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28 Jan 07 - 07:23 AM (#1950248) Subject: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: bubblyrat Does anyone have any memories of these three, Jon Isherwood, Pat Nelson, and Dizz Disley performing together ?? I remember them doing it at various venues in the Portsmouth area in the early seventies---They were amazingly funny,regularly reducing audiences to tears ! Of course, Diz Disley was the most famous of the three, but Pat Nelson,with his bottle-green 3-piece corduroy suit,was a good solo act,I thought, and Jon Isherwood ("The Cucumber Song ") was---well, unique,to say the least !! I believe that both Pat and Jon have moved on to doing celestial ( or infernal !! ) gigs now, but Diz Disley is still going strong ,isn"t he ?? |
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28 Jan 07 - 08:27 AM (#1950291) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Zany Mouse I don't know the other two but Diz was one of my favourite guests at The Punchbowl in Tunbridge Wells. We used to ache with laughter. Rhiannon |
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28 Jan 07 - 09:46 AM (#1950340) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw Oh, yes I do. Great memories. Derek Sarjeant probably knows more about all 3 than anybody else I can think of. They all used to appear regularly at Derek's Surbiton Folk Club in the 60s, where I was one of the junior residents. I also remember John playing 2 whistles at the same time, one up each nostril. And doing somersaults off the top of the piano (pre-dating Otway by years). But, at the same time he was a fine guitarist and singer, and wrote some good serious songs as well as the funny stuff. Also got signed up by the Beatles' Apple organisation in the 60s, but nothing came of it. Pat Nelson was a real gentleman,more at the Country end of things. (In fact I have a feeling he may have guest-presented 'Country Meets Folk' on BBC Radio). He certainly had a regular show on both TV and Radio on the South Coast. I even got to play a bit of guitar on one of his records once! Diz, of course, is a legend in the true sense. He's not playing anymore, but is still going reasonably strong (Last I heard) after a a bit of trouble with the old ticker in the past couple of years. He'll be 78 this year. In the late 60s and early 70s, he single-handedly regenerated the career of Stephane Grapelli, who was distinctly unfashionable at that point. Recreating the old Hot Club repertoire, with Diz in the role of Django, they went on to become one of the 'hottest' acts on the planet, touring concert halls all over the World. And surely everybody remembers that performance on Parkinson when Grapelli wiped the floor with Yehudi Menuhin, with Diz in the background with the band, clowning around just as he always did. Diz always did the folk clubs, and for years was the biggest crowd puller bar none. Graham |
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28 Jan 07 - 09:56 AM (#1950346) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Terry McDonald I remember Pat Nelson from the mid sixties - he was the compere (and had a spot of his own) on a couple of radio shows (BBC West of England Home Service) that we (the Biddles) did. Nice chap. We met Jon (I think it was Jon rather than John) Isherwood a few times, probably at clubs in the Southampton area. And in case anyone wonders why 'Biddles' - it started as a joke, Biddle is Dorset dialect for Beetle...... |
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28 Jan 07 - 10:03 AM (#1950353) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Alec For what it's worth Jon Isherwood's Apple album was "Old Time Movies", (Apple Pie R5753) |
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28 Jan 07 - 10:50 AM (#1950375) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Leadfingers Diz is NOT a well man , not having made a good recovery from his heart operation ! I took Diz to Steve Benbow's funeral and he is VERY Frail , though quite upbeat about getting fitter all the time . Sadly , he cant play at the moment , but IS improving slowly ! ! |
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28 Jan 07 - 02:21 PM (#1950570) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Scrump I remember all 3, but I don't think I ever saw them together. Diz Dizley was probably the best known. Pat Nelson was the first person I heard sing "Streets of London", which I thought was a great song when I heard him do it. He was a pretty good guitarist (played a Gibson then, from what I can remember). I don't particularly remember him as a 'funny man' though - I thought he was more in the 'serious' vein. This would be about 1969-70. I played several gigs with Jon Isherwood in Hants - I was a resident at four different folk clubs in Hants and he was a frequent guest at them all. He was always a laugh and I considered him to be in the same vein as Frew Wedlock, Mike Harding, Billy Connolly, etc., i.e. a 'folk comedian'. Sadly he never had as much success as any of that lot. I didn't know he and Pat were no longer with us and I'm sorry to hear that. But I have happy memories, especially of Jon! Does anyone remember a bloke called 'Mister' Chris Shaw, who also used to play those Hants clubs in those days? He was another singer/guitarist. For some reason I thought of him the other day, and this thread reminded me of him. |
