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Memories of a Birmingham Musician (Drummer)!

With Garry Alcock Mid All Stars 001 - Copy.jpgLast one for today. Circa 1977.

Self, with Garry Allcock and the Midland All Stars Big Band.

This was taken at the Hen & Chickens, Oldbury, on the Wolverhampton Road. The majority of the band was the from the BBC Midland Radio Orchestra, but, of course, we could not use that name. Eddie
 
Good pic, Eddie. We had the same problem when the BBC Radio Big Band used to guest at Parkstone Jazz Club in the 1970s under the leadership of Dave Hancock (tpt). I won't say what they called themselves because it is a bit rude on a family site!

Maurice
 
Gene Krupa 001.jpgIn 1980, Bob Zildjian (Zildjian Cymbals), and myself flew into Fredricton, New Brunswick, in Canada. This is real 'red neck' country, and is one of the best areas in North America for a'huntin' & a' fishin'.

We were met by Willard Way, who was a tracker, and friend of Bob. As he drove us to Meductic, he said that there was a musician at the hunting lodge for the week end. We asked him who, but he did not know.

When we arrived, it was Benny Goodman!!

Fortunately, Bob knew Benny, so we had a great evening, with good food, drink, and music chat. Benny said that he had played with many drummers, but that Gene Krupa was still the greatest of them all.

The next morning Benny left. Eddie
 
Getting used to it now, Eddie, my head is permanently at 90 degrees!

Never met Goodman or seen him live, but from what I've read, he wasn't very friendly towards his band musicians. But all water under the bridge now. But another good story!

Maurice
 
Maurice,
I have to be truthful. When we first arrived at the hunting lodge, Benny ignored me completely, but spoke to Bob. However, as the evening wore on, and the conversation warmed, he relaxed, and at the end of the evening, he shook me warmly by the hand.

He did not have many good words to say about the drummers that he worked with, except Gene, and I can imagine that he was pretty tough on other musicians in his bands. Eddie
 
I have taken the liberty of placing the pic right way up. I love reading these stories, I wish I could have been in that position, but unfortunately, music and I are sworn enemies. I love listening to and watching good players, I even tried to master the guitar once, but it beat me. I just have not got any musical ability in me at all but it does'nt stop me listening to it.
Terry
 

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Eddie, back in the 50`s when skiffle was all the rage & rock `n roll was emerging,some teens would get together with a washboard, tea chest (for bass) couple of cardboard boxes & upturned metal bucket for drums & a guitar, & some of them were quite good(ish). I remember seeing one of these improvised groups playing in the car park at the Brookvale pub in Erdington & i have to say they were drawing quite a crowd, & i remember the lad on the "drums" was having a right rave up & making a pretty good sound. They soon got moved on by the landlord:-{ Buddy Holly`s drummer also used a cardboard box occasionally. A couple of cardboard boxes & an upturned bucket slightly cheaper than the drum kit you would have used :-}
 
Smudger,

In the early fifties, as well as playing around Brum, I also worked in Kay Westworths Music Shop, in Snow Hill, during the day.

When skiffle became the fashion, Mr Westworth, the boss was desperate to get cheap guitars from any source. They suddenly became very popular. I remember one Christmas, circa 1956, we were really desperate. We had orders out to every supplier. On the Saturday morning, a lorry pulled up, and dropped off three boxes of cheap guitars. Around 50 guitars, retailing at around £9 or £10. Around mid morning another goods van dropped of a further 20 or 25 guitars, selling at the same price. At 5.30 pm, we closed the shop. Not a guitar in sight.
I can still see Mr Westworth counting the days takings with a smile on his face!! I remember the tea chest and guitar days with fond memories.

Until the mid 1950's, because of Government restrictions, we were not allowed to import American musical instruments into the UK .
The vey best guitars available were the Hofner range from West Germany. The models were Congress, Senator, President, and Committee (as featured by Tommy Steele). The top model - Committee, retailed at around 57 guineas.
Does anyone remember these guitars?

May I also thank Terry for adjusting the photo to the right angle (#68). My drumming is better than my computer work!!
Eddie
 
norfolk brummie said:
Smudger,

In the early fifties, as well as playing around Brum, I also worked in Kay Westworths Music Shop, in Snow Hill, during the day.


I may well have bought my guitar from that shop. It was a cello type guitar? & cost me £11., a fortune for me back in 56/57. Couldn`t get the hang of playing it & i ended up with a poisoned fret finger which had to be lanced, ouch. The fact i couldn`t play the damn thing didn`t stop me slinging it over my shoulder & acting like a right poser!! I imagine it was a bit of a chore carting your drum kit around.
Click to expand...
 
Before I purchased my first second hand van (£150), my transport was a bicycle with a bar attached to the saddle stem, that fitted over the back wheel on to a two wheel trailer. My uncle made it for me.

I covered the drums with some weather type material.I seem to remember the wheels, quite big, being from a posh pram.

