DJTees Blog

This is where I indulge in my passions - VINYL & ROCK 'n' ROLL

Back Street Crawler and then plain Crawler...

Back Street Crawler and then plain Crawler...

Authored By John Nicholson

When you’ve had one of the world’s best guitarists in your line-up it perhaps inevitable that when he is no more, people will think you’re a busted flush. That’s what happened to Back Street Crawler and then plain Crawler. They featured Paul Kossoff for their debut album The Band Played On. It was a fine blues-rock outing with brilliant blues guitar which struggled to find an audience in the UK. But this was an excellent band. They continued with a second album which featured Kossoff and also Snuffy Walden, who also toured with the band, filling in for Kossoff when he was 'indisposed'.Tragically,...

Read more
Iron Butterfly were America’s biggest band...

Iron Butterfly were America’s biggest band...

Authored By John Nicholson

For a few years they had Atlantic’s best-selling album and they played many big gigs in front of thousands of fans.Iron Butterfly were America’s biggest band. Then they split up and changed band members and fell off the radar. By the mid seventies they were no more. It was quite a ride for this excellent band who have a good claim to have invented or come across heavy metal. They were from San Diego and formed in 1966. In-A-Gadda-Vida was their second album. It sold a mighty 8 million in its first year. For many years it was the labels’...

Read more
Rory Gallagher: The People's Guitarist...

Rory Gallagher: The People's Guitarist...

Authored By John Nicholson

Rory Gallagher was a guitarist like no other. He played in show bands in Ireland, but soon graduated to play in the very successful band Taste. They had a hit single with Blister On Moon in the late 60's. But it was in the 1970s that Rory became The People's Guitarist. For what seems like years, he could be found touring somewhere in the world. Every year he played the city halls and town halls of Britain, time and time again. He was loved for his unassuming manner and his extraordinary talent.He released many records, none of which were especially popular in the...

Read more
David Lindley: A Musical Maverick

David Lindley: A Musical Maverick

Authored By John Nicholson

David Lindley's musical journey is a kaleidoscope of genres, with his dexterity showcased in everything from rock and folk to blues and world music. Born in 1944, Lindley first gained recognition as the lead guitarist for the psychedelic rock band Kaleidoscope in the 1960s. However, it was his later collaborations and solo endeavours that truly highlighted his diverse talents.At the heart of his musical prowess is his mastery of stringed instruments. Renowned for his slide guitar skills, he seamlessly weaves intricate patterns on the strings, creating a soul-stirring resonance. Lindley's command over the lap steel guitar is particularly noteworthy, and his...

Read more
The Animals: British Invasion and Blues Revolution

The Animals: British Invasion and Blues Revolution

Authored By John Nicholson

In the turbulent era of the 1960s, a British band emerged from the streets of Newcastle, in the North East of England, leaving an indelible mark on the history of rock and blues. The Animals, with their raw and soulful sound, quickly became synonymous with the British Invasion and paved the way for a new wave of musical expression.Formed in 1962, The Animals comprised Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (keyboards), Hilton Valentine (guitar), Chas Chandler (bass), and John Steel (drums). Their early influences drew heavily from American blues, a genre that resonated deeply with the band members and shaped the...

Read more
Blue Cheer: The Loudest Band in the World?

Blue Cheer: The Loudest Band in the World?

Authored By John Nicholson

In the late 1960s, as the counterculture movement blossomed and rock music underwent a seismic shift, a trio emerged from San Francisco that would redefine the boundaries of sonic intensity. Blue Cheer, often hailed as the loudest band in the world, not only set the stage for heavy metal but also left an indelible mark on the history of rock. Let's dive into the tumultuous journey of Blue Cheer and explore their legacy as the sonic pioneers of power.Formed in 1966, Blue Cheer consisted of guitarist Leigh Stephens, bassist/vocalist Dickie Peterson, and drummer Paul Whaley. Their moniker, derived from a...

Read more
The Youngbloods: Harmonizing the Spirit of the '60s

The Youngbloods: Harmonizing the Spirit of the '60s

Authored By John Nicholson

The Youngbloods, a folk-rock ensemble hailing from the heart of the hippie movement, crafted a sound that embodied the ideals of an era marked by social upheaval and a quest for peace.  Formed in 1965, The Youngbloods comprised lead vocalist and songwriter Jesse Colin Young, guitarist Jerry Corbitt, drummer Joe Bauer, and bassist Lowell "Banana" Levinger. Each member brought a unique musical background to the table, creating a dynamic synergy that would define the band's signature sound.They burst onto the scene in 1967 with their self-titled debut album, a collection that blended folk, rock, and blues with an ease that...

Read more
A Sonic Odyssey: The Timeless Brilliance of Return to Forever

A Sonic Odyssey: The Timeless Brilliance of Return to Forever

Authored By John Nicholson

Born from the fertile mind of legendary jazz pianist and composer Chick Corea, this fusion juggernaut emerged in the early 1970s, pushing the boundaries of jazz, rock, and Latin music to create a sound that was both avant-garde and accessible. With a revolving lineup of virtuoso musicians, Return to Forever embarked on a sonic odyssey that continues to captivate and inspire listeners across generations.The genesis of Return to Forever can be traced back to Corea's desire to explore the fusion of jazz and rock elements. The initial lineup featured luminaries such as Stanley Clarke on bass, Joe Farrell on saxophone...

