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Box of the Blues (Neol Davies / Horace Panter)

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Box of the Blues (Neol Davies / Horace Panter)


Doesn’t appear to be any tracks from the album now available on line. 

Line Up
Neol Davies Guitar / vocals
Horace Panter bass guitar
Anthony Harty drums



“Neol Davies is in heaven playing the blues and so is Horace Panter. With ska there was not much room for improvisation. Box of Blues allows Neol Davies to show off his mastery of the guitar and employ an asset that has been underused, his voice. Neol Davies and his two colleagues are enjoying the novelty of playing small, intimate venues again. Far from the land of ska, into a land called the blues, Neol Davies, Horace Panter, and Anthony Harty are welcomed members of the community. The soulful presentation of Box of Blues proves to all that they have found a genre where black and white musicians, like two-tone ska, can and have grooved to the same beat for many years.” ~ Larry Belanger, Rovi 


From Last FM 


“Neol’s first album under his own name -Box of Blues, (released in 1999/2000) is a collection of original Blues songs and one instrumental, the sublime Paradise Re-visited, which finally brought Neol together with Horace Panter, aka Sir Horace Gentleman, the original bass-ace from The Specials. A mutual love of guitar, bass, drums (and vocals) bands like Free and the Who led to the recording philosophy of the album, which was to keep it simple and raw, but with snappy arrangements learnt from the 2 Tone experience. With former Paul Weller and Dennis Greaves sidekick, Anthony Harty, defining a new style on the drums, Box of Blues was highly praised throughout the blues scene, both here and internationally, and the classic three-piece guitar, bass and drums line-up toured extensively as a result.”

Box of Blues Review by Larry Belanger 

https://www.allmusic.com/album/box-of-blues-mw0001008673
Neol Davies displays another side of himself with this creative album of blues lead guitar licks and blues vocal expressions. Far from the two tone ska sound that has for so long been his signature cry for fame, he easily flows with fluidity into the blues genre. His seasoned experience as a musician lends a gracefulness to his playing, but it is the creative genius in the artist that brings the strength to the album. The partnership with Horace Panter, who displays creative genius in his improv-style bass chops, and the precise percussion from Anthony Harty only strengthen the charismatic elements of the album. The album starts off with, “this time it is for real,” which is a rockin’ blues number, via some screaming lead guitar riffs and a sound that feels very “live.” Neol Davies’ vocal style on “This Time It Is for Real” is clean and melodic, not the rough and gritty style all too commonly heard in the blues genre. The lyrics are contagious and memorable, flowing with ease between the well-balanced instrumental accentuations. With echoes of Jimi Hendix, Robin Trower, Jimmy Page, and the few masters of creative guitar genius, “Paradise Revisited” hypnotizes and magnetizes the listener. Neol Davies has allowed all to enjoy another side of his creative genius with his hypnotic guitar work in the blues genre. He, along with the fantastic rhythm section of Horace Panter and Anthony Harty, have blessed blues fans with another gem to add to their treasured library of classics. Box of Blues easily fits in the niche with albums from other masters of the blues. Just file it in any favorite “box of blues.”

The BO WEEVILS (Boll Weevils)

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The BO WEEVILS (Boll Weevils)


The BO WEEVILS (Boll Weevils) 
Sources Tim James, Broadgate Gnome, Paul Kennelly, Coventry Express, Kevin Dempsey.
circa 1963-6
R&B / Blues group
Line up: Tim James (vocals, harmonica) (also with Acme Patent Electric Band / Ra Ho Tep / Last Fair Deal), Steve Bentham (guitar, vocals), Barry Smale (bass), Joe Craner (drums). Bill Campbell bass, Gordon Stansfield lead guitar,
Kev Dempsey (later guitarist with Dando Shaft / Side Effect) replaced Craner on drums. Fred Liggins on Tenor Sax
Formed around 1963 as The Boll Weevils as an R&B outfit. Changed name to The Bo Weevils  in 1964 to avoid confusion with London group and Kevin Dempsey replaced Joe Craner on drums. With Fred Liggins on Tenor Sax, they Eventually gravitated towards the more soul orientated sounds of Otis, Pickett, Brown etc. as public tastes changed. Jazzier influence arrived with addition of Gordon Wood and Greg Taylor on Baritone and Tenor sax respectively added in 1965, this coincided with interest from Pye Records.
Tim James left early 1966 and Steve ‘Tiny’ Bentham took over. Eventually split July 1966. Kevin Dempsey later played guitar in Dando Shaft.
From Tim James’s Website ” I made my first public performance with newly formed blues

