2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,Guest Len Holden
Date: 30 May 21 - 12:50 PM

Derek liked to tell the story of how Mick Wells, who featured on one of Derek's early albums ('Songs we Like to Sing' with Lisa Turner) went up to London to a Pete Seeger concert. I believe Pete was playing at the Festival Hall. Mick created a massive banner with something like 'Welcome to England Pete'. He also liked to wear buckskins and western clothes. Derek said he carried this huge banner through the tube system nearly knocking people flying in the process. Derek relates that when he got to the Festival Hall he delightedly unfurled the banner but Derek says that Pete Seeger did not look very impressed. Pete was all for you singing stuff from your native country, and the bucksins must have seemed like sacrilege to him. Like Ewan McColl but less severe! Anyone heard Derek tell this story?

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST
Date: 17 May 21 - 08:22 AM

Theo Johnson ran Bunjies as far as I can recall. He also regularly used to sit in the L'Auberge Cafe in Richmond playing chess. One Sunday I went into get a coffee and there was Theo sitting having a game of chess. 'Hell Len. We had a yank playing at Bunjies last night by the name of Bob Dylan.' He pronounced it Dielan. 'I've just bought his record I said. What was he like?' I asked eagerly. 'Nothing special,' was Theo's laconic reply.

It's interesting to hear the stories other people have posted. One I remember was when Rod Stradling and I went to see Dylan at The Festival Hall. After the concert Rod, then a big Dylan fan, as I was, jumped on Bob's taxi as it was leaving. 'Where you playing next Bob?' Rod shouted through the taxi window. Bob looked up obviously stoned out of his head and mumbled 'North Dakota.' 'I don't think I can make that gig,' Rod mumbled before despondently letting the taxi go.

Them were the days. I now play jazz and world music. At present I play in band in Leicester called Afro City. We do a lot of township music.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 May 21 - 05:48 AM

Graham, Theo lived in East Twickenham/St Margaret's, in a flat above a furniture shop. It was near Richmond Bridge, quite near where Fred Woods also lived. He lived on the top floor, and in the middle floor there lived several musicians, at different times, including Johnny Silvo (I think) His full time occupation was as a draughtsman for a company called Greenwood Airvac.
I have a copy of an old photo from the Kingston Jazz Cellar, which showed Cliff Aungier in his youinger days. It came from the much lamented Derek Sarjeant's web site, now deleted.
Yes Sandman, Jackson wrote Blues Run the Game, and I too remember him with Sandy, in them bygone days.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 May 21 - 05:25 AM

franck, did he write blues run the game?I REMEBER SEEING BOTH DEREK AND HAZEL ONCE OR TWICE THEY WERE VERY GOOD PERFORMERS

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 17 May 21 - 04:08 AM

Ah yes, the Barge Folk Club on the Thames at Kingston. It was an old Thames sailing barge which was moored just along from where the other legendary club, the KIngston Jazz Cellar used to meet in an old nissan hut. But that's another story. I don't think the barge would have sailed anywhere, and was cleared away when the council developed the waterfront. Probably be worth a fortune nowadays!! Not sure whether Theo actually lived on it, but he was always there.

I first went along when Sandy Denny, who was a regular at Surbiton, and a good friend, annouced she was playing on the barge and was trying to drum up an audience. So I went along and she was with her then boyfriend Jackson C Frank who I seem to remember did the lions share of the evening. He was a revelation and I'll never forget avidly watching (and later trying to copy) his guitar style.

Wonderful times. Theo Johnson did a great version of the Bonny ship the Diamond, which we all learnt.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 May 21 - 03:13 PM

Was the houseboat on the Thames at Kingston, by any chance called The Barge Folk Club? If so, it was run by another late lamented singer, called Theo Johnson. Theo also used to play at Bunjies

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,Len Holden
Date: 16 May 21 - 12:37 PM

I knew Derek back in the early 1960s when my brother Ken and I went to his folk guitar lessons. He was a warm lovely man who showed care and concern to us and always gave lots of encouragement. I ended up playing at the Assembly Rooms Surbiton many times. I also remember taking Rod Stradling along who at that time was doing a lot of Dylan songs. We were both at Trent Park College in North London at the time. Though I never heard his Norwegian Wood rendition which others did. I ended up playing with The Thamesiders with Marion and Pete and then going on to play at the Round House in Wardour Street as resident there. I also got to gig with Muddy Waters Band who showed up late after a show at The Royal Festival Hall. I also dragged John Renbourne along who at that time was playing on a house boat on the Thames at Kingston. Derek encouraged a lot of people who went on to become outstanding in their fields.

