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25 Jan 03 - 03:02 PM (#874777) Subject: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit Back in the seventies, when I frequented the Reading and area folk club scene, I saw several acts - amateur and professional - who etched themselves into my memory. My favourite was a blues/ragtime guitarist called Bill Boazman. He had a great voice for it and played guitar well. In particular I liked his own songs, some of which were recorded by other artists. Bill Caddick did one I believe. Wizz Jones certainly did "Roll on River", Paul Downes and Johnny Coppin both did "The Worm Forgives the Plough". I believe there were others. I searched through Google without turning up anything of interest.I would love to get a recording of songs like "Breaking Even" or "Bless These Children". I wonder if anyone from that area - or perhaps around Bracknell or Farnham knows anything? |
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25 Jan 03 - 03:29 PM (#874789) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Do you mean Bob Brozman? www.bobbrozman.com Reading, PA perhaps? |
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25 Jan 03 - 03:56 PM (#874797) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit Thanks Ron. He looks like an interesting guy - and I will have a better look at his website later on - but I think the feller I'm after lives in Hampshire, UK. I think he abandoned songwriting (which is a terrible shame) and went back to playing only blues. |
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25 Jan 03 - 05:50 PM (#874844) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Snuffy "????? ?????? sang The Rambling Boy, Bill Boazman sang the blues Some sang songs of Vietnam and hoped the Yanks would lose. We sang the Irish rebel songs by the rising of the moon Down at the Molly Miller Club, some thirty five years ago." Could that be the fella? |
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25 Jan 03 - 06:08 PM (#874851) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit I shouldn't think so. He must be in his early/middle fifties these days. He certainly used to have left wing politics and was quite passionate about certain causes. He had a lovely song about Victor Jara. I can't recall him doing any Irish songs - although that does not mean that he never did. He certainly knew Ian A Anderson and Maggie Holland - then Hot Vultures and Gerald (GT) Moore. I wonder which song you are quoting there. It may give me a clue. |
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25 Jan 03 - 06:25 PM (#874867) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Snuffy It's written and performed by a guy called Terry ?????, who now lives in Warwickshire, but originates from somewhere south and/or East of here. The words above are the chorus of his song about a folk club in the 60s at a pub called the Molly Miller. This would be the right sort of time frame, and the song only says he sang the blues. It was the others at the folk club who sang Irish songs FWIW, Terry accompanies himself on guitar. He plays left-handed but the guitar is strung in the conventional right-handed way. WassaiL! V |
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25 Jan 03 - 06:39 PM (#874878) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Alice Don't know him, but a google.com search brings up plenty.... Bill Boazman, a.k.a Sonny Black previously led the Sonny Black Blues Band. Around '96 the band split up and the rhythm section turned into the Mighty 45s. So Sonny gradually assembled the Dukes: http://www.fridhammar.com/xsonnybla.html |
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26 Jan 03 - 04:52 AM (#875044) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit Thanks Alice. That's about as far as I got, but I'll check out your site there. Google also has a Bill Boazman listed as playing on JJ Cale albums, but that has to be another guitarist. The idea of JJ Cale recording anywhere near Reading is just too bizarre! Thanks Snuffy too. I remember a guy called Terry who played a bit of slide guitar occasionaly with Gerald and Jo Moore.He is probably not the one though, as the writer of the song you quoted must be older. I'll refresh this thread for a day or two and see if anyone else knows anything. |
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28 Jan 03 - 03:01 AM (#876351) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit I am going to be cheeky and refresh this in the hope that someone from his area will spot it! |
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28 Jan 03 - 03:46 AM (#876363) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Brian Hoskin There's a photo of a Bill Boazman playing here |
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28 Jan 03 - 03:50 AM (#876367) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit Thanks. Is that the place at Bracknell I wonder? I was hoping that someone might have some up to date information on where he plays (if he is still active) and if he ever performs his own songs. |
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28 Jan 03 - 04:10 AM (#876374) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Yes, from the pictures Sonny Black (of Sonny Black & the Dukes)is Bill Boazman. I knew Sonny's name was Bill but I didn't know his surname was Boazman. He plays regularly at my club (Jagz Ascot - www.jagz.co.uk)as well as at South Hill Park. He's one of my favourite British blues bands. I had a long chat with him last time he appeared, before Xmas,about our favourite guitarists and he put me on to Grant Green who I hadn't heard , to my shame. He also played a Charley Patton bottleneck tune for me. Still playing great guitar, acoustic,and electric, slide and regular, with the Dukes and has some CDs out. I have "Heart and Soul" and "Blues of a Kind". His web site is HERE RtS |
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28 Jan 03 - 04:14 AM (#876378) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler PS I don't mean it's MY club, I mean it's the club I belong to and go to regularly... and South Hill Park IS in Bracknell, photo you posted was taken in the Cellar Bar. Saw him there just before Xmas a few days before he came back to JAGZ. He meets with Herself's approval as well. RtS |
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28 Jan 03 - 04:46 AM (#876388) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Dave Bryant Does anyone know which "Fortune of War" it was in the piccies. There used to be a club at a pub of that name (since demolished) in Woolwich. |
