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Memories of a Birmingham Musician (Drummer)!
- Thread starter norfolk brummie
- Start date
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
Smudger:
You have no idea of how many times I wish I had taken advantage of the people I have met. I never bothered with photos, or autographs, I was just doing a job.
The one good thing that came out of the Beatles era, was that they bought us our first house, in 1964, but you are right, if only I had.........!!!!
Eddie
You have no idea of how many times I wish I had taken advantage of the people I have met. I never bothered with photos, or autographs, I was just doing a job.
The one good thing that came out of the Beatles era, was that they bought us our first house, in 1964, but you are right, if only I had.........!!!!
Eddie
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
You mean like this, Maurice!! I still have all the catalogues.Eddie
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
In 1980, during one of my visits to the Zildjian cymbal factory in Boston, USA, I was invited by Armand Zildjian to his home for the evening. Halfway through the evening Buddy Rich turned up. He and Armand were great friends.
We all retired to Armand's basement where he had a luxurious room, which had a red colour dominated theme, including a red finished drum kit.
The evening was mainly spent talking about cars. Buddy loved the British 'Jagwar' car (his pronunciation). He remembered his visits to both Coventry and Birmingham.
Suddenly, without any prompting, Buddy got behind the drum kit, and gave an hilarious demonstration of a 'novice' drummer. Dropping sticks, getting the sticks caught on the cymbals etc. In fact, it was as technically brilliant as his serious drumming.
Apart from that, we spoke about cymbals, but hardly mentioned drums during the whole enjoyable evening.
Eddie
We all retired to Armand's basement where he had a luxurious room, which had a red colour dominated theme, including a red finished drum kit.
The evening was mainly spent talking about cars. Buddy loved the British 'Jagwar' car (his pronunciation). He remembered his visits to both Coventry and Birmingham.
Suddenly, without any prompting, Buddy got behind the drum kit, and gave an hilarious demonstration of a 'novice' drummer. Dropping sticks, getting the sticks caught on the cymbals etc. In fact, it was as technically brilliant as his serious drumming.
Apart from that, we spoke about cymbals, but hardly mentioned drums during the whole enjoyable evening.
Eddie
I Am Nico
master brummie
I never knew the title thanks. The film was befitting of a better title though. The bit where the voodoo rythym reverberates sticks in my mind as the band runs for it as their music stands and sheet music fly away.
I Am Nico
master brummie
That is good to hear Wendy that people do still want them although too late for my friends. The wife (roadie) recovered one set herself with sticky back plastic with a beaten silver effect but it didn't stand the test of time. I just had a flasback trying to help putting the drums in and out of their cases. They were black, firm but slightly floppy with buckle fastenings. She was so quick and methodical and put up and took down the drums cymbals etc in the wink of an eye, it makes me smile now as she had long curled hair lots of make up and a long dress and high heels as was the fashion then. I thought it should be the drummer doing it & not a glamorous lady - then!
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norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
Easter Saturday, 1961, April 1st (no jokes), was our wedding day.
On the morning, I was rehearsing with the George (Beauchamp) Beaucock Band at the Samson & Hercules Ballroom, in Norwich. George had just left the Johnny Dankworth Band, and this was his first band. His drummer had failed to turn up. I had to dash off at 1.30 to get married at 2pm.
After the wedding we travelled down to Bournemouth, where I was starting a summer season at the Pavilion Ballroom. On the Easter Monday evening, my new wife decided to come to the ballroom, and listen to the band. While she was sitting there, some very nice man asked her to dance. She obliged, and throughout the rest of the evening he would keep asking her to dance.
At the end of the evening he asked if he could take her home.
"I am so sorry, I am on my honeymoon!!!".
Eddie
On the morning, I was rehearsing with the George (Beauchamp) Beaucock Band at the Samson & Hercules Ballroom, in Norwich. George had just left the Johnny Dankworth Band, and this was his first band. His drummer had failed to turn up. I had to dash off at 1.30 to get married at 2pm.
After the wedding we travelled down to Bournemouth, where I was starting a summer season at the Pavilion Ballroom. On the Easter Monday evening, my new wife decided to come to the ballroom, and listen to the band. While she was sitting there, some very nice man asked her to dance. She obliged, and throughout the rest of the evening he would keep asking her to dance.
At the end of the evening he asked if he could take her home.