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28 Jan 07 - 02:48 PM (#1950596) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Andy Jackson Pat Nelson singing "Red velvet steering wheel covered dri-iver" Written I believe by Jeremy Taylor, but always Pat's for me. Too numerous Jon Fitz to single one out. Andy |
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28 Jan 07 - 03:59 PM (#1950644) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Geordie-Peorgie Aye!! Aah remember the three of them well! They used to (rarely) gig as a threesoem caalled 'Father, Mother & Son' Aah wez lucky enough to have Pat & Jon as friends for a very short while before they left and when Pat wez diagnosed with his cancer it wez mooted to have his Memorial concert early with him as the headline - Pat thought it wez a brilliant idea but unfortunately it never transpired. Colin Pearce (Half of 'The Pearce Brothers' who played extensively with the three of 'em) has remixed all of Jons songs onto one album and done the same with Pat's album too and aah am proud owner of both (vynil wore oot years ago) Lovely te knaah that Diz is still with us though! |
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28 Jan 07 - 05:59 PM (#1950742) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Guest Anne I knew all three, but can't recall ever seeing them play together. I have done spots on the same nights as Diz and Pat, and remember once having a long chat with Jon at the India arms Southsea, on my return to Portsmouth after a few years 'up north'. Pat Nelson once borrowed my guitar at the Den of Folk Gosport, and he was very encouraging to me then, when I was a young teenage folkie just starting out. Many years later, after several years of not singing, I made my 'comeback' at a Pat Nelson evening,in Westbourne, when once again he was very supportive. The evening was videod by someone so I have a nice memento to keep. Bet you've got one too Georgie Porgie 'cos you were there! Miskinman how did Jon Fitz get into this conversation? Knew him too though although as you know he passed on a few years back. |
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28 Jan 07 - 07:28 PM (#1950799) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Laz Try this site:- http://www.jon-isherwood.com/ |
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29 Jan 07 - 07:23 AM (#1951075) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: bubblyrat Hey Scrump !! We"ve opened up the nostalgia front with this one !!Try these names as well----Sean Kennedy ( "Fareham--Gateway to the South ")--- Campbell & Reid ( we did some gigs with them--one was RAF Thorney Island,I think !! )----And who was that bloke who used to sing " I"ll get by with pie in the sky, and a bottle of strawberry cheese: A clockwork orange in each hand, and a kiss every time I sneeze. You just never forget lyrics like that !!! Oh yes !! And that eccentric guy who used to turn up at the Den of Folk, couldn"t sing or play & was rumoured to have an anti-aircraft gun in his garden !! Funny place,Gosport !! |
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29 Jan 07 - 08:10 AM (#1951112) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Scrump Sadly, I don't remember those, bubblyrat. I never visited the Gosport club. I was based in Basingstoke at the time, and played regularly in the clubs in Basingstoke, Hook, Swaythling and one more I can't remember now! The Basingstoke one was in the Hop Leaf Hotel near the (old) town centre, but I can't remember the details of the others. I think they were all run by the same bloke - I forget his name but he often used to wear dark glasses indoors (a bit of a 'shady' character - I'll get me coat!) Any of this ring any bells with anyone? It would be good to see if anyone else from those clubs in those days is around! (I stopped playing those clubs when I moved up to London). |