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28 Jan 03 - 09:25 AM (#876536) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler PPS As Sonny's website doesn't look very up to date here's a current contact 'phone number for bookings (taken from his latest instrumental CD Blues of a kind) 01252-877412. Bob Hadrill (keyboards) and George Pearson (bass) share vocals with Sonny, the drummer has varied when I've seen them recently (one also moonlighted with a Robbie William trubute band!) RtS |
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28 Jan 03 - 09:55 AM (#876550) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler He certainly seems to have played on some JJ Cale albums. Two more quotes from reviews Google threw up: Sonny Black and the Dukes are one of the classiest British straight blues acts around. Sonny is undoubtedly one of Britain's best blues guitarists and yet one of the best kept secrets of the British blues scene; so much so that there isn't much available biography on Sonny that we can relate. We do know that he has been playing guitar from a very early age and that his first influences and professional performances were acoustic folk music. Sonny however eventually succumbed to the blues, seamlessly adapting his folk techniques to acoustic blues. He didn't acquire his first electric guitar until well into his blues career and it seemed only natural to him to continue to adapt and develop his finger style playing for his new instrument. This has resulted in a superbly unique guitar style. A rich velvety sound reminiscent of the 40's and 50's jazz greats but uniquely Sonny's, most definitely blue and as the name of his debut album implies, played from the heart and with soul. One of the UK's finest and most respected guitarists, Sonny Black and his fabulous band have a unique take on the blues, mixing standards and self-penned materials, all delivered in a consummate style that has made them a favourite with audiences everywhere. Making his second visit to BluesNights, Sonny's sidesmen include UK blues veterans Bob Haddrell (keyboards/vocals) and George Pearson (bass/vocals), together with recent addition Damon Sawyer (drums). The 2000 album 'Heart and Soul' showed Sonny Black and the Dukes at their finest, attracting much radio airplay and rave reviews from the blues press. With another album due soon, this BluesNight promises to be an ace! 'Sonny Black and the Dukes are still the classiest British straight blues act around. Sonny Black is indubitably one of the finest blues guitar players this country has ever produced. He is a performer who can be mentioned in the same breath as British blues guitar gods like Peter Green and Eric Clapton. Not only is his technical mastery of both acoustic and electric instruments complete, he also possesses that quality that can only be called blues soul. His subtle guitar work comes straight from the heart, and you can feel the emotional intensity behind every note he plays.' - Scott Duncan, Blueprint Magazine RtS |
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28 Jan 03 - 11:55 AM (#876654) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit He was always a terrific acoustic slide blues player. He could play really slowly with absolute control - which some people mistakenly believe is easier than playing fast! I guess I had better get around your way and check him out next time I am in your area Roger. It won't be soon as I am rarely in the UK. I was hoping he might be playing some acoustic music again and singing his wonderful original songs along with stuff like "Diddy Wah Diddy". For me he is one of the great lost treasures of the British folk scene. I am sceptical about him being the same guy who played on the Cale albums, because I have never heard of Cale recording in the UK and Bill was only ever known locally. Stories of him gigging and recording with Gerald Moore and Heron are much more likely to be true. Thanks for your help Roger and please tell him when you see him that he has a fan out here in Germany! |
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29 Jan 03 - 12:00 PM (#877671) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit Refresh. |
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30 Jan 03 - 09:29 AM (#878406) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Terry McDonald I may have this wrong, but wasn't he on the Radio2 Johnny Walker programme a year or so ago? I think it was because his sister is Sally Boazman, who gives the traffic news. He sang and played guitar when he was on. |
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30 Jan 03 - 09:31 AM (#878411) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Could be. I'll try to find out if the JJ Cale story is true. He's not on the current JAGZ programme but that only goes up to the end of Feb. RtS |
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30 Jan 03 - 09:55 AM (#878432) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler There might be confusion ( re:JJ Cale) with Bill BOATMAN. SEE: http://www.rockmine.music.co.uk/B_Cyclo/B_CycloK.html#BK014 Though some discographies on Google have both names on the same JJ Cale album. RtS |
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31 Jan 03 - 03:23 AM (#878907) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler This is an extract from the All Music Guide entry for personnel on J J Cale's album "Grasshopper": J.J. Cale - Organ, Bass, Piano, Drums, Guitar (Electric), Vocals, Producer, Engineer, Slide Guitar, Gut String Guitar, Mixing David Briggs - Keyboards, Piano (Electric) Steve Gibson - Guitar, Guitar (Electric) Gary Allen - Drums Audie Ashworth - Producer, Engineer Bill Boatman - Drums, Tambourine Bill Boazman - Guitar Harold Bradley - Guitar, Guitar (Electric) Kenneth A. Buttrey - Drums Chip Young - Engineer Johnny Christopher - Guitar, I understand Bill won't be appearing at JAGZ again until May but I may be in touch with him sooner as he's playing at a party for me later in the year. I'll keep you posted. RtS |
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19 Feb 03 - 03:28 AM (#893300) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Sonny (Bill) and the boys are playing at JAGZ on 22nd May, I'll try to clear the JJ Cale query up then. RtS |