I remember Hazel well. She was a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice and Derek and she sang well together. I still have two LPs: 'Hills and Dales' with just Derek and Hazel and The Derek Sarjeant Folk Trio with Graham Bradshaw. Two lovely albums. May he rest in peace.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: Iains
Date: 27 Nov 19 - 07:43 AM

I believe Surbiton High School has the use of the building today.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Nov 19 - 04:24 AM

Hi Barry, we must have coincided, I attended the Assembly Rooms, and sang there many times, Derek once even booked me to do an evening. The Surbiton Crescent venue you mentioned was I think, on the corner of Surbiton Road and Penrhyn Road, with Southsea Road along the side of it. I looked on Google maps, and it's no longer a pub. I remember The Cricketers, upstairs from the public bar. I remember bodily carrying a friend of mine who was in a wheelchair, up those stairs, with help of course. health and Safety reg's nowadays would stop that happening.
Had many good times there, and I am still in contact with one of the regular singers, Hector Gilchrist.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,Barry Swallow, Taupo, NZ.
Date: 27 Nov 19 - 02:09 AM

Condolences to Derek's family and whanau from New Zealand.
I first went to the Surbiton club, early 60's when the Malcomb Price Trio were on two Wednesday nights in a row. (2nd was a fill in for a cancelled booking) and I spent many a night thereafter.
Always remember the way Derek slung his guitar strap across his chest and parked his cigarette on the cut off end of a string while singing. Remember wondering where all his songs came from. Also remember regular Jack Parkingson(?) singing "Battersea Girls" often!
First time I ever performed was at Derek's Sunday night sessions at a pub along Surbiton Park Terrace near what is now the Uni. Later in the 70's he also ran Sunday night sessions at "The Cricketers" Fairfield St Kingston and then later at the Tolworth Community Centre. He was so supportive of folk music in all it's forms and an encouragement to many. RIP.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 Apr 18 - 07:18 AM

Some available here https://www.discogs.com/sell/list?artist_id=3208062&ev=ab

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 29 Apr 18 - 07:20 PM

I recently posted to this thread asking if anyone has extra recordings of Derek & Hazel's albums but I also wanted to ask if they had any CD's?

I don't know of all their albums but I do have two old LPs although I am sure there are more. I don't have any albums when they were known as the Derek Sargeant Trio.

I am still hoping to find someone who has knowledge of all the albums they release as a duo and as a trio?

Would like to buy from anyone who might have extra copies or could burn onto CD-R?
I like in California and have never seen their albums here. The two LPs I have are ones I found in record shops in London in the 1980's.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Apr 18 - 11:31 AM

Not a very good recording, but it gives you an idea of what they sounded like. I have the album this is taken from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL0-Z2i45gM

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: billybob
Date: 26 Apr 18 - 09:39 AM

RIP dear Derek, so many happy memories of a lovely man and a wonderful performer. I too was at the wedding of Derek and Hazel. So many great performers were there, I remember someone on the golf club behind the garden complaining about the noise and thereafter every time he went to tee off Michael Balfour our rushed out and blew Dereks trumpet.

We booked Derek and Hazel many times at our club in Thorpe le Soken and at the Walton Festival. They performed beautifully together , Hazels voice was amazing.

Sending love to his family
Wendy x

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 26 Apr 18 - 07:41 AM

Sad news. Derek was a stalwart of the folk scene when I lived in Surbiton. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread. My thoughts are with all those who know and miss him.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,John Paddy Browne
Date: 23 Apr 18 - 11:10 AM

I heard of Derek's passing on 20 April from Paul Marsh, owner of Forest Tracks, the southern-based label. Paul was a keen news-man (he worked for the Hampshire Chronicle until his retirement) and he never took his eyes off what was happening on mudcat.

That email he sent me about Derek's death was his last. I'm sorry to report that Paul Marsh, a familiar name to many readers, and a huge presence on the southern folk scene, died this morning, 23 April 2018 at 1.30 in Winchester Hospital.

Condolences to his wife,Paddi.

