AMERSHAM - JET HARRIS TRIBUTE NIGHT

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Way back in 1963 (following an appearance on "Thank Your Lucky Stars") - Billie Davis and Jet began a deep, intense personal relationship. With Jet still very high profile and the young, vivacious Billie crashing into the charts in her own right - they became (in current day jargon) a 'celebrity' couple. Sadly, it all began to go wrong big time following a serious road accident in September, 1963. Although badly injured herself, Billie pulled the unconscious Jet from the wreckage - probably saving his life in the process. With Jet's career in ruins and his health (compounded by serious drink problems) shattered, Billie stuck by him through thick and thin until they parted company during 1964. But....they stayed friends and toured together once again for several years in the new Millennium. They go back a long way.

Rapiers fans already know that Jet Harris (along with the other original Shadows) was Colin Pryce - Jones' all - time musical hero and inspiration. For Colin it was dream come true when, in early 1987, he not only met Jet in person but also began a professional working relationship spanning almost a quarter of a century. Because of his musical influence on so many all over the world - Jet's death has affected so many of us. Billie and the Rapiers wanted to put on a musical evening to pay their own personal tribute to Jet in the best way that they could - with lots of live music. The stalwarts on the committee at Amersham R'n'R Club (Jim Grant and Ralph Gowling prominent amongst them) also loved Jet and his music and so it was a fitting venue and a complete sell out - another testament to Jet's continuing popularity. I was one such in the audience. I know that many people who couldn't make it might welcome some kind of report. I wasn't sitting and making notes - so here is a brief summary.

"Jet Harris - From There To Here" (DVD). Billie Davis and director / producer Mark Windows have spent a good part of the last three years working on an affectionate documentary about Jet's life and career - featuring lots of direct - to - camera 'Vox Pops' from Jet himself - filmed outside the 2is site, the London Palladium and Rose Cottage on the I.O.W. amongst other places. Lots of musical clips and 'Talking Heads' contributions from Colin Pryce - Jones, Frank Allen, Mo Foster, Jim Nugent and many more. A very affectionate and well - put together film which received warm applause from the packed Amersham hall. Further details on how to order this DVD here: http://www.meandmyshadows.co.uk/news.html

Well - then the fantastic Rapiers playing so many Shadows numbers (as only they can) associated with Jet: "Apache", "Shadoogie", "Wonderful Land" and so on. Plus, of course, "Nivram" - with Nathan Hulse providing a brilliant performance of Jet's immortal solo. Colin interspersed the numbers with his own little acknowledgments to Jet and highlighting his achievements - his comments struck just the right tone and there was lots of humour too.

Alan Jones (one of the UK's greatest ever bassists) then came on to play several of the numbers which would have been performed by Jet himself had he still been with us & the Rapiers were joined by keyboards player Paul. Colin persuaded Alan (who was very reluctant and modest to a fault) to say a few words about Jet. Again, Alan's words were well chosen, to the point and utterly sincere. Basically, Jet was his idol and inspired him to take up the bass guitar. In latter years - Alan admitted that it was odd (& that he found it embarrassing) when Jet would repeatedly tell him that he (Jet) was now inspired by Alan's awesome prowess on the bass and that he (Alan) was now Jet's hero!!! Quite frankly, Alan was absolutely superb as he blasted out "Besame Mucho", the fabulous "Man With The Golden Arm", "Diamonds" and more. A simply peerless performance.

Colin had persuaded Colin Powell (an excellent singer from the 'BrumBeat' days) - who had lots of excellent record releases out in the 60s without any commercial success (which he richly deserved) - to revisit his back catalogue. Keith still has a really powerful and soulful voice - which he used to great effect as he belted out several classics. My own favourites were red hot, rockin' versions of "New Orleans", "Too Much Monkey Business" and "Tore Up". Just recently - Keith has been appearing in a new touring show with Billie Davis. They'd previously worked together well over 40 years ago. They harmonise fantastically well together. So....Billie joined Keith for a few numbers including "Dreaming", "Dream Lover" and "Tell Him" (I think!). Amazingly, Keith also revealed that Bruce Welch and Jet Harris were responsible for his own first big break in show business. As a 15 year old 'nobody' (as he put it!) he'd been to see Cliff & the Shads at the Birmingham Hippodrome in 1959. He'd waited for ages outside the theatre hoping to ask Cliff for advice (not realising that Cliff was long gone from the venue already). In fact, there was no - one else around when Bruce and Jet came out. After a brief conversation, theytook him to meet the theatre manager and asked if (on their behalf!!) he could help Keith out with contacts etc -and he duly did!!! Keith has never forgotten such an act of kindness from them.

