Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: GUEST,Kathy
Date: 27 Sep 15 - 03:20 AM

To Guest Fantoosh;

You mentioned on your post that you made Sandy's guitar strap. Just curious, did you by chance also make her guitar? What kind of guitar did she play and was it custom made for her or bought from a guitar shop?

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: GUEST,Fantoosh
Date: 26 Sep 15 - 06:33 AM

Definitely remember Johnny Silvo...still have the Sandy and Johnny album! I made Sandy's guitar strap. Good memories of that time.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 12:10 PM

Oh yes indeed I do, he too is dead alas. I remember Hazel singing with Digby Fairweather's band beside the swimming pool, and Michael's sons trying to slip off with Derek and Hazel's booze that they'd hoarded from trips to Germany, especially for the wedding. I don't think Derek was too impressed by that one!
Giok

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: GUEST,billybob
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:43 AM

Hi Giok
that guest was me ..lost my name thingy!
I had forgotten Michael Balfour's name, do you remember his wonderful suit made from a tate and lyle sack!
Wendy

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:41 AM

Well I was at the wedding too, at Michael Balfour's palatial residence.
Giok

07739 464742 Mobile My e-mail is a bit iffy protem, I can receive but not send

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: scouse
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:20 AM

Hey Boab,
   Didn't really know what sort of Whiskey it was 'cos the lady had to go to another Bar in the complex for it!!But it was good.
    The Saturday night before he saved the Skagen Festival's backside,
John and I sat the Saturday evening rather than go out to the Festival concerts, an after a good meal we worked our way through the best part of an excellent bottle he'd bought on the ship when he was coming over from Norway to Demark.Some of the stories are definitely not for printing ,reputations would be in ruins...I thought only Alex Campbell did strange things..I was proved completely wrong..
As Aye,
Phil..

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:17 AM

Giok
I would love to get in touch with Derek, have not seen him since Hazel died. I remember going to their wedding in Kingston, what a lovely day and so many old faces were there.
Looking forward to seeing John on Thursday, however every year we seem to have news of people no lomger with us, first Brixton Bert, then last year Dave Brient, this year my ex husband.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: Scrump
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 07:05 AM

Blimey, Graham, I might well have seen you on that show. I certainly saw the Johnstons many times on there (I was a great fan of theirs). I couldn't remember Johnny compering though - was he standing in for Wal on holiday or something?

As for the content of CMF, I must admit I wasn't keen on a lot of the "Country" bands they had on, many of which seemed like a poor imitation of the real thing, and IMO weren't generally of such a high standard musically as most of the folk artists. There were a few exceptions though. But in those days CMF was the only national radio show where you could hear folk music, so I was grateful for it even though it wasn't perfect. I saw most of the top folk names of the day there anyway, and have some fond memories.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 06:40 AM

Graham, I am still in touch with Derek, are you? I can't PM you as you're posting as a Guest.
I ws a resident at the Assemly Rooms for a while so we may have met.
Derek has a little site in memory of Hazel,but I can't link to it, as it's on my main PC which is hors de combat at the moment.
Giok

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 05:17 AM

I once played in that Playhouse Theatre on Country Meets Folk. Probably 1969 or thereabouts. I was in the Derek Sarjeant Folk Trio at the time (sort of Campbells meets Spinners), and our agent was the much missed Sandy Glennon. (He seemed to have everybody on his books at the time). Trouble is, poor old Sandy had a perverse sense of geography (and hated to turn down bookings!!), so we played in Manchester on the Friday night, drove down to London to do CMF at lunchtime on the Saturday, and then drove back up to Sheffield on the Saturday night!
I still have the script for Country Meets Folk as well. Johnny Silvo was compering, and the other guests on the show were the Johnstons and the Overlanders, and the featured new release was the Humblebums (Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly). Aahh - heady days.
The show went out live on Saturday lunchtime between 12.30 and 1.30, and we had to stop in the middle whilst they went over to the 1 o'clock News. The whole thing was timed to the second (applause 7 seconds!) and was one of the most nerve-racking experiences of my life!
Nowadays, Smooth Ops record the Mike Harding show, and Mike puts his links in afterwards, either in his studio in Dent or at his home in Ireland. All done by phone or internet.
Interestingly, at the time CMF was colloquially known as "Country Swamps Folk" and was much-maligned. I suspect that, had there been a Mudcat at the time, it would have been the subject of some lengthy threads, and much moaning. Just like the MH show has a pre-dilection for all things Kate Rusby, CMF strangely seemed to have a surfeit of Sandy Glennon artists, as did the Jim Lloyd show feature a lot of the Yetties (who just happened to be managed by one James Lloyd!).
Which just goes to prove that nothing much changes really.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 11:17 PM

Aye, Phil---I'd bet it's still Glenmorangie, at that!!

