THIS POST IS NOW COMPLETE!
At one stage the news columns of Hobo Magazine were called Street News and Shoestring
Blews. I even wrote a song around this title. Shoestring because we were working on a shoestring budget (no fancy grants back then) and Streetnews because most of the news was gathered by me walking the streets of Cov meeting and talking to musicians or doing a round of city centre pubs - not to get get drunk (had little money anyway) but to network. No fancy Vox blogs or Internet on which to network then - just shoe leather! I borrowed the banner from the Birmingham Streetpress in acknowledgement of their help in getting me started on Hobo (another influence on the title!)
HOBO ISSUE ONE JUNE 1973 - NEWS
The Birmingham Streetpress hold regular gigs at the Fighting Cocks in Moseley on Friday Nights. Bands like Medicine Head, Trevor Burton Band, Graham Bond Organisation head the bill with a multi-media cast of other acts. A cheap and good atmosphere. More info as and when it comes.
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No need to mention that VIRGIN RECORDS have opened in the City Arcade, so we won't!! Keep on trucking
Vir - Good Things.
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Congrats to Colin Armstrong in reaching the semifinals in the Melody Maker National Rock/Folk contest. Also to Just Jake, Willow, Naked Light, Just Before Dawn, Bumble and all the others who entered. More on them if poss. later.
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So Hobo has been told, Bob Jackson (formerly of Indian Summer and Monster Magnet is currently playing with John Entwhistle's Rigamortise Band. Nice to see someone getting on Bob!
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Buy Friendz Today
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New L.P. from the Pink Fairies out this month!
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JULY 1973 ISSUE TWO (UNPUBLISHED)
Watch out for HOBO dances and Humpoesic Happenings and also alnight festivals
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Last month we told you that we believed that Bob Jackson (Ex. Indian Summer) (Listen to the great music on My Space) was playing with
John Entwhistle's Rigormortise. Well - er - it appears that we slightly got our facts wrong! What in fact is the case, is that the Rigormortise featured on Entwhistle's album split to form their own band called Ro Ro. To cut a long story short, only the drummer remains from the original Rigormortise. But alas Ro Ro are cutting a single on which Bob is featured. Maybe we'll have more info when Bob is around. Sorry for the mistake but that's life folks! I hope we have it correct this time!
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Whilst on the subject of Indian Summer, the roadies from that long lost Coventry group are now with a Leamington based group. Their name is A Band Called George and their music in the vain of Lindisfarne. Their line up consists of an accordion / bass guitar / 2 guitars with Coventry's Nicky Trevisick on drums. All members contribute to vocals and they have a single released on July 27th called NCB MAN for Bell Records.
(You can hear this single on their My Space )
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Another band to emerge (bearing some connection to Indian Summer) is Al Hatton's band. Al used to play bass for Indian Summer. Al is now playing acoustic guitar with three others known as Trilogy. The group have another guitarist and percussionist and make some nice sounds, using original material.
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Anyone know of or can help obtain practice places for loud groups, venues for concerts at preferably not rip-off prices, please let us know, there is a great need. Advertisers don't forget we still need you, don't be shy.
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ONE DAY THOMAS is the name of Martin Jenkin's new band (formerly of Dando Shaft)
(Check their My Space here). The new band features other established personalities such as Barry Skinner on guitar and vocals / John Mckintosh on double bass and John Astle on drums. Martin plays guitar, fiddle, mandolin and flute. They are of course an electric band and most of the material is far removed from that of Dando Shaft. They play mostly jigs and reels and electrified folk songs.
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ISSUE TWO AUGUST 1973 (Published Version)
RO RO
Last time we mentioned that Bob Jackson (Ex. Indian Summer) was playing with Rigormortise and this is not
correct! Bob is featured on keyboards and vocals in a group called Ro Ro who are a splinter group from the original Rigormortise featured on Entwhistle's LP. They have a single released shortly I believe. more info on this later.
(You Tube shows Coventry's Bob Jackson playing on Come and Get it with Apple group Badfinger for whom he went to play for - now with the Fortunes)
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A BAND CALLED GEORGE
Released their first single on the 24th August entitled NCB MAN, which is out on the Bell label. their music, which is self composed, is in similar vain to that of Lindisfarne. The members of the band hail from both Coventry and Leamington. They are Bob Young on lead vocals and guitar. Colin Young on bass; Roger Prince on guitar; Nicky Trevisick on drums and Baz Andruszko on accordion. Not forgetting Ricky and Dave the trusty roadies!). (both Ex Indian Summer roadies).