"I am so sorry, I am on my honeymoon!!!".
Eddie
Smudger
master brummie
Were you giving him the evil eye Eddie!! I know you love your jazz Eddie, but last night i was watching an episode of `Bosch` & he was playing a record of Art Pepper, i think it was called Patricia (after his daughter) & it was so awful my wife made me mute the sound. I like some types of jazz but that was truly awful.
sospiri
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Smudger: You're treading on dangerous ground there !! 
I don't see British TV, in fact I rarely watch any TV at all even though we have satellite, so I didn't see the programme. But each to his/her own!
Eddie: That was a pretty strange wedding day! And back in 1961, the same year that I moved there, there was lots of work, not many deps about, and a season that stretched from mid-February to mid-November, so I can imagine your predicament.
Maurice
I don't see British TV, in fact I rarely watch any TV at all even though we have satellite, so I didn't see the programme. But each to his/her own!Eddie: That was a pretty strange wedding day! And back in 1961, the same year that I moved there, there was lots of work, not many deps about, and a season that stretched from mid-February to mid-November, so I can imagine your predicament.
Maurice
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
Just heard that Jackie Trent has died. I worked with her in cabaret in the 1960's. She was married to Tony Hatch. They were a nice couple. Also met up with them backstage at the Lonnie Donegan Show, in Great Yarmouth.
Eddie
Eddie
Jayell
master brummie
Very sad to hear about the death of Jackie Trent. I lived for a couple of years in Blackpool in the late 50s/early 60s. My family had a flat in a block on the sea front and in the flat above lived Alyn Ainsworth who was conductor of the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra. Jackie and her husband Tony Hatch used to visit Alyn quite often and I saw them a lot.
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
Introducing my Grand daughter to the great Jack Parnell. I first met Jack in Birmingham, in the early 1950's when his band did a weeks gig at the old Grand Casino Ballroom. We remained friends over the years. Jack was a very heavy smoker, and I was with him a week before they banned smoking in pubs. We were sitting at the bar, each with a whiskey, and he said to me "That's it, no more playing jazz in pubs. Maybe no more playing". He died shortly afterwards.
Four Birmingham drummers: Self; Garry Allcock; Tony Peers; Brian Ford: Again, we all knew each other for many years. I played in Garry's big band "The Midland All Stars" for three years. Tony was the drummer in The Bev Patty Quartet,and dear Brian (no longer with us), played with all the top local musicians. Not many of us left!!
Eddie
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
Playing in the resident band at Birmingham Locarno, during the 1970's, the management received two or three bomb threats, but with discretion, never treated them seriously enough to evacuate the ballroom.
However, after the Birmingham Bombing, every threat was taken seriously, and the management decided to draw up a plan of alerting the staff, and clearing the ballroom without panic.
At the meeting, the senior staff, including Mike Miller, the bandleader, it was decided that, with when an alert was received, the band would play a certain tune, which would be the signal for 'bomb alert', and the staff to commence evacuation procedures.
Mike told the management that it would never work. When they asked why, Mike replied that as soon as the band heard that they had to play the 'alert' tune, they would be out of the back door, and halfway down Hurst Street, before he could even count the number in!!
Fortunately, it never came to it.
Eddie
However, after the Birmingham Bombing, every threat was taken seriously, and the management decided to draw up a plan of alerting the staff, and clearing the ballroom without panic.
At the meeting, the senior staff, including Mike Miller, the bandleader, it was decided that, with when an alert was received, the band would play a certain tune, which would be the signal for 'bomb alert', and the staff to commence evacuation procedures.
Mike told the management that it would never work. When they asked why, Mike replied that as soon as the band heard that they had to play the 'alert' tune, they would be out of the back door, and halfway down Hurst Street, before he could even count the number in!!
Fortunately, it never came to it.
Eddie
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
A drummers interview for International Musician.Dale (Buffin) Griffin (Mott The Hoople); Self; Brian Bennett (The Shadows); Interviewer
Eddie
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
Carl Palmer: One of Birmingham's finest drummers.
Self, with John Marshall (Nucleus); and Carl Palmer (Emmerson, Lake & Palmer, or, E.L.P), around 1970. I was in London demonstrating Hayman Drums.
John and Carl were in the audience.
Again, with Carl, some years, and a Carl Palmer haircut, later.
