Martin Taylor & Giovanni Weiss "Gypsy Hearts" Tour Germany - 18 May 2025

Martin Taylor and Giovanni Weiss are currently doing their "Gypsy Hearts" tour in Germany and stopped off at Jazzclub A-Trane Berlin last night. First time for me at this well-maintained club, a lovely staff made everyone most welcome and the audience was excellent and well-informed. Definitely not my last visit there.

The two guitar players were brilliant and time passed in a flash. The set included a blend of traditional jazz pieces inspired by Django Reinhardt, along with modern interpretations and original compositions. We all know Martin from his time with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, I very well remember his and Albert Lee's famous "two men on one guitar act" which is something you can't buy. Last time I saw Martin was at the Chas Hodges Memorial, Shepherd's Bush Empire in 2018. Hadn't seen Giovanni Weiss so far but he's definitely worth being checked out. Bill Petry on trumpet was advertised as special guest, Jan Kaiser on flugelhorn joined later and you could see how much they all enjoyed playing together. A great Sunday night with excellent music in nice company.

Line-Up:

Martin Taylor, git

Giovanni Weiss, git

Bill Petry, trumpet

Jan Kaiser, flugelhorn

Chas Hodges Memorial Concert, Shepherd's Bush Empire - 17 Dec 2018

London, Shepherd's Bush Empire
An evening of music and entertainment in memory of Chas Hodges.

A show to remember with lots of music greats bidding farewell to Chas Hodges on 17 December 2018. The venue was packed with people who sang along and enjoyed the show to the full. The performers were all outstanding and created an incredible atmosphere. Lucky me, I had a seat upstairs which offered a great view down to the stage - the ground level was full to the limit.

Lots of familiar faces inside and outside the venue and so much fun. It was great to catch up with Claire and Zeena, also nice to see Sue Hargreaves, Jane Craxton and her brother who kindly helped me finding the right queue, Jeremy and Sharon, Dave and Karen and my lovely neighbours on the gallery. Queuing at the door had to follow  a certain order which was somewhat complicated to say the very least, it also took plenty of time but the excellent performance made up for all the effort.

The icing on the cake for me was seeing Albert, Dave & Wayne play alongside Eric Clapton but also great to see other guitar heroes e.g. Martin Taylor MBE and Richard Smith. I don't remember how many encores were given - the crowd cried out for more and the performers were only too happy to add yet another song.  Chas & Dave's warhorse 'Ain't no pleasing you' finally closed the show and everybody joined in.


I took so many photos that I almost lost track. What an unforgettable  night !  The list of participants is included in the FlickR photo album, please click on one of the pics to get there.


Some comments by people who attended:

Claire Robinson:
Yes, I was there last night! Couldn’t see anything from the stalls, it was dangerously packed, never known Shep’s Bush Empire as full as it was in all the times i’ve been there. But the atmosphere was brilliant, & everyone singing along to Ain’t No Pleasing You... I think Chas had a good time last night too 😊 Oh, did I mention Eric Clapton was there?


Pauline Brown:What a dream lineup -  fab night.

Chas and Dave Official:
Thank you to all who came out last night to give Chas such a great send-off. "Very happy to announce that Chas's tribute show raised over £40,000 for WaterAid. We would again like to thank the fantastic guest artists for donating their time and talent, and of course, you the fans for making the evening a sell-out success and for all your kind additional donations. Chas would have been well-pleased!"



PS Many thanks to Roland Clare for putting up my Gary Brooker photos and comments on the BtP website !

About Chas & Dave - Recordings with Albert Lee and other information

In the tradition of The Kinks and the Small Faces and around the same time as Ian Dury and Squeeze, Chas and Dave wrote and recorded exceptionally witty songs about life in London, performed with a strong affection for all things English reminiscent of many of the great Music Hall artists many years previously. In their case, however, the musical accompaniment to their sharply observant material was neither rock nor punk but solid, no-nonsense Rock’n’Roll style which had been their background and inspiration. Pianist Chas Hodges and guitarist Dave Peacock were widely experienced around the British rock scene of the 1960s and early 70s before teaming up with drummer Mick Burt (another much-travelled musician who had gone back to his original trade as a plumber) to form the group. Chas had worked with the legendary producer Joe Meek, backed Jerry Lee Lewis, played with Mike Berry and the Outlaws, along with Ritchie Blackmore, and also the highly respected Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, which had Burt on drums. He then joined Albert Lee’s cult band Heads Hands and Feet; before playing with Dave and Albert in Black Claw. Dave had been equally active, Starting out in The Rolling Stones (no, not them!) in 1960. Spells with The Tumbleweeds, Mick Greenwood, Jerry Donahue, and the above mentioned Black Claw followed prior to the pair coming together to go out on their own as Chas and Dave.

