Alleyoop

In answer to Rod's question about whether Bland still gigging see below from Ohio.com <<<<Genuine practitioners of melancholy music make area stop Friday for Cleveland Blues Fest. By Malcolm X Abram Beacon Journal Published on Thursday, Feb 21, 2008 Every reasonably educated music fan recognizes the names of blues giants such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and B.B. King. But while the blues' PLACE as a building block of pop and rock music is solidified and many blues artists have crossed over into mainstream consciousness, there are many more who have built and maintained successful careers the old-fashioned way. They put together a band and hit the road playing the contemporary version of the old ''chitlin' circuit'' in small clubs and blues festivals and by recording for smaller blues- and soul-dedicated labels such as Malaco. On Friday night, that so-called circuit passes through Northeast Ohio with the Cleveland Blues Fest, featuring Bobby ''Blue'' Bland, Marvin Sease, Mel Waiters, Shirley Brown, Theodis Ealy, Latimore, Sir Charles Jones and Roy C. Though these artists are largely unknown to blazing hip-hop and R&B fans (and even some blues and soul fans may be more familiar with the names than their music), collectively they have been recording and performing for more than a century and have had some hits during their careers.>>> John

I remember him from gigs in Manchester around early 80's early days jumping on stage with every soul or blues act who'd let him - I can think of Ben E King, Bobby Womack and the Womacks themselves off the top of my head - there was certainly more. He certainly was buying soul records all around the place even pre-Red in his Frantic Elevators days - he used to buy 45's off me at Manchester Piccadilly Fair at the time - he's the only person I've sold to that actually asked me for a receipt to give to his record company or accountant or whatever. He certainly is a fan - doesn't make the gruesome idea of him doing a Bland tribute any more palatable tho' John PS Perhaps Bobby himself might turn up, join him on stage and show him how it's done.

Thanks for reply John

hi we still have a spare one. Left you a message on your phone John

I have it Tony Just left a message re it on your phone John

There was a fake Little Anthony and the Imperials group in the UK back in the Roy Tempest days. I saw them at Sheffield City Hall in early 1968 with the Flirtations - a night put on by Pete Stringfellow in the aftermath of the Sheffield Mojo closure. They're the one fake group who toured I saw that I've never ever found out who they were. They were very good as I remember - they did do Gonna Fix you Good. John

We've now gotta spare one PM if still interested John