TAY QUEEN AD - 1981

From yesterdays royal visitor to the Tay, to todays royal worker on the Tay - the Tay Queen.

This ad, from a 1981 Courier, lets it be known that the Saturday evening cruise on this particular weekend, also included folk music.

VIC PETERSON OF THE PETERMEN - 1968

Scottish folk duo, The Petermen, were Mike Petrie from Glasgow and Vic Peterson from Dundee.
They formed in 1967 when Vic was only 17, not long after leaving Kirkton High, it would seem.
You can read a wee bit about them above, which is taken from the back of their album cover.
They made only the one album, released in 1968, but managed to recruit the services of The Strawbs as session musicians in the process!
It was a short lived venture however, as the 2 split in 1969.
In the early 70's, Vic teamed up with Diana Shearer and formed Juniper Green, cut a couple of albums and were stars of Opportunity Knocks!
Getting back to The Petermen though, here below is quite an amusing track from the album. It's called "The Buildings" and is about being forcibly evicted from your home. What's funny about it is the fact that it having been recorded in the 60's, they mention getting kicked out of their tenements to move into the "new" multi's that were springing up - but of course nowadays, it's the people in multi's who are being kicked out.
Michty meh!!

DEAN AND DAWN LIVE - 1982

Entertainment in Crieff back in 1982...

First there is a Friday night disco - £1:00 to get in.

Four days later, Dundee's TV and Radio stars Dean & Dawn are performing live in concert.

They also remind everyone that the duo are International Recording Artistes.

Wow...impressive.!

Wonder how much it was to go to that event?

Oh... 50p.

JOHN HUBAND TRIO - TANGERINE - 1973

Dundee accordionist, John Huband, was highly regarded on the folk circuit, a reputation which was enhanced when he teamed up with the illustrious, Jim Reid, also from Dundee.
However, it's not just folk music John had on his CV. In the mid 60's he released a couple of singles on Andy Lothian's ALP record label - these were traditional Scottish dance band tunes, one of which became famous for being the theme tune jingle to the newly established broadcaster, Radio Scotland.
On the "Live From Invercarse Hotel" LP recorded in 1973, the John Huband Trio, play a variety of musical styles - a touch of Bob Dylan, some Scottish reels, a bit of blues, a movie soundtrack, a dash of country & western, an Irish jig, and this one here, a jazz standard from the 1940's "Tangerine". Although it's a short track, it certainly showcases John's considerable accordion technique. The amount of activity he can squeeze in, in such a short space of time, is quite amazing! Accompanying him are Jim Cruickshank and Joe Mackay, who just manage to keep pace!
It is definitely more, hot club gypsy jazz, than folk!

DEAN AND DAWN ENCORE!

Admit it. You're dying to hear another Dean and Dawn delight!

Well you're spoilt for choice here with this EP they released in the late 80's.

5 new songs, which, in their own words on the record sleeve, will give their fans "something else to rave about"!!

Just what imaginary fantasy land were they living in?

Now if they had stated that they were a clubby act, then that would have been fair enough, but they were trying to pass themselves off as "International recording artistes" during it all.

Somehow they managed to avoid the Trades Description Act!

Anyway, getting back to the record, I already have songs up on Retro about the Discovery and the Balaena, so I thought I'd go for the hat-trick by choosing their song about the Unicorn.

You can't help like the amateurishness of this performance, what with Dean not knowing whether to, or how to, harmonise, cutting each attempt short. Then there's the big duff chord halfway through. Not forgetting the hilarious John Shuttleworth keyboard which makes the whole thing sound like a comedy record. Yes it truly is a classic!!

They say Dean and Dawn give their fans "something that no other performers have".

Now that's just asking for trouble..!!

Big thanks to the Bear

 

DUNDEE CHARITY ALBUM - 1978

To coincide with Rag Week 1978, the University brought out this LP to help the fund raising campaign.
"Dundee Folk" is an album of various artists from the folk scene, including - Aileen Carr - Fair Game - Chris Davies and a few others. It was recorded in Dundee and is on the Better Bacon Records label.
The sound sample I have chosen is by a band called Dingly Dell, who hail from just across the bridge, and it's a traditional folk song about the Dundee whaling ship "Balaena".

LOWLAND FOLK AND THE MEDIA #2

2 items relating to the release of Lowland Folk's single - "Discovery".

The top one is a review which appeared in the Courier's "Pop File" on 18th December 1986, and tells you a bit about the record and it's link to the Dundee Heritage Trust.

Below it is a letter written by band member, Anne Brown, which was sent to the Producer of the Derek Jameson Programme on BBC Radio 2, and dated 26th January 1987.

It contains details about the single along with the fact that it was getting plenty of airplay on Scotland's radio shows, and so felt that if it was to be played on national radio, the extra publicity would help raise funds to go towards the ship's restoration.

It also adds that Lowland Folk were to be performing at London's Royal Albert Hall in March that year.

A bit of a jump from the Woodlands Hotel!

Click items to enlarge.