Albert Lee appeared with Chas and Dave on the following albums:

Don't Give a Monkeys (1979) - Chas & Dave
Albert's Credited Role: Guitar
Song List: Gertcha, Rabbit, Banging in Your Head
The album Don't give a monkeys includes guest appearances (besides Albert)
by Eric Clapton and Dave Edmunds

Live at Abbey Road - Chas & Dave
Recorded early 1979 but not released until 1981 (although some tracks from the gig are to be found on side 2 of 1979's 'Don't Give A Monkeys')
Guest appearance: Albert Lee, Eric Clapton



That's What Happens - Chas & Dave (2013)
To be released on 28 Oct 2013.
Recorded at the end of June 2013 at Abbey Road, with Grammy-winning bluesman Joe Henry on production duties, ‘That’s What Happens’ sees Chas and Dave return to their musical roots with a collection of early R&B, skiffle and rock n’ roll classics - alongside new takes on songs of their own. The album is set to highlight their finely-honed, versatile musicianship and intricate vocal harmonies and features a crack team of musicians and special guests including guitarists Albert Lee and Martin Taylor, Buddy Holly and The Crickets’ drummer J. I Allison and on keys Jools Holland and Hugh Laurie.


Chas and Dave Show 1982 with Eric Clapton and Albert Lee
'Slow down Linda / Good night Irene'

Latest news:
CHAS & DAVE:  LAST ORDERS
BBC Four broadcast a documentary about Chas & Dave which can be watched in the UK. Outside the UK, please use the link at the bottom of this page. Duration: 1 hour

"Documentary which highlights cockney duo Chas & Dave's rich, unsung pedigree in the music world and a career spanning 50 years, almost the entire history of UK pop. They played with everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis to Gene Vincent, toured with the Beatles, opened for Led Zeppelin at Knebworth - and yet are known mainly just for their cheery singalongs and novelty records about snooker and Spurs.

The film also looks at the pair's place among the great musical commentators on London life - and in particular the influence of music hall on their songs and lyrics.

The film crew followed Chas & Dave on their final tour, having called it a day after the death of Dave's wife, and blends live concert footage with archive backstory, including some astonishing early performances and duets with the likes of Eric Clapton. Among the experts and zealous fans talking about their love of the duo are Pete Doherty, Jools Holland and Phill Jupitus. Narrated by Arthur Smith."

The Lord's Taverners 2nd 'One Generation 4 Another' Concert: w/Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings & Others, Royal Albert Hall - 06 April 2006

The Lord's Taverners second 'One Generation 4 Another' Concert:
Royal Albert Hall, London

A preview:
"Former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, and his Rhythm Kings, will provide the back line throughout the evening. Alongside Bill will be an A to Z of legends who will undoubtedly entertain music fans of all generations.

They include:
Hugh Cornwell, Georgie Fame, Martin Taylor, Midge Ure, KiKi Dee & Carmelo, Fabba Girls,
Geno Washington, Andy Fairweather Low, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, Paul Young,
Robert Wells, Eddie Floyd.

Some photos on Flickr,
click on the above picture

My brief review:
Nothing to add to the above review. Good to see Sue, Trevor and Adam before the gig. We were lucky to attend this special event and had front row centre with excellent view. The show was great, the posted comments say it all.
Later I was lucky to get hold of a setlist plus Andy's handwritten notes. After the show we were happy to have a nice little chats with Nick and others, finally also with Bill who kindly asked us in because it was a freezing cold night.
Next day would see us heading down towards Warlingham to see Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes play The Botley Hill Farm.

