Post 87 - Marcia Hines & Jon English - Jokers & Queens

Jonathon James English born 26 March 1949 in Hampstead, London, England is an Australian rock singer, musician, actor and writer. Jon English immigrated to Australia with his parents in 1961. He was an early vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Sebastian Hardie but left to take on the role of Judas Iscariot in the Australian version of the stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar from May 1972. Marcia Elaine Hines, born 20 July 1953 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA is a vocalist, actress and TV personality who achieved success in her adopted homeland of Australia. Hines debuted, at the age of sixteen, in the Australian version of the stage musical Hair and followed with the role of Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar. Now I could write for ages about these two great artists and their many successes, but this post brings them together in 1982 with their mini LP "Jokers & Queens" (NITELP101) backed on guitar by John Dallimore (ex Redhouse) & Ross East (ex Copperwine), Keith Kerwin (ex Avengers), bass John Coker, Bruno Distanislo, Keyboards Charlie Hull, Peter Deacon (ex Nitro), Steve Ball (ex Kush), Drums Greg Henson (ex Ben Turpin), Hamish Stuart (ex Ayers Rock), Sunil De Silva (ex Hot City Bump Band). Recorded for Midnight Records with 3 original and 3 covers produced by Charlie Hull & Jon and yet it's another one of those great LP's that haven't seen the CD format as yet.

Post 86 - Dave Allenby – Let’s Get A Little Sentimental / Bygone Days

London born cockney comedian and recording artist Dave Allenby came to Australia in 1970 after a highly successful career on the UK club circuit. During the 60s, he supported a host of major acts in the UK, including Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Cilla Black, Tommy Cooper, Edward Woodward and Olivia Newton John. He had roles in hit movies, including Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines and Heroes of Telemark and also charted in the UK with "Where Has All the Love Gone" on RCA in 1969. His first break in Australia in 1970 was to tour widely as a support act with legendary group The Beach Boys. Dave's good fortune continued in 1970 with his recording of "She Works in a Woman's way / Midnight Special", backed by Sydney band Autumn, saw plenty of chart action later that year. “She Works in a Woman's way” was the hit, while “Midnight Special” was a great live version, recorded at legendary Sydney club, Chequers. Both tracks on the single were produced by Barrie McAskill from Levi Smith's Clefs. Barrie also had a hand in Dave's follow-up single in 1971 featured here to download “Let's Get A Little Sentimental / Bygone Days” (CHK – 4132). Penned by Mike Leander & Eddie Seago, the B side written by bass player Yuk Harrison (ex The Meating, Max Merritt & The Meteors, Ray Brown & The Whispers, Ray Columbus & The Invaders and Levi Smith’s Clefs). Though failing to repeat the chart success of Dave's first single release in Australia, “Let's Get A Little Sentimental” is a fine version of a song most often associated with UK group, The Montanas. Craig Scott recorded a hit version in New Zealand. Dave was backed by Levi Smith's Clef's band on both tracks. Dave had at least one other single release in 1971 “Sweet Gingerbread Man/Who Wrote That song”, produced by Pat Aulton.  There are suggestions of a further single called Sail Away in the 70s. After that, Dave concentrated on TV appearances including Number 96 (where he played Dr Wilkinson), Homicide, Matlock Police and the Mike Walsh Show. He is still performing occasionally around the clubs in country NSW to this day. And a big thank you to Peter McCray for the help with the notes on Dave much appreciated.

Post 85 - Cheek - So Much In Love / Do You Have A Soul?

The Punkz came to the attention of Glenn A. Baker who also managed Ol'55. Mushroom Records issued "Anyway You Want It" in 1976 and "Take Me For What I'm Worth" 1977. Neither song made an impact on the charts. Soon after, the band changed it's name to Cheek and covered The Mighty Avengers' "So Much In Love" penned by Mick Jagger and the B side a Vanda & Young song "Do You Have A Soul? It reached #23 in Melbourne in January 1978. Cheek started recording an album that never was completed, "Leave My Heart Alone" was issued in June '78 and wasn't successful and in August '78 the band broke up.

Post 84 - Freefall - Drinking Pina Colada / Funny Situations

Sydney funk sounding band Freefall only released two singles and one LP for Festival. The first single for you to download is from 1980 "Drinking Pina Colada” b/w “Funny Situations" (K7871). The second single was called "My Secret Agent" from 1981 LP of the same name. Band members were Brain Beamish (drums/vocals), Peter Benson (guitar/vocals), Chris Dodemont (trumpet), Ross Gwyther (sax), Bruce McCallum (trombone), John O'Dwyer (vocals), Phil Treby (bass/vocals) and Kevin Walsh (keyboards/vocals).

Post 83 - Ignatius Jones - Seductive Ways

Ignatius Jones sang with Jimmy And The Boys from '77 - '82, Arms & Legs in 1984 and also Pardon Me Boys also in 1984. As a solo artist he only released 2 singles "Like A Ghost" (post #53) in 1982 and "Whispering Your Name" in 1983 for WEA Records. Here for you to download is the B side of "Like A Ghost" is "Seductive Ways" (100204).

Post 82 - Ray Burton - Too Hard To Handle / Lady Of The Morning

Fresh out of school, aged 16, Ray found himself touring with the nationally credited band The Dave Bridge Quartet. Ray Burton wrote the music for Helen Reddy's song "I Am Woman". Ray's bands include the world renowned original Crossfire, founding member of Ayers Rock, lead singer in the pop band of the 70's The Executives. Doug Parkinson offered him a spot in his new band Life. The band started its career with one of Ray’s original songs “Love Gun”. Ray put together a five piece band with Rick Mellick, Peter Walker, Joe Tattersal and Steve Hogg. Their first gig was a monster tour of Australia supporting Queen. By the time they reached Brisbane the crowds were chanting for more which is rumoured to have slightly upset and ruffled Freddy Mercury. Ray’s songs went over so well Warner signed the deal for the album "Dreamers And Nightflyers". One of the singles lifted from that 1978 LP was "Too Hard To Handle" b/w "Lady Of The Morning" (100066) and is here for you to download.

Post 81 - Dawn Dixon - Bouzouki / Be The Way You Are

Dawn Dixon was born in Melbourne in 1944, She did over 300 television shows and also sang to the troops in Vietnam (two tours). She is a proud Mother of two twin boys Andrew and Michael. Here to download is"Bouzouki" b/w "Be The Way You Are" (FB-050) recorded for Fable Records.We are very greatful to Michael Dixon for this info on his mum.