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.