Tim James on sax with later band Ra Ho Tep

band, the Boll Weevils at Willenhall Youth Club. A week later we played Trinity Hall, Pool Meadow, Coventry City Centre, the big time  at last. We then did the rounds and learned the  ropes for a few months but our most successful regular gig was the Coventry Gauge & Tool Social Club – you may laugh but they were a hip audience and about the only crowd who didn’t want us to play chart material. But we dreamed of playing the big local gigs such as the Locarno, Matrix and so on. Our opportunity came via school colleagues, Colin Towe and Dave Taylor, who took over our management, and Fred Liggins who joined the band on alto sax. Before long we were playing all of the above places plus the Leofric Jazz Club and The Birmingham Marquee, making us the only local band to get anywhere near these gigs, the rest having never got past Merseybeat. Our sound was unique, featuring alto sax and harp riffs, more jazzy than most but still funky, too good to last … and it didn’t.”

We were soon locally famous and touring the Northern & Midlands R&B circuit. Drummer Joe Craner was mercilessly replaced by Kev Dempsey and ,soon after, all of the originals except me had gone. We were now playing soul music, were known as the Bo-Weevils, and everyone in the band now had the ambition of being rich & famous … except me … all I wanted to do was play the blues … naive idiot! So when I left school (in 1966) I left the band. I was offered a recording contract with Columbia which I turned down, because no way was I falling into the usual cesspit of singing Tony Hatch songs. I would rather get a day job to earn money and play music for enjoyment, which is exactly what I did.
………………………………………

From “Coventry Sound is Coming into its own” 

by Paul Connew City Beat, Coventry Express Friday May 28th 1965

The Club Scene
..Birmingham has a very atmospheric all-nighter. The Crazy E (in Navigation Street) which

attracts quite a few Coventry Mod Set. (The club also had the likes of The Spencer Davis Group and Zoot Money). One of the groups that frequently play there are The Boll Weevils. They came a surprising 5th in the Coventry Express poll. The are also regulars at the Leofric Jazz Club, probably the nearest we have to the London scene. And the Boll Weevils illustrate more aptly than anyone else in the poll, the shift in pop music business. They are Jazz based, short haired, and very Mod.


Sound
An alto-saxophonist 18 year old Fred Liggins is the often frighteningly proficient lead instrumental voice. Vocalist, harmonica player Tim James frequently throws pop music convention to the wind and starts skat singing.

From The Coventry Standard June 16th 1966

Kevin Dempsey extracted from the palebloomsandbeyond Interview 9.11.22 on youTube

“My dad was a drummer, they had band rehearsals at my house. Drums were my first instrument, my dad was a drummer so I wanted to be a drummer as well. I started lessons about 7, played in a couple of bands when I was 13, we played the pop songs of the day. My dad liked country and Irish music and big bands – he was the drummer / leader of the New City Sounds in the 70’s. I switched to guitar later at 16 and then joined Dando Shaft.. Meanwhile I was in a band called the Bo Weevils, a three sax band and a organs, keyboards, bass, drums and a singer and they were already going, I joined them, as their drummer, they were playing a lot of this Alexis Corner stuff of the time, and his rhythm and blues all stars, Dick Heckstall-Smith Cyril Davies on harmonica, however that was an introduction to me. I was with them 18 months to 2 years and it changed to more soul music , we began to be listening to the Impressions who I love, Soloman Burke, Lou Rawls, Joe Tex, Motown, Otis Redding material and stuff.“

The full Kevin Dempsey Interview on youtube.

