I've been hired by Bill Hurley (The Inmates) to dep in his band!
BILL HURLEY & The ENFORCERS
Saturday 21st July 10pm till 1am
O'Connors
Palmers Green
London

Thursday 19th July 8pm
WOLFIE WITCHER, current and former members of THE BREW, The Ray Carless Jamaican Jazz Quintet with special guest Paulina Oduro (high life vocalist) and other guests
THE 100 CLUB
100 Oxford Street
London W1
This was a special gig for George Carless who has been unwell: The gig was a great success bringing together musicians from George's past career who took part and played to a very friendly and appreciative audience. Among the guests were Brew members previous and current:Richard Spaven - Sam Kelly - Jimmy Roache - Pete Emery - Phil Drury - Wolfie Witcher - Kit Packham - Simeon Jones - George Carless (try keeping hime away!)- Ray Carless - Denny Ball - Diz Watson also joined in the fray playing some superb boogie woogie piano - as did John Chalice and drummer Joe who worked with George some way back in his murkey past!
by the way Sarah please email me!

A review of this benefit by Mel Wright
Wolfie Witcher’s Brew at 100 Club,London, 19th July. George Carless Benefit Night Benefit gigs can be a mixed blessing; sometimes shambolic, often uncoordinated affairs with fidgety guest players on stand by waiting to do their bit. The George Carless night at the 100 Club was exceptional. To top it all, George was there. Recently discharged from hospital following diagnosis of cancer, the gig gave him the uplift that goes well beyond what the NHS can provide. George joined Wolfie Witcher’s Brew in the mid eighties but he has also played with Ronnie Lane Band, Diz & the Doormen and Beck. He came to Britain from Jamaica in1957 hungry to play the London scene. George’s endearing personality made him a dead cert for Wolfie’s zany humorous nights on the road and the crowd loves him. The 100 Club was steamy, packed with enthusiastic followers. The Brew played its usual tight set with Wolfie at the helm on blues harp and singing the Camden party favourites like Caravan, and Mercy, Mercy in his own London grown –R&B style helped by George’s sax partner Kit Packham, guitarist Jimmy Roche and bassist Denny Ball who provided the kick. Former band members slipped on and off all night including guitarist Pete Emery and pianist John Challis who played a great solo boogie woogie set. Also a seamless group of sharp drummers – resident band sticksman Richard Spaven, star guest -Sam Kelly and George’s original sidekick from Jamaica gave their all. George’s son Ray also depped for his dad, before featuring in his own Jamaican Jazz Quintet band, a wonderful mix of Jamaican High Life and jazz including singer Paulina Oduro. One of the evenings highlights was when George’s former boss Diz Watson stepped up to rally the band around a strong New Orleans feel with some bluesy vocals and piano on ‘Goodnight Irene’ and ‘You Never Can Tell’ At Wolfie’s request George was prised away from his family and supporters and up on stage, following his humble thanks to everybody, he received a standing ovation when he performed his inimitable ‘rootsy’ intro to Pills. A great night and a very spiritual atmosphere. All thanks to Wolfie, Jackie Witcher, 100 Club and others. It was a fine tribute to George but also to the spirit of an R&B network of players and clubbers - all full of fun. Take care George we’re all with you! Mel Wright

Denny Ball and George Carless (pic from FDS/Channel 4)

Saturday 14th July 8pm
BILL HURLEY & THE ENFORCERS
The Shaftesbury
Hornsey Road
London

Sunday Afternoon 8th July from 3pm
BILL HURLEY & THE ENFORCERS
Rhodes Avenue School
Muswell Hill
North London

BILL HURLEY & THE ENFORCERS
My first gig with this band as dep.
Saturday 23rd June 10pm till 1am
O'Connors
Palmers Green
London

May 2001 recording.

WOLFIE WITCHER & HIS BREW
April 28th
The Village of Wing
Buckinghamshire
We tried everything with these people Yawn!


BEDLAM

Denny Ball, Frank Aiello, Russell Gilbrook and Dave Ball at Mr Smith's in Bournemouth( thanks to Ian Brown for the pic)

BEDLAM This 'sampler' gig took place at Mr Smith's in Bournemouth back in November. Frank was in fine voice and Russell Gilbrook our brilliant new drummer played superbly! Dave Ball made his Les Paul sing and I blew some very old cobwebs away!

BEDLAM
THE UNDERWORLD
CAMDEN TOWN
LONDON
Sunday afternoon 21st January
We played to a small but vociferous audience and had a great gig! Thanks to all who attended!
Here is a review which was sent to me by Joe Geesin!

Went to the gig yesterday afternoon.
What can I say - Brilliant.

When I arrived I met Dave, who took me to meet Denny (we met once before) 
and Frank. All signed my original Bedlam album that Cozy had signed a few 
years back - a complete set now. Although signing next to Cozy's brought 
back some feelings.
They all seemed amazed at the different versions of Cozy's RAK singles I had 
from around the world. Frank had never seen most of them. They all laughed 
at South Africa's "Dance With The Drums".

Dave and Denny were really friendly. Frank is a real character - can't keep 
still for a second. Great guy.
Had a nice chat with drummer Russell Gilbrook. Another great guy - fits in 
really well. Apparently he was meant to do the Tony Iommi solo album but they 
chose drummers who were already out in LA.

A small but appreciative crowd, the gig had been advertised to both Procul 
Harum and Uriah Heep fans.

Tracks like "I Believe In You" and "Hotlips" were really heavy, storming, 
brilliant. Russell fired away on all cylinders like Cozy would have done. 
Frank was mad on stage. After 2 tracks his lyric sheets were spread around 
and covered in footprints. Comments like "Here's a song I don't know - 2 
rehearsals in 26 years".

Several tracks from the Bedlam album, plus some power trio stuff, including 
"Crossroads".

Both Denny and Dave had solo spots. Dave's a great guitarist, some good 
solos and his solo song/joke - I think the Ball Brothers had better relay 
that one.

Denny made a bass solo (5-string bass) out of Fleetwood Mac's "Oh Well".

For the encore - some rock'n'roll stuff, "Johnny B. Goode", again "I Believe 
In You" and the track of the day - "Bob The Builder"

So - thanks Denny, Dave, Frank and Russell.

And Neil - nice to meet you there - shame Don couldn't make it.

Next Bedlam gig - we'll have to try to get more people there. It is well 
worth travelling to.

Cheers
Joe Geesin