Last saw Carl a couple of years ago at the annual National Drum Show, held every September, in Birmingham. Carl is the Honorary President of the Show. His brother, Steve is also a very fine drummer, as is his nephew, Ian Palmer.
Eddie
Self, with John Marshall (Nucleus); and Carl Palmer (Emmerson, Lake & Palmer, or, E.L.P), around 1970. I was in London demonstrating Hayman Drums.John and Carl were in the audience.
Again, with Carl, some years, and a Carl Palmer haircut, later.Last saw Carl a couple of years ago at the annual National Drum Show, held every September, in Birmingham. Carl is the Honorary President of the Show. His brother, Steve is also a very fine drummer, as is his nephew, Ian Palmer.
Eddie
oldbrit
OldBrit in Exile
A couple of years 1955 and 56 I played 2nd alto for Paul Kingsley over in the IOM at The Palais Ballroom in Douglas. The first alto was Roy Brownson a real good musician. Reg Hudman the drummer and I came over to the States in 1957. Had some good times in the IOM One real embarrising event was when I got as 2nd alto got to solo at a morning coffee dance, Had a lot of 'BIRDS" that I had met watching. Played "Flamingo' but nothing like Earl Bostic's tone, Got about halfway through MY once in a lifetime solo, got distracted by the "Birds" and complete fluffed it. Paul NOT happy at all to say the least. Roy stood up and continued the piece. Felt like crawing into a hole. Often wonder what happen to Paul Kingsley and Roy anyone know. John Crump Parker. Co USA
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
I also remember Reg Hudman, John.
First met him when he played with the Vincent Ladbrooke Band.
I think he later returned to England, but I have no idea what happened to him. I did ask a few of the 'older' Birmingham drummers, but they did not know either.
By the way, 'Birds' and music do mix, but not when you are playing!!.
Eddie
First met him when he played with the Vincent Ladbrooke Band.
I think he later returned to England, but I have no idea what happened to him. I did ask a few of the 'older' Birmingham drummers, but they did not know either.
By the way, 'Birds' and music do mix, but not when you are playing!!.
Eddie
Old Boy
master brummie
Eddie,
I am thoroughly enjoying this thread with stories from yourself and others about life in the world of music. Shortly after the war there were band concerts at Warley Odeon every Sunday evening and they were usually played to full houses. I think nearly every top band in the country must have played there at some time. My favourite was The Squadronaires. Did you ever come across them?
You must have played in almost every top venue in Birmingham and the Midlands. Which was your favourite?
Chris Beresford (Old Boy).
I am thoroughly enjoying this thread with stories from yourself and others about life in the world of music. Shortly after the war there were band concerts at Warley Odeon every Sunday evening and they were usually played to full houses. I think nearly every top band in the country must have played there at some time. My favourite was The Squadronaires. Did you ever come across them?
You must have played in almost every top venue in Birmingham and the Midlands. Which was your favourite?
Chris Beresford (Old Boy).
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
Thanks for your kind words, Chris. I enjoy posting the stories. I thought that at nearly 82, I might as well put down something of the good old music & jazz days that I recall, before it all got lost in the clouds of time.
If not playing, I would often visit the old Warley Odeon of a Sunday evening. Also the Dudley Hippodrome. I remember the Squadronaires very well. Paul Brodie was the drummer, who I met a few times. Our Best Man, a fine trumpet player, was a great friend of the Squads trumpet player, Johnny Lamb, brother of Bobby Lamb. Also on alto saxophone was Cliff Townsend, he of the 'Singing Saxophone', and father of Pete Townsend (The Who). Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth, Frank Weir, Eric Delaney, Freddy Randall, Harry Gold, Sid Phillips, Humphrey Littleton, Vic Lewis, Jack Parnell (with my old drum teacher on drums....the great Phil Seaman), and bands like Carl Barritoe (cannot remember how to spell it)! Remember the all girls band - Gracie Cole? I rated her band above Ivy Benson! Many other bands that we all so enjoyed seeing and listening to.
I certainly played most of Birmingham s top venues, including the Grand Casino, Tower, Ritz, Town Hall, Wolverhampton Civic Hall,
Top Rank, Grand Hotel, Birmingham Locarno, Coventry Locarno, most of the jazz clubs, BBC Broad Street, Pebble Mill, and I seem to recall playing a BBC recording date at Gosta Green, sometime in the dim & distant past. I enjoyed most of them, Chris.