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TRILOGY
Who are due to play the Windsor Free Festival during the last week of August, are a new band featuring Al Hatton (late of Indian Summer) on acoustic guitar; Ron Abelwhite (Ex. Torqwood) also on guitar and Roy Brewster on assorted percussion. All members compose and contribute vocals.
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FISSION
Whose individual componants are : - Johnny Adams - 2nd lead guitar /
rhythm and acoustic guitars; Rick Thawne on lightening fingered 1st lead guitar; Ant O'Callaghan on lyrics / vocals and other Antics , Al Varney on bass guitar and effects pedals; Simon Lovegrove on drums. All the group compose and their music includes elements of rock / classical / jazz and medieval influences. The group are preparing for a tour of colleges and
other dens of iniquity in the near future.
Just Jake
A vocal group in the vain of Genesis and Yes, producing interesting and original material. it features the talents of Martin Barter on keyboards; Chris Jones on lead guitar; Dave Wickes on bass guitar and Richie Medlock on drums.
they all assist on vocals and help in composing their material with a lyricist friend. The band will be
back on the road shortly after recovering from the group's loss of their former lead guitarist - John Alderson (formerly of Wandering John). John has split Coventry to live and play music in Sandersfoot Wales. I'm told that Chris Jones is doing an excellent job, so we wish both John and Jake all the best!
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COVENTRY ARTS UMBRELLA CLUB
Are holding a meeting on August 29th at their temporary base in the Royal Navel Club, Spon End, at about 8.00pm. this is to discuss ideas for their events programme, for latter half of the year.
Anyone who would like to submit ideas, help organise events or is just interested in what's going on (and remeber these things are what YOU make them!) are welcome to come along. The meeting is an informal one and open to anyone. Please try and go along, as it's about time some things got off the ground again in Coventry!!
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WINDSOR FREE FESTIVAL
Starts Saturday 25th August in Windsor Great Park, London and is expected
to last over a week with well over one hundred groups. There will also be poets, street-theatre, solo singers and everything a far fetched imagination can think of (including free food and beer).
Some of the more well known groups appearing are - Hawkwind / Pink Fairies / Skin Alley / Third Ear Band / Longdancer / String Driven Thing / Kraan (German Band) but to name a few. Coventry bands possibly appearing include - Trilogy (confirmed) / Fission / Just Jake / A Band Called George / Trev Teasdel and Don't Talk Wet (I didn't do it in the end -can't remember why but it was it was nice to be asked!).In fact Fission were the only ones that ended up playing at Windsor.
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LATE NEWS
Just Jake will be operating under a new name (not yet decided on) owing to the personal changes mentioned above. (Eds note - I think this was Wave but I can't be sure).
Baz Andruszko, the accordionist with A BAND CALLED GEORGE has left the group. A replacement is being sought.
(Ed's note - I think Baz left to join a reformed Dando Shaft to provide the sound track for a a pplay - You Must Be Joking (on the history of the car industry in Coventry) at the Belgrade Theatre. Rod Felton also joined Dando on this occassion.
Contributed by co-editor Babs Wainwright -
A great loss to the literary worl; - JRR Tolkien, author of (as if you didn't know) the HOBBIT and LORD OF THE RINGS. Our humble tribute to a man who gave so much to the world. Farewell friend....
Issue 3 Unpublished. (Issue 3 didn't emerge until Feb 1974 but in between there were attempts to restore it to it's monthly basis - cost of printing thwarted all efforts) Here are some of the entries that didn't get printed in between published issues. (NOT SURE OF THE DATES OF THESE UNPUBLISHED POSTS BUT ALL ARE FROM AUGUST 73 - to Jan 74 I think).
NCB MAN - NO AIR PLAY
NCB MAN, released on the Bell Label by A Band Called George has not been selected for air play on the Beeb, despite it being a highly commercial song, hailed by discos. The reason however is not owing to the lyrics erupting the Mary Whithouses or the pulsing beat inciting couples to copulate in bus queues, but is, I'm told, the fate of 90% of the singles that are submitted to the BBC. So everyone bombared the Beeb with requests for ti!
