Junco Partners (1970) {2007 Second Harvest}
Description Junco Partners
Junco Partners 1970
Track List:
Minotaur
Fly Me High
Change In Louise
Black Widow
Help Me
Natural Thoughts
Am I Blue
Reprieve
In The Morning
Death By Fire
Biographical Information
"Junco Partners", formed in 1964, took over from the Animals at the famous "Club A'Gogo" and "Downbeat Club" in Newcastle and Sunderland's "Blue Note". The band enjoyed fanatical local success almost immediately and turned "pro" to go to Hamburg's famous "Star Club" of "The Beatles" notoriety, but were turned back at the border as being too young to get visas. They then spent six years playing the national club and college circuit alongside "The Who", "Rod Stewart", "Jethro Tull", "John Mayall Band", "Jimi Hendrix" and many others. They personally backed Blues giants "Howlin Wolf" and "Freddie King" on international tours. The band made single and album releases, but split in 1971. Individual members went on to play with "Robert Palmer", "Elkie Brooks", "Mick Ronson", "Mick Abrahams", "Bell & Arc" and "Lindisfarne".
Re-formed in 1977 for the "Newcastle Festival", The "Juncos" captured a new audience, particularly from the Northern University & College circuit and played regularly at the "Cooperage" on the Newcastle Quayside. An Independent single achieved national release in 1978 and caught the attention of television producer "Malcolm Gerrie" - (of "The Tube", it's forerunner "Alright Now" and also "White Room" fame). A complete episode of "Alright Now" was made with the "Juncos" and "Eric Burdon", former lead singer with the "Animals", who was especially flown in from Los Angeles to jam live in the studio. A singles deal with "Roxy Music's" management followed but chart success was still elusive. A cameo appearance as the "Juncos" on "Jimmy Nail's - Spender" in 1993 demonstrates the lasting interest in the band and confirms the indefatigable quality that still attracts and pleases audiences.
Now returned to their R'n'B roots, they continue to receive fantastic support from a growing and enthusiastic audience playing only at a few well selected gigs.
* Two unique singers Ronnie Barker and John Anderson front the band both have soul, taste and spontaneous good humour which defies imitation.
* Dual lead guitarists Kenny Barker and Charlie Harcourt, distinctively different players, each with bags of feeling, pull out mind blowing solos out of thin air.
* Justin provides the best Rock'n'Roll sax playing in Britain.
* Underpinning it all is the long running, driving rhythm partnership of Dave Sproat on Fender bass and John Woods on drums
Founder members from 1964 onwards:
Ronnie Barker: vocals, harmonica
John Anderson: vocals
Charlie Harcourt: guitar
Peter Wallis: keyboards
Dave Sproat: bass
John Woods: drums
Bob Sargeant: keyboards, vocals - replaced Peter Wallis in '66.
The album "Junco Partners" (1970) was recorded without Ronnie Barker & John Anderson. After Charlie Harcourt's post album departure in '70 the band worked as a trio for a short while-then split up.
The reunion from 1977 onwards:
Ronnie Barker: vocals, harmonica
John Anderson: vocals
Kenny Barker: guitar
Neil Perry: sax
Dave Sproat: bass
John Woods: drums
Charlie Harcourt: guitar - played with the band at various times after '81 and rejoined in the early '90's.
The CD "Almost Live" (1996) was recorded with the "reunion" line-up including Charlie Harcourt.
Justin: sax - replaced Neil Perry in '99
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