However, the largest crowd that I played for was at the N.E.C, when, with the Midland All Stars, we played for over 10,000 folk when they held the International Rotary Club annual function, in Birmingham. it was over a whole weekend. The Friday night was steaming, but the Saturday night was unforgettable.
Eddie
If not playing, I would often visit the old Warley Odeon of a Sunday evening. Also the Dudley Hippodrome. I remember the Squadronaires very well. Paul Brodie was the drummer, who I met a few times. Our Best Man, a fine trumpet player, was a great friend of the Squads trumpet player, Johnny Lamb, brother of Bobby Lamb. Also on alto saxophone was Cliff Townsend, he of the 'Singing Saxophone', and father of Pete Townsend (The Who). Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth, Frank Weir, Eric Delaney, Freddy Randall, Harry Gold, Sid Phillips, Humphrey Littleton, Vic Lewis, Jack Parnell (with my old drum teacher on drums....the great Phil Seaman), and bands like Carl Barritoe (cannot remember how to spell it)! Remember the all girls band - Gracie Cole? I rated her band above Ivy Benson! Many other bands that we all so enjoyed seeing and listening to.
I certainly played most of Birmingham s top venues, including the Grand Casino, Tower, Ritz, Town Hall, Wolverhampton Civic Hall,
Top Rank, Grand Hotel, Birmingham Locarno, Coventry Locarno, most of the jazz clubs, BBC Broad Street, Pebble Mill, and I seem to recall playing a BBC recording date at Gosta Green, sometime in the dim & distant past. I enjoyed most of them, Chris.
However, the largest crowd that I played for was at the N.E.C, when, with the Midland All Stars, we played for over 10,000 folk when they held the International Rotary Club annual function, in Birmingham. it was over a whole weekend. The Friday night was steaming, but the Saturday night was unforgettable.
Eddie
sospiri
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Eddie,
Quite a few of those names were music to my ears, especially that of my friend Paul Brodie, who lived around the corner from me (my youngest son & his family now occupy that house now) in Bournemouth. Paul's last long job before he retired was drummer with the BBC Radio Big Band, which he held for 16 years. Paul was still alive and living in the same house last year, but his back, like that of many drummers, is bad.
Many years before the BBC contract, if I was in London on business, I would quite often call in and see him at the Aldwych Theatre in the Strand. Paul had such a command of the kit, yet his touch was so very light, but boy could he swing!
Maurice
Quite a few of those names were music to my ears, especially that of my friend Paul Brodie, who lived around the corner from me (my youngest son & his family now occupy that house now) in Bournemouth. Paul's last long job before he retired was drummer with the BBC Radio Big Band, which he held for 16 years. Paul was still alive and living in the same house last year, but his back, like that of many drummers, is bad.
Many years before the BBC contract, if I was in London on business, I would quite often call in and see him at the Aldwych Theatre in the Strand. Paul had such a command of the kit, yet his touch was so very light, but boy could he swing!
Maurice
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
The Original Squadronaires; Note; First left; Vic Lewis (later bandleader & agent). Third from left is George Chisholm. 'Jock' Cummings was the original drummer.
The Squadronaires, with Cliff Townsend on Alto (centre). Next to him, tenor player with glasses is Red Price. Later to make a big name for himself with his 'honking' saxophone, on many R n' R shows & records. Band was led by Ronnie Aldrich.
This last photo (not very good), was taken by myself when the Squadronaires played in Cannon Hill Park. Early Fifties.Chris, I seem to remember another Sunday night venue for the jazz & big bands. The cinema/theatre in Bearwood. I cannot remember the name.
Eddie
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
There you go, Judy. The ORIGINAL record of Earl Bostic, his alto, and FLAMINGO. Released in 1956.Eddie
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
Around the mid 1960's, I was called by Vox amplifier's, in Dartford. They had produced a very tiny model range of their amplifiers, as used by The Beatles, and together with a tiny well made drum kit, they asked me to take them up to Harrogate, to deliver to Harry Corbett of Sooty & Sweep fame. His idea was to have a small rock band, like The Beatles.
When I arrived at his house, and we opened up the boxes in his lounge, and he took the amps and drums out, and was absolutely delighted with them.
