MOD BOWIE

New release: a new collection of rare 1960s tracks by David Bowie is heading your way! The Mod scene was fertile ground for many British artists developing their voices in the sixties and Bowie was right there in the middle. From the press release: "DAVID BOWIE THE SHEL TALMY RECORDINGS is the most complete collection of tracks recorded by a nascent David Bowie, then Davie Jones, with legendary ‘60s producer Shel Talmy, best known for his groundbreaking hits with The Who and The Kinks. The album features ten previously unheard tracks on CD and digital, and six songs on LP, with contributions from legendary Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, then a guitar slinger for hire, and Nicky Hopkins, celebrated piano player for The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who and Jeff Beck." More info at David Bowie. Check out links to shops in your region for vinyl and CD options. Related Spy Vibe post: Bowie Day.

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Blu Kriminal, Diabolik 4k, Paul McCartney: When I'm 84, Dark Shadows Noir, Spectre Expanded OST, Captain Scarlet Set, Kung Fu Lazenby, Ipcress File Reconstructed, Golden Gun OST LP, Diamonds Are Forever Expanded OST, 007 Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Pink Panther, ITC Invisible Man Podcast, Spy Cases, Moonraker OST Review, Imprint The New Avengers, The Avengers Declassified, George Martin 100, ITC Design Book, Fantomas Returns, Expanded Moonraker 2LP, Kuhlman Modern, The Saint in Colour Podcast, Imprint New Avengers, New Avengers Blu, Moore Island Discs, Spy Vibe Radio: Naked City, Thunderball Expanded CD, Gerry Anderson Exhibit, Department S Blu, Spy Vibe Radio: Muk Lan-Fa 2, Chitty Chitty Exhibit, Spy Vibe Radio: Fireball XL5, OHMSS Expanded, Dr. No Overview, Spy Vibe Radio: Krimi, Bond Soundtrack News, New Diabolik trilogy on Blu-ray, Benson is Back, Spy Vibe Radio: Key Hunter, New Avengers Book, Mabuse Set, New Tiger Tanaka novel, 007 Expanded CDs, Mabuse Propaganda, Vic Flick R.I.P., Fleming Talk of the Devil, Moonraker Overview, Prisoner-Scarlet Anniversary, Spy Vibe Radio: Enter the Dragon, Arabesque 4k, 60s Hong Kong Spies Blu-ray, Spy Vibe Radio: Man with the Golden Gun, Blu Baron, Joe 90 Blu, Man in a Suitcase Blu, ITC Book, Spy Vibe Radio: Dankworth Avengers, Mancini Book, Shinobi Blu, Exoticon 2, Spy Vibe Radio: Richard Diamond, Prisoner figures, Blu Manchu, Blu Prisoner, Byron Janis R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Blake and Mortimer, Champions Podcast, ITC Book, Bond Event, Black Tight Killers Blu, New Persuaders Book, David McCallum R.I.P., Avengers Blu Sets, Spy Vibe Radio: Adventures in Paradise, The Secret Service book, World of Giants, Tiki Events, Cold War Classical, Paul at 81, 007 Comic Exhibit, Exotikon Event, Bond 60th Event, The Baron Blu-ray, Mission: Impossible in 4k, Jane Bond Strip, SV Radio: The Man Called Flintstone, Lupin III 50th, SV Radio: OSS117, McCartney 1964, Spy Vibe Radio: Hunter, Spy Vibe Radio: Gao Dalli CID 999, Bond Beatles 60th, William Klein R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: M Squad, Spy Vibe Radio: Mr. Broadway, Agent King, Spy Vibe Radio: John Kling, Spy Vibe Radio: Unknown Man of Shandigor, Danger Man Podcast, Spy Vibe Radio: Dr. Mabuse, Bowie Day, Interview: Girls Guns Gadgets, Shandigor Blu, Shag Palm Springs, New Bond Novel, Hi-Fi Book, Judex Serial Blu, UFO Comics, Interview: John Buss, ITC