Franks Dempsey’s band 

Bourbon Street

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Bourbon Street

BAND INDEX

A blues / soul band like The Commitments (as in the 90’s film of that name) in the 1990’s.
Material kindly sent in by Leigh Malin who was tenor / baritone sax player with Bourbon Street 1992-95 ish.


Thanks too, to Meryl Barrett for remembering this band at the ‘Colly’ and enquiring about them.

The Line up of Bourbon Street in its various forms – Clyde Barrow – lead vocals
Martin Heath – bass
Simon Heath – guitar
Andy Owen / Steve Tombs – drums
Karl Stevens – alto sax
Paul “Scobie” Jenkins – tenor sax
Leigh Malin – tenor/baritone sax
Tony ? – trumpet
Nipper – trumpet
Cath Nightingale – backing vocals
Juliet ? – backing vocals
Belinda ? – backing vocals
Grace Haynes – backing vocals
Viviane ? – backing vocals
Jay Forrester – organ
Martin Barter– organ
…………..
Meryl Barrett recalls “they played the ‘Colly’ – Colosseum night club in Coventry and one of the members was called Kev.”


Leigh Malin says “not sure of some of the surnames, but we did the Colly (tic toc possibly at the time), Mr g’s, dog & trumpet, the Holyhead, the Belgrade & loads of other venues around the city. We ended up doing a lot on the buttons circuit until the band fizzled out. I have some info on other bands i have worked with if you are interested, such as “brians band”, which went on to become “the medicine shack”, “the relatives”, “n.v” & some others i could probably shed some light on!”

The Bone Diggers (Roddy Radiation)

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The Bone Diggers (Roddy Radiation)


C 90’s Roddy Radiation – Guitar, Vocals / Dave West – Guitar Vocals / Garry Muldoon – Drums replaced by Jim Pryal – Drums / Sam Smith Bass

Jim Pryal recalls
” I was keen to play live again and heard that Roddy, ex Specials was looking for a drummer for his band,The Bonediggers, a Rockabilly and ska combo. I spoke to Roddy in The Oak and a rehearsal was arranged. The manager was Gerard Joyce. The Bonediggers shared lead singer and rhythm guitarist was Dave Westand the bass player was Sam Smith. We had a roadie later, Steve Brophie. I had a rehearsal with them at Gerard’s house in Stoke where Dave lodged and we all got on well. A few rehearsals and we were soon gigging regularly. We played a good few times at the Tic Toc club in the downstairs bar. we played the upstairs bar as well supporting ‘King Pleasure and the biscuit boys’ and ‘Big Audio Dynamite’ There were some great bands playing The Tic Toc in that period. I remember The Giraffes and Jerry Dammers used to do a DJ spot downstairs. The Bonediggers HQ was the Dive bar. It was a bikers pub at this time. We had a good following down there and would pack the place when we played. There was a fan called Boris who had a Land Rover which he had painted black with the Bonediggers logo, a skull and crossbones in a star painted on the sides. It was quite a sight when about 12 of us piled in with the roof off to go for a spin via some country pubs with a bit of ‘off roading’ thrown in for good measure! They were a great crowd in The Dive and arranged coaches to come and support us on London gigs. We got offered some work in Norway and Sweden. This was a great trip. We flew to Oslo into a blizzard where we got picked up by a taxi driver who used to work in Coventry!! We took a train right up through the mountains of Norway to the coast at Bergen amongst the Vickings and Fjords and what happens? We meet a biker who used to live in Coventry. Funny thing; the guy who arranged this was a record label boss, Andy Case from London. I found out that his brother Fred Case, used to teach me French at Cardinal Wiseman’s.
We had to take a 7 hour train trip back down the mountains to Oslo with no food or drink, on wooden benches, in the dark stopping at every station. Believe me, we were glad to get off that train. Anyway, we did a good few gigs including the 100 club, London, the Moonlight club, London and The Mean Fiddler. We also appeared on the Mary Costello show Radio London (just after Jethro Tull) and Harmony FM in Coventry. We recorded 2 demos, one at The Depot with Mike Roberts in the chair and another at Woodbine Street.

