The Band Contraband...70's

Subject: The Band Contraband...
From: Alba
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 02:02 PM

I was given an album to learn a few tunes from back in the 70's. The Band was called Contraband and the tunes I had to learn were a version of "Rattlin, Roarin Willie" and a song called "Lady for today" I gave the album back to the owner and didn't think much about it at the time.             Over the last few weeks I have been searching for information on The Band and for a copy of that particular album ( id like to hear the tracks again and another tune that was on the album that I cannot for the life of me remember) but all my attempts have failed.   Does anyone know who the band is and what the line up was and if a copy of their work is available anywhere. Id appreciate any help anyone can give me. Thank you:>) Alba

Subject: RE: The Band Contraband...70's
From: weerover
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 03:35 PM

The female singer was Mae McKenna (with whom I went to school), who went on to a successful solo career. William Jackson was another member and I should remember the others but can't right now, one or more of their number went on to play with Ossian. I'm sure a family member still has the album - I'll ask around.

Subject: RE: The Band Contraband...70's
From: Alba
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 03:49 PM

Thanks so much wee rover. That explains why the music has stayed with me all these years. I didn't know anything about the band members as I was a ripe old 14 year old LOL. I d appreciate it so much if you could look into the album for me. Thank you for your help and for the information.
Alba:>)

Subject: RE: The Band Contraband...70's
From: Bobert
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 05:50 PM

Alba:

I have the demo album entitled "Nothing to Hide" but that it. This was apparently before a female singer was added and was comprised of Mark Evans on bass/vocals, Graham Kennedy on guitar/vocals, Peter MacFarland on drums/voclas and Owen Orford was the lead singer.

Their sound seems like a blend of Humble Pie and Bloodwyn Pig but not as hard edged. They did have horn player dub in some cool horn on a song entitled, "Where Were You". That's about all I have on 'em. You might check out ebay 'cause at any given time there's half a million albums on there.

Good luck, and if ya' want a tape of waht I have, PM and have patience and I'll get it taped and off to you.

Bobert

Subject: RE: The Band Contraband...70's
From: Alba
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 07:27 PM

Thank you Bobert much appreciated.
Alba

Subject: RE: The Band Contraband...70's
From: GUEST,Billy
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 02:30 AM

Contraband featured Mae McKenna, vocals; Peter Cairney, guitar; John Martin, fiddle; George Jackson, mandolin,accordion, guitar, fiddle, banjo; Billy Jackson, bass guitar, cello, double bass, vocal; Alec Baird, drums
The Album "Contraband"
Side One: Rattlin' Roarin' Willie; The Black Rogue/Sir Philip McHugh/ Alice Cooper's Favourite; Lady for Today(Rosemary Hardin); The Devil's Fiddle (John Martin); On the Road (Billy Jackson); The Spanish Cloak/ Pea-Pod McGinley/The Youngest Daughter; Alec's Interlude
Side Two: Stainforth Blues (John Martin/Peter Cairney); Come Up Smiling (Richard Digence); The Banks of Claudy; Edward Sayers' Brass Band (Richard Digence)

Mae McKenna pursued a solo career
Peter Cairney plays with Isla out of Nashville, TN
John Martin, George Jackson and Billy Jackson formed Ossian with Billy Ross and Tony Cuffe (deceased)   
Alec Baird ????

Buy the reissued album Contraband at
http://www.rootsandrhythm.com/roots/NEWSLETTER123/newsletter123_angfolk.htm

Subject: RE: The Band Contraband...70's
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 08:02 AM

Also, this link to Gemm's website lists many entries for this band. One entry advertises the full length CD (used) for about $5.00 U.S. Type "Contraband" in the search box and select "Artist" from the drop-down menu to see the entries.

Subject: RE: The Band Contraband...70's
From: Alba
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 10:49 AM

Great Guest I am on my way to the site now. Thank you so much for the info.
When you need an answer to a question the generosity is wonderful.
Thanks again Everyone
A very happy ALBA:>)

Subject: RE: The Band Contraband...70's
From: Declan
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 11:31 AM

Given that there is not one common name between the line-ups of Bobert's band and the names given by Guest,Billy, I suspect were talking about two different bands of the same name here?

John Martin currently plays fiddle with the Tannahill Weavers and was also (I think) a member of The Easy Club.

Subject: RE: The Band Contraband...70's
From: GUEST,Billy
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:38 PM

Bobert's Contraband was an Aussie rock band formed by ex AC/DC member Mark Evans. "Nothing to Hide" was released in 1977. I can't imagine them doing "Rattlin' Roarin' Willie". Well, I could but it would be ugly! :-)

Subject: RE: The Band Contraband...70's
From: Bobert
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 06:43 PM

Thanks, GUEST, Billy, fir uncornfuzzerating this little misunderstanding! Danged, I was postin' with the album right here in front of me. Hey, I don't care what anyopne says, the Aussie "Countraband" ain't hald bad either.

That's my story and I'z sticken to it.

Bobert