Dance Craze

 

Dance Craze

by Pete Clemons

The Odeon cinema in the Skydome centre recently put on a 'for one night only' showing of the shining new 4K restoration of the classic 2 tone era chronicle 'Dance Craze'. I completely enjoyed revisiting this film again.

Additionally both the original album, the film soundtrack and the film itself have now been re-released in a wonderful variety of presentation packs.

This 1981 documentary captured the live adventures of all of the main protagonists from the 2 tone movement. It was an inspired decision, on the part of the film makers, to create this piece of history. Such was its importance to preserve this moment in time.

A resulting VHS tape released after the film had originally done the rounds was notoriously bad quality.

This newly cleaned up version is a very welcome release. And the whole collection has had considerable success in a variety of charts. I have read comments from several of those involved. 'It all seems like a lifetime ago' was the most common utterance. But even after 40 years this new release is still hitting number one in some of those charts.

Thumbing through some obscure local press I recently came across this great review from 1981, and yes, The Specials were still being referred to as the Coventry Automatics.

'Dance Craze (Two-tone) -  Which songs changed your life? 'Tutti Frutti?', 'Rock Around the Clock?', 'Heartbreak Hotel?' 'Please Please Me?', Anarchy in the U.K.?' 'Stairway to Heaven? (God forbid). How about 'Gangsters?'

The latest album from the Coventry Automatics and their friends, in which a cast of forty three, skank till we're dizzy, is the live one. Everything here is already available on studio albums, but the liveness we in Coventry know and love captures it all so much better.

Six bands, fifteen songs: 'Concrete Jungle', 'Man at C & P 'Nite Klub' from the Specials, 'One Step Beyond', 'Night Boat to Cairo' and 'Razor Blade Alley’ from Madness, 'Too Much Pressure', 'Missing Words' and 'Three Minute Hero' from the Selector, 'Big Shot', 'Mirror in the Bathroom' and 'Ranking Full Stop' from the Beat, 'Lip Up Fatty' and 'Inner London Violence’ from Bad Manners, and the feminist anthem 'Easy Life', my favourite single of 1980, from the immaculate, underrated, now lamented Bodysnatchers.

If you've seen them all live, you'll appreciate just how good they all are; if you haven't, well this will help teach you. The spirit of the last 18 months, living forever. We danced at Westwood, the Lanch, the Union, Tiffany's, the Lyceum, Top Ranks and Palais. Now we dance in our living rooms. Come the film, they'll be skanking in the ABC1'

The Session – 2TC

 

The Session – 2TC

by Pete Clemons

In these hard and gloomy days, it is comforting to look forward to the small pleasures the powers that be have allowed us. And anyone who values the local music scene cannot be ignorant of the existing rhythms and sounds produced by this long lasting five piece.

Enigmatic is the nearest word I can think of to describe the The Session. Yet there's no denying that Dean MacDonald can write songs like they've never been written before. An earful of 'Jester's Script', or the diversely different, 'When She Smiles', tend to tell all about their range.

This gig was being performed the night before the home leg of Coventry City's play off against Middlesborough. As such there was a definite sense of excitement in the air.

The Session played a very strategic game dominating play right from the off. Their set began with 'Loaded Hobo' a rousing song that expressed the virtues, or not, of being in a rock n roll band. The home crowd appeared to have lapped it all up. By the end of the gig, a very receptive audience responded with chants of ‘More!’ from the terraces.

Not to disappoint the band responded with 'Jailbird' segued, Paul Weller style, with 'Ohio'. For that they encouraged local favourite, Danny Ansell, to join them on stage.

Being in a smaller room than normal, and one with a low ceiling, meant that the lyrics came across more audible. And, for me, The Session resonated more. Or should that be resonation. With that comes a deeper understanding of what makes the band tick.

The variety of talent within The Session can be appreciated by studying a round up of the group. Here is a group with tremendous versatility both vocally and musically. There are no anthems yet, lyrically, they are expressive and they certainly move you. Additionally this is a whole group effort. The body language coming from the stage suggests that this is a happy outfit and they are completely as one.

 They are a unique band in as much that they do not go through any histrionics. They just get on with the job at hand. In short, a sympathetic band who are completely in tune with lyrics. And, they go down a storm.

Set list: 1. Loaded Hobo, 2. Denver Hill, 3. Jesters Script, 4. Sinner In Me, 5. When She Smiles, 6. Blind, 7. Resonation, 8. Reflect Before Aim, 9. Jailbird, 10. Ohio

 

Warwick University Folk Club

 

Warwick University Folk Club

by Pete Clemons

I recently re-read an article I wrote, several years ago, about the folk scene in Coventry over the last 60 years. I realised that, inextricably, I had overlooked Warwick University folk club where, during the 1960s and 70s, it was as vibrant as any of the more well known clubs in the area.

The Warwick University folk club was formed during 1965 when early performing artists included Anne Briggs, The Couriers and Barry Skinner appeared there.