We played in Paris at The Montemarte Theatre with Le Garcon Boucherie (The Butcher Boys) and a few other French bands. Later we went to a club in the Pigalle area where Picasso lived during his ‘Blue’ period. Weird place, pigs heads sticking out of the walls. A nice trip. We also got to play Germany and Sweden and had some great experiences with trips up the fjords and beer at 4 quid a pint (1992). I had some great times and experiences with The Bonediggers.”


Black Leather Jacket

Desire




BOLT THROWER

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BOLT THROWER


From Wiki

” Bolt Thrower are a British death metal band from Coventry, England. They formed in 1986 and released their first album with Vinyl Solution in 1988. The band then shifted to a new record label, Earache Records, soon becoming one of the best selling bands on that label. Their current label is Metal Blade Records. The band has had a succession of members and have toured Europe, the United States, and Australia.

The band takes its name from a weapon in the popular tabletop strategy game Warhammer Fantasy Battle. The lyrics and artwork of their second and third albums were based on Warhammer Fantasy Battle and its futuristic companion Warhammer 40,000″

Members – Karl Willetts / Jo Bench / Gavin Ward / Barry Thomson / Martin Kearns
Past Members – Andrew Whale / Martin van Drunen / Alex Thomas / Dave Ingram
Alex Tweedy / Alan West.

” Bolt Thrower were formed in September 1986 as a hardcore and thrash metal band, influenced largely by thrash bands such as Slayer and hardcore punk bands like Crass and Discharge.[1] The band was founded by bassist Gavin Ward and guitarist Barry Thomson in a Coventry pub toilet during a hardcore punk gig. Shortly thereafter Andrew Whale and Alan West joined on drums and vocals respectively. In April 1987 the In Battle There Is No Law demo was recorded with this line-up.”

Alan West was in Raw Move and the Trash Can Rebels, previously. The legacy of Bolt Thrower continued for the next 25 years with 10 albums and worldwide tours. Bolt Thrower called time in 2016 due to death of their drummer.

The Full Story on Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolt_Thrower

Bolt Thrower Official Site for more current updates and information.


Bolt Thrower – Anti-tank (dead armour)

BoBolt Thrower – Those Once Loyal (Full Album)


Studio albums
In Battle There Is No Law (Vinyl Solution, 1988)
Realm of Chaos – Slaves to Darkness (Earache Records, 1989), remastered and re-released in 2005
War Master (Earache Records, 1991)
The IVth Crusade (Earache Records, 1992)
…For Victory (Earache Records, 1994)
Mercenary (Metal Blade Records, 1998)
Honour – Valour – Pride (Metal Blade Records, 2001)
Those Once Loyal (Metal Blade Records, 2005)
Extended plays
The Peel Session (Strange Fruit, 1988)
Cenotaph (Earache Records, 1990)
Spearhead (Earache Records, 1993)
Live albums
War (Earache Records, 1994)
Compilation albums
The Peel Sessions 1988–90 (Strange Fruit, 1991)
Who Dares Wins (Earache Records, 1998)
Demos
In Battle There Is No Law (self-released cassette, 1987)
Concession of Pain (self-released cassette, 1987)
Video clips
The IVth Crusade (1992)
…For Victory (1998)
Inside the Wire (2000)
Cenotaph (2001)






BOILING PETER BREAD

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BOILING PETER BREAD


Source of information  – John Docker and Pauline Black.