LOWLAND FOLK AND THE MEDIA #1

The main members of Lowland Folk were - Stewart Brown, his wife Anne, and brother, Ramsay Brown.

They originally started off in the 60's as the Lowland Folk Four when Philip Gore was with them and were a very popular act on the folk circuit. As well as doing the biz live, they also made many recordings and TV appearances. On one occasion, they supplied the soundtrack to a television documentary about Dundee which was broadcast on BBC in 1966 to coincide with the opening of the Tay Road Bridge. In fact, a reminder that you can view the original preview of the programme from the '66 Radio Times, in the January 2009 Retro Archives.

The following year, they released an album called "Eh'll Tell The Boaby", which must be one of the earliest recordings to be sung in a broad Dundee accent.

Forward wind a couple of decades to 1986, and the Lowland Folk are still at it, this time bringing out a single to commemorate the return of the Discovery to Dundee. It was released on Broughty Ferry label, Balaena Records, and was recorded at Inner City Sound studios by Allan McGlone.

It was a bit of a departure from their traditional folk sound, opting instead for a moody Clannad kind of vibe. The session also featured Allan Barty on various stringed instruments and Derek Thomson on keyboards.

(Sorry for the crunchy noises on my vinyl copy by the way!)

Finally, a wee bit of trivia - Stewart Brown was also Editor of DC Thomson magazine, "My Weekly".

INNER CITY SOUND AD - 1982

An ad from 1982 for Inner City Sound recording studios in Dens Street.
It lists the gear on offer for all your recording needs & requirements, and at very competitive rates too!
Needless to say, local acts took advantage of their facilities...all sorts of bands ranging from Lowland Folk to Pigs Are Cute.
The boss at the controls was Mafia man, Allan McGlone.

JOHN MARTYN - BONAR HALL - 1984

25 years ago today, the Bonar Hall was the venue for an evening with John Martyn, singer, songwriter and guitar maestro. His laid back singing style and the things he could do with effects pedals were a joy to behold. He had released a few classic albums by the time this gig came about, so there was plenty material to dip into from his back catalogue.
He kept his career going in fact, right up to his death in January this year.

KEN HYDER ON DRUMS

Ken Hyder took up drumming when he was still at school (Harris), and has basically, stuck to it ever since.

He is one of the original innovators in fusing various musical styles from around the globe, physically exploring the planet and experimenting with sounds from other cultures, while still keeping a very strong link to his Scottish roots.

Ken formed his first band, Talisker, in 1969, a group that played free-jazz around Scottish themes. They recorded many albums with varying band line-ups, right up to the end of the 80's.

His collaborations on his other projects since, have taken Ken all around the world, playing with musicians from, South Africa, Latin America, Ireland, Japan, Siberia, well just about everywhere in fact, including recordings with Tibetan monks!

Needless to say he has a huge discography, far too many to list here (around 40 albums) that include work with top names in jazz and folk, again the list is too large to specify.

The wee music sample I have here is from Taliskers 1975 debut album "Dreaming Of Glenisla" - a track called "Diddlin' For The Bairns". The "diddlin" refers to the drumming term "paradiddle" which let's you know that it is a drum solo. Don't expect any rock drumming or jazz drumming cliches though!

The sample is taken direct off my vinyl copy so it comes with crackles and clicks!!

Ken is still going strong today, and continuing with the Scottish themes. In the case of his latest album release, an obvious Dundee linked title is one called "Lochee To Sibi - Return". Nice one!!

DON PATERSON - CREATIVE ALL-ROUNDER

Son of Russ Paterson (see previous post), multi-talented Don has been involved in the creative arts straight from leaving school in the 70's when he had a stint working on the Commando comics. From there he embarked on a career in music, and after getting a fair bit of experience playing guitar around the social clubs in Dundee, he went on to lead a trio in the 80's which included Nico Bruce (nephew of Jack). Next up was a group called Restless Natives, a free-improvising collective that included fellow Dundonian, Ken Hyder on drums. Ken, who had his own 70's jazz-folk band, Talisker, still operating, got Don to join them in 1984, with a line-up that included King Crimson violinist, David Cross. When Talisker split a while later, Don formed the successful Celtic-jazz outfit, Lammas, with well known saxophonist Tim Garland, and recorded numerous albums over the next few years with them.
By this time, Don's other talents were flourishing, most notably writing poetry and plays. He has won many important awards for his books of poetry, and his plays have been broadcast on radio as well as performed live on stage, including "Land of Cakes" at Dundee Rep.
And if that wasn't enough, he is also editor for a publishing company, a journalist and teaches at St Andrews University. Phew!!
His own personal website is currently under construction, but you can read about his career in more detail on various literature and poetry related sites on the net, not to mention a general overview available on Wikipedia.
Oh yeah, nearly forgot, add O.B.E. to his name too!!