We really lived in those days, Smudger!
Eddie
 
Drummer jokes

How do you tell if the stage is level?
The drummer is drooling from both sides of his mouth.
How can you tell a drummer's at the door?
The knocking speeds up.
What's the last thing a drummer says in a band?
"Hey, how about we try one of my songs?"
An Indian chief and a cavalry captain climb to the top of a tall hill and look out upon the entire Indian tribe. The captain says worriedly, "I don't like the sound of those drums." The chief says, "I know. It's not our regular drummer."
What do you call a drummer that breaks up with his girlfriend?
Homeless.
What do Ginger Baker and black coffee have in common?
They both suck without Cream.
How many drummers does it take to change a lightbulb?
Five: One to screw the bulb in, and four to talk about how much better
Neil Peart could've done it.
An amateur drummer died and went to heaven. He was waiting outside the pearly gates when he heard the most incredible fast and furious drumming coming from within. Immediately he recognized the playing and rushed to ask St. Peter if that was Buddy Rich playing drums inside the gates. St. Peter responded: "No, that's God. He just thinks he's Buddy Rich."
How do you get a drummer off of your porch?
Pay him 10 bucks for the pizza.
Why didn't the Little Drummer Boy get into heaven?
Because he woke up the baby, for Christ's sake!
What do you call a drummer with half a brain?
Gifted.
What does a drummer use for contraception?
His personality.
What do you say to a drummer in a three-piece suit?
"Will the defendant please rise?"
"Hey buddy, how late does the band play?"
"Oh, about half a beat behind the drummer."
Hey, did you hear about the drummer who finished high school?
Me neither.
Why do guitarists put drumsticks on the dash of their car?
So they can park in the handicapped spot.
How is a drum solo like a sneeze?
You know it's coming, but there's nothing you can do about it.
What's the first thing a drummer says when he moves to LA?
"Would you like fries with that, sir?
What is the difference between a drummer and a savings bond?
One will mature and make money.
Why do drummers have lots of kids?
They're not too good at the Rhythm Method.
What do you do if you accidentally run over a drummer?
Back up.
What did the drummer say to the band leader?
"Do you want me to play too fast or too slow?"
 
Horsencart:

I have to say that, in over 65 years in the business, I have heard almost every joke, but it is good fun to see them all again. I could add a few more, but lets just enjoy the above. There are also many good jokes about guitar players.

Many thanks. Eddie
 
Ramble Tamble Locarno Birmingham 001.jpg This was the resident band at the Locarno Ballroom, Hurst Street August 1973. I am the tall one at the rear.
Band: Mike Miller (gtr/Leader); Self (drums); Dave Thomas (keyboards); Dave Stokes (alto/tnr); Mandy smith (singer);
Front; Sammy Small (singer); Rod Lee (tpt); Alan Todd (bass); Geoff Owen (tnr); Good band of musicians.

I always had to change my appearance , according to the music, and the band. Like a chameleon!

We were playing the night that the Birmingham Bombings took place. That night 3000 dancers; Next night 20 dancers.

Eddie
 
fantastic photo of you and the gang eddie...i used to go to the locarno but this would have been around 1971/2 not sure if you were there then

lyn
 
Maurice,

Trevor was in the Midland All Stars for the two or three years that I was with them. Many years ago, before I left Brum, I often played with Trevor in the local jazz clubs. In those days, he also worked in Yardley's Music shop down Snow Hill.

Archie Cotterell......I remember him as an Erroll Garner style piano specialist. Played the Garner style very well. Again, many years ago when I was in Birmingham.

I would not have recognized him in the You Tube video if his named had not been mentioned. He often worked with Tony Richards, a very good Wolverhampton drummer, and Musicians Union fanatic. Tony and I often met up, and had good chats.

The drummer in the Trevor Emeny video looks like Lloyd Ryan, but cannot be sure. Eddie
 
Good morning Eddie.

The drummer appears to be a guy called Barry Watts, who I've never heard of. Trevor normally uses his son, Martin Emeny, who is easily recognisable because he wears glasses. Never heard of Lloyd Ryan either. Stick "Trevor Emeny" into the YouTube search box and you'll find 5 or 6 clips of Trevor.

Maurice
 
I guess most of the modern drummers concentrate on the modern style of music, and no harm in that, but it's good to know that there are some younger guys who love the jazz of their fathers and grandfathers.

Our band at Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club, Walmley, next Wednesday is led by Baby Joolz, who must be one of the best in the UK just now. He has that knack of driving the rhythm of the upbeat numbers along without being too invasive while also having a lovely tender touch with the slower ones. I'm not a fan of lengthy drum solos but boy, when he shows you his full repertoire you marvel at his dexterity. Just like you in your prime I guess, Eddie !
 
sospiri said:
Good morning Eddie.

The drummer appears to be a guy called Barry Watts, who I've never heard of. Trevor normally uses his son, Martin Emeny, who is easily recognisable because he wears glasses. Never heard of Lloyd Ryan either. Stick "Trevor Emeny" into the YouTube search box and you'll find 5 or 6 clips of Trevor.

Maurice
Click to expand...

I did that Maurice. Trevor is still playing as good as ever. Do you have any idea of the jazz club?? Eddie
 
Dennis,

There are many fine young drummers around today. Some of the are into jazz, both Traditional and 'Modern'.