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30 Jan 07 - 06:28 AM (#1952169) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Andy Jackson Ahh Annie, that's my poor old memory playing tricks on me. I had been listening to a Jon Fitz cassette the day before and obviously it stuck. Now Jon isherwood I remember well. I gave him a lift all the way back to Pompey after a night in one Southampton's several folk clubs. In my little Austin Seven with the roof down and him singing all the way...See my memory works when it wants to. Andy |
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30 Jan 07 - 08:49 AM (#1952304) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: bubblyrat Andy ( & Anne ) ---by Jon Fitz,do you mean Jon Fitzgerald ? Used to live in Gosport down near Haslar somewhere ? Always doing stuff like "Bobby McGEE " ?? |
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30 Jan 07 - 12:58 PM (#1952617) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Geordie-Peorgie By Heck, Annie!! You're reet - Aah dee hev the vid somewhere - If aah remember rightly Ish did a spot and so did Shep W. The evening wez MC'd by the lovely Lenny Betts who upended the raffle ticket barrel ower his heid but somebody had poured their beer intiv it! What a crackin' neet - Aah'm ganna luk for the vid noo. Jon Fitz! "Tek nee prisoners - Leave nee tracks" - When he wez a drinker and managed te get a bookin' somewhere they'd run a 'sweep' te see what time he'd start a fight ! BUT! When he'd dried oot he was an angel! I met mair than a dozen young men who owed him their lives coz he'd talked them off the booze an'aall |
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30 Jan 07 - 03:49 PM (#1952803) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Anne Yes bubblyrat its the same Jon Fitz, and agreed Georgie Porgie, Fitz was great off the booze. In the old days he used to do Bobby McGee often with Brian Hooper, and Brian and I did a one off duet of it at Jon's memorial concert at Catisfield Folk Club. Its been a few years now since he left us but there may still be tapes available of his songs and there also exists two books of poems - I'll take to Miskin for any interested parties. |
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30 Jan 07 - 08:42 PM (#1953050) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Andy Jackson If you have a supply of Jon's books Annie I'd love a new copy of each. I seem to have soaked both mine in beer!!! Andy |
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31 Jan 07 - 06:24 PM (#1953981) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Guest Anne Miskinman, I'll see what I can do. So you're still spilling most of it then, well thats one way to cut down on drinking. Annie |
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01 Feb 07 - 04:41 PM (#1954967) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Geordie-Peorgie Aah've got 'Vision Weaver' on cassette Aye Annie! At that memorial concert my young daughters got to sing 'Lankety' in front of Jon's daughter (for whom it was writ) Big Mark Williams told how Fitz had decided that the best thing for Mark's rehab was learning to play the guitar - Only two chords and one song but played for five days until Fitz thought it was OK |
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01 Feb 07 - 04:47 PM (#1954972) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: bubblyrat I seem to remember something about a crocheted waistcoat ?? Yes! I used to wear one in those days,as my wife Jane was very good at crocheting, & Jon Fitz liked mine so much that she did one for him too !!----I think !! |
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01 Feb 07 - 06:17 PM (#1955044) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Guest Anne Isn't there a song called 'I remember it well' or something !! Anyway bubblyrat in those days I wore a long crotcheted green waistcoat and Jon Fitz liked it so much that I made him one in purple - even longer than mine - Is that the one you mean?? Or did he have a range of such waistcoats?? Anyone else out there crotcheted one for him??? |
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01 Feb 07 - 06:22 PM (#1955049) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Andy Jackson No but I've quavered a bit. |
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01 Feb 07 - 06:50 PM (#1955078) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Anne LOL Miskin Man that sure tickled my fancy! |
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01 Feb 07 - 07:20 PM (#1955110) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Andy Jackson Ooer missus! |
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02 Feb 07 - 04:15 AM (#1955330) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Scrump Oi, you two, stop that! :-) |
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02 Feb 07 - 04:53 AM (#1955351) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: bubblyrat Annie,if you add a "T" to crochet,it takes on a whole new meaning !!I think that Miskin Man was visualising a garment adorned with musical symbols,which come to think of it,isn"t such a bad idea ! Anyway,my wife was very "crotchety" !! |