The line up was
Diplocrux
Hans Nickson
Francis John O’Sullivan
Fran Hunter
And Will Pickin – keyboards (album)
Krispy Chris Bucin – keyboards ( that gig)
Pauline Black wrote in her Blackroom column for the Coventry Telegraph in 1999 – the following –

Bands2C : Boiling Peter Bread

@ Hand and Heart, Saturday 6 March 1999

“I like a band with a good weird name and you can’t get much weirder than ‘Boiling Peter Bread’. In fact they have the dubious honour, although some (including myself) might call it a considerable achievement, of being called ‘the worst named band in the West Midlands’, by Neil Colcouny of that illustrious music rag the Melody Maker; but then ‘what’s in a name?’ Boiling Peter Bread would sound as sweet by any other name!!! (You’ll have to forgive me for this quote; I’ve just been to see Shakespeare In Love).

The Hand and Heart was packed and everybody I bumped into said, ‘Hey, there are two really good bands on tonight’. So obviously BPB’s reputation proceeds them.

The band took to the stage amid lurid red lights and what can only be described as swirling, ghostly noises. Drums, keyboards, bass and vocals/guitar make up the ensemble. Apparently the lead sax/flute/cool paper pipe player (the mysteriously titled Hans Spitzlburger) couldn’t make it tonight.

From the first song I was hooked. This is good quirky, eclectic 70’s influenced melodic pop/prog rock. Driving music, with surprising subtlety at times, with nicely in tune, anguished vocals care of Dave Cross and an interesting line in vocal harmonies from some of the other members.

The accolades must go to ‘Krispy’ Chris Bucin on keyboards, who’s Hammond influenced sound reminded me of the Doors. His range of sounds and prodigious technique make this band a cut above the rest. He takes in so many influences, from the Stranglers-ish harpsichord intro of one song, to a grandiose sounding Yes influenced number.

They trawl the ‘70’s and beyond with an excellent creative interplay between keyboards and guitar, while some zany heavy rhythms were being laid down at the drum and bass end from Fran Hunter and Fran O’Sullivan respectively.

The chorus of ‘Knicky Knocky Nay’ (well, I guess that’s what it was called!) had most of the audience chanting away to it, and sounded like an out-take of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band.

The Doors influenced ‘How Do You Feel Tonight’ was punctuated by a loping bass line, before a beautiful keyboard motif took over.

At the end of the set there was much well-deserved applause and shouts for an encore, which wasn’t taken up by the band, much to my disappointment. This is well-produced, well structured music, which at times sounds almost jazz influenced. Boiling Peter Bread are eccentric English music at its best; an aromatherapy and pummeling massage for the mind.

Boiling Peter Bread – Dogs BollocksIf you are interested into listening to Boiling Peter Bread on CD, then get hold of their debut self-titled album, recorded at the Depot Studios in Coventry on their own Brian Records label. Also, currently released is the ‘Dogs Bollocks EP’, sporting a cover of Arthur Brown’s classic cut, ‘Nightmare’ and also features live favourites ‘Poster’ and ‘Jones’.

And if you fancy wading around in mud again this year during the festival summer season, then you may well catch them at Glastonbury. Other scheduled festivals are the Green Gathering, Godiva Festival and The Leamington Peace Festival.”



Tracks on Amazon –

https://soundcloud.com/boiling-peter-bread Another track on Sound Cloud.



Trev the singer Dave Cross is now in this lot https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3313441865565459&id=1886727954903531
Artist : The Pigeons
Album : From Pure Evil to Lovely Man
Producer : Jon Moonbear
Genre : Alternative Rock
Year : 2022
Format : CD / Download / Stream
Catalogue Number : MSPIKE031
UPC : 195712224452
Release Date : 12 August 2022




BOB TEMPEST & THE BUCCANEERS

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BOB TEMPEST & THE BUCCANEERS


BOB TEMPEST & THE BUCCANEERS

From Pete Chambers – Godiva Rocked to a Backbeat.
Line up
David (Dave) Rooney (Band leader)
Bob Davidson
Tony Beard (Rhythm Guitar)
Colin Kingsbear
Louie Woods
Phil Packham
Mal Jenkins

David (Dave) Rooney – band leader – was missed off. He’s on the far right in the picture. His first wife is in the picture too. Thanks to his daughter – Kellie Ziemba – for pointing out the omission.


