When I was sixteen, back in 1965, it was as if I had multiple personalities. Life was music – but what music depended on who you were hanging out with.
Back then it was about hunting out the best sounds and sharing them. When I wasn’t hanging out with mates or hunting out new stuff in the local record shops I was in my room endlessly playing stuff. Everything revolved around music (and girls).
This was the mid-sixties, we were regaled with the Beatles, Stones and a plethora of new exciting rock bands – Yardbirds, Prettythings, Animals, Who, Them, Downliners Sect, Smallfaces, Measles, Spencer Davis, Blues Incorporated. It was an endless stream of our music.
But when I was with Daphne it was Joan Baez.
When with Viv it was Donovan, Woody Guthrie and Big Bill Broonzy.
When with Mutt it was Dylan.
With Hat it was Little Richard and Eddie Cochran.
Dick it was Chicago Blues – Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Lightnin’ Hopkins.
That was fine with me. I was up for all of it and was soaking it up!
It was Neil Ferby who introduced me to Bert Jansch and John Renbourn. He stole my girlfriend but I forgive him. He introduced me to a whole new scene – the acoustic contemporary folk scene – Davy Graham, John Martyn and then Roy Harper. Thanks Neil.
For some reason Neil sold me his Bert Jansch and John Renbourn albums. The fuse was lit.
JOHN RENBOURN – “John Renbourn” / “Another Monday” (Full Album) Guimbarda DD-22037/38 – YouTube
