles released.

Both Crispian and the Puppets worked through – The George Cooper Organisation, the agency at that time was one of the ‘A’ List Agencies, along with Tito Burns, Arthur Howes, London Management, and the budding NEMS Enterprises."
  JUST RELEASED!

 1.REFLECTIONS:  Robb Shenton    -  Byron Elwell /Keyboards.
2.NOW YOU’RE THE GIRL OF MY BEST FRIEND:  Dave Kaye.
3.TORNADO:  Byron Elwell/Space Babes  - [Instrumental].
4. PLEASE STAY:  Robb Shenton  -  Byron Elwell/Keyboards.
5. BUSINESS MAN:  Dave Kaye
6.TELSTAR 2010:  Byron Elwell/Space Babes  - [Instrumental].
7.LET IT BE ME:  Robb Shenton.
8.LONG NIGHT BLUES:  Dave Kaye
9.HOLLOWAY GHOSTS:  Byron Elwell/Space Babes [Instrumental].
10.WALK WITH ME MY ANGEL:  Robb Shenton   -  Byron Elwell  M.D.
11.YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS YOUNG:  Dave  Kaye.
12.ODYSSEY:  Byron Elwell/Space Babes  -  [Instrumental].
13.THE FOLKS WHO LIVE ON THE HILL:  Robb Shenton.
14. SAY YOU LOVE ME:  Dave Kaye  and the Dykons.
15.LIFE ON VENUS:  Byron Elwell/Space Babes  [Instrumental].
16.FIRST LOVE:  Robb Shenton  [Produced by Clem Cattini].
17.WONDERFUL WORLD:  Dave Kaye  and the Dykons
18.GALACTIC:  Byron Elwell/Space Babes  [Instrumental]


18 Track Album & 16 Page Booklet:  £6 – 99 plus P&P £1 -50 Total £8-49            
Cheques made payable please to:  Byron Elwell.
Chestnut Bank House, Bobbin Mill Hill, Fritchley, Derbyshire.  DE56 2HN,
More Details on Byron’s Web Site  http://www.chestnutbankproductions.co.uk 
on the Elwell, Kaye & Shenton page.


FOR MORE INFO ON THIS GROUND BREAKING NEW RELEASE CLICK HERE AND GO DOWN TO THEIR PRESS RELEASE
JOHN LEYTON


June 7th saw the CD single and download release of John Leyton's 'Hi Ho Come On England'.

 Proceeds will be donated to the 'Help the Heroes' Fund and Leyton Orient Football Club's 'Somme Memorial Fund'.




      John's June/July Newsletter is now available on his official site




STAIRCASE STOMP
Frank Secich (Blue Ash, Stiv Bators) and Terry Hartman (Backdoor Men) are complimented by the outstanding musicianship of Pete Drivere and John Koury (both of Infidels fame) formed the Deadbeat Poets in 2007 with the debut album "Notes From The Underground." Now the follow-up release is finally here. The sound is cleaner, the compositions are tighter, and harmonies more refined. They fly out of the gate with "Elvin Dabney Professional Thief" a intricate melodic composition with multiple hooks. And they rock pretty strong on The Kinks-like "People These Days" and "The Staircase Stomp" makes good use of the carnival organ to help set the atmosphere. Another winner is the epic guitar jangle of "Madras Man" and it's the rare pop song where six minutes seems too short. Some fast paced pop like "At Least It Worked Out For You" will please fans of The Romantics and The Cars for sure. The band pulls out the steel pedal guitar on "So, This Is Indiana" a mid tempo theme that sounds like a pop travelogue of the state. The shifts in the albums tone on the second half are a bit jarring, like the rock opera styled "Murder in The Choir" to the country rock rhythm of "Sunglass City." These songs are all highly polished rock gems that pack plenty of imagery in the lyric, and makes repeat listens necessary. Come visit the "Circus Town" and stay awhile.


Staircase Stomp is a tribute song to Joe Meek
PRESS RELEASE ELWELL, KAYE & SHENTON   AVAILABLE NOW!!

Confirming that cheques be made payable for; £6-99 + £1-50 [Total £8 – 49]  to......    
Byron Elwell ....and addressed to him at;
Chestnut Bank House,
Bobbin Mill Hill,
Fritchley,
Derbyshire DE56 2HN.