Tony Beard (pictured) became a record plugger for Don Arden and ELO road manager. Phil Packham joined the Sorrows. Mal Jenkins joined Tony Martin and His Echo Four then Decca recording band The Pickwicks. Shared the bill at the Orchid with Johnny Kidd, Wee Willie Harris and Cuddly Dudley.

From Pete Chambers – Godiva Rocked to a Backbeat
Tony Beard ” They were glorious” reveals Tony “at the Orchid we shared the bill with Johnny Kid, Wee Willie Harris and Oh Boy favourite – Cuddly Dudley. Then we got to play further afield and met the likes of Eden Kane, Marty Wilde, Shane Fenton and the Dave Clarke. I continued to be one of the group’s rhythm guitarists (the band were unique in having a lead guitarist and two rhythm guitarists) but I took on the extra role as manager and got the bookings too.”

Among the many venues they played the General Wolf
Tony has also worked with the likes of Pete Waterman (including spending a whole night recording jingles for the Susan Cadogan record Hurt So Good).

Tony played on the original version of the Don Fardon hit Belfast Boy and was also involved with chart topper Eden Kane, glam rock band Hello, Guys and Dolls, Dollar and was a big part of the Electric Light Orchestra (From Pop in to the Past – Pete Chambers) –

http://www.bbc.co.uk/coventry/content/articles/2005/12/29/pop_past_eighteen_tony_beard.shtml

I think the name may have come from “The Buccaneers was a 1956 Sapphire Films television drama series for ITC Entertainment, networked by CBS in the US and shown on ATV and selected ITV companies in the UK.

Starring Robert Shaw as Dan Tempest, the series, aimed at children, followed the adventures of Tempest and his crew of former pirates as they made their way across the seven seas in The Sultana.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Buccaneers_(TV_series)



BOB BROLLY’S CALVARY

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BOB BROLLY’S CALVARY


Bob Brolly MBE is an award winning Radio Presenter working for BBC Radio in Coventry. His band Bob Brolly’s Calvary has toured the world.


From Pete Chambers Godiva Rocks
“All round nice guy and king of country and the Irish sound in the area. From Ireland to Coventry, from Calvary to solo projects, from Mercia Sound to BBC…his band Calvary later Bob Brolly’s Calvary were an M & B brewery promotion covers band including trumpet player John Gissane son of Pat Gissane of the showband.”

Bob was born in Derry and moved to Coventry with his family when he was 15. You can read more of his biography on his site


 Bob brolly’s Website. photos bio music links

More information on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Brolly





Blues to Go

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Blues to Go


Blues to Go
Founded in January 2012 – current band – contact via
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blues-2-Go/310028166349?sk=info&tab=page_info

Line up
Horace Panter – bass
Russell Munns – Drums
Rick Medlock – Drums (stand in drummer)
Peter Gardener – lead
Al Maynard – Vocals / Guitar


Four piece rocking blues band from the Midlands, have been together for eight years and their set includes the likes of  Stevie Ray Vaughan,  B B King, Gary Moore and Eric Clapton.
Bass player Horace Panter also plays with reformed top 80’s band “The Specials” and has also collaborated with Neol Davies of “Selecter” and “Public Enemy”. His book,”Ska’d For Life” about his time with “The Specials” was released in 2008.
Russel Munns is the new multi talented guy on drums. (In the video it’s Rick Medlock playing drums)
Pete Gardener on lead guitar? The youngest member of the band, Pete has a talent that belies his age. You have to hear him to believe him.
Al Maynard on vocals and rhythm guitar, fronts the band with a true blues style that is rarely found these days. His smooth tone combined with the presence of a true blues great will leave you feeling a bit special.