Billie Davis was in terrific form - I don't think that I've heard her sing better in the last ten years or so since I started going to her shows. She didn't get maudlin over Jet either. Her comments were quite dignified, sincere and touching. As well as the numbers already mentioned she was truly 'on song' for numbers such as "I Want You To Be My Baby" and "(Your Love Keeps On Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" whilst the tear - jerking "Angel Of The Morning" was poignancy personified. Topping even that - a magnificent rendition of James Taylor's "Fire And Rain" - slightly adapted as a final tribute to Jet. Amazing and truly heartwarming.

To round off the evening the Rapiers had persuaded Russ Sainty to join in with the show. What a lovely guy Russ is. He's also still really sprightly and in fine voice at the age of 75!! His energy and enthusiasm were infectious. Russ recalled that he first met Jet at the 2is way back in 1957. The audience was up and dancing as Russ more than ably took Cliff's part in several classic hits including: "Gee Whiz It's You", "Travelling Light", "Living Doll", "I Love You" and "Move It". Lovely stuff and how great it was to hear Colin & the boys authentically re - creating the superb backing that the Shadows provided on those original hits from way back when. They are timeless. As a special treat Russ also performed his own great 'lost classic' "Unforgettable Love". It deserved to be a hit in 1963 and Russ told everyone that it was the very first time he'd ever performed it live.

Oh, and by the way, a certain Mr Bruce Welch also stopped by to lend his support to the event. He is now looking really well and fighting fit once more (those of us who saw him at Jet's funeral in March were shaken by his gaunt appearance at the time). So, how wonderful it was to see him looking so good once again. Bruce had declined to say anything during the evening, preferring to keep a low profile - but he was persuaded to join the Rapiers onstage - playing splendid acoustic rhythm guitar for a spirited rendition of "36 - 24 - 36". Brilliant. Shortly afterwards he was jokingly asking Neil Ainsby for 'advice and tips' as he stood near the front of the stage as the Rapiers blazed through "The Savage". I forgot to acknowledge John Tuck's superb "See You In My Drums" earlier and Neil Ainsby played the acoustic lead guitar on "Applejack" to perfection. There was a 'special' raffle featuring a guitar autographed by all the night's performers (including Bruce) and an absolutely wonderful coloured oil - painting of Jet, painted and donated by John Skelton (is there no end to that man's talent?). A wonderful, happy evening dedicated to Jet's memory. Thanks to all involved - not least the long - suffering Janet Pryce - Jones who put in a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes.

Rob Bradford

(PS: Apologies if I missed anyone out or mixed up any songs etc - as I said - I wasn't making notes. This is written 'straight off' - 12 hours after the event)

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Colin Powell?? D'Oh!! Of course - it's Keith Powell!! Sorry Keith!!! Got befuddled with a conversation about Colin Wood!!! Tsk!Tsk!

Rob

[AlanMcKillop]

Thanks Rob a good read.

[rogera]

Very informative - sounds to have been a wonderful tribute.

[audreyk]

Thanks Rob ... an excellent report

[Jay Bass]

Hi Rob
Sounds like it was great night, thanks for the report wish i could have been there.

Regards
Jay

[fullerton62strat]

Due to Rob's excellent account of the Tribute night several people have rung me to ask what the portrait of Jet was like.

I had planned this contribution after talking to Billie at the funeral when she told me about the plans for a tribute night. I had planned to attend, but due to gig commitments was unable to. I delivered the painting to Billie when she was visiting Evesham some weeks ago and am very pleased that it was won by a very loyal fan of Jet's (a young lady called Joe).

Colin tell's me the night was a total success and Bruce's appearance was an added bonus.

For those of you who were unable to attend I have posted these two pics to cover your curiosity!

Billie taking delivery in Evesham and The Framed painting.

John

[barryg]

I have posted some photos of the Jet Harris Memorial evening on The Rapiers Facebook page and I'll try and get some on this site tomorow.

Barry

[gogarrio]

Great report, Rob! I always count on you to reflect the evening if I can't attend. On the phone before the show, Colin P-J was truly excited to be backing Keith Powell and Russ Sainty on THEIR singles, not just random rock 'n' roll covers.

[Martin Payne]

Thank goodness there is someone on this site with your literary abilities Rob, who's able to give us excellent write-ups we can enjoy.... most especially for those of us that simply aren't able to be there! So many thanks for this one.

Having problems getting into the site for the DVD....is there another link available?

Thanks again,

Martin