More information on the Album can be found on; http://www.chestnutbankproductions.co.uk
 Website, and just look up news on  Elwell, Kaye & Shenton., the album  “Retro Reflections” and you can E-mail Byron at byron.elwell@tesco.net.
 

Thank you everybody for your continued generous and most valued support.

Regards. Robb.  On behalf of, Elwell, Kaye & Shenton. [“Retro Reflections”].    


MORE INFO ON THE ALBUM.................

Byron Elwell played keyboards on four of Robb Shenton's tracks with the exception of "First Love" which was produced by Clem Cattini and "The Folks Who Live On The Hill" when Paul Ricard played keyboards for Robb.

     Dave Kaye's great vocals on "Now Your The Girl Of My Best Friend" was a song specially written for Dave for the album by Robb Shenton. Byron Elwell provided the backing.

     Robb and Flip {of the Joe Meek band "Flip and the Dateliners" ] did the vocal backing in 1965 for Dave's recording of "In My Way", produced by Joe Meek. Robb was delighted to meet up with Dave at a Joe Meek event in Newent in April 2009, at which event Robb and Byron also met up.

     Dave Kaye is still doing great gigs with his band "The Dykons" and can be seen at selected venues in and around Derbyshire area. A great night of real Rock n' Roll. Don't take our word for it, look out for some dates.

     Psst.......... wanna know a secret, how Byron gets his authentic "Tornado's" sound...........

After an exhaustive search Byron purchased a Selmer Clavioline which was in need of some TLC and has now lovingly restored to pristine condition. You can hear this on a few of Byron's Instrumental tracks on the album, "Retro Reflections".

     The title song of the album, "Reflections" was originally an instrumental written by Byron for his first album. Byron asked Robb to write lyrics to the song, Robb duly did and it ended up as the title track of the album, "Retro Reflections"  with Robb on vocals and Byron on piano/keyboards.

     One track proving a real favoutite with early reviewers of the album is "Business Man" with the powerful and emotive vocals of Dave Kaye. The song was written by Belgian song writer Etienne Steen and Ernie Twells from Groby, Leicester. Etienne also plays guitar on a number of tracks on the album [track notes on the album will give details].


REFLECTIONS ON "REFLECTIONS"

Here are some reviews of the album from people who were sent a pre-view copy:

Clem Cattini:  [Joe Meek Artiste].     Leader of the Tornados - Drummer on ‘Telstar’; Top Recording Session Player; and  Hon President of the Joe Meek Society
I found the C.D “Retro Reflections” very interesting and different,  well done; I hope it is successful for you.
Dell Richardson –  [Radio Caroline – SKY Channel 0199].

 We had the pleasure of recently  interviewing Robb, Dave and Byron on my Tuesday evening “Good Rocking Tonight” Show on Radio Caroline.  They were well received by our listeners, and we played a selection of songs from this great album.   The boys all have their own different styles – which makes the album more interesting.  A copy is now in the Radio Station Library, and I’m sure it will get many plays from other D.J’s on the Station. We would like to wish the guys every success with this  new album – which is highly recommended by us.
Graham Sharp: [Joe Meek Artiste]. Lead Guitarist of Joe Meek 1960’s Recording Band - North London’s ‘Flip and the Dateliners’.

This is a great mix of imaginatively updated ‘pop’ classics and tuneful originals, with modern production values and authentic sounds, including many ‘Meek’ clues. Among the tracks is the best song in the world – “Let It Be Me”.
 Billy Pitt-Jones: [Joe Meek Artiste].      Guitarist of Joe Meek 1960’s Recording Band - North London’s – ‘The Blue Rondos’; featuring the fabulous vocals of the ‘late’ great Mickey Stubbs.  

 This album should be re-named ‘Quality’ Retro Reflections, it creates the impression of actually being there in the studio – while three quality artistes of genuine talent take ‘turns’;  to give quality performances of quality songs and instrumentals.
Peter Illingworth: [Joe Meek Artiste].       Lead Guitarist of Joe Meek 1960’s ‘Rhythm and Blues’ Recording Band – “Proud Preston’s” -  ‘David John and the Mood’.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, just about sums up the         “Retro Reflections” package .
This is a fine mix of Meektastic influences from three talented people.  Well done on this excellent album guys !, [Can I place an order for the next one ?.)
Des O’ Reilly:  [Joe Meek Artiste].          Drummer/Vocalist of Joe Meek1960’s Band  – “Proud  Preston’s”  The Puppets’.     [ Remembering ‘The Late’ Dave ‘Ginner’ Millen – Guitarist Supreme].

