IF I HAD A TICKET (1967) by Phil Jones and the Unknown Blues

'If I Had A Ticket'' was a single released in 1967 by Phil Jones and the Unknown Blues, an Australian sixties rhythm and blues band which had considerable success with it. (It was later covered in 1994 by alternative rocker, Ed Kuepper). This was a Sydney band, comprising Phil Jones (vocals), Ian Sullivan (vocals), Dave Rowlands (drums), Chris Brown (guitar), Andrew Blundell (organ) and Billy Hodginson (bass). Blundell was later replaced by Vaughan Bros on organ.

They were originally influenced by the Mississippi delta sound, and later by the Chicago blues sound. They were resident band at Beethovens disco every Friday and Saturday Night. They followed up with another single, 'Pick A Bale of Cotton', and the official clip can be found on YouTube. Check out the photo of Phil with Jimmy Page at 2.05 when the Yardbirds toured Australia in the sixties.

In the absence of the promo video for this song on YouTube, I have done a slideshow video. If someone has a copy, could they please upload it. Ratings and comments are invited.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• phil
• jones
• unknown
• blues
• shiva

[shadyalan1]

Listen to this song by Jeff St. John and The Id.......it really rocks !!!!

[wilsonmcphert]

@shadyalan1

Didn't know Jeff St John did a cover of this but you're right. Thanks.

[MalThorgan]

This band used to rehearse in a back room of Chris Brown's dad's house in Earlwood 1968/9 when Chris's father was teaching us Judo in the garage. It was the opposite of a garage band ! We used to practice our breakfalls (judo falling techniques) in synch with the music..I was 15 at the time..what a blast !!!

Chris Brown later joined the much acclaimed Aussie jazz/rock/fusion band Ayers Rock which was unique for it's distinctive style and musicianship. Unknown Blues-great-Chris B my role model !

[wilsonmcphert]

@MalThorgan what an interesting anecdote about the band. Anymore recollections?

[MrBargonian]

Thanks for sharing. I still have the 45 of this and play it occasionally. I vaguely recall seeing them at The Sound Lounge in Liverpool (NSW) in the 60s.

[petraandmia]

I only know the Ed Keupper version! Thanks! Always interested in Aussie music history.

[shadyalan1]

@wilsonmcphert I love to hear the old Aussie bands of the 60's ...brings back so many memories as I saw so many of them at the various dances/clubs etc. in Melbourne

[tennis11ish]

Reminds of the classic "96 Tears" at the start....interesting to see/hear this band....I didn't know about them until tonight. Cheers from Toronto

[StaticWhistle]

Andrew Blundell is my dad. :) Cool to see this stuff up here!

[BaldingMusicFan]

What a great song, haven't heard this in decades, just like scores of other songs i've stumbled across on youtube. I have a vague recollection of this group performing in Centennial Park in Sydney around 1966 or 1967, one of the radio stations maybe 2UW had a music festival there on with lots of different bands playing, does anyone here know if they did in fact play there ?

[dtf1952]

The original Phil Jones and the Unknown Blues will be at the Byron Bay Blues Festival in April of 2011 

[MalThorgan]

@wilsonmcphert Nothing memorable,Chris would have plenty of stories I'm sure, if you ever want to talk to him direct let me know.

I do remember that Chris's father apparently would go to some gigs as the one man security team (black belt master- Judo & Ju Jutsu !) @ Caesars In Place ?

near Central Station in Sydney, with at least one anecdotal story concerning a bunch of bikies coming off 2nd best ! Ah- the good old days ! No video mobile phones back then unfortunately !

ps thanx 4 posting vid.