The band have ceased live gigs for the time being, coming together for recording only. Bob Young is writing and producing at Snitterfield Recording studios. Rog has written and recorded a solo single for release on Bell called World War 1. Nick has joined Smack! and Baz is joining Dando Shaft.
RO RO to join bonds with Brown
Ro Ro, the band formed from Rigormortise, featuring Bob Jackson, Ex Indian Summer keyboard man, are currently rehearsing with Pete Brown, late of Bond and Brown etc. A British tour is a possibility (don't forget Coventry lads) and subsequent recording. (Sounds interesting)
SMACK! ...MISS UNDERSTOOD
SMACK! formed from the now defunct Pug-ma-Ho, are now completeing a tour of Germany. a single is due out around Christmas time on the (dreaded) Bell label.
The number is entitiled "Miss Understood" and was written by that old son of a gypsy gnome, Bob Young. The line up of the band consists of Gordon Reaney on lead guitar; Ollie Oliver on bass guitar; Nicky Trevisthick on drums and a female vocalist by the curious name of Margo- Buchanan-Reid-Smith (Later a backing vocalist with Mud).
DANDO - NEW PHASE
Dando Shaft may be reformed in the near future with original members Martin Jenkins on fiddle and mandolins, Ted Kaye on congos and other percussion and joined by Rod Felton on guitar and Baz Andruszko on bass and accordian. But at the moment they are fulfilling other commitments. Martin, who recently wrote and played the music for the Belgrade's production Little Red Riding Hood has another production in London. Rod is due for a tour of Germany, I believe.
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WINDSOR FREE FESTIVAL and FISSION
Fission, who were the only Coventry band to appear at the Windsor Free Festival, where I believe, they went down quite well, have suffered personal changes. Rick Thawn, lead guitarist, has left and is now involved in a jazzier type of group (Trigon - who later played the Hobo Workshop and involved Paul Samson who much later produced the Primitives). The group have a tour of Austria in the air (don't forget your parachutes!).
Simon Lovegrove, drummer, plans to leave the group when the group find a replacement drummer. An organist from London maybe added as a replacement for Rick. The group recently played the Q Artisites Club and when asked by Q why they weren't playing Slade and the Rolling Stones, Ant (the vocalist) replied "Because Slade and the Rolling Stones play Slade and the Rolling Stones!" Nice one Ant.
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JUST JAKE no longer exist, martin Barter (keyboards_ and Richie Medlock (drums) are currently working things out with Trilogy, whilst Chris Jones, lead guitarist and Dave Wikes, bassist, have joined the the Jazz Rock group Khayyam (formerly Wave). The group have residencies at the Earlsdon Cottage on Thursdays and the Carousel in Hinckley on Monday nights. Other bookings include Ronnie Scotts, Pheasantry, Speakeasy and possibly the Rainbow. Apologies to Dave Wickes for calling him Dave Sweet last time and apologies to friends of Dave Sweet who thought he'd suddenly become a pop star!!
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SUNSHINE - COVENTRY MUSIC AGENCY
The Sunshine Agency, formed three months ago by Craig Ward, Bob Young and Graham Ward (of Silk Disco fame) are always on the look out for groups and artists that are available for work here and abroad. They also have a musicians register for musicians looking for bands and vice versa. They have half-shares in the Snitterfield recording studios. If you wish to know more about it then you are welcome to pop in for a chat and a coffee to their base in Gulson Rd.
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MAD CAT MOLLY are another band set to make a single for possible release on the Bell label. Again it is a Bob Young composition (no relation to Neil Young Jamie!!) called Dancing to the Music originally going to be done by the Earthquakes who hail from Derby. The line up is Steve Lore on lead; Mick Murphy on Rhythm; Paul Wright on bass and Chris Potter on drums. They have quite a few booking lined up around the country thanks to Sunshine Music Agency.