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23 May 03 - 03:51 AM (#958076) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler OK, Alan,Terry & others. Bill(Sonny) was on at Jagz last night and although we were chatting mostly about what he'll be playing for my 60th birthday bash later in the year (he was trying to convince me Herself wouldn't mind if i joined him on washboard- I'm not convinced!), I passed on the questions: Yes, Sally Boazman, (Sally Traffice IS his sister) NO, he didn't play on any J.J. Cale albums, he's often asked this and doesn't mind the story getting round but it is based on a misprint in the All-Music guide, I think for an American guitarist with a similar surname. Contact phone number is as posted earlier, current drummer is Damon Sawyer. Bill's website is not maintained any more but he's given me his e-mail. I'll PM is to you, Alan. RtS |
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23 May 03 - 08:35 AM (#958147) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit Thanks very much Roger. It was as I expected about J.J.Cale. I couldn't think of any reason why that could have been true. I think there is likely to be more substance in the stories about him playing with Gerald Moore (a smashing guitarist and singer) and Heron. He has certainly been around for a while now. He won't remember me - then a scrawny youth hanging around asking dumb questions, but I may well be cheeky and e-mail him to ask if he has any recordings of his beautiful songs from the old days. Wish I could be there for your sixtieth Roger. I think if Bill is playing, I would gatecrash it for sure! Have fun. |
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22 Oct 03 - 08:32 AM (#1039588) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Trivia top-up: Sally Boazman is one of the guest artists on Les Barker's new CD mentioned in a separate thread (HERE)(and if you want to see her in her bath and in her "lovely home" see an interview from Ciao magazine on the BBC website:( HERE) RtS (only a week till Bill (Sonny) plays at my birthday bash!) |
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23 Oct 03 - 03:41 AM (#1040171) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler ....and Sonny Black and the Dukes will be at Jagz, Ascot for a public performance on Tuesday 13th January 2004. RtS |
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15 Dec 07 - 01:39 PM (#2216008) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST I know Bill Boazman. He's a friend of mine and he's still playing great stuff on a cherry red Strat. He lives in Hampshire now. You can email me at henderelli@btinternet.com and I'll give you some contact details. Chris |
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15 Dec 07 - 02:17 PM (#2216024) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit Thanks very much Chris, but since my original post, I have been in contact with Bill by e-mail, phone and post. He sent me a CD of four of his very finest songs and also a couple of CDs of the excellent music, which he has been playing since then. So he is not just a great musicían, but a really kind and humble bloke. Through another old friend of his, the musician Howard Fullbrook, I also got to hear some MP3s of old chestnuts of his like "Victor Jara" and his version of Blind Blake's "Police Dog Blues". I hope that one day I will write something as beautiful and moving as either "Bless These Children" or "The Ballad of Charlie Daniels". I never will though. The gods bestow those gifts on very few! |
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15 Dec 07 - 09:16 PM (#2216222) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Folknacious I thought I remembered this but had to wait until I could dig it out. There was an article about Bill Boazman in the very first edition of a little mag called The Southern Rag (I wonder whatever became of that ;-) ) from 1979. It says he used to play with a group called The Heron from Reading, then with Mike Cooper, then with Shusha, then solo. It prints his song The Worm Forgives The Plough which had been recorded by Johnny Coppin on an LP called Roll On Dreamer. Somewhere I've got a tape a friend gave me of him singing that song at Fleet Folk Club in Hampshire where he was very popular I believe. |
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15 Dec 07 - 09:22 PM (#2216223) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Leadfingers Folknacious- Southern Rag metamorphosed into Folk Roots (Now FRoots) with more or less the same editorial staff , but Froots does NOT compare as they dropped Borfolk . |
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16 Dec 07 - 03:34 AM (#2216340) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler When I last exchanged e-mails with Bill he had gone back to solo work on the acoustic guitars. See his new CD Corner Seat. RtS |
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16 Dec 07 - 04:23 AM (#2216349) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit The new solo CD of instrumentals is smashing, showing even more versatility and range than previous recordings. There is no doubt that he has progressed as a composer and guitarist. I just wish he would continue to write and sing those wonderful songs of his. When you can recall lines from songs, which you only ever heard live some thirty years ago, you know that you got to hear someone special. |
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16 Dec 07 - 05:10 PM (#2216720) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Ben_Strings To bring you up to date... Sonny has a NEW website, well two to be precise:-) www.sonnyblack.co.uk and www.MySpace.com/SonnyBlackUK |
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16 Dec 07 - 07:09 PM (#2216790) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Murray MacLeod just to rectify these last two links from Ben Strings ... www.sonnyblack.co.uk and www.MySpace.com/SonnyBlackUK |
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18 Dec 07 - 01:51 PM (#2218266) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Thanks for the news of the new websites. He's a really nice guy as everyone has said. Veteran Mudcatters are fed up with me boasting that when I hired "Sonny Black & the Dukes" for my 60th birthday bash (only 4 years ago, Roger, you look older!) he insisted (honest!) that I sing with the band. Strangely, he hasn't asked me to join him on voice, kazoo or washboard on any of his subsequent ventures! RtS |
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16 Jan 08 - 09:29 AM (#2237645) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler ...and his latest acoustic CD with some vocals is Best of Days Free Spirit FSC0005 available for £10 inc P&P from Free Spirit Records PO Box 1200, Yately, GU47 7DJ. Includes some of Bill's originals, tunes Gary Davis etc.,by both Blind Blakes, some rags and boogie, some just guitar (acoustic, steel & dobro) and bass, some with added mandolin & fiddle and minimal drums from former band member Damon Sawyer who recorded it at Park Studios Bracknell. Rts |
