The Alan Bown Set Before and Beyond

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Share this post

Submit to FacebookSubmit to TwitterSubmit to LinkedIn
The Alan Bown Set Before and Beyond
 Author: Jeff Bannister
  Format: Hardback (235 pages including many b & w photos)
Publisher: Banland Publishing Ltd.
2007
ISBN: 978-0-9551513-2-3
List Price: £18.99

The Alan Bown Set Before and Beyond

Alan Bown Set
Click to enlarge

A review by Geoff Leonard
6 September 2007

 This is the second book to be written by or about a former leader of The John Barry Seven. And, just as in the case of Bobby Graham’s effort, this joint biography by Jeff Bannister & Alan Bown is thoroughly recommended.

Whether you are fans of the Alan Bown Set, of that music or that era in general, or are merely curious about life with the JB7 after the Vic Flick/Bob Graham era, this is the book for you.

Of particular interest to John Barry fans will be the account of Alan & Jeff joining the band, the comings and goings of various members, tales of touring the UK & Germany with the likes of Billy Fury & Brenda Lee, their on-stage repertoire (which had changed markedly from Vic Flick days), and the sad demise of the band when John Barry decided it had run its course.

Alan Bown Set
Click to enlarge to complete image

The rest of the book has a highly detailed account of the various formations of the Alan Bown Set, which initially included several of the JB7 personnel, including the period when Robert Palmer was the singer. There are stories of drink, drugs (not too much!), sackings, record companies, promoters, Alan’s switch into A & R work with CBS and finally the formation of Alan Bown Management which combined an administrative role for Keith Mansfield, the well-known composer, especially of library music. Alan & Keith co-wrote "Seven Faces" the last Columbia single made by the JB7.

The 230-page book is full of photographs (including an excellent one of the JB7 I had never seen before), press-clippings, tour posters, concert bills & programmes and has a meticulous account of tour dates.

If you’re interested in purchasing a copy you will find details on the accompanying flyer. You may also be able to find it on-line at the usual sources.

Geoff.

Alan Bown Set
Click to enlarge to complete image
Read 63823 times Last modified on Friday, 04 December 2020 11:59

Contact the JB site

If you wish to send an email, for example with content for the website, please contact Geoff Leonard:

Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Location
Bristol, UK

Geoff (owner) and Ruud (webmaster) have been running the John Barry website since June 18, 2001.

This website is not endorsed by the composer's family.
Use of copyrighted materials and logos are for promotional purposes only.

All files on this website are for personal use only and cannot be bought or sold.

 

big screen hits s

Plays 007 s

Our other sites

Geoff Leonard writes CD booklet notes, articles, and occasionally books, in partnership with Pete Walker. You can read more about this here:

 

Some albums

Golfinger French s

Best Of Bond s

Bond US 10th Anniversary s

Events or Concerts


Submit your Event or Concert, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We will not be responsible for any errors or inaccuracies.


 


 

Array
(
    [type] => 8
    [message] => Undefined index: view
    [file] => /home/ci9sx3ekq4zk/additional_domains/johnbarry.org.uk/public_html/components/com_k2/router.php
    [line] => 542
)