HOBO ISSUE 3 (Published Version) February 1974
SUNBIRD - HATCHING
Bird Recording Studios at Snitterfield, not far from the land of Shakespeare, has been converted into an 8 track stereo unit and will re-open at the beginning of Feb. The rates of recording there willremain the same as they were for the previous 4 track, for the first six weeks of opening. The rates at the moment are: - £4 an hour inclusive of editing. Copy tapes 50p, sur charge of £1 for use of Master Tape. For discs (Albums) 6 cost around £9 and a 1000 cost 75p each. This is a 24 hour service. Session musicians can be supplied on request with of course additional charges.
Plans for the future are quite ambitious and include producing their own equipment at cheap prices and their own record label, inconjunction with Sunshine (Coventry's Music Agency) and the label will be called (would you believe) Sunshine! The label will occur if they can overcome the problems of distribution.
THE DREAM MACHINE
DREAM discotheque appears, at first sight, to be just another disco unit,
but alas they have a phew innovations up their trouser legs. No not a new form of contraceptive but t a lightening computer for discos. Designed and patened by Rob Dalton B.eng. M.I.E.E. C.E. M.I.E.E.E. (USA)
This is one of the most advanced lighting systems in Europe and has taken about two years to develop. The computer can be coupled with existing conventional equipment or any of the £2000 worth of equipment designed by Dream. The lighting computer itself costs in the region of £550. Dream both sell and hire out this equipment for mobile nd fixed discos. They also do their own disco shows incorporating the gear it Beckett's and Ceasars in Nuneaton. If yu are interested in this and want to know more, Dream can be contacted by phoning Rob Dalton on Rugby.....
Q - SPICE OF VARIETY (Q ARTISTES)
A showcase of talent has been amongst the activities of the Q Artists club. Talent in a variety of guises emerged on
the stage of the Building Trades Hall, including fire eaters, singers, songwriters, dancers et. They were watched by Les Cocks of New Faces with a view to selecting some of the artists for the next series of the program. The results will not be known till the end of the month. Their disco at St. Saviours hall is no longer operational and Q are looking for new and suitable premises for providing a variety of activities in the arts.
ROSS Bob Jackson Bio (including Ross)
ROSS, the new name for Ro Ro, have just completed an LP for the Robert Stigwood Organisation. The album will
be released in early March, all being well. The band origianlly formed fromt he remains of the original Rigamortise and featured Pete Brown in the line up for a while (Pete wrote some of the class Cream lyrics like White Room and Sunshine of your Love).
The current line up is Coventry's Bob Jackson (ex Indian Summer) on keyboards and vocals. Tony Fernandz on drums, Reuban White - percussion, Steve Emery - bass and vocals and Alan Ross - guitar and vocals.
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JOHN GOLDING - DISCARDED VERSE
Daventry folk singer and songwriter John Golding has made an LP. This
was recorded at Snitterfield and will be released on the ViLLAGE THING label. The title of the record is Discarded Verse.
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COME ON ADE TAYLOR - "get it together man!" It's been a long time since Wandering John!!
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MONSTER MAGNET
Musicians from a selection of Coventry bands, past and present, have formed a local 'Super Group' calling themselves MONSTER MAGNET. The band, which first hatched at the beginning of 73, has a loose line up of about 9 musicians and only do selected gigs, owing to the size of the band and the cost of keeping such a band on the road. It also depends on the availability of the musicians involved as some are currently with other bands. It also gives musicians who are in between bands a chance to play whilst out of work. The line up (although this varies) consists of such 'devastating musicians' as Mick Smithem, Phil Street, Tim James, Paul Hooper, Col Williams, Steve Cotterill, Bill Jackson (Ex April lead singer) , Bob Jackson (no relation), Roy Butterfield, Ron Lawrence (Ex April bassist and later with Sniff and the Tears), Dave Pennycock and Little Jimmy Osmond and all! A cool band full of top Covnetry musicians.
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KHAYYAM formed from the Jazz/ Rock band Wave, are now set to make an album, privately, which will be produced by Roger Eames, who produces the jazz club on zee radio. Members of the band are, for persons interested, - Steve Tayton - Saxaphones, clarinet, flute; Harry Heppinstall - drums and percussion; Rodney Joyce on congas (Ed's note - don't swoon Lesley!) and 'paint cans!); Chris Jones on lead guitar and vocals. Dave Wickes on bass and keyboards.
