Contact: mikeaguitarman@blueyonder.co.uk
As the page title suggests, a right mixture of pics of me, Chris & friends we've made over the years.
Here's some photos from the dim dark past: We'll start with one of my brother Dave and me (left) when I was about 15. The guitar I was playing was a Hofner Congress which cost me the princely sum of £19. I delivered a lot of newspapers to get that but it was worth it at the time. By today's standards it was like wrestling with a tree trunk, the action left a lot to be desired, but I always seemed to manage to get a tune out of it.
The picture right shows me with a Framus guitar.
It's a shame it's only black & white because you can't see the gorgeous sunburst colour.
At the time I thought it was the biz, but what do you know at sweet 16.
Pictured left, the Blackjacks. In the late 50's/early 60's it was one of the most popular groups in Plymouth. I'm third from the left and the guitar was a Hofner Committee, the guitar at that time. Once again, I wish I had a colour pic because it really was a work of art. Pretty to look at but, by today's standards a pig to play. (Click pic to enlarge)
Here's me (right) doing my Elvis bit in a group called the Hepcats. Again a very popular group who's name is still spoken in revered tones by people of that era (early 60's). The guitar was a Harmony slimline and by this time the action on guitars was getting a lot better.
(Click picture to enlarge)
Next right, one of my trusty Westwood Accoustic. It's a copy of an Ovation at about a third the price and plays like a dream.
I'm afraid the years have taken their toll and the thick mop of black hair has turned to a distinguished silver grey, and a trifle thin at that!
Next, a more recent picture (left) shows a longer-haired specimen (it goes with the hat) proudly holding his new toy, an Ovation Celebrity. When I tried it out I wasn't over-impressed with the nut spacing especially on the top three strings, so I had a new bone nut fitted to my specifications and now it plays a treat. Nigel, the guy who owns the Music Shop commented that although it didn't look right it certainly played right!
Another piece of impressive kit on the Celebrity is the OP30 module (pictured right) which gives plenty of graphic control to the user. There's even a built-in tuner !
I always keep my word so Gwyndaf here's the photos I promised.The first (left) at the tender age of 6 months, king of all I surveyed!
The picture right was sent to my great aunt by my mother when I was 13, I think there ought to be a law against it!
A picture of me (left) giving it hell in the early days. I'm not saying I'm old but look at the mics, remember the old Reslo's, if you touched it with your lip you got a belt. Still it kept you on your toes!
While we're on the subject of the dim dark past, how's about the picture right that I dug out of the archives. It was taken in 1957 on the beach in Looe, Cornwall where we gave people there an impromptu session of Skiffle and Country Music. I never did know what happened to the Stetson but back then it was my pride and joy!
Recently I met a couple of friends from long ago, Ann and Brian Brownlow, who were stalwart fans back in the good ol' Rock'n Roll days. I was shown a photograph of our band The Blackjacks playing at a their wedding reception in 1960! Although I couldn't remember the actual gig, it brought back a flood of memories of the great era. and we spent some time talking about one thing or another back then. Left is a thumbnail of the photo for those who suffer from the nostalgia bug now and then, which shows us playing our hearts out, those were the days!
On the right, a picture which holds fond memories of our time in Nashville.
From left to right it's Shirley Myers, Chris, Rusty (Leanne Rimes steel player) and me.
On the left, me with an awesome guitarist it was my privilege to hear and meet, Jeff Garris. An instrumental duet he played with Rusty left me with my head spinning!
On the right, a man who is a guitar legend in his own time, Albert Lee. A shining example of, not only a superb guitarist, but a very genuine, down to earth gent with no airs & graces.
On the left, another real gent, Charlie Landsborough who Chris & I had the pleasure of meeting in Torquay, Devon. A more sincere guy you couldn't wish to meet.
On the right, me with my good mate Ramrod who hails from Clevedon. We met several years ago at the Brean Festival, and have been firm friends ever since.
Another great memory left shows me with 2 old friends when I ran a trio called Weethree. On the left Mike Rowe, a great bassman, & in the middle, Al Collins, a great drummer.
On the right is my Chris with lovely Jaynie from Souls & Stone. We haven't seen them for a long time but we still keep in touch.
On the left, me and my adopted son, Chris James (a long-standing joke between us) and every time we speak to each other, Chris & his good lady Dawn, still call us Ma& Da!
On the right, a veteran Country singer of the old school, Syd Newman who, sadly underwent major surgery when a main artery split open. Although he literally died in surgery, he, thankfully, lived to fight another day, for which we are all extremely thankful.
On the left is Chris with Davey& Malc of MT Allan. We met Davey (left) years ago when he was playing with Vis & Bob in the original No Regrets,but have only met Malc once because, we don't get around much these days, and they don't venture down this far.
On the right, Chris & I at a "Mexican"evening.
On the left, me with (from left to right) Dale, Bobby & Bob of Kalibre, a great trio.
Pictured right is Chris with our friend Norman who, judging by the look on his face, thinks he's died and gone to Heaven!
Left, another veteran of Country Music, our old mate Slim Pickins.
On the right, me with a little lady with an awesome voice, Gemma Fairweather. She is,in my opinion, one of the best female artistes on the scene, and has a lovely personality to boot.
Pictured left, Chris & I with Terry Maher & Bonnie (right) and their friends
On the right, Jim Ryder (on the right) with his son Adam, two more great friends of ours.
The pic on the left shows my good friend Bobby Jones (far right), John Williams & myself jamming together at a festival. I had to laugh when I noticed all the CD cases open for business!
On the right, one for the scrapbooks showing me with Gwynday (left) & Len (right) who used to be Closing Time. Sadly, no longer an item.
Pictured left, me being presented with a cake by Steve. It was to remind me that I, unfortunately fell asleep during another artiste's show, something they were determined, I was not going to be allowed to forget!
Right, a bigger picture of said cake, the CD on my lap is entitled "Dean's Lullabys"!
On the left, a picture of my lovely lady Chris dancing in one of the gorgeous dresses she made.
On the right, a picture of my mate Ramrod, holding a mascot that was given to him by our friends, Joy & Bob. He was over the moon and it goes everywhere with him.
Like many pictures, the one on the left tells a story. Jaynie & Gregg (Souls & Stone) had driven down from Westwood, Notts, to do a gig just outside Plymouth, only to find on unloading the gear that Gregg's stage clothes were missing. I fixed him up with a shirt & trousers but the hat and boots were too small, hence the trainers!
Pictured right, my mate Foxy with Butch. No, he's not snarling, that's what he does when you ask him if he's cleaned his teeth!
On the left, living proof that I'd played on the stage of the original Grand Ol' Oprey, (the Ryman Auditorium).
Another story picture right, of when Jim & Adam (Ryder & James) were playing at one of the Oswestry festivals in the marquee. It was belting down with rain which, unfortunately, was leaking down on them. So Foxy & Rick got up on stage with a couple of big brollies. Good one!