The problem was, that he spoke in the 'third party' context. "Oh, Sooty will be very pleased with the amplifiers, and Sweep will enjoy playing the drums. Sooty & Sweep will play them on their next television show. Sooty & Sweep thank you very much for bringing those up to Harrogate for them". Really weird.
Eddie
When I arrived at his house, and we opened up the boxes in his lounge, and he took the amps and drums out, and was absolutely delighted with them.
The problem was, that he spoke in the 'third party' context. "Oh, Sooty will be very pleased with the amplifiers, and Sweep will enjoy playing the drums. Sooty & Sweep will play them on their next television show. Sooty & Sweep thank you very much for bringing those up to Harrogate for them". Really weird.
Eddie
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
There were some very fine musicians, that in the late fifties & early sixties, sold their soul, and went into the world of 'pop' music.
Rex Morris, a fine jazz tenor player with the Johnny Dankworth Band, left to join Tony Crombie ( a fine jazz drummer), and they formed a band called Tony Crombie & His Rockets. The next time I saw Rex was in a show, lying on his back, legs in the air, honking away on his tenor sax.
There was also a fine trombone player, with the Cliff Deeley Band at the Tower Ballroom. His name was Gordon Langhorn.
He became Don Lang & His Frantic Five. The things musicians will do for money!!
Eddie
Rex Morris, a fine jazz tenor player with the Johnny Dankworth Band, left to join Tony Crombie ( a fine jazz drummer), and they formed a band called Tony Crombie & His Rockets. The next time I saw Rex was in a show, lying on his back, legs in the air, honking away on his tenor sax.
There was also a fine trombone player, with the Cliff Deeley Band at the Tower Ballroom. His name was Gordon Langhorn.
He became Don Lang & His Frantic Five. The things musicians will do for money!!
Eddie
Old Boy
master brummie
Eddie,
I think the venue in Bearwood was possibly The Windmill but I am not at all sure. My first date with my now wife was at The Tower Ballroom on Christmas Eve 1948. We mainly danced at local dance halls such as the barracks at Sheldon and the YMCA on Bordesley Green East. When we did splashout our usual visit was to The West End.
Keep the stories coming in.
Chris
I think the venue in Bearwood was possibly The Windmill but I am not at all sure. My first date with my now wife was at The Tower Ballroom on Christmas Eve 1948. We mainly danced at local dance halls such as the barracks at Sheldon and the YMCA on Bordesley Green East. When we did splashout our usual visit was to The West End.
Keep the stories coming in.
Chris
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
In 1986, the American singer, Jack Jones, was working at Birminghams 'NIGHT OUT' club. He always brought with him, from the U.S.A, his own backing trio.
All three were very fine musicians. Joe Kloess (pianist), later went on to work with Dionne Warwick. His drummer, Jimmy Blakemore also worked with Buddy Greco, and the bass player Billy Torma, went on to work with many great rock names.
I was a very close friend of the Trio, and, when in England, Jimmy would visit my home in Leicestershire.
During the visit of their week in Birmingham, I persuaded them to give a daytime jazz concert at the Locarno Ballroom, where I was
working. It was a sell out, with a great crowd. As should be expected of top American musicians they played magnificent jazz.
Sunday, February 29th 1976. Joe Kloess Trio at Birmingham Locarno.
All three were very fine musicians. Joe Kloess (pianist), later went on to work with Dionne Warwick. His drummer, Jimmy Blakemore also worked with Buddy Greco, and the bass player Billy Torma, went on to work with many great rock names.
I was a very close friend of the Trio, and, when in England, Jimmy would visit my home in Leicestershire.
During the visit of their week in Birmingham, I persuaded them to give a daytime jazz concert at the Locarno Ballroom, where I was
working. It was a sell out, with a great crowd. As should be expected of top American musicians they played magnificent jazz.
Sunday, February 29th 1976. Joe Kloess Trio at Birmingham Locarno.
norfolk brummie
gone but not forgotten
With another very fine well known Birmingham drummer. Pete Cater. From Lichfield, Pete has been a big band leader for over twenty years, leading with his great drumming. I knew his dad, also Pete Cater, Snr. Another fine drummer who worked the Birmingham band scene during the 1950's.In his early days, Pete, jnr, worked with the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Currently living in London, and teaching at the LCCM.
Just given an interview at the BBC with Claire Teale.
Pete is also Honorary Vice President of Birmingham's own National Drum Show.
Eddie