John Paddy Browne

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Apr 18 - 08:11 AM

Derek was a mate, and he and Hazel were a large part of my "Folkie" life in the late 60's and early 70's. Many happy evenings were spent at the Assembly Rooms in Surbiton. Derek gave me my first solo booking there, in the days when I knew just the three chords, and I've forgotten one of them now I'm an old codger.
I was invited to their wedding at Michael Balfour's house on Coombe Hill, and it was a glorious day, with a jazz band (Digby Fairweather) and lots of booze. Hazel sang with the band, and Derek played trumpet, and a good time was had by one and all. Hazel, had a glorious voice, and she could belt out a jazz number, just as well as she could sing ballads, like The Dowie Dens of Yarrow. It was so sad when she died prematurely, and now that Derek has gone, it's the end of an era in my life, but I'm glad to see his son Chris carrying on the family folk tradition.
Rest in peace Derek, I shall miss you.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Apr 18 - 12:47 AM

Sorry to hear of Derek's passing. I only actually knew of him from owning two LPs of Derek Sargeant & Hazel King that I bought in a record shop in London on my visit to UK in the 1980's.
I live in USA and never saw any of their LPs here.

I really liked their music and singing. Such great, great talent!

If anyone could please post a list of all the albums that Derek & Hazel released as a duo as well at any albums they had released as the Derek Sargeant trio I would appreciate it.

If anyone has a lot of their albums (duo with Hazel King albums and trio albums) I would be interested in buying them if you have extras or could burn onto CD-R, please let me know. As I am in California I would not ever find their albums here.

I just have two of their LPs (Derek & Hazel together) but don't have them with me to access them to provide titles of the ones I have. Since I recently moved I had to put a lot of my albums in storage until I can get to them again.

Thank you,
Lin

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: Vic Smith
Date: 22 Apr 18 - 07:19 AM

I remember particularly his way with thew traditional ballad, Geordie.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 21 Apr 18 - 02:03 PM

Derek Sarjeant was born in June (3rd I think) 1930. He was brought up in the Medway town of Chatham and always had an interest in things maritime.

He got involved in the skiffle craze in the 50s and was keenly interested in Trad Jazz and played trumpet in various trad bands of the day. He later got interested in traditional folk music and started a folk club in Chatham (as referred to by George Frampton above). He collected a good number of local songs from around Kent, which made up a good part of his repertoire, and some of which featured on his first recording "Man of Kent".

In the early 60s, he moved to Surbiton in Surrey with work - a management post for the then South Eastern Electricity Board.

It wasn't long before he got involved with folk in Surbiton, and formed first the Oak Club on a Sunday night (Rod Stradling was also involved in this as mentioned above), quickly followed by a much more ambitious enterprise on Wednesdays at the Assembly Rooms - the now legendary Surbiton and Kingston Folk Club. This started on 14th January 1962 with a Come all Ye night. They then followed with the first Guest Night on 7th February 1962 with Caroline Hester and Richard Farina, and it then ran weekly until into the mid 1970s. This reflected the interest in the folk boom of Greenwich Village at the time, and Derek booked many American artists that were making the trip over to the UK at the time. Doc Watson, Paul Simon, Tom Paxton and Julie Felix were just some of the names.

The club was famous for its eclectic policy - Bluegrass, blues, trad jazz, traditional folk from all parts of the British Isles could all be seen. Derek was responsible for bringing over some of the Blues greats - Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee (already mentioned), Rev Gary Davis and Jesse Fuller (who made his farewell appearance at Surbiton when people like Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Donovan were in the audience to see the great man). I also remember a very young Scottish lad called Rod Stewart who was brought along by Long John Baldrey one night.

Diz Disley was a regular at the club and when he persuaded Stephane Grapelli out of retirement to re-form the Hot Club de Paris group, it was Surbiton where they made their debut, before going on to tour the world's concert halls.

I first met Derek in 1965 when I first went to the club and did a floor spot. He must have seen something in me as he encouraged me in my playing, and took me along on his bookings around the country. We soon became an offical duo and, after a trip to Sweden for British Week in 1968, on our return we were joined by Hazel King to form the Derek Sarjeant Trio. We had some success and played at most of the clubs around the country, as well as several TV and Radio appearances.

I moved on to Coventry with a new wife and job in 1970, and Derek and Hazel carried on as a very successful duo with regular tours in Europe. They had married and had 2 children - Joanna and Christopher, both of whom are musicians. Derek's previous marriage to Diane in the 60s produced 2 boys - Graeme and Martin.