Other comments:
"Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings played the back line for the whole evening; their tremendous support allowed us to hear the best of the above mentioned artists plus many others. The show was introduced by actor Colin Salmon, taking time out from his hectic filming schedule. Nick Stewart, a former Virgin FM disc jockey, compeered the evening with style and verve. He helped bring the very best out of all of the performers. The concert received favourable reviews from all in attendance, including from one Heart FM listener who called in the day after the show to say how wonderful it had been."

Another review - posted by someone with the nick "You've been gigged" (can be shared publicly):
06 April 2006 - Bill Wyman hosting Lords Taverners "One Generation 4 Another", Royal Albert Hall. Bill and his band, Bill and his pals - a starry benefit night. Bill doesn't lead the band so much as fade into the background, as ever barely moving a muscle, while he lets his band (plus whoever turned up that night) get on with it. It's never a lucky dip, though, it's all top-notch stuff - the fabulous Fabba, Kiki Dee, Albert Lee, Andy Fairweather Low (he of the long locks, now bald as a coot). Solid performances, tad over-long as these rambling, everyone-gets-to-do-their-thing gigs are. Spine-tingling moment - Midge Ure's pure rendition of "Vienna" as the years rolled back. Great time had by all - respect, Bill."

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, Kirkmichael Intern. Guitar Festival - 04 June 2005

A great review on the Kirkmichael International Guitar Festival by Jim Gilchrist for "The Scotsman" can be found on Hogan's Heroes official website. The Kirkmichael Guitar Festival is sadly missed, it doesn't take place anymore, and I was lucky to attend the one in June 2005. The review and the comment below say it all, there is absolutely nothing to add from my part.

A comment by BBC-co-uk Scotland (shortened):
"...... the pace moved up several gears with Hogan's Heroes, the superb band led by Albert Lee. Now here's a band that can really rock and ring the changes! Tiger Rag was fiery, while Pulling it off seemed almost Celtic. Lee switched to mandolin for Man of Constant Sorrow and to piano for the Beach Boys' Spend my Life with You  [Anm.: it's 'Only with You' / gs] ......and, predictably, Country Boy, on which Lee showed how tirelessly inventive is his high-voltage playing......" 

For the encore, the ensemble was joined by Martin Taylor, Steve Howe and Tommy Emmanuel for an even higher-energy jam that left us all gasping for air."


Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key, mandolin
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Pete Wingfield, key, voc
Guests for the encore:
Steve Howe (YES), git, voc
Martin Taylor, git, voc



Set List (not complete and not always in the right order):
I'm Ready
Let it Roll
Rock around with Ollie Vee
Last Date (Pete W)
On the Rebound (Pete W)
Two more bottles of wine
Evangelina
Pulling it off
Tiger Rag
Only with you
Real Wild Child (piano)
Just because
Man of constant sorrow
Sleepless nights
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Tear it up   (with guest musicians: Steve Howe, Martin Taylor)

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings & Friends, Royal Festival Hall London - 07 Oct 2004

RFH London, 07 Oct 2004


Band:
Bill Wyman, bass, voc
Terry Taylor, git, voc
Albert Lee, git, voc
Mike Sanchez, key, voc
Beverley Skeete, voc
Nick Payn, horns
Frank Mead, horns, perc., harmonica
Graham Broad, drums

Special guests:
Eddie Floyd, voc
Ronnie Wood, git, voc.
Martin Taylor, git
Ian Siegal (compère)





My review:
After picking up my ticket at the box office I found out that my seat was rather poor. Luckily the steward agreed to moving to another one which was closer to the stage and provided a better view.

Ian Siegal opened and did a good job. Rhythm Kings started their set with "I got a woman", then Albert did "Jump, Jive and Wail". I can't remember the order of the songs. Beverley had a bad cold and drank lots of water, nevertheless she did "Kiddio" in a great way. The set list included "Jitterbug Boogie", "Six days on the Road", "Race with the devil". Chris Stainton was playing the organ, Georgie Fame was not with the band. Then the first surprise guest came on, Martin Taylor. He did some stuff of his own, very jazzy, people around me (Swedish I thought) were special fans and clapped their hands like mad. Albert also applauded as did the other band members.

