NOTE - this post has been redeveloped on Coventry Folk Club Scene on Blogspot as part of the redevelop0ment of this site. You'll find more updated information on the new post here http://coventryfolkclubs.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/new-modern-idiot-grunt-band.html
AND a new post on Rod Felton - here - http://coventryfolkclubs.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/rod-felton.html
Googling for something on the Coventry Music scene I came across a thread on a discusion forum on the Coventry
duo The New Modern Idiot Grunt Band. Consisting of Rod Felton and Rob Armstong, this duo (both of who also played solo or in other bands) were prominent throughout the 70's. More of thse musicians in the directory but...
In 1970, I was helping to set up and do the door at Pete Waterman's Walsgrave gig
(a regular progressive music venue at the Walsgrave pub every tuesday evening.) Rod Felton was on and Pete introduced me to him with something like " Rod is one of the few true stars Coventry's produced".
Sure enough Rod was an impressive performer and songwriter. He looked like a dark haired Roy Harper and his 'folk' vocals were more R & B - more Janis Joplin (male version!). I got to know Rod quite well, going to his various folk clubs, often playing and as will be seen on the post, Rod design a brilliant ad for Hobo, for the Rude Bear Folk Club.
I didn't know Rob Armstrong quite as well but Colin Armstrong who played in the sam band, was part of the Hobo team later on, and a regular player at the Hobo Workshop. Rob began to concentrate making guitars, including a guitar for Bert Jansch and Paul McCartney.
As a relsult of leaving a message on the discussion board, Graham Oliver sent this contribution in regard to the New Modern Idiot Grunt Band - ( Thanks Graham) If anyone has the answer to his question on the tracks or further information - feel free to e amil it or comment underneath.
"I have just discovered a tape that I recorded when I ran a folk club at
Ye Olde Red Lion, Rugby. It includes an entire performance by the 'New
Modern Idiot Grunt Band' and although the sound is distorted in places
(because Rod was banging his foot so hard that it made the tape recorder
jump) it isn't that bad. The recording was made on 24th February 1969
with Rob and Rod's full co-operation and consent."
The play list (with a few jokes in between) is:
San Francisco Bay Blues (Jesse Fuller)
Salty Dog Blues (Traditional American)
Colouring Book (As We Go Sailing On) ?
Skin Game Blues (Peg Leg Howell)
Your Ugly (Armstrong/Felton) ?
Anthem - Keep on Grunting (Armstrong/Felton) ?
Grunting Everywhere (Armstrong/Felton) ?
Gospel Blues (Traditional American)
Lady Baby Gypsy Queen (Felton)
Everybody Loves a Nut (Clement)
Can't You See That I'm Just Crazy Over You ?
Harry Rag (Davies)
Mrs Murphy's Man is Back in Town ?
Yat-tat-tat-ta-tat-tat Yat-tat-tat-ta-tat-tat ?
In some cases, for instance, where I am not sure of the proper title or
the songwriter, I have put question marks. If anyone reading this is
familiar with the former duo's repertoire, I would be most grateful for
any assistance in correcting the titles and origins.
--
Graham Oliver
http://www.grahamoliver.com
The only recording of the incredible Grunt Band. Live at The Three Crowns at Barwell. Download the whole collection at www.raremusez.co.uk
Posted by: coopz | 01/19/2008 at 05:54 PM