Magazine, Interview: Kaiser Marionettes, Belmondo R.I.P., 007 Corgi Event, Space 1999: The Vault, Shag Eames Lounge, Firecracker Exotica, Spy Vibe Radio: Lola Albright, Tikyaki 5-0, Godzilla Scores, Mid-Century Village, Spy Vibe radio: Nicola Conte, Men's Adventure Quarterly, Billy May Frenesi, Gary Numan, Spy Vader Spy, Chris Barber Legacy, Phantom Retrospective, Astro-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Batman, James Bond Lexicon, Ray Cathode, Spy Vibe Radio: Johnny Staccato, Matt Helm Blu, Cold War Auction, Avengers Francavilla Prints, Avengers 60th Event, Irma Vep Blu, Avengers Keel Design, Ronnie Scott's Doc, The Avengers 60th Design, Art of Pan Books, John Le Carre R.I.P., Sean Connery R.I.P., New 007 Vinyl, Burke's Law Ska, Dieter Rams Complete, 2-Tone Doc, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta Part 2, Diana Rigg R.I.P., Moog Micky Dolenz, Beetle Bailey 70th, RSD Spies Vinyl, Ian Fleming Tribute, Fellini Box Set, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta, The Saint Podcast Bonus, The Saint Podcast, Barber Lotus, Trad Roots, Morricone R.I.P., Fleetway Spy Designs, John Steel Casebooks, ITC Podcast: The Persuaders, Dazzle Ships, Spy Vibe Radio: Raumpatrouille, Remembering Richard Sala, Crime & Spy Jazz books, Numan is FAB, Bruce Lee Blu, RSD Vinyl Spies, James Bond's DB5, UFO CD Set, Spy Vibe radio: Phantom Agents, Steranko is Revolutionary!, Interview: The Saint I Ain't, Diabolik Interview, New 007 Song, Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu, Count Arthur Strong, Honey West Title Cards, Bowie Day, Neil Innes R.I.P., Claudine Auger R.I.P., OHMSS at 50, Italian Job 50th OST, Charles Schulz Modern, Paul Desmond, Python 50th, Randall Hopkirk 50th, Thunderbirds Day, Lazenby Returns to MI6, Dr. John R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin III, Lupin Ska, Spy Vibe Prime, Zigomar Translation, The Village: Part 1, Monkey Punch R.I.P., Bubble Girl 63, ITC Soundtracks, Spy Vibe Radio: Public Eye, UFO Prime, Spaceship to Mars, Modesty Blaise Companion, Spy Vibe Radio: Fantomas, George Day, Fantomas Blu, Dark Shadows Doc, Bedazzled Blu-ray, Mary Quant Exhibit, Laika Calypso, Lost in Space Japan, Spy Dust Calypso, Atomic Cafe, John Barry Mono, Interview: John Barry Book, Land of the Giants Score, Spy Vibe Radio: Upperseven, Bond Beatles Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Liquidator, Diabolik LP, Fab Dresses, Eurospy Music Collection, Beetle Bailey in West Berlin, Why Mort Walker?, Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, Avengers Critical Guide, The Spotnicks, Benny Spies, James Pond 0017', Satire Stones, Annette Andre Book, Spy Vibe Radio: Get Smart, Caine: My Generation, Interview: Ian Ogilvy, Horror of Party Beach, Sylvie Vartan Renown, Ringo At 78, Dark Shadows Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Flint, Archie Batman 66, Beatles Pac-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Jerry Cotton, The Invaders, 007 Horowitz Book Tour, The Prisoner Interviews Vol 1, British Underground Press, Interview: Fab4 Mania, Bond Cocktail Book, Spy Smasher, Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn, Agent Zero M, New Prisoner Comic, Dr. No Villains Edition, Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, Dr. No 60th, Oy-Oy-Seven, Spy Vibe Radio (UFO), Cold War Comic Strips, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration, Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