 Three distinct styles of the early sixties music in England.  influence;   Robb Shenton captures the British Rock Balladeer Genre,  Dave Kaye  captures the Elvis influence; and Byron Elwell captures the Joe Meek Sound exceptionally well.   This C.D is very well performed and presented, and is perfect to add to your collection.         [ Des O’ Reilly -Aldinga Beach. Australia].
Penny Swannell: [Personal Secretary to Joe Meek – 1964/65         

Very much a Retro Recording, I liked the instrumentals which seem to me like ‘Telstar’ lives again, and really enjoyed Dave and Robb’s  vocals. Many songs were reminiscent of Joe’s type of recording.
Mark Newson:    -   Editor       Joe Meek Society ‘Thunderbolt’ Magazine  

Dave Kaye and Robb Shenton -  two  powerhouse voices from RGM Sound, are complemented by Byron Elwell’s outstanding instrumentals.
Ken Ledran:        -   Chairman    Joe Meek Society. 
 Retro Reflections contains all the necessary elements for an enjoyable listening experience.  Very fine singing with subtle musical touches; and some terrific instrumentals.  It is also relaxing to listen to -  and has an overall ‘feel good’ factor.  
Rob Bradford:     -   Editor         Joe Meek Society – ‘Newsletter’.

 Former RGM singers Dave Kaye and Robb Shenton – plus keyboards maestro Byron Elwell do not disappoint on this splendid C.D – with its eclectic mixture of original compositions and innovative cover versions. An excellent tribute to the Joe Meek era, and those halcyon 60’s days.   [Rob Bradford  “Record Collector”/J.M.S].
 Rob Humphreys:  Webmaster  -  Joe Meek Society  ‘Website’                   

The overall theme is suggested by the title – looking back at old favourites;  but also featuring new numbers to become favourites.  A gentle timeless album with three talented people - all contributing to make it an enjoyable listening experience.
 Stuart Freed: Music Journalist & Editor - RGMAS ‘Thunderbolt’ Magazine.

 For anyone who had a heart, this album is a magic carpet ride to a more innocent age of early BrIt Rock ‘n’ Roll.     Elwell, Kaye & Shenton deliver 18 tracks in which they re-light the fires – in the true spirit of an age not yet ready to move over;   I loved it.
Alan ‘Tapeman’  Blackburn: Former Chairman RGM Appreciation Group.

An excellent album, with particular vocal tracks by Robb and Dave  well worthy of a ‘Singles’ release. On this album Byron has shown what an outstanding keyboard  player arranger and composer he is.   All three artistes deliver an expected high standard of performance  - in an enjoyable album –  in which certain tracks -  show more than a passing influence of the late Joe Meek.  
Tom Hammond:  -  Creator of  www.the-tornados.com

Byron is ‘Space Babes’, whose instrumentals are on a par with The Tornados , is an outstanding  musician. Then there is Robb Shenton, [remember his  great “Lonely Joe”   tribute to Joe Meek], he is a super professional,  with a long and productive C.V in the music  business.  As for Dave Kaye, what a great talent, very few singers can give a ‘live’ show like him.  His vocals on this record are superlative.
 David ‘Detective’ Peters:      Joe Meek Archivist/Historian. 

Good music is still alive, thanks to this excellent C.D by these “Three Wise Men”; listen to it,  and enjoy ‘real music’ again.
Sandra Meek-Williams:         Niece of Joe Meek.

 It’s  really interesting to listen to artistes like Robb and Dave who worked with Joe; and their selection of material for this album, with Robb covering some of Joe’s work., and     Byron who is a great keyboard player.   With Dave’s special  vocal talents – he should have been an Elvis impersonator.
Hinton Sheryn: Former Vice-Chairman – RGM Appreciation Group.
       
A  fabulous C.D;  Joe must have popped down to put his expertise on this one.  More than one  track on this album would serve as a ‘single’,   I just can’t find the off-button to my stereo,  it really is brilliant.
Hinton J. Sheryn.  [ Former Vice-Chairman – RGM Appreciation Group ].