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02 Feb 07 - 02:06 PM (#1955852) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Anne OK settle down now Andy! Bubblyrat - O dear I see what you mean about the extra 'T' and me with a degree in English! Anyway I remember your wife she was very nice! |
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02 Feb 07 - 02:40 PM (#1955882) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Tradsinger Being from Portsmouth, I remember on Isherwood and Pat Nelson very well. We (Tony Engle and I) were occasionally on the same bill as them in the local clubs as the 'Pint (sic) Pots', especially the Black Horse folk club at Havant. I once joined Jon for a gig, knocking out banjo on some of the Irish songs he used to sing. on was more of a comic and Pat the polished performer, but they were the giants of the Pompey scene in the early 60s. I remember that Pat had a car with a numberplate PN1. I never heard them sing with Diz, but clearly they did. I was delighted to bump into Pat's brother at the Bideford Folk Festival last August where he was singing some delightfully quirky music hall songs. We then discovered that we had attended the same school in Portsmouth! I will inform him of this thread - he wanted to hear any memories of his brother, so he will be delighted. Happy memories of my early folk singing days. Tradsinger |
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02 Feb 07 - 02:44 PM (#1955885) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Tradsinger No, not the Black Horse Club - that was the name of the pub. It was the Jug o'Punch club in Havant. |
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02 Feb 07 - 04:09 PM (#1955956) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: bubblyrat Sorry, Anne,I am always picking on other poepls speling misstakes !!Yes, my first wife,Jane ,was very nice,but tone-deaf ! I stopped playing altogether for about 15 years.!! But we divorced 10 years ago. Now I"m single & playing again !!! |
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02 Feb 07 - 04:22 PM (#1955966) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: bubblyrat By the way, I am SO glad I started this thread, because of the fantastic response, & because Pat"s brother can see now just how loved & admired Pat was.I think my fondest memory is of Pat,in his trademark corduroy suit, talking about dog -poo being fresh " because it was still steaming " " and,after the old dear behind the bar at the Haslar folk club had sent him another pint,taking a mighty swig,raising his glass, and toasting her with "God bless you,and all who sail in you ! " He was like that !! |
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14 Feb 07 - 07:29 AM (#1967189) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Patter I have many memories of these three talented artistes. Besides being a very popular turn in folk clubs Diz was a very fine jazz guitarist and a trumpeter. He also performed George Formby songs with a ukulele. I once found myself washed up in London overnight and made my way to Ronnie Scott's where Stefan Grapelli was appearing. Already fairly advanced in years, Grapelli had performed at the London Palladium immediately before coming on to Ronnie Scott's, where his first set started at about midnight. I was delighted that Diz was accompanying the great man as he did so often in those days. I was by myself at the back of the crowded room and my evening was made when, at the end of the gig, Diz recognised me and went out of his way to engage me in conversation. He was a truly good friend and I should like to make contact with him again. Who remembers the Jon Isherwood Arts and Music Centre at the end of Marmion Road, Southsea ("Free sherry to all our customers on Saturday mornings!")? Jon conceived the idea of bringing together his many talents, bespoke songwriting, cartoons, instrumental tuition etc to set up this business. He was also a competent (though not fully qualified, I believe) architect who was commissioned to design a luxury residence for businessman John Ladell. I believe the house still stands at Rowlands Castle. While a teacher in an independent school I was given the task of publishing a new termly newsletter. Needing some entertaining material very quickly for my first issue I wrote to Jon in Ireland and suggested the caption for a cartoon. I also gave him the names of the school houses and various other names associated with the school suggesting that they could form the basis of a crossword. The task must have taken Jon's fancy because he sent me by return a super cartoon AND a