CHRIS BARBER LEGACY

New release: Chris Barber: A Trailblazer's Legacy. A 4CD set is coming this July from UK distributer, The Last Music Co, which pays tribute Trad Jazz pioneer, Chris Barber! From the press release: "Fully authorized by Chris Barber and running at approximately five hours playing time, this set of four CDs and book set is testament to Chris’ remarkable career. It includes eighteen-thousand-words of discography and biography by Alyn Shipton and an insider’s view of Barber’s motor racing career by Dave Brodie. The music spans the seven decades from his first studio recordings in 1951 to a final session in 2018, made just four months before his 89th birthday. It includes collaborations with many other internationally renowned musicians. Leading a jazz band for over seventy years would be a remarkable achievement in itself, but also to have been at the forefront of the blues revival in Britain, and to have first brought such pioneer musicians as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Muddy Waters, Louis Jordan and Professor Alex Bradford and many more to the UK is equally significant. The book section is fully illustrated with one hundred and fifty photographs and images from Chris Barber’s private collection and elsewhere and is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary life." Below: my grid celebrating two of Barber's passions: music and racing; cover for the upcoming set, A Trailblazer's Legacy.

BARBER, TRAD & SKIFFLE

Just imagine a time between the early 1950s and the beat boom, when Trad Jazz was the ruckus, rowdy, and irresistible sound that drew kids to the clubs and dance halls of Britain. In films from that era, such as The Hypnotist (Scotland Yard Dragnet, 1957) and Mama Don't Allow (1956), and in Soho-based crime stories like Fleetway's John Steel detective comics, the jazz scene was not only exciting, it was subversive! And even for a period into the early 1960s, Trad competed alongside early Rock 'n roll for that ultimate vote of youthful devotion: parental disapproval! Behind the scenes, this was a really community of dedicated musicians who were major fans of the original New Orleans jazz and blues artists; so much so that they dedicated their lives to preserving and spreading the form. One of the main band leaders was Chris Barber. Barber also enjoyed the longest career, touring right up until his recent decline with dementia and passing on March 2, 2021 at the age of 90. He was also one of my great heroes. As part of his life's mission, Barber also brought American artists like Muddy Waters, Sonny and Brownie, and Rosetta Tharpe over to the UK to champion blues and gospel music, and in so doing, ignited the British Blues boom for kids like Eric Clapton, Alexis Korner, Tom Jones, and John Mayal. 

Before that, of course, he was at the center of another important music revolution. A central figure in the Barber band in the early-mid 1950s was Lonnie Donegan, a talented singer, guitarist and banjo player. In the intervals at their shows, Barber and Donegan devoted time to American roots music. Dubbed "Skiffle", Donegan's powerful voice would belt out tunes by Leadbelly and others. While recording an album at Decca in July, 1954, Lonnie recorded Rock Island Line (One of my copies of the old 78 record above, with original owner's sleeve collage). The tune was not only a hit- the first gold-certified record in the UK- it also launched a major cultural phenomenon (and many future legends)! As Billy Bragg pointed out in his recent book about the era, Skiffle empowered a new youth generation that suddenly found themselves free of rationing, earning pocket money, and ready to express their identities through a DIY sensibility. And there was a new symbol of independence- the guitar! Sales of acoustic guitars went from about 5,000 per year to 250,000 per year. Among those kids playing Skiffle were the likes of Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Jimmy Page, and the list goes on and on. Both Paul and George would remember fondly seeing Lonnie perform in Liverpool when they were kids. I recently visited The British Music Experience in Liverpool where I got to see many artifacts from this era. The most impressive breadcrumb was John Lennon's personal copy of Donegan's Rock Island Line 78 record. Lennon had sold it to Rod Davis, one of his fellow Quarrymen skiffle group members back in the day. And there it was! The stuff of legends; the record that launched John Lennon and eventually dominoed into thousands of other bands. The evolution of 1960s pop culture would have been dramatically different without these roots in Trad Jazz and Skiffle. I wrote about the Liverpool exhibit for Chris Barber's website back in 2017. 

LOTUS MAN

Chris Barber, whose long career bridging New Orleans-style jazz with Skiffle, blues, gospel, and early Rock, made him a kind of "George Bailey" in the culture. For those who never saw It's a Wonderful Life (it's an amazing film!), George Bailey was a character played by James Stewart, who learned that his own good efforts in the community played a crucial role in building the social fabric. Well, Barber was making a ruckus and wonderful noise ever since he and clarinetist Monty Sunshine started a band in 1953, and his projects bridged the worlds of jazz, skiffle, blues, and rock. He also helped to make a tremendous roar in the world of racing as an enthusiast and owner of the first Lotus Elite! Spy Vibers might appreciate the aesthetics. After Lotus created a number of prototypes, they launched the Elite Series I, chassis 1009 in 1958. The car was exhibited at the Earls Court Motor Show and purchased by Chris Barber. From Performance Car: "Barber raced the Elite extensively for five seasons in top level international sportscar racing, in both the UK and Europe. As well as competing in three consecutive Tourist Trophy races at Goodwood in 1961, 1962 and winning its class in 1963 with Mike Beckwith, the Elite raced at The Nürburgring and in the British Empire Trophy. During this period it was also driven regularly by Sir John Whitmore, the ‘Racing Baronet’, who famously broke the class lap record at Spa with ‘CB 23’ while on his way to class victory in the Grand Prix GT Support Race of 1962. Other notable drivers who drove the car include Bob Olthoff." Barber's Lotus was then kept off the road for about thirty years until it went through a restoration in 2016, and then sold at auction (for £121,500). It recently went under the hammer again with Silver Stone Auctions. Barber also sponsored a cycling team in the 1960s and I've seen a "Sun Chris Barber 10" model bicycle appear in cycling forums. Between the constant touring and racing, I think Barber must have loved being in motion. With that in mind, I imagine his rapid health decline and forced retirement must have been challenging for him.

