The Alan Bown Set Before and Beyond Author: Jeff Bannister |
Format: Hardback (235 pages including many b & w photos) Publisher: Banland Publishing Ltd. 2007 ISBN: 978-0-9551513-2-3 List Price: £18.99 |
The Alan Bown Set Before and Beyond
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A review by Geoff Leonard
6 September 2007
This is the second book to be written by or about a former leader of The John Barry Seven. And, just as in the case of Bobby Graham’s effort, this joint biography by Jeff Bannister & Alan Bown is thoroughly recommended.
Whether you are fans of the Alan Bown Set, of that music or that era in general, or are merely curious about life with the JB7 after the Vic Flick/Bob Graham era, this is the book for you.
Of particular interest to John Barry fans will be the account of Alan & Jeff joining the band, the comings and goings of various members, tales of touring the UK & Germany with the likes of Billy Fury & Brenda Lee, their on-stage repertoire (which had changed markedly from Vic Flick days), and the sad demise of the band when John Barry decided it had run its course.
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The rest of the book has a highly detailed account of the various formations of the Alan Bown Set, which initially included several of the JB7 personnel, including the period when Robert Palmer was the singer. There are stories of drink, drugs (not too much!), sackings, record companies, promoters, Alan’s switch into A & R work with CBS and finally the formation of Alan Bown Management which combined an administrative role for Keith Mansfield, the well-known composer, especially of library music. Alan & Keith co-wrote "Seven Faces" the last Columbia single made by the JB7.
The 230-page book is full of photographs (including an excellent one of the JB7 I had never seen before), press-clippings, tour posters, concert bills & programmes and has a meticulous account of tour dates.
If you’re interested in purchasing a copy you will find details on the accompanying flyer. You may also be able to find it on-line at the usual sources.
Geoff.
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