good crossword using all the names I had given him. Jon was hugely creative, multi-talented, a hilarious entertainer and very good company indeed. I later met him when by coincidence we had both returned to Portsmouth at the same time. We went on a tour of some of his old haunts and enjoyed a swift half in several pubs. The most memorable thing about this day was the very warm welcome he was given in every pub we visited. Everyone seemed to know him—even though he had been away for many years. Going back a few years to 1968 I recall Alec Rose's single-handed circumnavigation of the globe. At this time Pat used to frequently write and sing calypsos based on the day's news and perform them on the local BBC television news "South Today" which was broadcast from Southampton. BBC telephoned Pat with the request that he produce a song to welcome Sir Alec home. Pat duly obliged. The following day Jon received a call from ITV asking him for a similar item. The two songs were later released back to back and sold nationwide. One lesser-known fact associated with this time was that both singers shared the same address—Jon was renting the upstairs flat in Pat's house. On the question whether Pat was or was not a comic, I remember him as being very versatile. Much of his material, especially his patter, was comic, and he frequently reduced audiences to fits of helpless laughter. He also sang political songs and love songs, all of which were marked by his powerful sincerity. He varied pitch, pace and emotional impact to take control of his audience. How did I come to know all three? I am Pat's brother mentioned in another submission to this thread. I miss Jon and Pat greatly and would love to make contact with Diz again. I visited Derek Serjeant's club at Surbiton several times with Pat, Jon and Diz. Michael |
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14 Feb 07 - 12:59 PM (#1967579) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: cptsnapper Paul Barnes has an Saturday evening show on BBC Eastern Counties which covers stations like Radio Norfolk, Radio Cambrdge & Three Counties Radio + others and he's going to be playing a Diz Disley track somewhen between 6.00 & 9.00 this coming Saturday evening. Another name from the past who I'd love to hear about is Don Shepherd. I think that he was from either Norfolk or Suffolk and he seems to have completly disappeared from sight. |
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21 Feb 07 - 05:29 PM (#1975307) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Patter Further to my recent submission, another couple of memories and a correction. Diz, like Jon, was quite a capable cartoonist. The envelopes in which he sent his letters were sometimes lavishly decorated with artwork of good quality. I kept one such for many years and probably still have it somewhere amongst my papers. Diz was a carrot-juice enthusiast and urged Pat to include it in his diet during his final illness. Sadly as we know, the remedy was not sufficiently effective to save his life. Pat accepted his fate with great courage and indeed telephoned me to say goodbye just before lapsing into unconsciousness for the last time. It was only this courage and good humour which made it possible for me to bear his loss without my world falling apart. As has been mentioned elsewhere Jon was signed by the Beatles at about the same time as they made Mary Hopkins' name. For some reason Jon's dealings with the Beatles led nowhere, except to his composition and recording of the song 'Apple Pie in the Sky' which used a lot of typical Beatles effects. A footnote to this relationship is the cheque Jon received, signed by John Lennon—I believe for 7/6 (seven shillings and sixpence). I might be wrong about the amount though that is the figure I have in my mind. Of course the cheque was never paid in and for a time it was framed on the wall in the shop at the end of Marmion Road. I wonder where it is now—possibly with Toni or perhaps his sons if it has not been sold. Mention has been made of Pat's radio performances. His later shows were broadcast nationally; unbelievably some were broadcast simultaneously on Radio 1 and Radio 2 from different venues in the West Country every fourth week. The one-hour programmes were compered by Pat who also sang two songs in each show. Immediately following 'Barn Dance' (as it was called) was a selection of recorded music hosted by the much-missed John Peel. One of Pat's memories was of John Peel starting his show with the words 'Well, there'll be no dosey-dohing on this programme—more's the pity, you might think.' Pat appreciated the way the great man softened what might have been seen as a put-down with the friendly conclusion. I look forward to reading more memories of the three fine performers. Michael |