The new CD and book set promises to be a great celebration of Chris Barber's legacy and I'm happy to see it will include a discography (I only have a privately published one), as well as material covering his racing life. Pre-orders can be made through Amazon. For fans wanting to explore even further, I recommend the extensive CD catalogs at Lake Records and Upbeat Jazz (I'm especially fond of Chris Barber at the BBC: Wireless Days 1961-1962). Also check out Barber's album, Battersea Rain Dance from 1969 (included Paul McCartney), his live CDs with Rosetta Tharpe and Sonny and Brownie (my fave!), and the short film Mamma Don't Allow by Tony Richardson and Karel Reisz from 1956 (on Youtube: part 1, part 2). For a fun musical celebration of Skiffle, check out The Skiffle Sessions: Live From Belfast (2000), which saw a fantastic reunion and collaboration from 1998 between Barber, Donegan, Dr. John, and Van Morrison. Chris Barber wrote an autobiography (with Alyn Shipton) in 2014 called Jazz Me Blues. I recommended Trad fans see two fave movies of mine from 1962: It's Trad Dad (an all-star musical directed by Richard Lester!) and Band of Thieves (a Trad caper/comedy with Acker Bilk's Paramount Jazz Band). More info about Barber's career and the Big Chris Barber Band at the Chris Barber Website. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Phantom Retrospective, Astro-Man, Check in with Japanese book designs, Spy Vibe Radio: Batman, James Bond Lexicon, Ray Cathode, Spy Vibe Radio: Johnny Staccato, Matt Helm Blu, Cold War Auction, Avengers Francavilla Prints, Avengers 60th Event, Irma Vep Blu, Avengers Keel Design, Ronnie Scott's Doc, The Avengers 60th Design, New Year, Art of Pan Books, John Le Carre R.I.P., Sean Connery R.I.P., New 007 Vinyl, Burke's Law Ska, Dieter Rams Complete, 2-Tone Doc, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta Part 2, Diana Rigg R.I.P., Moog Micky Dolenz, Beetle Bailey 70th, RSD Spies Vinyl, Ian Fleming Tribute, Fellini Box Set, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta, The Saint Podcast Bonus, The Saint Podcast, Barber Lotus, Diana Rigg at 82, Trad Roots, Morricone R.I.P., Fleetway Spy Designs, John Steel Casebooks, Paul at 78, ITC Podcast: The Persuaders, Dazzle Ships, Spy Vibe Radio: Raumpatrouille, Remembering Richard Sala, Crime & Spy Jazz books, Soviet Space Graphics, Numan is FAB, Bruce Lee Blu, John Barry Event, RSD Vinyl Spies, James Bond's DB5, UFO CD Set, Spy Vibe radio: Phantom Agents, Steranko is Revolutionary!, Interview: The Saint I Ain't, Diabolik Interview, New 007 Song, Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu, Count Arthur Strong, Honey West Title Cards, Bowie Day, New Year Cosmonauts, Neil Innes R.I.P., Claudine Auger R.I.P., OHMSS at 50, Italian Job 50th OST, Charles Schulz Modern, Paul Desmond, Python 50th, Randall Hopkirk 50th, Thunderbirds Day, Lazenby Returns to MI6, Dr. John R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin III, Lupin Ska, Spy Vibe Prime, Zigomar Translation, The Village: Part 1, Monkey Punch R.I.P., Bubble Girl 63, ITC Soundtracks, Spy Vibe Radio: Public Eye, UFO Prime, Spaceship to Mars, Modesty Blaise Companion, Spy Vibe Radio: Fantomas, George Day, Fantomas Blu, Dark Shadows Doc, Bedazzled Blu-ray, Mary Quant Exhibit, Laika Calypso, Lost in Space Japan, Spy Dust Calypso, Atomic Cafe, John Barry Mono, Interview: John Barry Book, Land of the Giants Score, Skyfall Concert, Dearest Emma, Spy Vibe Radio: Upperseven, Ogilvy at Elstree, Mabuse Propaganda, Bond Beatles Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Liquidator, Diabolik LP, Fab Dresses, Eurospy Music Collection, Beetle Bailey in West Berlin, Why Mort Walker?, Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, Avengers Critical Guide, The Spotnicks, Benny Spies, James Pond 0017', Satire Stones, Annette Andre Book, Cat Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Get Smart, Caine: My Generation, Interview: Ian Ogilvy, Horror of Party Beach, Sylvie Vartan Renown, Ringo At 78, Dark Shadows Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Flint, Archie Batman 66, Paul at 76, Beatles Pac-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Jerry Cotton, The Invaders, 007 Horowitz Book Tour, McGoohan/Prisoner Event at Elstree, The Prisoner Interviews Vol 1, British Underground Press, Interview: Fab4 Mania, Bond Cocktail Book, Bond at Bletchley, Spy Smasher, Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn, Agent Zero M, New Prisoner Comic, Dr. No Villains Edition, Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, Dr. No 60th, Oy-Oy-Seven, Spy Vibe Radio (UFO), Cold War Comic Strips, Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration, Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.