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16 Jan 08 - 03:18 PM (#2237893) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit Roger, you must tell us the track listing. Does it have his versions of "Police Dog Blues" and "Diddy Wah Diddy" on it? |
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17 Jan 08 - 09:16 AM (#2238347) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Alan, I was wrong about both Blind Blakes, it was Gary Davis' Delia that confused me (and I'm easily confused!). Tracks are: Gary's flow rag;Delia (with vocal);Blues City;Bill's guitar boogie*;Maria Elena;Stepping Stones*;Gee Whiz;Paris after dark*;Kelly's Blues*;Johnson City Rag;Boogie Woogie Dance;Remembering Gabby;Police Dog Blues (with vocal);Pickin' Mississippi*;Best of Days*. *=Bill originals RtS |
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17 Jan 08 - 11:25 AM (#2238454) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit Thanks Roger. I have a rough version of Blind Blake's '"Police Dog Blues", which was recorded by Bill at a folk club in Farnham over thirty years ago. No doubt the new version is better recorded. I wish Bill would sing more. He is a smashing guitarist, but there is nothing at all wrong with his singing either. |
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25 Jan 08 - 12:14 PM (#2244594) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,howardfullbrook I've just 'stumbled' across this forum and I'm amazed at the information on Bill. I played with Bill for around 10 years or so from 1967 and have some wonderful memories. He is, without doubt, one of the best singer/songwriters ever and a superb musician. I have many recordings from those great days and I treasure them dearly. Howard |
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28 Jan 08 - 09:54 AM (#2246967) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook Hi, Should anyone wish to contact me re 'Bill Boazman - The Early Years' my email address is howardfullbrook@hotmail.co.uk Howard |
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04 May 08 - 06:51 PM (#2332915) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST Hello If this thread is still alive, I made a recording of Bill Boazman singing at the Pig in the Field folk club at Eversley (Berkshire) in the late 70s. It includes 'The Worm Forgives the Plough'. The song was transcribed in The Southern Rag magazine which Ian Anderson later transmogrified into Folk Roots. Chris Clarke |
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05 May 08 - 12:48 AM (#2333068) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit I would be really interested in hearing that please. Is there any way you could get a copy to me - either directly or through Bill or Howard Fullbrook perhaps? |
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05 May 08 - 05:52 AM (#2333172) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST I made up a CD with the following 1) The Worm Forgives the Plough 2) Bless these Children 3) Diddy Wah Diddy I should also have, somewhere(!), a cassette tape with 5 or 6 songs, though it is itself an edited version of the original recording made on a reel-to-reel machine! Bill was miked-up separately for voice and guitar so the balance and quality were reasonable considering the home technology available at the time. I'll see if I can find the cassette and digitize the rest of the recording. Let me know an email contact and I can organise to get a CD to you. Alternatively, if you have a Hotmail/MSN account I can put the tracks onto a Skydrive folder to which I can give you access. Chris |
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05 May 08 - 12:33 PM (#2333359) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit Chris, could you send me an e-mail at:alanabit@web.de please. I would really like to hear from you. I used to hear Bill sing all those songs. Howard Fullbrook and Bill himself have very kindly sent me recordings from those days, but I am always happy to hear more. There was another lovely song called "Breaking Even" in those days, which I have never heard since. Thanks to Howard and Bill I have excellent studio recordings of "Bless These Children", " The Worm Forgives The Plough", "The River Waits for No Man" and "The Ballad of Charlie Daniels". No doubt there are plenty of other gems on people's cassettes and tapes at home! If you are/become a Mudcat member, we can get in contact through a PM here. Regards, Alan. |
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08 May 08 - 06:20 AM (#2335578) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook Hi Chris, good to see you on here. Thanks to Tim Pinton and Paul Swinton, I now have a recording (low quality) of Bill singing 'Victor Jara', a song he wrote back in the 70's. Let me know if you would like a copy. I have some great memories of gigging with Bill in the late 60's and early 70's. I played guitar, mandolin, fiddle and Stylophone (!). Together with Tim Pinton, we once did support act for the Sutherland Brothers and Quiver at Rickmansworth. I have the greatest love and respect for Bill and his music, his like are a very rare thing indeed. Howard. |
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13 May 08 - 09:01 AM (#2339188) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Terry Babbage Those words are from my song "The Molly Miller", about a folk club in Wokingham in the 1960s. Where did you hear it? Must be the same Bill Boazman, first bloke I ever saw wearing flared trousers. Lovely, quiet spoken fella as I remember, lived in a flat on Greyfriars Road, Reading. Became Sonny Black in later life, I hear. |
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13 May 08 - 10:09 AM (#2339246) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook Hi Terry. I remember the folk club at The Molly Miller very well indeed, Bill played there often in the mid to late 60's. The other club we used to frequent was the White Horse in Reading. GREAT DAYS! |
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17 May 08 - 06:53 AM (#2342761) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit A few days ago I got a little package from Chris Clarke with those three songs on it. What a lovely guy to do something like that for a complete stranger. We all moan about things on Mudcat, which tick us off from time to time. But you also come across people like this - and there are lots of them. |