SOUTHERN COMFORT
Southern Comfort has, I'm told, been graced with the talents of Coventry's Martin Jenkins, late of the Coventry band Dando Shaft. Martin, who writers some incredible songs (Whispering Ned, Waves Across the Ether) and plays Mandolin, flute and fiddle (etc.), has been featured as a guest on a previous Southern Comfort album.
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SMACK! PLAY GERMANY
Just returned from a successful tour of Germany are SMACK!. The group who are Coventry based, hail mainly from Matlock. This phunky rock band who play original material, consists of these curios Smackeroos - Gordon Reaney - lead guitar, Ollie Oliver - bass and vocals, Margo-Buchanan-Reid-Smith on Vocals and smiles and Nicky Trevisthick on drums.
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BAND WAGONS ON THE RUN
"Uh know anyone with a van-man" is a question on the lips of a lot of bands. So below I will priovide what information I have on the subject, which doesn't amount to very much. If anyone either has or knows anyone who has a transit van available for group transportation, with or without a driver, then let us know the details at Hobo and we can communicate it to the great unwashed!
Here are some contacts -
Bob Hopkins of 127, Overslade Cresent, Kersley 3185 has such a van but is playing in a band called Natural Gas and is thus not always available (as is many the case).
Then there is a transit for hire (with driver) from Rogers, 78, Fenside, tel Cov 412331 / 413113 of whom I know no more about. Then of course there are firms that specialise in van hire generally and who tend to be more expensive in many cases. These can be contacted through the Coventry Evening Telegraph small ads or the Yellow Pages. Brady Van hire (cov 867680 have transport of the following description, 8, 18, 22, 35 cwt. to 3 tons from £2.50p daily. If you live in the Brum area, a guy called Rob Cowlyn runs the GREEN GOBLIN which is a monster Merc. He does cheap removals nd general trucking and can be contacted by dialing 021 4496184 / 021 4491021. Any more for many more? Next month, if the petrol shortage gets any worse, we'll be doing an article on Horse and Cart hire!. So if youknow of any groovy farmers, then let us know via the next Pony-Express or Pigeon Post.!
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MUSICIAN'S CLUB
On Monday nights, the Coventry branch of the Musician's Union hold the musician's social club at the Charterhouse pub in Terry Rd. Stoke. You don't have to be a member to attend and there is no obligation to join. Addmission is 10p which goes towards paying the band which changes each week and has included the bands - Geneva, Willow, Drops of Brandy. Also musicians of quality who happen to be in the area. This Covnetry club seems to have a high attendence for a Coventry club and attracts both young and old musicians in congenial circumstances.
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ISSUE 4 (Unpublished Version c May 1974) Note - the issue was printed but the they reduced it so small it wasn't very readable so we scrapped it and had it updated and reprinted on a Duplicator a month later!)
COLIN ARMSTRONG REACHES SEMI-FINALS
Coventry singer/songwriter Colin Armstrong, who reached the semi-finals in the Melody Maker contest last year, is to enter agin this year. Lotza luck Colin.
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Reports reach HOBO that FRIARS PROMOTIONS have gone bust!
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SHADES OF NIGHT - have split up and also WILLOW. Joe Reynolds and Willow's other saxaphonist are to join a reformed version of A Band Called George.
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FISSION - are currently reforming with the return of thier drummer - Simon Lovegrove, to Coventry. Other members include Al Varney on bass / Johnny Adams on lead / rhythm...
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Interesting things happening at the SMITHFIELD ARMS (opposite Cov Theatre) on Mon, Thurs, Fri. Free admission. Live groups and musicians geting up and jamming.
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BANDS WANTED FOR FESTIVAL
Anyone who would like to play at the third Windsor Free Festival, which takes place at the week beginning 24th August 1974 (and this includes bands, singers, poets, theatre groups etc, then Contact John Bargent (BO), 21, Lorenzo Close, Willenhall, who is organising things from this side. There will be no payment but partcipants will get great publicity throughout Britain and the Continent. Also anyone who can help with supplying things like generators, food (nearer the time), stamps and envelpopes (unused) - it would greatly help. Addm to the 3rd People's festival organised by COMMUNES is free. Last year they had 20,000, this year they anticipate 100,00.
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ROSS - NEW SINGLE - ALRIGHT BY ME
Ross have released their debut single and album. The LP is called ROSS and is released by the Robert Stigwood Organisation. The single is called Alright by Me and written jointly by Alan Ross, Steve Emery and Coventry's Bob Jackson. The band recently appeared on (would you believe - Crackerjack). I believe an American tour is in the offing also...