By 1966 the folk club claimed to be the most thriving society at the university. This was justified by the fact that it had over 200 members and meet every week. It was held in the table tennis room. Despite early criticism the space proved to be an excellent home for the club. Singers enjoyed performing before a most receptive audience and have highly praised the friendly atmosphere.

Audiences were described as 'enthusiastic' and the guest singers noticed it. And they were not slow in praising the club 'You've got a good little club there, much more ready to sing along than at the other Universities we've been to. We had a ball' said one major act.

The club did not have a heavy bias towards either traditional, or the more modern songs written in the folk idiom. The full spectrum was covered, from songs that have been in the oral tradition for centuries down to protest songs and others of the type produced by such people as Woody Guthrie, Sidney Carter and Sian Kelly.

Excitedly one announcement from 1966 mentioned 'To come we have the renowned Al Stewart and also, it is hoped, Davy Graham. We shall also have Martin Carthy, one of the most talented of the younger British folk-singers, whose style and repertoire leave little to be desired'.

So popular the club became by 1968 folk acts were booked for a 'Freshers' weekend Concert. This coveted slot was normally taken by more popular chart acts.

The Strawbs who had performed at the university more than once and who were becoming very well known across the country through their performances, radio programmes and their very successful debut album were the star attraction.

Tea and Symphony, despite an album and two singles and who had been given a lot of airplay on the radio, were described as a less well known group

1968 also saw the folk club move to a bigger venue. This was documented by a review that mentioned how The Pentangle having to 'squeeze their way through a very crowded hall to open the evening at Canley'.

By 1973 the club had seemingly peaked. By then it had moved back to the main campus and Bert Jansch had made a return visit. Despite a 200 strong audience the event was described as a 'disappointment'.

'Bert Jansch played in the Airport Lounge on Saturday to an audience of 200. This poor attendance is symptomatic of the lack of interest in cultural events and social hops which is evident throughout the mass of the apathetic student body. Anyway, the Concert was very good - and we should be grateful that not only did Ents not lose money but also that Bert actually turned up'.

The club did continue for several more years but things would never top those heady days.

Bedsitter Images - Al Stewart

Cliff Richard and the Drifters 1959 - Coventry Theatre

 

Cliff Richard and the Drifters 1959 - Coventry Theatre.

by Pete Clemons.

The Drifters chose the unknown path to success when, in October 1958, they met at London's famous coffee bar 'The 2 I's'. Soon after getting together, and settling on the the classic line up The Drifters - known individually as, Hank Marvin, Bruce Welch, Jet Harris and Tony Meehan were booked to accompany Cliff Richard on a tour throughout the UK.

The high standard of playing achieved by The Drifters brought positive comments from all corners. Jack Good was particularly vocal 'The Drifters are, in my opinion, the finest permanent backing group for a singer'.

That UK tour called into Coventry Theatre during the first half of 1959. Below is an account of it all. Personally I think this is an important document as towards the end of 1959 The Drifters, as a name, would disappear soon after.

'How they squealed !. How they yelled !. They clapped and they stamped. A girl in the balcony screamed hysterically, another shouted 'Cliff oh Cliff'. In the circle they swayed to the primitive rhythm, jigged in their seats, near danced in the aisles. Yes Cliff Richard really 'sent 'em' at Monday's first night of his twice nightly show at the Coventry Theatre this week.

This 18 year old rock 'n' roller rocketed to the top by televisions 'Oh Boy' series draws more applause by winking one heavy lidded eye than all the other artists put together. Dressed in yellow coat and black shirt, and accompanied by his own group 'The Drifters', he sings and wiggles his way through the 'pop' numbers with which he has made his name – numbers like 'Move It' and 'High Class Baby' – and, believe it or not, a few ballads of yesteryear with of course one or two rhythmic alterations.

And the rest of the show. There is an all too short performance from the Tanner Sisters, whose melodious harmonies seemed on Monday to fall somewhat flat on the youthful rock attuned ears present, two comedians – but why must variety stage humour be so blue? - and some clever jugglers and acrobats. It is traditional variety, in fact. And if the older members of the audience don't like Cliff Richard, well he is good for a laugh !'.

Originally The Drifters had included Ken Pavey, Terry Smart, Norman Mitham and Ian Samwell and some of these musicians had written and performed on Cliff's first hit 'Move It'. But this was recorded prior to Cliff's huge UK touring commitments throughout 1959.

After changing their name The Shadows, who The Drifters became known as, remained synonymous with that of Cliff Richard forever more. They did however accompany star names of the time such as Don Lang, Tony Crombie, Wee Willie Wilson and Vince Eager.

Additionally Jet Harris, along with Royston Ellis, wrote a novel about what life is like on tour with Cliff Richard. The book became a best seller and proved a great success for it's, then, young authors.

Cliff Richard & The Drifters - High Class Baby (Oh Boy!, 15.11.1958)

CLIFF RICHARD & THE DRIFTERS "MEDLEY: KING CREOLE-TV HOP-ROCKIN' ROBIN"