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09 Jun 08 - 04:11 PM (#2361715) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook There are now four of Bill's songs on iTunes. They are together with songs by BMW on an album called "From the Lion to the Plough - The Sun Sessions". I'm the very hairy one on the left of the album sleeve, can't believe it was 30 years ago! |
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23 Jul 08 - 05:59 AM (#2395777) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Terry Babbage Good to talk to you Howard Yes I went to the White Horse as well.......I seem to remember it being in a room almost under the railway bridge. John Renbourn did his train tune there to the sound of steam trains overhead. I think it was run by a chap called Sidney. The Molly Miller I loved especially, and wrote a song about many years later....the chorus goes Bill Boazman sang the Rambling Boy Mike Cooper sang the blues Some sang songs of Vietnam And hoped the Yanks would lose (don't sing this in front of USAF personnel!) We sang the Irish rebel songs By the rising of the moon Down at the Molly Miller Club Some 35 years ago (I'll have to change this to 45 soon) |
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24 Jul 08 - 11:25 AM (#2396810) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook Terry, Yes, it was Sidney who ran the club in Reading. When Ralph McTell guested there, Sid used to blow the horn of an old wind-up gramophone (like playing a jug) in a duet with him. I was running a club in Fleet, in those days, opposite the railway station. Also, about this time, I played in a band called Canticle. We had a single released in Canada (Like a Rolling Stone) with Bill and Mike Cooper playing on it! I also remember a very young Mike Oldfield playing at the White Horse, normally when most of us were at the bar! Love the words of the Molly Miller song, how true they are! |
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13 Aug 08 - 11:45 AM (#2412547) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Terry Babbage Howard Thanks for kind remark about my lyrics. I remember Sidney blowing that horn, whilst at the same time wearing a British Army helmet of Boer War vintage. I also remember him being bodily picked up and moved out of the way by Noel Murphy when he was there. I met a bloke the other day at a folk festival in Lechlade who used to go to the Molly Miller. It all seems so long ago. More lyrics from that song: Its more than 35 years past We'd travel by the train Down to the Molly Miller Inn Down Molly Millers Lane We brought guitars and banjos We came to smoke and booze We came to change the universe By singing folk and blues Then the chorus, Bill Boazman sang...etc... I guess that single of yours is a bit of a collectors item now. I have Mike Cooper's "Oh Really" which reflects the type of music he was playing in the Molly Miller era. I'd kill to get a recording of Bill Boazman around that time. He did a great version of "Blues run the game" as I remember. I used to go to the guitar basement of Hickies music shop in Reading around 1966, just to hang around. Mike Cooper would be in there as often as not, and I learnt quite a lot from listening to him. He was a few years older than me, and I was a bit intimidated by the mean moustache, boots and flying jacket persona to be honest, but I was surprised what a nice, easy going bloke he was. I used to have a bash at playing in clubs myself at that time, though I had terrible stage fright. I used to do Candy Man, which was almost compulsory then. I took up playing again in my late 30s, and have played in bands and solo ever since. What the Boazmans and Coopers could learn in a few weeks would take me about 15 years, but I keep developing my music slowly. Cheers Good to talk to you again Terry |
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13 Aug 08 - 05:07 PM (#2412876) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Rick Stokes Now THIS thread stirs up a memory or three...the Molly Millar, the first club I got up & had a go in - scared me so much, I didn't try again for about a year, & then tried again at the White Horse; yep Boazman & Cooper had it all down in those days, tho my personal fave was Derek Hall, a mainstay of the (earlier) Shades club...I still think it's tragic that that guy never got to show his mettle properly on an album of his own, I've always rated him amongst the best of that time...ah, Hickies basement, too, Terry, I must have crossed paths with you a time or two down there, & I know what you mean about being a little intimidated by friend Cooper - I was never quite sure of my ground, until one day, I turned up with a 1930 Dobro (which I wish I still had!), & got chatting, & he realised I was quite well versed in prewar blues, & then he was very friendly...good to see he's still kept following his muse thru all the years since then; I even overcame my own shaky beginnings to become a pro performer myself - it's great to be reminded of those times back then - at the time, I never properly appreciated what a fantastic scene it all was.. |
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14 Aug 08 - 12:18 PM (#2413646) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook Rick, you have a great memory! Email me with your address and I'll get some recordings to you. howardfullbrook@hotmail.co.uk By the way Terry, didn't Noel Murphy's banjo player do rather well! Howard |
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14 Aug 08 - 03:41 PM (#2413924) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit That would not have been the former Magna Carta chap Davey Johnstone, by any chance? |
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17 Aug 08 - 05:17 PM (#2416289) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook Hi Alan. The very same Davey Johnstone. Saw him last month with Elton John concert at Brooklands, it was great to see hear him play banjo that night. I have about an hour or more of Bill recordings for you to 'drool' over, I promise I WILL get them to you one day soon! |
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18 Aug 08 - 12:43 AM (#2416557) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit I'm looking forward to that immensely Howard. How I would love to hear Bill playing his wonderful songs again close up. I am very glad to be one of the lucky few, who ever had that privelege at all. |
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20 Dec 08 - 09:50 AM (#2520576) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Organ player I had the pleasure of playing in Bills band in the late 80`s. At the time it was Bill guitar, bass, drums and myself on organ. I really felt that Bill and I bounced well off each other musically. We supported Robert Cray on his first time in the U.K. I remember so well that I thought Bill blew the socks off Mr. Cray .... lol. |