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SEX STARVED FOLK CLUB!
The Rude Bear Folk Club is starved of sex - anykind!, male or female. The club which closed down owing to a lack of support recently, re-opened last month in the hope of attracting more interest. Addmission is cheap (some times free) and takes place at the Hand in Heart, Far Gosford St. on Tuesdays. Resident singers are Dave Coburn (just returned from a successful residency in the Canary Isles) and Rod Felton who is doing some interesting things these days. LETS SEE SOME MORE PEOPLE THERE!!
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MUSICIAN'S SPLIT
The Musician's union holds it's social club to which all musicians are welcome, on Monday nights at the Bantham, Hen Lane. Whilst a splinter group from the Musician's Union, for reasons yet unknown to me, have formed the Musician's Association which is held at the Mercers Arms also on a Monday night! All musicians are welcome.
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ANYONE HELP HORACE!
A student band, playing a varied amount of rock music, not too loud, seeks gigs in clubs and pubs, will play even for expenses at a push. Horace says the music is pretty tasteful and they just want to be playing somewhere.
If you can help contact Horace Panter at 12, Binley Rd. Coventry.
(Note this was five years before Horace rose to fame with the Specials
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SOMETHING TO SAY
Every Monday at the Lanch Polytechnic, Covnetry, in room B 315, there will
take place a People's Awareness Meeting. Anyone who is interested in getting things together in this fair-city - who has any ideas or who can help or is just interested - then bring yurself and your friendz..
PEOPLE AWARENESS NEED YOU!
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JOHN WANDERS BACK
Ex Wandering John guitarist - John Alderson, returned from Sandersfoot in Wales, where he was reported to be living in Hobo issue 2. John met up with Trillogy -
TRILOGY
Trilogy were also reviewed in issue two. An acoustic band. They are expanding their line up to include keyboard player Martin Barter who also sings, Rog Jackson on bass, John Alderson on lead and slide guitar along with the original members of the trio - Roy Brewster on congas and percussion, Ron Abelwhite on acoustic guitar and vocals and Al Hatton on acustic guitar and vocals. They write all their own material which without classifying it too much, is, suffice to say, funky with harmonies. The band appeared recently on Midland's Today and are entering the Melody Maker contest. I caught the original band at the White Bear pub in Willenhall Wood recently with blues soloist Mick Stuart.
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STOP PRESS - INFO FROM NUNEATON
A new band from Nuneaton - Highway Man - consisting of Steve Williams vocals, Don Ross - bass, Paul Bainbridge lead, Mick Ison Rhythm. Thanks to Brian of Nuneaton for the info. (PS Your other info came too late for this issue - sorry!).
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ANALOG
A new original rock band freaturing Mick Hartley bass (Sound City 120 watt
amp + cab), Steve Edgeson 2nd guitar / clarinet and recorder (Park Combination amp + cab), Paul (Babbling) Brook drums and vocals and concept (Pearl double bass drum kit) John Rushton (multi-track-manica) lead guitar and backing vocals (park watt amp + RPA cab and horn unit. They are currently working on a 40 min suite written by Paul Brook. This will comprise the first set followed by high energy instrumentals. The suite contains more words than Yes's Close to the Edge. (Ed notes - They became regulars at the Hobo Workshop later in 1974)
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TRIGON
Are another newly formed band to hit the scene. Featuring Rick Thawn (Ex Fisson) on lead guitar, Gary Kirton on drums, (Ex Whistler), Paul Samson (Ex Mick Green Blues Band - later Bung / Reluctant Sterotypes - Producer of the .Primatives). Terry Hyde on bass. There music is jazz rock orientated, heavy with percussion, although they try to make their music as comprehensive as possible. Plans include entering for the Melody Maker contest and a possible tour of Austria. (Trigon also played the Hobo Workshop later in 1974).
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SPLINES
A Jazz- rock unit doing Keith Jarret Osibisa, Mike Gibbs as well as original material. Featuring John Rogers on bongos / percussion / Gil Monks - Barritone, Tenor, alto, flute, clarinet; Brian Johnson - Trombone; Graham Dent (Ex Wave), guitar; Fergie Maynard drums (Ex Sid Lawrence) Baz Andruszko on bass.