Read more
Kraftwerk: Pioneers of Electronic Soundscapes

Kraftwerk: Pioneers of Electronic Soundscapes

Authored By John Nicholson

Kraftwerk, a German electronic music band formed in 1970, is renowned for their innovative use of synthesizers and electronic instruments, Kraftwerk played a pivotal role in shaping the future of music, particularly in the electronic and techno genres. Kraftwerk, or "power station" in German, was founded by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider. The duo's vision was to create a unique fusion of electronic sounds and traditional music elements, pioneering a new wave of sonic exploration. Their early albums, such as "Autobahn" (1974) and "Trans-Europe Express" (1977), marked a departure from conventional rock and pop, introducing audiences to the mesmerizing world of...

Read more
John Lee Hooker: The Boogie Master and His Indelible Impact on Rock Music

John Lee Hooker: The Boogie Master and His Indelible Impact on Rock Music

Authored By John Nicholson

Born in the heart of the Mississippi Delta in 1917, Hooker's journey from the cotton fields to international stardom not only defined the blues but also laid the foundation for the evolution of rock and roll.Hooker's distinctive sound, characterized by his raw vocals and hypnotic boogie guitar patterns, was a breath of fresh air in the blues landscape of the 1940s and 1950s. His early hits, such as "Boogie Chillen" and "Crawlin' King Snake," showcased a rhythmic intensity and primal energy that set him apart from his contemporaries. This rhythmic drive, often referred to as the "Boogie," would become a...

Read more
Skydog - The Soaring Legacy of Duane Allman

Skydog - The Soaring Legacy of Duane Allman

Authored By John Nicholson

Known as "Skydog" to his devoted fans, Duane Allman's virtuosity and soulful playing propelled him to legendary status, making him one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock and blues. Born on November 20, 1946, in Nashville, Tennessee, Duane Allman's journey into the realm of music began at an early age. Raised in a musical family, he was exposed to a variety of genres, from jazz to blues. However, it was the electric guitar that captivated his imagination, and he soon found his calling in the world of rock and roll. Duane's meteoric rise to fame came...

Read more
Budgie: The Unsung Pioneers of Heavy Metal

Budgie: The Unsung Pioneers of Heavy Metal

Authored By John Nicholson

In the grand tapestry of rock and metal history, certain bands stand out as true pioneers, laying the foundation for entire genres to come. One such band that often doesn't receive the recognition it deserves is Budgie, a Welsh power trio that emerged in the late 1960s. Despite their relatively low profile compared to some of their contemporaries, Budgie played a pivotal role in shaping the heavy metal sound that would dominate the global music scene in the decades to follow. Formed in Cardiff in 1967, Budgie consisted of vocalist and bassist Burke Shelley, guitarist Tony Bourge, and drummer Ray...

Read more
Peter Tosh: The Stepping Razor of Reggae

Peter Tosh: The Stepping Razor of Reggae

Authored By John Nicholson

Reggae music, with its roots deeply embedded in the cultural and social fabric of Jamaica, has produced iconic figures who not only shaped the genre but also left an indelible mark on the global music scene. One such luminary was Peter Tosh, a trailblazing musician, activist, and unapologetic advocate for social justice. Born Winston Hubert McIntosh on October 19, 1944, in Westmoreland, Jamaica, Tosh emerged as a prominent figure in the reggae movement during the 1960s and 1970s. His journey began in the vibrant musical landscape of Kingston, where he honed his skills and found a musical partner in Bob...

Read more
The Kinks - Pioneers of British Rock and Timeless Storytellers

The Kinks - Pioneers of British Rock and Timeless Storytellers

Authored By John Nicholson

In British rock, one band stands out as both a trailblazer and an enduring force that has left an indelible mark on the history of music – The Kinks. Formed in Muswell Hill, North London, in 1964, The Kinks, led by brothers Ray and Dave Davies, carved their own distinct path through the tumultuous landscape of the British Invasion and beyond. The Kinks burst onto the scene during a musical renaissance marked by the likes of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. However, what set them apart was their unique sound, characterized by raw energy, socially conscious lyrics, and the...

Read more
Denny Laine: A Musical Journey Through Decades  1944 - 2023

Denny Laine: A Musical Journey Through Decades 1944 - 2023

Authored By John Nicholson

In the vast tapestry of rock and roll history, certain names stand out as unsung heroes, weaving their influence through the fabric of time. Denny Laine is one such luminary, a musician whose multifaceted career spans decades and encompasses a kaleidoscope of musical genres. From his early days with The Moody Blues to his pivotal role in Paul McCartney's post-Beatles project Wings, Laine's journey is a testament to his enduring talent and contribution to the world of music.Born Brian Frederick Arthur Hines on October 29, 1944, in Birmingham, England, Denny Laine's musical journey began at a young age. Inspired by...

Read more
Scroll To Top