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21 Dec 08 - 04:33 AM (#2521171) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit I bet you had a good time. I am a huge fan of Bill's songs, as is obvious from above. However, he is the genuine article as a bluesman too, having been a dedicated blues guitarist for some forty years now. The gorgeous instrumental "Kelly's Blues" is up there with Peter Green's "Albatross" or Freddy King's "Hideaway" in my book. |
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08 Sep 09 - 01:05 PM (#2719018) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Howard Fullbrook I'm not sure if anyone is still about on this thread? If Chris Clarke reads this please let me know your email address. Mine is howardfullbrook@hotmail.com |
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11 Sep 09 - 06:50 AM (#2721382) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Bill's fans will be pleased to know he's appearing at Jagz in Ascot (www.jagz.co.uk)(as Sonny Black) on 15th October 2009. See you there! RtS |
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23 Sep 09 - 08:49 AM (#2729548) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Update: he's also appearing at 21 South Street Reading on 21st Jan 2010. His latest CD with similar line up to Corner Seat is New Tunes and Old Songs. Details at his website http://www.sonnyblack.co.uk/. RtS |
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23 Sep 09 - 08:54 AM (#2729553) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler ...Sorry, the line up of new CD is similar to Best of Days not Corner Seat. RtS "Proof read, Roger, proof read!" |
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09 Oct 09 - 06:15 AM (#2741834) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Don't forget, next Thursday 15th October, at Jagz next to Ascot Station, Berks, UK, 8pm Bill Boazman as Sonny Black, solo acoustic blues + support. I'll be the old guy in the corner nursing a pint, possibly accompanied by SWMBO. RtS |
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19 Oct 09 - 05:55 AM (#2747771) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Well ,it was a great evening as expected, on Thursday, pity there were only a couple of dozen fans there. Opener was Stuart Walker who played acoustic guitar & sang a couple of songs, with a effects-pedal that duplicated his voice for choruses. He explored the Knopfler/Tommy Emmanual/James Taylor repertoire. Then Bill (Sonny Black) did a couple of hours with bass guitarist Chris Belshaw. He played acoustic and resonator guitars and the repertoire was wide ranging. Among the ones I noted were his own compositions Kelly's Blues, Paris after Dark,An Old French Waltz* . He did a few blues from Tampa Red, John Hurt, Buddy Guy but also a Doc Watson number and some standards. I remember Outskirts of Town, C.C., Rider*, Johnson City Rag, Big Bill's Boogie,Georgia*, Secret Love, Heard it on the Grapevine. No capo, footpedal needed just a homemade bottleneck slide. He played mostly instrumentals, always modest about his singing. When he had the Dukes he always shared the vocals round the band and once even encouraged a talentless washboard played to sing a few numbers- probably the lowest point of his career. As others have said, he is a really nice guy. Although he only gave himself ten minutes break between sets he spared time to chat, fetched me a copy of his new CD from his car, asked me how the resurrected blues nights were going and teased me about my "unique" style of washboard/kazoo playing. His new CD is New Tunes and Old Songs [the titles marked * above also appear on the CD] available from his website or from Free Spirit Records, PO Box 1200, Yateley GU47 7DJ, UK. He is also doing other gigs, including the Reading one in January- check the dates on his website. I know most UK Mudcatters aren't into the blues or jazz but although these inform his repertoire there is a bit of folk, a bit of country, and a lot for anyone who likes superb, seemingly effortless guitar playing and informative intros. And myself and SWMBO enjoyed half price entrance (the owner was kind enough to tell the organiser I was their most loyal supporter!), and a nice meal (with member's 10% discount). A great evening (or did I already mention that!). RtS |
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22 Jan 10 - 08:50 AM (#2818427) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler We saw him again at the Reading "Thirdsday Blues" session at 21 South Street. Opening act was "Blues Kitchen" a mix of Memphis Minnie vocals and Blind Blake fingerpicking. Very good but Bill opened with Johnson City Rag and showed how it should be done. With Chris Belshaw, his usual bass player he played a very relaxed and varied set on the Takamine acoustic and the bottleneck resonator. Sadly, we couldn't stay to the end as we had a train to catch. I hope rumours of his involvement with the blues nights at Jagz in Ascot prove correct. RtS |
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21 Mar 10 - 08:16 AM (#2868532) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Sonny Black is back at Jagz, Ascot on Thursday April 29th. Sadly, I'll miss that one, double booked. RtS |
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21 Mar 10 - 01:29 PM (#2868677) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Rocky Frisco There's a Bill Boatman that appears on JJ Cale's early stuff. Bill Boatman and Jimmy "Junior" Markham wrote Leon Russell's "Soul Food." |
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27 Apr 10 - 09:30 AM (#2895235) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Just a Reminder that Bill is on at Jagz, Ascot UK this Thursday 29th, accompanied by Chris Belshaw on bass and supported by Stuart Walker and splendid young resonator player Lewis Cohen. Sadly, I'll be missing this one. RtS |
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06 Jun 10 - 05:28 AM (#2921644) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,COOPARIA If this thread is still going - ive enjoyed all your chat about the past scene in Reading. Ive seen Bill in the past two years - we played a gig together in Bracknell at the cellar bar. First time i had seen him in too many years to remember. None of seem to mention The Shades - which was run by Syd Lackington - in Cork Street - Derek Hall played regularly there with me. I lost touch with Derek after we made that disc in 1965 (ish?) and never saw him again - however we were recently re-united by mail after more than almost fifty years. He lives up in Northumberland. He gave up playing in public and only taught guitar all these years. So he still plays and i have a tape he made recently. He sounds the same. Sorry about my intimidating image in my youth. Im a nice bloke really - deep inside :-)) mike cooper http://web.mac.com/cooparia |