Derek lost Hazel to cancer some years ago, and retired to Bridport in Dorset. He still sang in the local clubs from time to time but never really had the will to start up his solo career again without his beloved Hazel.

Derek was what is now called a 'mover and shaker' in the folk world, but he was also a great singer. He had a rich brown voice, somewhat reminiscent of Burl Ives, and he was always spot on in tune. His voice led to him being signed up for a series of TV adverts in the 60s, and he made national notoriety when he sang a song at the NALGO union (now UNITE)national conference to put forward a delegate motion, instead of the mornal way of making a speech. It got him on the front pages of the national press at the time!

There's loads more I could write, but others will have their own memories. I always thought that, compared to many other well known characters of the time, Derek never really got the recognition he deserved. He was an important person in the folk revival, but what it really came down to was that it was all about the music.

"A Man of Kent or Kentish Man, it's all the same to me".

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,George Frampton
Date: 21 Apr 18 - 12:16 PM

I'm very sorry to hear this.

Derek lost Hazel to cancer years ago. He supported Stagfolk's fundraiser for Nic Jones organised by Lawrence Heath, and was also booked at the Guildford Town Show before I was involved at Godalming.

On a personal note - Derek was more than helpful when I heard he was instrumental in stating up a folk club in Chatham, bringing to the fore songs and traditional singers from Kent, which he helped to incorporate into my collection.

He retired to Bridport. He told me he'd stopped singing, and might even have stuck his head around the door at Sidmouth in 2005, but with my limited powers of facial recognition for someone I hadn't seen for 20 years - no chance!

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: Vic Smith
Date: 21 Apr 18 - 10:22 AM

But let's not get distracted from the sadness of Derek Sarjeant's passing. Condolences to the family. 

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 21 Apr 18 - 07:21 AM

But let's not get distracted from the sadness of Derek Sarjeant's passing. Condolences to the family.
Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: Vic Smith
Date: 21 Apr 18 - 06:35 AM

Rod Stradling singing Nowegian Wood?.....

When I first read that I started to laugh, then as the horror of it dawned on me, I crawled off the sleep in the bath.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 20 Apr 18 - 03:02 PM

Oh I must ask Rod to sing Norwegian Wood next time I see him!
Derek

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 20 Apr 18 - 02:54 PM

Didn't know him personally but in my mid 60s college days, the Surbiton club was a place I often visited- with a varied guestlist- from Sonny Terry & Brownie Magee to Bob Davenport & the Rakes-

in fact the first place I came across the latter & found out about the inspirational 'Fox' at Islington.

Also the first place I met Rod Stradling, who arrived with a 12-string & did a fine version of 'Norwegian Wood'. Later became a regulat ar Rod & Danny's excellent 'Fighting Coccks' folk club in nearby Kingston.
RIP Derek- have a lot to thank you for....

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,John Paddy Browne
Date: 20 Apr 18 - 09:37 AM

On the day that President J F Kennedy was assassinated, 22 November 1963 -- a Friday, and a club night for the Fo'c'sle Folk Club in Southampton, of which I was Chairman -- Derek Sarjeant was guesting. Word of the Kennedy murder in Dallas, Texas, had filtered into the club room, and by the time Derek took the stage, the audience had lost all appetite for singing. The television set in the public bar below was running a continuous news loop of the assassination and the fall-out it was creating in world affairs. Club members were up and down the stairs all evening to catch a snippet of the latest bulletin. Poor old Derek worked his socks off to raise the mood of the audience, to little avail.
We put that evening down to a memorable failure, and happy to report Derek's subsequent appearances at the Fo'c'sle were uncomplicated by "events beyond our control", and he was able to show us why he was one of the most enduring and likeable singers in the country.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: Vic Smith
Date: 20 Apr 18 - 06:51 AM

Booked him many times in Lewes - either on his own or later with Hazel King and then as a trio with Graham Bradshaw.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: Iains
Date: 20 Apr 18 - 05:42 AM

I used to see him at the Surbiton Assembly rooms in the late 60's. RIP.

Subject: Obit: RIP Derek Sarjeant
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 20 Apr 18 - 03:53 AM

Nobody seems to have picked up on this. Derek's son Graeme posted on Faceache. John James also sent me a message.

It seems that Derek passed away earlier this week (Monday I think). He would have been 88 in June this year.

There are lots of people on the Mudcat who knew him back in the 60s, and I will compose something more comprehensive later.

Graham Bradshaw
Brad