On the reissue of Neil Ardley’s 1973-recorded compendium of compositions by Mike Taylor, we look back with Dave Gelly at the only too brief life of one modern British jazz’s most original, if elusive masters …
Fronted by composer/performer Pierre Tubbs and recorded by him and friends at his parents’ garage in leafy Surrey in the late '60s, The Jeeps had clearly been listening to the embryonic Surf Sound of The Beach Boys along with other US acts such as The Lovin’ Spoonful and The Four Seasons when the faders were pushed up on this catchy set.
Recorded live on tour in the United States between 2010 and 2011, ‘Making Tracks’ features 19 songs including The Yardbirds’ hits “For Your Love”, “Five Long Years” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor” together with later numbers. Original members Jim McCarty (drums) and Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar) are in fine form along with lead guitarist Ben King, vocalist Andy Mitchell and bassist Dave Smale.
TREASURES FROM BEHIND A LOCKED DOOR… Kevin Ayers archivist, Martin Wakeling and album compiler Marvin Siau reflect on the personalities participating on Singsong Music’s re-release of “The Happening Combo”.
One of THE groups that can lay real claim to be dug deep into the foundations of popular music is The Yardbirds. Singsong Music is releasing live material by the band next month.
