When I was [a lot] younger my first job after leaving school was as a clerk for H. ROWE [pop company] they supplied most of the north east with a concoction called Hubbly Bubbly and on a Saturday afternoon [after work] I used to get dropped off in town. I can remember going to a club and it could be one of three places but it was definitely upstairs: MUSCLE INN, CLUB A GOGO or the one on Forth Banks and seeing Jesse Fuller, I was at the side of the stage where his 'footdella' was and got brief glimpses of him swaying back and forwards the music was great and I remember him playing San-Francisco Bay Blues about four times the place was packed out and at first I thought it had been a trio playing. I think it would have been 1963 ish any idea where this may have been? Ray Stubbs..
Can anyone help? Jesse Fuller recorded the album pictured above in London in 1965 so maybe he toured the UK that year.
I remember Harry Rowe - they had a place on Condercum Road. I worked for Reavley's another mineral water company. I drove a truck with "Top of the Pops" emblazoned across the tailboard!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it would be the New Orleans Club on Forth Banks where you saw Jesse Fuller (was this where it all began for you?) as it wasn't upstairs. Could it have been the Down Beat on Carliol Square?
Hi Ray
ReplyDeleteI can't help with the history but I did hear you on Gary Hogg's 'Geordie Hour' on Radio Tyneside on Sunday (Jan 15th). See you at the Central Bar on Sunday 29th.
Russell