Georgie Fame at Warwick University

Georgie Fame at Warwick University

by Pete Clemons

One of my own personal favourite sounding musical instruments is that of the Hammond Organ. For me it has a wonderful rich and warming tone. Additionally, it seems to exemplify the 1960s.

And one of the foremost British exponents of this instrument is Georgie Fame. Now well into his 70s Georgie Fame still tours from time to time, clearly enjoys himself and, in his words, will continue to for as long as he can.

Just recently Georgie performed at the Warwick Arts Centre where he wowed us with his, still, fine voice and his incredible talents. He also enlightened us with his anecdotes.

Georgie made no secret of how he was influenced by the likes of Ray Charles, who he saw play live during 1962, Jimmy Smith, Booker T Jones along with many of the artists who played on the Blue Note label during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

In fact, it was during 1966, after hearing Booker T play, that convinced Georgie to buy his first Hammond. And it is that very instrument that he is playing this evening. The Hammond was even connected to the integrated amplifier / rotating speaker cabinets, rarely seen nowadays, but were famously known as Leslie cabinets. Named after the guy who invented them.

Georgie, born Clive Powell, was discovered by composer Lionel Bart who introduced him to Larry Parnes who, in turn, renamed him Georgie Fame. At the time, Larry Parnes, was one Britain's top rock 'n' roll impresario’s and tended to rename all his ‘discoveries’. This led to Georgie becoming the house pianist on the ill-fated Eddie Cochran UK tour during 1960.

Georgie Fame and his band the Blue Flames found chart success with the 1964 hit 'Yeh, Yeh'. Georgie informed us that ‘Yea Yea’ had begun life as an instrumental. Words were added later and, when released, the song shot to top. That fame led to a tour of Sweden. As their plane taxied on the runway George noticed a Beatles style reception. Lots of screaming girls had gathered at the airport. Unknown to Georgie, actor Roger Moore had been on the same flight. Back then Roger was famous for his role in the TV series The Saint and, of course, the reception was for him.

Another chart hit followed during 1966 with ‘Get Away’. Georgie explained how this tune had been written for a Benzol petrol promotion and how he had been given two weeks to produce the song. However, in his mind, he put the task to one side. After playing a gig in Bristol the tune was written overnight while travelling back to London. It was presented the very next day which happened to be the final one of his deadline.

Georgie revealed about the time he had to split up the Blue Flames. Drummer Mitch Mitchell took the news badly. By coincidence, and at the same time, Chas Chandler got in touch and invited Georgie to go see his new discovery, Jimi Hendrix, perform in a London club. Jimi was looking for a drummer. Georgie took Mitch with him.

Georgie was also full of praise for producer and label manager Denny Cordell. As Georgie set about forging his solo career Denny was a massive help. He described him as very helpful and very hip.

As we moved into the 1970s and 80s, Georgie spent much of that time in cabaret or as a guest on television shows. Georgie recalled that during the 1980s he was a guest of American singer songwriter Hoagy Carmichael. At that time Hoagy was himself in his 80s. Clearly proud of the experience, Georgie even got to play some of Hoagy’s compositions for an album using Hoagy’s own piano. He even toured the UK with a New York band.

During the 1990s Georgie joined Van Morrison both on tour and in the recording studio. Georgie also became a founder member of Bill Wyman’s rhythm kings.

Joined on stage by his son’s James Powell on drums and Tristram Powell on guitar, it wasn’t purely an evening of anecdotes. Each story touched on was accompanied musically with a selection of tunes from that period, and more. All in all, it was an enthralling evening of pure class and style.