RUSS PATERSON ON GUITAR

Russ Paterson started playing guitar and harmonica with a Dundee group called the Inn Folk back in the early 60's. Around the same time, he was also involved in setting up the very successful Dundee Folk Club, which went on to organise many a memorable night at the Woodlands Hotel. As well as playing the local clubs, Russ has also performed at the Caird Hall quite a few times sharing the stage with the likes of Tom Paxton, Hamish Imlach, The Corries, Archie Fisher to name just a few.
In the late 70's he joined The Cameron Kerr Three and gigged with them for a couple of years.
From the 80's onwards he has performed mostly as a solo artist but occasionally finding time to sit in as guest with other acts, including a few blues sessions with his sons, Don and Stephen.
Russ now runs the Dundee Folk Club website, which you will find in with the Retro Dundee links down the left. He also has a link to his own blog on the site. Lots of Dundee photos and info from the 60's to view.
The advert above was for a gig at the Royal Centre Hotel in November 1976.
His son Don, is the subject of tomorrows post.

THE WALLY DUGS ROAD TO DUNDEE

I thought I'd end the Tay Road Bridge sequence by having a wee sing-song!

Dundee folk band, The Wally Dugs, were on the go in the 70's and 80's.

The band line-up was - Pat Finnigan - George Getty & Neil McLeod.

All 3 sang and played a variety of traditional instruments including guitars, mandolin, bagpipes, banjo & whistle.

The band had a stint as resident band at the Nine Maidens in Downfield - the ad above dated March 1977.

They also released an album in the 80's, with the dramatic cover of Dundee painted by band member Neil McLeod.

And so to play us out, here's a stirring bagpipe version of well known title track "The Road To Dundee", which I'm sure you'll all be able to sing along to..!!

PENTANGLE - CAIRD HALL - 1970

If you ignore the old fogies in the foreground, you'll be able to spot something more worthwhile taking place at the Caird Hall in the background.
A billboard poster advertising a concert by Pentangle on 5 April 1970
The band were at full strength for this visit - Bert Jansch, Danny Thompson & co - and a few months later, Pentangle were sharing the stage with Jimi Hendrix at the Isle of Wight festival.

HANK LOCKLIN & HUMBLEBUMS - CAIRD HALL - 1970

I was flicking through an old Courier I have, dated 11 April 1970, and I spotted this review of a concert that had taken place in Dundee the previous night.
Country & Western singer, Hank Locklin with his backing band Country Fever were top of the bill. Not a show I was at but he seems to have gone down rather well judging by the FIVE ENCORES he got!
Sharing the bill were the Scottish duo, The Humblebums, featuring Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly, who played a selection of hill-billy music, rock, folk and "comedy".
Yeah that Gerry Rafferty is a really funny guy. Not sure what happend to the other one though!!

STEELEYE SPAN - CAIRD HALL - 1972

The photos of Steeleye Span on stage at the Caird Hall were taken by my brother on 28th October 1972.

The band was probably the most commercial of the folk-rock acts that were on the go at that time.

The line-up did chop & change around this period so the only definite on the blurry images is vocalist, Maddy Prior, although that's probably Peter Knight (wearing the hat) on fiddle. I wouldn't want to commit myself on the other members on view.

The support act on the night was another folk-rock band, The Amazing Blondel. Don't know much about them, but a wee bit of trivia I have is that Eurythmic, Dave Stewart, used to be roadie with The Amazing Blondel as well as occasional guitarist!

LOWLAND FOLK FOUR with BRIAN COX - 1966

This is taken from the Radio Times, dated 17th August 1966. A 40 minute documentary on BBC1 featuring an unusual Dundee double act... music performed by local band Lowland Folk Four and narration supplied by a budding young actor called Brian Cox.
I was only 8 years old when this was broadcast. Unfortunately I have no memory of the programme, but from what I gather the content consisted of a tour around Dundee, old and new, set to music. If anyone remembers anything about it feel free to drop the details into the comments. Or, if someone out there has an actual copy of it, do let me know.
Click on the image to enlarge it to read.

ALP RECORD ADVERTS - 1966

These 3 ads for Andy Lothian's ALP Records were all published around summer / autumn in 1966.
The releases were kind of split into 2 categories - the pop/blues/folk/jazz stuff and the traditional Scottish material.
Some Dundee acts were involved needless to say - The Poor Souls, Peter & Alison, John Huband and Andy Lothian too.
ALP hooked up with Polydor Records and got a good deal with them running the behind the scenes activity - management, promotion, publicity, advertising, distribution etc.
The first record put out on ALP was by The Red Hawks which got to number 1 in Radio Scotland's pop chart, and it also made it into Radio London's top 40.
At the time of the adverts, the latest ALP release was by trendy Glasgow band, Studio Six.

PETER & ALISON'S TAY BRIDGE RECORD - 1966

To coincide with the opening of the Tay Road Bridge in 1966, Dundee duo Peter & Alison, released a single called "Highway O'er The Sea".
It came out on Andy Lothian's ALP record label.
For the record cover photo-shoot, it seems they got the brand new bridge all to themselves!
The advert for the single was published in a national music paper in August 1966.
To read a bit about them and the record, you can click onto the article above which dates from September 1966.