Jess Roden – Beginnings -The Alan Bown Set
There’s been a few mentions about the recent Alan Bown compilation featuring Jess recently, so I thought I’d do a small piece on it. Enjoy!
You probably have to be of a certain age to remember the English soul club scene of the 1960’s. but for those of us who discovered the mighty larynx of Jess Roden a few years down the line, as his solo career was flowering, the journey of discovery back in time is a rewarding one.
If you missed Jess’s debut on the London stages first time around, this well-packaged release on Sequel records should get the adrenaline flowing, and satisfy Roden completists.
Entitled The Alan Bown Set – Emergency 999, it gathers together the first 5 singles, complete with B sides, plus the rarity, “Jeu de Massacre” (the killing game) a bona-fide oddity written by Jaques Loussier and included on the soundtrack of the movie of the same name, which previewed at the Cannes film festival.
Boasting 21 tracks, this compliation also gives us rare demoes, and a live set, originally released on the London swings-live at the Marquee club LP – a peculiar release that saw The Alan Bown Set and Jimmy James get a side apiece!
Jess joined the Alan Bown Set in time for their second single, and remained with them throughout their name change to The Alan Bown! -which signalled their metamorphosis from soul band to psychedelic pop outfit. This set contains the song “Mr.Job” , which signalled their new direction, but had never been released until now, though it proved to be a useful debut for Midlands band Jigsaw to launch their career.
It was the rise of the discotheques that eventually put paid to the popularity of soul bands like The Alan Bown Set. Clubbers could now dance the night away in the company of Sam and Dave, and James Brown. For the Brits, it was a case of adapt or die, but the Summer of Love was never really going to be the answer to their prayers.
So if you want to immerse yourself in a steamy Marquee, or Flamingo and catch the buzz that was around in those early days, this CD is your time machine, come on in and listen to Jess’s youthful, vibrant soul, hinting at the catalogue of classic performances that were ahead of him.
Kev Moore
May 15, 2008 at 2:58 pm
This is brilliant Kev, never heard of the band but you’ve done a great job of writing up on them.. this ought to be published.
May 16, 2008 at 8:25 am
thanks, supe, that’s very kind. i have a thing about great artists who don’t get the recognition they deserve.
May 16, 2008 at 9:13 am
Yep, I’ve noticed that Kev and I say keep it up, you’re doing a really good job of it.
June 21, 2008 at 11:37 am
nice one kev theres a book out about the alan bown written by jeff bannister the keybaord player really good stuff its called before and beyond the alan bown set some good stuff about jess its published by
banland publishing cheers all allan
July 6, 2008 at 6:10 pm
HELP Where can I get the new cd emergency 999 Im getting desperate
July 13, 2008 at 3:01 pm
hilary, you can find it on ebay, but if you have no luck let me know and i’ll do you a copy.
August 7, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Thank you so much that would be great. Ive looked on Ebay and also tried to order it from record stores here in Newcastle and Dublin but no luck. I knew all the band back in the sixties it will bring back so many good memories Have got records but all on vinyl but obviously not Mr Job Thanks again Kev .
August 8, 2008 at 8:33 am
Its no trouble Heather, I’ll try and sort it this week, and post it when Im in the UK this weekend.
January 16, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Thanks Kev – I followed the Alan Bown Set through the 60’s and early 70’s. Great band! Great sound! Have all their LPs except the Live at The Marquee with Jimmy James & The Vags. which was knicked in about 1970. if anyone knows where I can pick one up I’d love ‘em for ever! Do you know if AB is still on the ciruit? All the best.
January 16, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Hi Bob, all the tracks from the Marquee album with JJ are on the Emergency 999 CD compilation. Perhaps you’d like to check out my Jess “site” on my UNSUNG HEROES blog
January 20, 2009 at 11:01 am
Hi Guys hope all is well i have just aquired the Alan Bown second album with Jess singing all the tracks Jess left the bown just as the record was recorded and Robert Palmer who joined the band re recorded the songs and they bought it out under the name Kick Me Out, the jess one was only bought out in the states its 40 yrs old been copied from vinal with some demos on it if anyone wants a copy let me know and ill do them one
williehackitt@yahoo.com
cheers allan
January 20, 2009 at 11:13 am
Nice one Allan! A copy would be just the job! Hope you’re well. BTW mate, you’re around the Derby area aren’t you? I’m not sure which end of the A52 your allegiance lies, but I’ve just recorded a song for The Rams which has been getting a bit of airplay/publicity in Derby and is currently available for download and hopefully out on CD shortly.
January 23, 2009 at 6:15 pm
HI KEV NO PROB MATE DOING ONE FOR FRENCHY AT THE MIN AS WELL FORWARD YOUR ADD AGAIN MATE TO MY EMAIL ADD AND GET IT SENT TO YOU IM IN NORTON CANES NEAR BURNTWOOD MATE
May 27, 2009 at 4:40 am
I was wondering, the third Alan Bown lp, just titled The Alan Bown, was the lp that was re-released and re-recorded with Robert Palmer o vocals. Can the original with Jess Roden be found? I’ve been looking everywhere and come up with nothing. If you know of it’s whereabouts, please let me know.
Thank you, Joe Eastlack