Living in Norfolk, I am completely out of touch with jazz clubs in the Birmingham area, but the Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club sounds like a great place for good jazz music, and good drummers!

It would be nice to hear more about the Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club, and the bands that play there.

There is very little more enjoyable than to sit, with a pint of beer, or glass of wine, and listen to good, live music. To be able to dance is a bonus for young and old. Also to be able to hear one self speak must be great. The problem with many modern clubs is the sound is so deafening. Or maybe it is me getting old.

Hope you have a good night next Wednesday,

Eddie
 
Eddie:

I was never familiar with the area north west of Brum - did a couple of Mason's functions out at Kinver, but mainly stuck to Brum proper. Since we moved to Crete ten years ago, I've been back to Brum just three times as I no longer have any close relations in the area and it was generally a case of a two night stay to use the Library. The clips with Trevor could just be pubs as there aren't many real jazz clubs around these days.

I'm sure many of us agree with your remark about sound levels. Back in the 1950s every wedding had a small band and you could make conversation, which is what family get-togethers are for. Nowadays it is almost always a very loud disco and conversation is impossible. It just seems to defeat the object of getting together. But I guess it's what the youngsters want. Out here the tradition is still to have a band - and there are some very large weddings, sometimes with as many as 2000 guests, but you can always talk and hear your friends.

Maurice
 
I have read this thread with interest and I wonder if anyone can assist. When I lived in Knowle I was a member of the British Legion there ( I am a member in Spain too).
I was good friends with a keen jazz musician, saxaphone if i remember, called Alan Jaeger. Does anyone have musical memories of him?
 
Reading through this thread brings back so many memories. In the 1950s I used to go every Sunday night to the Dudley Hippodrome to see the jazz and big bands .... Thanks ...:encouragement:
 
Eddie does the name Gordon (Bomber) Harris ring any bells? He was a Coventry based drummer died over 10 yeara ago. Used to accompany a Mrs Mills look-alike Ivy Bell and Ida Scrivener (pianists) to name but a few. He also accompanied my mum when she sang much later on. He used to do a drum solo to Anchor's Away throwing his sticks and catching them. Played at a lot of Buffs Clubs all over and he was a Buffalo. His idol was Gene Kruper sorry I don't know how to spell it. Love the stories. Nico.
 
Nico said:
Eddie does the name Gordon (Bomber) Harris ring any bells? He was a Coventry based drummer died over 10 yeara ago. Used to accompany a Mrs Mills look-alike Ivy Bell and Ida Scrivener (pianists) to name but a few. He also accompanied my mum when she sang much later on. He used to do a drum solo to Anchor's Away throwing his sticks and catching them. Played at a lot of Buffs Clubs all over and he was a Buffalo. His idol was Gene Kruper sorry I don't know how to spell it. Love the stories. Nico.
Click to expand...

Sorry, Nico,

I do not know Gordon Harris, although I knew Gene Krupa very well!! I suspect the combination Gordon, the stick throwing and the piano playing were quite a draw around the clubs

However, speaking of Mrs Mills, in the 1970's she had a pub in the village of Hathern, on the A6 just north of Loughborough. She was very popular, and some evenings she would be in the bar playing the piano, while her husband pulled the pints.

Would see her sometimes. Eddie
 
Diana Dors one 001.jpgDiana Dorss two 001.jpgAround 1977 I was booked to work with the lovely Diana Dors at a club in South West Birmingham, around the Redditch, Bromsgrove, Rednal area. I cannot remember where.

I had to travel over from Leicester, and decided that, on the way, to call in to see my Mother in Yardley Wood. I told her that I was working with Miss Dors......."Oh, can you get her to autograph my book?". In my 65 years in the music business, I had never asked anyone for an autograph. "OK, Mum".

I arrived at the club, and we ran through the band arrangements with Diana. She was actually a good singer, and had released an LP called 'Swinging Dors'. After the rehearsal, she decided to have coffee and sandwiches, and we joined her. It was fun, and she was a wonderful conversationalist. As you can see, I did get my mother her signed book. Eddie
 
He was a charachter, he was very short and he drank cursed and smoked a lot, a cigarette on a very long holder which he twirled like a baton. Gordon met Di Dors as he called her in her pink jag, he was a lorry driver in the daytime for Alfred Herberts. He shouted "hi Di" she replied "hi darling." She was appearing at the Hppodrome. Not stuck up at all he said neither was Dame Shirl. He claimed to have stood in for Ivy Benson's drummer whe she was taken ill suddenly, he was on the same bill, he didn't dress in drag but he had done in a trio with Larry Grayson when he worked under the name of Billy Breen. He was gutted when he was not included in his This is Your Loife with Eammon Andrews. So people didn't believe him. His late wife asked me to try and sell his 2 drumkits but as I found out no one wants them anymore, like pianos. I was offered £50 for the 2 sets but she turned it down. One was red and blue and the other silver. Pity she is not still around as I hear bongoes are all the rage he had 2 as part of his set. What do you call that instrument on the drumkit Eric in the middle and it makes a sort of tinny horse clopping sound when struck? I always wondered.
 
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