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KHAYYAM
KHAYYAM seem set to knock the rocs off the music scene.. A group of very accomplished musicians making some incredible music in the Jazz rock field. They are currently negotiating a recording deal and a fortnights residency in both Brussels and Amsterdam. After blowing the minds of the clientele who frequent the Speakeasy and Ronnie Scotts in London, they are set for regular spots at these venues. Said Sound Mixer John Bargent (BO) (former HOBO co- editor) " Most places we've played have agreed to rebook us, it's incredible". Catching them in the act at Coventry's new rock venue - THE STEAM PACKET at the Tree Tops on sundays, I spoke to some of the audience to see what they thought. Some felt their music was 'too complicated' for them while the majority were amazed at the sounds theat were emanating from the stage. All agreed though that the musicianship was a of a very high standard. The audience at the Tree Tops was not the audience Khayyam normally play to it has to be said. Hobo wishes Khayyam success in the future.
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Issue 4 (Published) summer 1974
KHAYYAM - STIRRING THE DUST
On the outskirts of Coventry, fair city, looms a big world which Khayyam have been pioneering, leaving their mark firmly embedded in the eardromes of their audiences in colleges and universities around the country, not to mention the Speakeasy and other haunts in the City of Royal! Word reaches me that they are one of the most talked about up and coming bands. The band are full of enthusiasm for the continental scene too, where they played LE PUSSYCAT ROCK in Brussels; The TIME MACHINE in Lieges; The RITZ in Antwerp. Their enthusiam and that of their promoters is so great that already they have another tour arranged for Blegium and Holland. And a certain caged bird whispered to me on the quiet that a tour of the continent could occur in the near future, depending on developments. Those familiar with Khayyam's music from the Golden Cross or the Earsldon Cottage in Covnetry maybe interested to know that their music is retaining that essential Khayyam sound, although it has become more funkier and rocky, loosing some of it's jazziness. This is owing to the recent departure of Sax player Steve Tayton. The stage performance has become funkier too.
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HARK THE OTTOMAN COMETH
It could be said that they produce music in a similar vain to the Doobie Bros, with a touch of Santana in the percussion, but such a classifications are intended as only a rough guideline to loosly indicate their style. They of course write and play music like Ottoman, who else? Having only been formed a few months, this band has the distinction of having appeared on BBC's MIDLAND'S TODAY programme. The lead and slide guitar is performed by Ex Wandering John guitarist - John Alderson, whilst the keeyboards ring to the tune on Martin Barter. Al Hatton lends his wieght to the battle charge on electric rhythm, ably supported by Ron Abelwhite on acoustic guitar, defended by Roy Brewster on percussion and Richie Medlock on drums and a bass player, of whose name I am not yet clear on! All members contribute to the sound. (Ed's note - Ottoman was an an electrifical and expansion of the group acoustic group Trilogy).
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BANDZHATCH......Column...
SCOTCH MIST
A Birmingham band, playing electric folk similar to Fairport Convention. This band, managed by Mike O'Hare of the Coventry Virgin Records store, have been around a fair while, and Mike assures me that they are an exceptional band. The line up consists of Keith Jones fiddle / mandolin / dulicmer / Melodian. Ken Jones guitar / Melodian / dulcimer. Mike James lead vocals / guitar / banjo/ harmonica. Kevin Whitehouse bass / madolin / Lute. Steve Austin drums and percussion. They have gigs lined up at the Royal College of Art / Manchester University / Warwick University (2 gigs) and Coventry Cathedral Ruins for the Digger's concert Sat July 13th.
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ANALOG
Is a band that have been rehearsing an origianl set for about a year, without playing any gigs. They have written and composed a 40 min long suite which they will perform in the first half of their set. This will be followed by a high energy piece. The line up consists of Mick Hartley bass (sound City 120 watt amp = cab); Steve Edgeson 2nd guitar / clarinet / recorder (park combination amp + cab), Paul (Babbling) Brook - drums and vocals (Pearl double bass Drumkit); John Rushton (multi tracking maniac) lead guitar and backing vocals (Park 100watt amp = RPA cab and horn unit).