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20 Jul 10 - 11:32 AM (#2948331) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST I had tried to find out what happened to Bill for many years, without much luck....and then up pops this thread.....! I knew Bill when he was first starting out, living at his parents house in Yately where I would pick him up in my Mini....always arriving at supper-time...!!! His Dad was in the army and retired shortly thereafter to pursue an acting career.....don't know how that worked out. His Mum was a lovely friendly lady who always made one feel welcome. Sister Sally was finishing school I think, and she went on to have a program of some sort on the BBC, I hear.....Seem to remember a younger brother too, but didn't see him much. Last time I saw Bill he was living in Wokingham with a lovely young lady whose name escapes me.......Did they marry, were there children.....whatever happened to his parents...???? anyone know.? |
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20 Jul 10 - 02:20 PM (#2948452) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit Bill married his second wife, Sue, back in the late seventies or early eighties. She is a smashing lady too. They have two daughters. One of them is Kelly, after whom the gorgeous slide guitar instrumental "Kelly's Blues" is named. Bill is now living in Yateley and he plays at various places in the South of England under his stage name of Sonny Black. You can find his MySpace site under that name. As you know Bill from back then, you may well also know Chris Clarke, Howard Fullbrook, Mike Cooper and some of the others, who have turned up here on this thread. Indeed I may have known you personally if you were around the Reading scene in the mid seventies. If you join Mudcat (free and it takes a minute), you can contact people directly via PMs. Howard, in particular, has been very generous in sending me some smashing recordings of various stages of Bill's musical career. Bill stopped playing his own beautiful songs a long time ago, but he still sings and plays beautifully and has developed from a very good guitarist into something of a guitar virtuoso in the meantime. As others here have attested, he is a good bloke too. But you knew that already! |
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21 Jul 10 - 08:14 AM (#2948934) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Just heard that Bill will feature in the Autumn line-up at Jagz in Ascot. I'll post the date when I have it. RtS |
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09 Aug 10 - 03:34 AM (#2960959) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Not yet got the Jagz Autumn programme but Bill's website gives the date as 7th September. (Damn! I'll still be in Greece). If you can, go and support him. RtS |
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10 Aug 10 - 04:56 AM (#2961803) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Even better news, this is going to be a monthly event: JAGZ, Ascot, UK:Tuesday 7th September – Sonny Black's Roots & Blues Club – 7pm New monthly club featuring one of the most respected performers around including a free guitar workshop between 7pm- 8pm, followed by a performance by Sonny Black with special guests, an acoustic Jam* and some open mic slots available. RtS (*for those of a nervous disposition I am NOT intending to bring the Washboard of Mass Destruction along!) |
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06 Sep 10 - 10:15 AM (#2980918) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST ian shotton I was at Newcastle University in 1974 There was a Bill Boazman who used to play in our folkclub - i mainly remember "Aint Nobodies Business" Is this the same guy? |
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18 Sep 10 - 12:51 PM (#2989267) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Sounds likely, Ian. A reminder: Bill's monthly blues workshop, gig & jam is at jagz, Ascot on 5th Oct,2nd Nov and 7th Dec. RtS |
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30 Sep 10 - 06:38 AM (#2996681) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Next Tuesday 5th Oct Bill's guest on the monthly Sonny Black blues jam is Arnie Cottrell. RtS |
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30 Sep 10 - 10:57 AM (#2996842) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST Sorry for calling you intimidating....it was actually a compliment of a kind. I have wanted to look intimidating all my life, but could never manage it. Terry Babbage |
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06 Oct 10 - 04:28 AM (#3000759) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler ...last night was the second of Bill's monthly sessions at Jagz. A small but appreciative audience enjoyed his duets with mandolin/mandola/slide resonator player Arnie Cottrell from Southampton. They opened with CC Rider, Arnie led on Bourgeois Blues, Bill's instrumentals included Secret love, Georgia, Anji, No woman No cry and Greenville Trestle High. Harp player "Medium Walter" (Rod Jones), a regular at the previous blues jams, joined them for Sitting on Top of the World, Blind Willie McTell ans Stranger Blues.Bill also played his tribute to Mississippi John Hurt. A female singer introduced only as "Finch" did a couple of her own compositions, one with Bill backing. There were other songs as well that I didn't note while going to the bar or the "facilities." |
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07 Oct 10 - 11:54 AM (#3001754) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Roger the Skiffler Next month (2nd Nov)Bill's guest is local (Martin's Heron) young slide and fingerstyle guitarist Lewis Cohen, who as well as country blues, has a nice line in comic songs. I thought I was the last person still doing Bessie Smith & Sara Martin's "Kitchen Man", but Lewis does that and "Huggin' & Chalkin'" and Bill Oddie's "Throwin' up blues". RtS (where'd my cookie go?) |
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22 Nov 10 - 04:45 AM (#3037802) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,johngrego Still on road.Goes under the name of Sonny Black.He`s a good mate,saw him a couple of weeks ago. |