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 05:18 PM

Jeeeeez!
How often I passed by that grotty looking little "Playhouse Theatre" near Charing Cross (I used to work in J.Lyons corner house one summer) It never even occurred to me that the music I loved was available , FREE , in such quality.
Gggggggggggggggggggnnnnnnnnnnh !

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: Scrump
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 12:15 PM

I certainly remember him from the BBC (Country meets Folk) on Wally Whytnan's Show

I often used to go along to see the show recorded, and I saw Johnny and Dave on it once or twice. It used to be recorded on Saturday lunchtimes in the Playhouse Theatre near Charing Cross tube (now Embankment). I was a student at the time, so it was a great chance to see all the top artists free (if you knew where to get the tickets - actually, once you went along, they handed out free tickets for the next week's show as you left the theatre). I used to have many reel to reel tapes of the shows I went to, but sadly they've disappeared (not that I have a r-2-r player any more). It would be great to hear them again, as I saw some pretty unique performances there.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: Brakn
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 07:24 PM

Saw him in Swinton this year. Fabulous show.
With me not being a "folk clubber" I never knew anything much about him though his name always stood out when reading the "Melody Maker" in the 70s.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 06:54 PM

Dave Moses is still keeping very busy. Making quite a name for himself as a composer. He has produced some excellent choral stuff for children to sing. Had a first performance at the Royal Albert Hall here in London a couple of years ago....I know...I was there!
                                              Nigel P.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: billybob
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 06:32 PM

Oh joy he is at Wivenhoe on the 16th I shall be there. I have known Johnny for over 30 years, a real gentle man! I remember when he stayed at our house in Maidstone when my daughter was about 3, he was woken up by this tiny girl opening his eyelid with her fingers and saying" I know you, how did you get out the television?" he was on "play school at the time!
He gets better year by year. by the way what happened to Dave Moses? Great bass player.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 04:02 PM

In answer to the original "Does anyone remember Johnny Silvo..?"
Yes , I certainly remember him from the BBC (Country meets Folk) on Wally Whytnan's Show. He was brilliant then, some 40 yrs ago. I never got a chance to see him perform, didn't even know that he had recorded. Are any of his recordings available still ?
I recall he generally played with a nother chap. Dave Moses ? anyone ?

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: scouse
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 04:56 AM

Watched him do the Biz. over here in Holland last month..Still the same John..Drank a good Whiskey with him after the Gig.Watched him also save the Skagen Festival's Sunday night Concert two years back, when Tommy Fleming never turned up and John when on as top of the Bill. He just brought the house to it's knees!! What a performer..
   As Aye,
   Phil Jackson

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 02:29 AM

Great entertainer, terrific guy! I see a mention of the kilt in a previous post;first time I ever saw Johnny he was resplendent in kilt and accoutrements ["Just been back home to Kenya to see the dear old Dad--the only one left in the village---he'd eaten all the rest"---!]
And he gave an unbeatable rendition of the "Mingulay Boat Song" too.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: GUEST,bob templeman
Date: 11 Nov 06 - 06:12 AM

johnny alive and well, lives in Norway, eppearing at the tudour folk club, chesam, bucks on monday 13 november 2006.

his 2007 tour seems to be his last before retiremenht.

still a great performer, powerfull, funn and engaging

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 11 Nov 06 - 02:50 AM

It's OK Nigel I won't repeat it here.

eric

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 08:51 AM

I had the pleasure and privilege to record a new album with Johnny this time last year at my house in Coventry. A consummate professional and still in great voice at his advancing years! One of the folk scene's true entertainers.
The album is called "I'll fly away" (Folksound FSCD74), so go and see him on this tour and buy a copy from him!

