Junco Partners and The Wolf.

This live cover of the classic Howlin' Wolf track "Smokestack Lightnin'" was filmed by Echo Productions and features the band who backed the Wolf on his tour of the UK during the 1960s.

"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 Radford 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.

You can catch more of them in the forthcoming documentary "Gettin' the Blues".
For More info, Gigs and their brand new CD release "Almost down in New orleans"
the Junco's are available for Gigs and Festivals Contact Dave on 07802 641863 or enquire via www.JuncoPartners.com

checkout:

www.myspace.com/officialjuncopartners
www.juncopartners.com
for more info.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• blues
• harmonica
• guitar
• saxophone
• the
• Animals
• Howlin'
• wolf
• Smokestack
• Lightnin'
• gettin
• rythmn
• and
• chicago
• soul

[desmond2511]

The best blues band to come out of Newcastle absolutely Brilliant. Des

[skida3]

At the time of the album they were a four piece, with Bob Sargeant (vocals and organ), Dave Sproat (bass), Charlie Harcourt (guitar) and John Woods (drums).

[amyleigh02]

first heard the junco partners at the mayfair ballroom in newcastle in about 1966 and was hooked, i went to see them perform as often as possible, great blues band.

[harpfelt]

thats what i call live music,thanks

[peopleschum]

Crikey.. I used to see the junco partners at the cooperage in newcastle back in the late seventies and early eighties. 28 years ago, Blimey I am having a flash back, everybody dancing hot and sweaty in a very crooked building. Hey it was fun, thanks.

[t1mmytee]

Hey Juncos: Smokestack Lightnin' has one of the greatest hooks in the history of Rock 'n' Blues! You guys really kick it! [I seem to remember the Animals' version was pretty cool, too, though I haven't heard it in almost 40 years. (From an LP called *Animalism*, I think{?})] Rock On, guys!

[echofilms]

Hey there,

I think the Juncos were a 3 peice band on that cd that you are talking about and they had changed their style quite a bit.

earlier on they did a lot more Blues at the club a go go.

[ComradeKurbla]

When? In 1970's? What they played back in that time? Exclusively blues? I have their album from 1970. and it is somewhere on the half way between blues and prog rock, very interesting, strong organs.

[ellyiz]

I had a pub in Newcastle and Juncos played there and filled the place every week. They were fantastic.