AROUND THE BEATLES

Happy New Year, Spy Vibers! Get your mojo workin' with The Beatles, Sounds Incorporated, Cilla Black, Lord John Baldry, and others at this fab party! The Around The Beatles TV special was filmed on April 28, 1964 and aired on ITV in the UK on May 6th, 1964 (and on ABC in the States on November 15th, 1964). The show was produced by Jack Good, known for championing music programs like the Six-Five Special, Shindig!, and managing major British talent such as Tommy Steele, Marty Wilde, Billy Fury, and Cliff Richard. Despite the miming, I love seeing this footage. Not only is it an incredible time capsule of the era, but everyone on-screen is super present and giving it their all to create a dynamic experience. Join the party! Related post: Jack Good: R.I.P. Spy Vibers, I have a new book out (over 700 pages!) about one of America's great cartoonists. On other creative fronts, folks might not know that I began exhibiting as a fine art photographer in the late 1980s. I haven't shared that part of my life here much, but readers might like to see some of my work on Instagram. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 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, Mata Hair Exhibit, 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.

INTERVIEW: JOHN BARRY BOOK

New release: A new book about James Bond composer John Barry and the early years with the John Barry Seven has just been released. Co-author, Geoff Leonard, stopped by the Spy Vibe lair to talk about the project. Welcome, Geoff!

Your new book, Hit and Miss: The Story of The John Barry Seven looks fantastic! Readers of Spy Vibe will recognize the name John Barry from his James Bond soundtracks, but Barry's career was already capturing the vibe of the era long before Bond came to theaters. What does the new book cover?

The book chronicles the entire history of the band from cradle to grave, from 1957 to 1965, during which time it evolved stylistically from being an out-and-out rock 'n' roll outfit, a guitar-based instrumental combo (second only to The Shadows in terms of sales and status) to an r 'n' b group with soul leanings. Once John Barry left the live scene to concentrate on writing and producing, first Vic Flick, then Bobby Graham and Alan Bown took over the leadership. Throughout the pages, many ex-members recount their experiences on the road and in the studio at Abbey Road.

Were you able to include some interesting images?

Yes, some of them have never been published before and of the others, many seldom seen. Scattered among the text are a plethora of photographs that illustrate the various line-ups of the band; rare on-stage concert and tour images; concert programmes and posters; records sleeves; band-related adverts from the period, together with several unique historical documents, some of them written by John Barry, himself.

The John Barry Seven performed in the Six-Five Special (1958) and some of the JB7 songs have a fabulous twangy guitar, Shadows & Ventures vibe. What were Barry's ties with the jazz movement at the time? Was he an important player in the transition away from the Trad Jazz scene toward a new pop direction?

Barry was inspired to take up the trumpet by his brother's jazz collection, and as a result, became a huge admirer of Stan Kenton's modern approach, and it is this that inspired him to formally study jazz composition. Although he formed a dixieland jazz band in the army, he was not an exponent of Trad Jazz. His early film work, as illustrated by 'Beat Girl', 'Never Let Go' and 'The James Bond Theme' was his own highly original take on the big band style indicative of Kenton, by way of lacing it with an electric guitar-led 'rock 'n' roll' sensibility. He
straddled two distinct styles and eras perfectly.

I'm a big fan of Barry’s music in Beat Girl (1960). Does the book explore his early film work?

Yes, it does. It describes the sessions involved in the recording of 'Beat Girl' for both the film itself and the subsequent LP release... and also reveals that Barry was lined up to score a film even before 'Beat Girl'.

What role did singer Adam Faith play in Barry's career? They met around Drumbeat? I gather the series only ran on the BBC for about five months in 1959.

Barry (and The JB7) had first encountered Adam when they appeared together on the short-lived stage version of Six-Five Special in early 1958. It was Barry who suggested him to producer Stewart Morris as an up and coming singer for Drumbeat. Adam was pivotal for raising the band's profile, because they backed him at the height of his fame. It also brought Barry's arranging and production skills to the attention of a wider public, including the producer of 'Beat Girl', which led directly to Barry's first film score. Once 'What Do You Want?' took off
spectacularly, Barry soon became the most feted arranger during the pre-Beatles era of British pop.

