Jet's "Diamonds Are Trumps" Album

[donna plasky]

Hi, everybody. I have just recently discovered how much I like Jet's "Diamonds Are Trumps" album, with Bobby Graham. I bought it as an mp3 download some time ago, and so I don't have the physical CD or booklet, but I wish I would have played this album sooner because I love it. I am curious as to how well received this album was when it was new, and/or do most of you like it? It would be difficult to choose a favourite track from the album, as I like all of them, but I think I'll say "Tequila" is my favourite because Jet's sense of humour comes through so strongly on that tune.

Thanks and kind regards,
Donna

[russ]

Hi Donna

Yes I think its a great album too, everyone involved seems to be having a great time.
Sounds like it was fun to make, and that comes through with the humour.
Very enjoyable to listen to.
It's a shame there wasn't a follow up or something similar.

[Uncle Fiesta]

Yes, just shows what a fantastic guy Jet was ... and such a great loss to the Shadows music community his demise was.

[iefje]

Yes, I think it's a great album too. Unfortunately, apart from Jet, Bobby Graham is also no longer with us. I am reading Jet's book "In Spite Of Everything" at the moment and have learned that Jet did not play lead on the original versions of "Scarlett O'Hara", "Applejack", "The Tall Texan" and much later "Theme For A Fallen Idol". Not because of his guitar skills, but because of the reasons everyone knows. I think it is great that Jet has re-recorded all of these on his 1988 album "Anniversary Album" and "Theme For A Fallen Idol" again for the "Diamonds Are Trumps" album, so eventually he has put his stamp (and a great one) on those great tracks. I have met Jet for the first time in 1997 together with the Local Heroes and he was one of the most friendly people I have ever met. On top of that, that particular evening, he played a stunning solo spot during the Local Heroes' concert! Such a pity he too is no longer with us.

[David Martin]

It's not widely known, but Jet had no cash and no recording deal to finance that album, so I suggested to him that he asked fans to pay for the album in advance of it being recorded, and that they be rewarded with a special edition when the cd emerged... These special cds have a gold stamp on them and came - after a long delay - with a signed photo of Jet and Bobby.

[dave robinson]

It's not widely known, but Jet had no cash and no recording deal to finance that album, so I suggested to him that he asked fans to pay for the album in advance of it being recorded, and that they be rewarded with a special edition when the cd emerged... These special cds have a gold stamp on them and came - after a long delay - with a signed photo of Jet and Bobby.

Remember it well - got one.

[donna plasky]

What a special story, about the autographed edition of the CD. I never knew that. The other day, when I googled Bobby Graham's name, I felt sad and surprised when I saw the search results all said "Bobby Graham (1940-2009)". Iefje has answered a question that I really wanted to ask but was afraid to -- that it is, in fact, Jet playing on the "Diamonds Are Trumps" album. I am sympathetic to the situation about Jet not playing on certain recordings in the past.

I found a few interviews of Jet on YouTube. Maybe you've seen them before. The first one -- I've posted it once before. So I apologise for the duplication. This particular interview, now that I've reflected upon it, seems to coincide with Iefje saying he saw Jet with The Local Heroes...I think this interview (though in Italy) is probably from that tour. The second interview seems like it might have slightly preceded with album with Bobby Graham, as Jet is discussing his unfortunate financial status. And the third goes back a little farther in time, where Jet seemingly wasn't involved in music at all.

I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this subject with you and to share my feelings, and to hear about your feelings. I don't only think about Jet on his birthday and/or on the anniversary of his passing. There are days like today, where I just realise what a great loss it is that Jet is gone.

Kind regards,
Donna