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: breezy
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:06 PM

old ? maybe, but not as old as derek brimstone,

tart ?

No I dont think of derek like like that.

Its my brother, string vest

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: Dartford Warbler
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 05:55 PM


Johnny Silvo - Tour Dates

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 04:28 PM

Give it a rest breezy, you old tart!
G ¦¬]

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo (The Johnny Silvo Folk Group)
From: breezy
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 03:50 PM

and dont forget Derek Brimstone in St Albans

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 12:41 PM

Give him my regards when you see him Terry!
Giok

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 11:03 AM

If JS doesnt turn up at The Tap on Friday , I may well head over to Reading on Sunday

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 10:57 AM

Yes eric I do & I'm ducking the question...he's still a good friend!
                                                       Nigel P.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 10:47 AM

Well enjoy him while you can folks, remember that Diz can no longer play since his heart operation, so you won't see them both together again.
Diz is coming up to 75 and Johnny is only about 7 years behind him, so cherish him, he won't be matched.
I have lost count of the great evenings I have enjoyed listening to Johnny, or the hours spent in his company.
The man's a national treasure!
Giok

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: eddie1
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 10:09 AM

Johnny is on this Sunday (12th) at Readifolk who meet at 8.00 in:
The Clifton Arms         
Gosbrook Road         
Caversham         
Reading RG4 8BS

Admission is usually £4.00!!

Eddie

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 09:40 AM

Ray - I was fortunate enough to get to The Troub on a fairly regular basis , and got to know them both well ! Happy Memories !!

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 08:31 AM

Red Sullivan and Martin Windsor my word what a pair of characters
I never saw them in their natural environment in London but their mythology preceded them

I did see them a number of times live including one year at Whitby FF

A brilliant live act terrific enthusiasm

" I live in trafalga square with 4 lions to guard me_____"

[I know nothing of London]

Ray

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 07:16 AM

If Johnny is down this way at weekends when he is in UK he usually drops in to The Tap , so I may well see him !

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: breezy
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 07:14 AM

Talking of Johny Silvo, derek Brimstone is appearing at Windward Folk-song in St Albans on Sun 19th November at the Comfort Hotel, Holywell Hill , doors open 7.30

plus

Chris Flegg who used to play with Sullivan and Winsor at the Troubadour who has re emrged as a strong singer-songwriter

and George Papavgeris would if he were free

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Fidjit
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 07:12 AM

First met Johnny at the troubadour folk club, - shades of Martin Winsor and Red Sullivan too -, early sixties (He broke a string on my guitar!) Met him again in Norway 6 years ago on the west coast. He lives in Stavanger, Plays locally there when he's not touring. Promised me a game of golf. Our other passion that we have in common.

Chas

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:11 AM

he is still going to my knowledge first saw him at Poynton Cheshire at the folk centre

Many appearances at Wortley fc was at Barnsley fc couple of times recently last year or two

Was at Saltburn FF ( i upset him) not a man to get wrong side of!

Brilliant act and performer no longer that young!

Ray

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 05:10 AM

Yo Nigel, I used to have the Halliard LP ' It's The irish In Me.'

Do you remember what Dave Morans nickname was all those years ago ?

eric

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 05:07 AM

I saw Johnny many many years ago with Dave Moses at the ill fated Krumlin Pop Festival, he came on stage wearing a kilt and introduced himself as the only genuine member of the Black Watch Regiment, magic.

eric

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,Shanty Kees
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 02:59 AM

Johnny Silvo is still touring. I saw him about 6 weeks ago at a concert in Voorhout/Holland. It was an excellent night, like it was when I first saw him (first half of the eighties).

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: SylviaN
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 07:09 PM

Saw the gig he did at Cleckheaton with Diz Disley - truely amazing.