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TRIGON
Who have been featured periodically at the infamous Golden Cross, play Jazz orientated rock music. Line up is Rick Thawn - lead guitar; Gary Kirton on drums; Paul Samson lead guitar and Terry Hyde on bass.
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SPLINES
A unit playing a varied reportoir of Jazz music, swing, Jazz, Cuban, rock material. Material consits of numbers by Keith Jarret; Osibisa; Mike Gibbs + their own material. In the band we find John Rogers bongos and percussion; Baz Andruszko on bass guitar; Gils Monks - Barritone / Tenor / Alto / Flute / Alto Flute / Clarinet; Brian Johnson on Trombone; Graham Dent (ex Wave) on guitar; Fergie Maynard (Ex. Sid Lawrence Orchestra) drums. The band can be seen at the MERCIA every Thurs evening.
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BLUE JAYS
Out of the ashes of Fission awakens a new group called the BLUE JAYS featuring the lead guitarist / songwriter / vocalist from Fission - Johnny Adams; Fission bassist Al Varney and a drummer known only to me as Mick. This time around though the band are playing more commercially orientated music including Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree!! in order to earn enough money to finance new gear for the band. When a 'Rock gig' comes up though, they revert to their own rock material.
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THE THIRD WINDSOR FREE FESTIVAL
August 24th August sees the start of the third Windsor Free Festival, organised by Communes. Last year 20,000 were gathered together in Windsor Park. This year they anticiate 100,00 with over 100 bands and artists participating. It is expected to last about 9 days in all. Being a Free festival, they are relying on people contributing with things like unused stamps and envelopes to helop with the heavy mailing list and food and drink nearer the actual time. If by any chance anyone can help supply genorators, they would be greatly appreciated. The address to write to is UBI Bill Dwyer BM Circle London wc1 6XX.
Any bands, singers, poets, street theatre groups interested in participating, contact John Bargeant (Bo) at 21, Lorenzo Close Willenhall Coventry. There is no payment but a great deal of publicity is recieved in the continental and British press.
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ROCK IN THE RUINS
Once mroe the Cathedral Ruins will rock. According to Digger Arol, following the success of the Digger's concert in 1970, when several Coventry bands were featured, 'STREETMASSE have got it together to present a concert on Sat July 13th at 6.30pm - admissionn (at the gate only) 35p and among others, they are relying on the appearance of Monster Magnet, Scotch Mist, and another band as yet un named. This is a benefit concert in aid of the Digger's Hole (the bomb hole opposite the Golden Cross. With any luck they will be re-opening as a collective Art Gallery which will exhibit work of local artists. If this proves successful and is well supported there may well be a sequel in August and also possibly a 'Folk Concert'. So let's have a good turn out for the Diggers. Any artists interested in the Digger's 'Hole' (the collective art gallery should contact Digger Arol.
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ROSS - CLAPTON TOUR
Ross, the band led by Alan Ross and featuring Coventry's Bob Jackson on keyboards, have just returned from thier American tour and are set for another which forms part of the Eric Clapton tour. Into the bargin they have their debut album called Ross out on RSO label and from the album comes their debut single - Alright by Me, which is the only track not entirely answerable to the pen of Alan Ross, Bob Jackson had a hand in writing it. Looking forward to Bob doing his own material when he eventually gets his own band together again.
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PETE WATERMAN ON RADIO ONE
Dave Simmons - DJ of Radio One's Saturday soul programme, dedicated last weeks programme to the Philadelphia Sound, thanks to the efforts of Coventry's own top DJ Pete Waterman, who has just returned from Philapdephia with a hoard of interviews and information about the production of the Phi8lly Sound. Pete was interviewed throughout the programme by Dave Simmons and Pete's interviews were aired. Next issue, if Pete get's it together, we'll have an article from him on the Philly Sound - from the expert himself!
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SPACEMAN DAVE TAKES TO THE AIR
Appearing on ATV's NEW FACES on June 29th 1974 will be Dave F. Eastman. A Coventry songwriter who sings his own compositions, accompanying himself on piano and guitar, on which he is self taught. The number he will be performing on New faces is called Spaceman Blues. Dave has been writing for over a year and has about 160 compositions to his credit. His career is being guided by Q Artistes who i recently interviewd at the Leofric Hotel.
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