Second surprise guest was Ronnie Wood and the crowd went wild ! Wearing funny moon boots, he joked around with Bill and obviously enjoyed playing with his old band mate. Then Eddie Floyd did "Stagger Lee" and another song which escaped me. Bill and Albert did "You never can tell" and Ronnie joined having a fun time. In the very brief interval I dashed to get me a tour programme.

Rumour had it that - among other celebrities - Charlie Watts was in the audience, in fact he was. Someone spotted him later in a car taking him away.

Bill came on and introduced the band members one by one. Then they did "Taxman" as a tribute to George Harrison, "I am a man of constant sorrow", "Hit the Road Jack" and "Fever" but I missed "Real Wild Child" and "Chicken Shack Boogie" which were not on the list. "Flatfoot Sam" was brilliant, Frank did his funny moves! Mike encouraged everybody to stand up and dance to the music which most people did. I made my way to the front for some better photos. Eddie Floyd came on again, and the great finale included Ronnie and Martin Taylor. Mike did his "Secret" fooling around in his usual way, getting a couple of girls onstage to dance. The band did not leave the stage and played the encore right away.

Albert and Martin did their famous "2 men on one guitar" act during "Tear it up" which was a killer. When it was over, and I went over to the CD stall and bought me a Bootleg Kings CD, hoping to get it signed. After a while Ronnie and Jo Wood came out, Ronnie was immediately surrounded by a crowd. Jo wanted to direct him straight into the waiting limousine, but he didn't disappoint his fans and patiently signed some old vinyls and posed for a photo taken with 2 guys standing next to me. Eventually he was rushed into the limo and off he went. I wish I had asked him for his autograph but didn't dare, watching the scene from so close was thrilling enough and I completely forgot to take a photo!

Later I had a few words with Albert, then Bill, Tony, Mike and the others came out, and I was lucky to get my CD signed by some of the band members.

Late but not too late, I found a review by Stephanie Thorburn, freelance music writer,
which I'm posting here:

" 'Just For A Thrill' definitely captures the atmosphere of the Rhythm Kings musical outing to one of London's most classical haunts, the Royal Festival Hall last Thursday. The evening was however much more than just a promotional for Bill Wyman's latest offering on CD, because it proved to be a significant night for the events diaries of Stones connoisseurs too. Blessed with a whole front row to myself below the gods of the artists' entrance and royal boxes, this was a gig delivered from the heart of the crème de la crème of the industry.

Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood were in full force from the curtain call; Charlie to spectate and Ronnie to fill the stage with his ever- present vibrance, dressed in curiously gentile moon boots and a yellow psychedelic jumper. This huge rock n' roll family traced their roots adeptly with Ron jamming on ‘Soul Man’, ‘634-5789’, ‘You Never Can Tell’, ‘Flat Foot Sam’, & putting the night to bed with the fitting ‘Knock on Wood’, ‘Tearing It Up’ to a finale with Albert Lee.

As on the recent album, George Harrison's ‘Tax Man’ was celebrated with a suitably satirical groove, and Ray Charles was also a fitting subject for a musical toast and tribute. The set saw some tremendous demonstrations of versatility and evergreen talent not only from Ron, but his sparring partner Mr Albert Lee. A further highlight was the sublime, refined soloing of Martin Taylor MBE, whose spirit is certainly still with music of Django Reinhardt. Top of the set however was the haunting vocal prowess of Beverley Skeete, who simply left a spell on us all..

As I made my way backstage to the after show activities, I was lead down a maze of corridors and rooms towards a true hobbit's den. After a little hiking, I was greeted by the surrealism of Ron Wood retreating, not yet tired, just a little emotional & simply happy to have played his cute white boots off throughout the best part of both sets. Bill remains every bit the cool ambassador of his profession, unphased by the accolades that were directed his way, he still found the courtesy to deliver poses for magazine promotionals and a suitable army of autographs for an assembled faithful of fans.

Definitely the highlight of the party however, was when Jeff Beck literally appeared as an apparition, congratulating Ron on a great show, still partners in crime and getting on like a house on fire- inseparable conversationalists. A positive parting blow before leaving came from Albert Lee when asked about the prospects for the continuation of the Rhythm Kings family; all seems optimistic enough in view of some strategic, blasting shows, carefully placed into the future...."