Seen Johnny do many solo gigs over the years - if you haven't seen him and can get to Dartford, you will be in for a treat.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,Fiddling Sid
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 06:55 PM

Saw him play at Cross keys, Uppermill about 8 years ago, one of the finest and most entertaining folk club gigs that I have see - class !
Tracked down a couple of his old LP's and can safely say something was maybe lost in translation, but you would have to go a long way to surpass Johnny as a live performer

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 05:27 PM

This thread brings back some memories. Johnny Silvo at Chelmsford Folk Club in the 60s...dynamic, humourous, generous...worked himself & the audience to a frazzle! And 'Giok' mentioning Sandy Glennon, he was The Halliard's agent for some time too. The cover photo for our 'It's The Irish in Me' album was taken in Sandy's apartment in Beaufort St. Those were the days!
             Nigel Paterson.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 05:24 PM

He was on at Loughborough Folk Festival last month, and a great turn.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Dartford Warbler
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 05:00 PM

Johnny is the guest at Dartford Folk Club on Tuesday 14 November 2006

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jul 01 - 05:06 PM

Johnny is still doing the rounds, was at some of the Yorkshire clubs recently, I know.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 26 Jul 01 - 02:51 PM

He was on at Cleckheaton (West Yorkshire) Folk Festival 3 weeks ago again with Diz Disley, great set, very laid back. I would presume that they may be on tour.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Jul 01 - 02:22 PM

Yes dear old Sandy Glennon is with us no more. Years ago when I lived in Richmond we all went on to Cliff Aungier's place for drinkies,after a session at The Dungeon by Tower Bridge. Anyway Sandy offered me a lift home and on the way we were stopped, Sandy was breathalysed and we were taken to Cricklewood [I think?] police station. Eventually they let him go providing I drove , which I did back to Beaufort St., where Sandy said thank-you and good-night, leaving me to walk home at about 3.30 a.m.. Not too far REALLY!! The reason for my assuming that Johnny was on Sandy Denny's album was because they were, I think, what they now call an item in those days. Jock

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 26 Jul 01 - 07:23 AM

Johnny used to attend the Poynton Folk Festival. One year the permanent unofficial singaround in the bar was launching into "The music man" and Johnny stood up and started conducting (I think it was the Ted Heath verse or maybe the Dambusters. The bar was festooned with antiques and junk (old ploughs, yokes, harness etc) and Johnny dislodged a heavy pot which landed on my mate Tom's head causing quite a dent. Johnny carried on oblivious. The next time he came down to London we turned up with hard hats (builder's hats) and put them on just as he started his act. He was corpsed. Revenge was sweet.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 26 Jul 01 - 05:17 AM

His recent CD Blues in the Backyard with Disley is great.
RtS

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Ditchdweller
Date: 26 Jul 01 - 04:36 AM

He was at Saltburn last year with Dis Disley. Excellent set.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Kernow John
Date: 26 Jul 01 - 03:56 AM

Giok
John from Norway sees him quite often, but haven't seen him on the 'cat lately.

btw Noel sends his best, when Johhny went grey Noel started introducing him as the Singing Negative!

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 25 Jul 01 - 07:00 PM

Follow the link I gave, and you will get up-to-date info including his address.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,mikejames
Date: 25 Jul 01 - 05:49 PM

Johnny Silvo now lives in Scandandavia and is still making live performances. He was recently in the UK.and was interviewed on the BBC radio folk show.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Les from Hull
Date: 25 Jul 01 - 05:47 PM

Yes he did, Norway I think. We saw him this year at Cottingham Folk Club and he was magical, a consumate artist.

Les

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: John J at home
Date: 25 Jul 01 - 05:45 PM

I saw him at the Fisherman's Inn folk club, Littleborough, Rochdale, Lancashire, about 1975. A good performer, didn't he move to Scandinavia?

John

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Lanfranc
Date: 25 Jul 01 - 05:39 PM

I suspect that the reason that Sandy and Johnny were put together on one album was that at that time they were both working through the same agent, Sandy Glennon, of Beaufort St, London SW.

Possible scope for a thread on "Folk Agents of the 1960s & 70s"?

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: pavane
Date: 25 Jul 01 - 04:30 PM

On Sandy Denny's first album, Sandy & Johnny, they were quite separate - no tracks performed together. In fact, probably recorded at different sessions.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 25 Jul 01 - 04:25 PM

As did Toni Arthur, I think? Anyway, click here for the latest SP on Silvo.

Subject: Johnny Silvo
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Jul 01 - 03:05 PM

Does anybody else remember Johnny Silvo? The Johnny Silvo Folk Group; Silvo,Dave Moses and Roger Evans etc. I'm pretty sure they backed Sandy Denny on the Sandy Denny and friends album. Johnny also did Play School on BBC TV way back when.

Jock