Geoff Downs the man who inspired me to play drums as a 20 year old then enjoyed many years playing N.O jazz in many bands even supporting the great man himself the memories will never fade.
I had the pleasure of working with Monty as his soundman/roadie up until his retirement which, stangely enough, was shortly after the deaths of Barry Dew and Ian Hunter-Randall. Barry certainly had a banjo workshop in the back of a shop in Chapel Market which if I remember rightly was a converted truck container accessible from the rear car park and he did indeed use the pub as "His office" It's nice also to see Geoff Downs the drummer who, like Monty, was struck down by strokes.. Syd
I dont think ken could be in anyones shadow,,,all top guys at the top of there game,in uk jazz,,,,true jazz men,heart and soul,,,,nuff said,,great,,thanks,,
Barry Dew certainly seemed a lovely guy. Some time in the late 80s or early 90s he renovated an old banjo for me. I'd spoken to him on the phone, and I was instructed to meet him at lunchtime in a pub across the street in Chapel Market that seemed to serve him as some sort of extended office. My memory could be wrong about this, but I'm sure when I came back to collect the instrument, I had to go through a chip shop and up some stairs to get access to his workshop. Quite a character.
Barry Dew died in the mid / late nineties. He was a chain smoker and the arteries in his legs had furred up. He was also a heavy drinker. He had an operation on the legs and was told that he must not smoke again. Stu Morrison and Andre Beeson anongst others tried to wean him off the booze and Barry did try to kick the two habits but weakened after a short while before returning to his demons. Monty was taken ill shortly after Barry's death and Tony Scrivens took over with Louis Lince on Banjo
At the end there was a text about the 25 years jubilee of the old merry tale jazz band. This text was so big that you could hardly see something of the band.
I saw Monty and his band about 15 years ago in my home town. He and his men put on a great show. Barry Dew (bj & voc) was still with him then. Barry sadly died in the meantime and Monty is in very bad shape.
I appreciate the explanation for the abrupt ending. However, the text would not have interfered with the music, would it? Would it be possible to re-post with the complete clip so all of the song would be available? This is a really great performance and I for one, would really enjoy hearing it all.
Great rendition of this old time gospel tune. I can see the band in uniform and the men carrying the coffin.
What a legacy these men left just brilliant!!
Geoff Downs the man who inspired me to play drums as a 20 year old then enjoyed many years playing N.O jazz in many bands even supporting the great man himself the memories will never fade.
I had the pleasure of working with Monty as his soundman/roadie up until his retirement which, stangely enough, was shortly after the deaths of Barry Dew and Ian Hunter-Randall. Barry certainly had a banjo workshop in the back of a shop in Chapel Market which if I remember rightly was a converted truck container accessible from the rear car park and he did indeed use the pub as "His office" It's nice also to see Geoff Downs the drummer who, like Monty, was struck down by strokes.. Syd
This is what I have been looking for
I love every tune played by Ken Coyler and Monty Sunshine band. Thanks for sharing.
Thats pure happines. Thanks Monty.
I dont think ken could be in anyones shadow,,,all top guys at the top of there game,in uk jazz,,,,true jazz men,heart and soul,,,,nuff said,,great,,thanks,,
sweet ending song - great good ol gospel..."we will shout Hallelujah after awhile." until then.... ✨
Great to hear the vocal version of this standard.
I love the Sound!
Barry Dew certainly seemed a lovely guy.
Some time in the late 80s or early 90s he renovated an old banjo for me.
I'd spoken to him on the phone, and I was instructed to meet him at lunchtime in a pub across the street in Chapel Market that seemed to serve him as some sort of extended office.
My memory could be wrong about this, but I'm sure when I came back to collect the instrument, I had to go through a chip shop and up some stairs to get access to his workshop.
Quite a character.
I do also remember visting Barry taking that strange way to his shop.
Monty passed away 30/10 2010. RIP.
Fantastyczni👍❤
Barry Dew died in the mid / late nineties. He was a chain smoker and the arteries in his legs had furred up. He was also a heavy drinker. He had an operation on the legs and was told that he must not smoke again. Stu Morrison and Andre Beeson anongst others tried to wean him off the booze and Barry did try to kick the two habits but weakened after a short while before returning to his demons. Monty was taken ill shortly after Barry's death and Tony Scrivens took over with Louis Lince on Banjo
At the end there was a text about the 25 years jubilee of the old merry tale jazz band. This text was so big that you could hardly see something of the band.
What a legacy these giants left Should be compulsory listening for the young who don't know what syncopation is
Since my previous post 3 months ago it was sad to hear that the drummer here, Geoff Downs, passed away in November 2009
Syd Appleton I remember Geoff coming to Sidcup Jazz Club in a wheelchair, bless him.
I saw Monty and his band about 15 years ago in my home town. He and his men put on a great show. Barry Dew (bj & voc) was still with him then. Barry sadly died in the meantime and Monty is in very bad shape.
KEN WAS TO GOOD FOR MOST OF THE BANDS HE PLAYED IN DEN JOHNSON
As a Colyer purist I feel that this is not really his scene. But thanks for the clip.
John Brignal te
sorry, ken is blown away by this band ...
Absolutely great tune :) too bad it cuts off at the end
Who's on the drums? Great crisp sound, and swings like the clappers.
I appreciate the explanation for the abrupt ending. However, the text would not have interfered with the music, would it? Would it be possible to re-post with the complete clip so all of the song would be available? This is a really great performance and I for one, would really enjoy hearing it all.
Sorry to say, It´s Monty with Ken.
Geoff Downs on drums
Monty's the man
sorry, but this band was a mess! Ken is too good for this bunch!
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