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10 Dec 10 - 06:13 AM (#3050231) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler New year dates for Sonny Black's Roots & Blues Club at Jagz (moved to Thursday) are Jan 6th,Feb 3rd and Mar 3rd. Folkies may like to know Bob Fox is on Wed 16 Feb and Hickman and Quinn on Wed 9th March. Blueshounds who like it electric A Bit on the Side's monthly stint moved to Wednesdays: 9th Feb. RtS "If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck it is a duck- or possible a kazooist" |
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05 Jan 11 - 07:15 AM (#3067638) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Bill's first Thursday blues night at Jagz tomorrow (6th Jan 2011) featurs guest Arnie Cottrell on mandolin. RtS |
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29 Jan 11 - 05:36 AM (#3084553) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Good session last month with Bill's guest, Arnie Cottrell, & jamming from Kelly Boazman (keys & vocals) and Skyport Ade (gtr/harp/vcls & comic parodies- but without the Potting Shed Band). Next Thursday 6th Feb, Bill's guest is Paul Swinton. RtS |
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04 Jul 11 - 12:14 PM (#3181273) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Bob Anderson Fascinating read, all. I've just heard Sally Traffic's bulletin and my mind wandered to Sonny Black and I ended up here! The power of the internet, eh? I can't believe it was more than ten years ago that I was actually inside Roundel Studios in Kent watching Bill (and the band) recording what I always remember as the "Kelly's Blues" session, which became the bulk of Heart & Soul. We were not there in any technical or musical capacity but, and this is typically Bill, had been invited along purely because, and much to the chagrin of Roger, the owner of Roundel, we were fans of the music. Janet had been following Sonny Black for some time when I met her and, as well as being a groupie "par excellence", was a CD-pusher without equal- give her a foyer, or just a trestle table, a glass of orange juice and a box of your unsold recordings and you could be confident the tenners would roll in. Besides, those that have met Bill will realise that he isn't exactly money-obsessed and needed some encouragement in that particular direction. Indeed, he sometimes had to be reminded to bring his box of CD's in from the car boot! I first saw The Dukes at The Station Tavern, next to Latimer Road tube, circa late 99, with Bill, Dan Smith (keyboards), George Pearson (bass) and Sam Kelly on drums. Four GREAT players in one place at the same time. Although the punters were enjoying the music and the mix of bluesy guitar and boogie-woogie, one had the feeling that something, or someone, had to give........ Bob |
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04 Jul 11 - 01:55 PM (#3181338) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: alanabit "Kelly's Blues" is gorgeous - a classic melodic instrumental as memorable in its own way as "Albatross" by the Fleetwood Mac or "Apache" by The Shadows. |
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23 Sep 11 - 06:17 AM (#3227609) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Only one appearance by Sonny Black at Jagz, Ascot this Autumn. 6th October. Don't miss it. RtS |
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04 Oct 11 - 06:12 AM (#3233545) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Reminder: last appearance by Bill in Ascot UK this year on this Thursday, 6th Oct. Jagz, Station Hill, 8pm. RtS |
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09 Jan 12 - 06:25 AM (#3287433) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler ...and the next appearance at Jagz Ascot as above,with daughter Kelly & her band Rowdy Member in support this Thursday 12th Jan 2012. RtS |
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22 Jun 12 - 06:48 AM (#3366574) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Bill's latest CD "Sonny Black & the Good Friends Band", FreeSpirit CD007 is now available from Bill's website. Great stuff as usual. RtS |
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20 Nov 12 - 04:51 PM (#3439463) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Rockwoodhouse I was just surfing, as you do, and I searched on Bill Boazman (I last ran into him at a Bob Brozman concert at West End Centre, Aldershot as couple of years ago) and I opened a memory box! Howard Fullbrook, Mike Cooper, Tim Pinton, Maggie. Wow! Howard, do any Canticle recordings remain? Your version of Dylan's 'Like a Rolling Stone' always blew me away. What happened to the other Howard (sorry, can't remember his surname). Loved his 'Amanda Dreams'. I last ran into you at a Canticle reunion at the Windmill in Ewshott. What happened to Fiona Simpson? I've got her Therapy LP but I think there was just the one. I am just listening to Heron on Spotify. Dave Parsons (ex Fleet Folk Club) |
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15 Dec 12 - 07:24 AM (#3452222) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Jagz Ascot blues club 14th March 2013. RtS |
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25 Jan 13 - 09:52 AM (#3471211) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST,Peter Brown Greetings Mudcatters. I used to hang about the Berkshire folk scene in the bronze age. With my group the Highroaders I remember playing the Shades club in Reading, with Mike Cooper sliding away. I also dimly remember the group called Heron from the Dolphin at Maidenhead, and I see this chap Bill Boazman was of their number. Anyway, a friend just sent me the following: Boazman, aka Sonny Black (not to be confused with the LA dungeon furniture vendor of the same name!) is playing at the Telegraph Inn Putney tomorrow night, Saturday, Jan 26 2013, and at Jazz Cafe Posk by Ravenscourt Park station (in the Polish Cultural Centre) a week later. |
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14 Mar 13 - 06:51 AM (#3490165) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: Roger the Skiffler Tonight , Jagz, Ascot UK 8pm. Sonny Black & guests. See you there. RtS |
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17 Jun 21 - 05:15 AM (#4110459) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST Thought some of you might enjoy this (there are more if you search for The Okeh String Band on YouTube) https://youtu.be/J7BV6-lRf8Q |
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17 Jun 21 - 05:18 AM (#4110460) Subject: RE: Bill Boazman - Anyone know him? From: GUEST There is also this for anyone missing the really old songs... https://youtu.be/n5ZRI-_YTIE |