I'm fascinated by this era. I can visualize my imagination wandering around black and white London streets (looking like Anthony Newley) in the late 50s and early 60s, and I wonder if there are any stories you uncovered in the book that can give us a window into the vibe of those years.

When he first moved to live and work in London in 1957, Barry lodged in Compton Street, in the heart of Soho, as did some other band members. Doubtless off-duty he attended some of the many jazz clubs in that area, which could have influenced some of the scoring of Beat Girl. Hopefully, the book offers the reader a fascinating glimpse into the working lives of jobbing musicians throughout the era in question, and by doing so, it provides a running overview of the UK's musical landscape during a period of unparalleled transition. We felt it important to explain the historical context in which the band evolved, so in answer to your question: yes, there are.

Cool! Were there projects and connections in the JB7 years that foreshadowed what would eventually come with Bond and beyond?

Yes, certain specific compositions from The JB7 years clearly signposted Barry's future. You only have to listen to early tracks such as 'Bee's Knees', 'The Stripper' (from 'Beat Girl'),'Beat for Beatniks' and 'The Challenge' (from the 'Stringbeat' LP) to discover that his music was already informed with a sense of the dramatic.

If you had a time machine, what event in the book would you want to visit and why?

This is the toughest question of the lot. I would have loved to have witnessed The JB7's first ever live appearance at The Rialto Cinema (York), but at the same time, I would gladly have been a fly-on-the-wall in Abbey Road Studio 2 for the recording of 'The James Bond Theme'.

Where can readers find your book?

At johnbarry.org and at the usual on-line retailers.

Thank you! Spy Vibers, I also have a new book out (over 700 pages!) about one of America's great cartoonists. On other creative fronts, folks might not know that I began exhibiting as a fine art photographer in the late 1980s. I haven't shared that part of my life here much, but readers might like to see some of my work on Instagram. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 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, Mata Hair Exhibit, 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.

JACK GOOD R.I.P.

Jack Good, producer of Oh Boy!, Six-Five Special, and Shindig has passed away. If Pop music was the epicenter of the 1960s cultural revolution, we can't overlook the impact Good had on shaping the way the youth generation saw and experienced the many styles and trends via television. Joining the BBC as producer of Six-Five Special in 1957, Good's vision was to move away from elaborate sets so cameras could film through the milling crowds of kids and dancers to the musicians. Like so many facets of the period, he shifted attention toward a dynamic, active sense of participation- a style that would continue to influence the look and vibe of music programs. A lesser, narrative film adaptation of the Six-Five Special was made without Good in 1958, which remains a time capsule of an era when the music scene was dominated by cross-genre artists from Trad Jazz, Skiffle, and Pop Vocal (It's Trad Dad by Dick Lester in 1962 improved on the idea). Jack Good left the BBC in 1958 to create Oh Boy! for ITV, which focussed more on Rock and Roll. His efforts helped the careers of a golden roster of stars in the UK such as Cliff Richard, Tommy Steele, Billy Fury, and Marty Wild. He produced an early Beatles special in 1964 called Around The Beatles. And like producer Joe Boyd and Tad Jazz frontman Chris Barber, Good was also a champion of the American Blues (rhythm and blues) boom. His attempts in the early 1960s to create a show for the US market finally developed into Shindig! in September 1964. The musical series brought artists like Bo Diddley, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Cilla Black, The Dave Clark Five, Donovan, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Herman's Hermits, The Hollies, Georgie Fame, The Pretty Things, Johnny Rivers, The Supremes, The Who, Howling' Wolf, The Yardbirds, The Zombies, The Kinks, and The Rolling Stones into living rooms everywhere. But things moved quickly in the 1960s and the program's wave lasted only two years (Good left in 1965). In the UK, the show was cancelled in 1966 to make room for a new phenomenon, Batman. Jack Good appeared on a number of other programs, and he produced the infamous Monkees special: 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee in 1969. Jack Good devoted his later years to painting and to his commitment to the church. He died on September 24th at the age of eighty-six. Learn more about Oh Boy! and Jack Good. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 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, Trina Robbins Interview, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.