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21 Feb 07 - 07:53 PM (#1975497) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: bubblyrat I am ,again, most gratified to see the number of responses I have got from posting this thread !! For some reason,I was thinking of Jon this morning, & I suddenly had a vision of him singing his wonderful parody of one of Cat Stevens' more memorable offerings, viz.'Moonshadow '-----only Jon's version was " I'm Being Followed By a Brown-Hatter "--!!!Does anyone else remember that ?? !! |
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22 Feb 07 - 05:08 AM (#1975789) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Geordie-Peorgie Oh Yes! When Jon wez 'musical director' at The Roundabout Hotel in Fareham he used to dee a spot and aah remember him singing that, but it wez 'swallowed' not 'followed' and "I'm been followed by a warm ferret" - Never got him to explain that one One week he did a gig there every night and was advertised daily as summat different.... Mon - Jon Isherwood Tue - Jon I Sherwood Wed - Jo Nisherwood Thu - Joni Sherwood Fri - J O'Nisherwood Fine man, Sadly missed along with Pat Aah aalwez remember Pat being a) the consumate professional and b) the perfect gentleman. He also had pics of his kids taped to the inside of his guitar case Pat's album cover of him standing nekkid with the head of his guitar covering the important bit is a classic |
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22 Feb 07 - 05:12 AM (#1975792) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Scrump Diz was a very fine jazz guitarist and a trumpeter. He also performed George Formby songs with a ukulele. Diz issued at least one album of George Formby songs - does anyone know how many? I'm only aware of one, but maybe there were more that I don't know about. |
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22 Feb 07 - 06:42 PM (#1976427) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Jon What a fantastic thread- fair play to you Bubblyrat. Every so often, I do a search for "Jon Isherwood" on google and find something interesting, but have never found anything this great- Jon Isherwood was my Dad. Some great memories here! I laughed my head off when I read Georgie Porgie's thread with reference to the 5-day stretch at the Roundabout Hotel. And "Brown Hatter". I never heard him sing it but my Mum tells me it was hilarious! Most Sundays, he used to send a Hamiltax taxi to pick myself and my brother up so I remember the place well. I recall there was a fire at some stage, but I was very young at the time! I don't have any memories of Diz, but have this photo of them playing at the Cambridge Folk Festival '71 My Dad always said that Pat Nelson was his best friend. They were like chalk and cheese, but whist being so very different in some ways, were so similar in others, primarily united in their love of folk music. I remember going to their reunion concert in '91 at the Black Dog in Havant, and can recall how busy and packed the place was. They both sung some wonderful songs, and it was i night that I will never forget, but I can only imagine how it must have been to see them in their prime. The Railway Pantomimes, The Guildhall concerts etc- if only I had a time machine! I have set up the website Jon-Isherwood.com and if you look at the memories section, you will find some great stories which have helped fill in gaps I have from his past. I would love to use some of the quotes of this thread in my memories section, so I hope you are all happy with that. And some great posts from Michael, I hope you are well. The cheque from George Harrison is still in one piece, we would never sell it! I will try and post some other bits once I can gather some thoughts! |
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05 Mar 07 - 01:53 PM (#1987218) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST To allow those who haven't heard what a wonderful singer Pat Nelson was, I have placed several classics online. Also may be of interesting to some from a nostalgic perspective. The first two are mentioned earlier in the thread 1. Pat Nelson- Streets of London 2. Pat Nelson- Red Velvet Steering Wheel Covered Driver 3. Pat Nelson- Travelling People 4. Pat Nelson- Tim MacGuire My personal favourite about the lad with his tinder box! PS, if you have any problems opening the above links, hover over them and "right click" and select "save target as". They are in MP3 and should be of good quality. |
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05 Mar 07 - 01:55 PM (#1987223) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Jon Isherwood Jnr Sorry, I didn't identify myself in the previous post. |
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06 Mar 07 - 12:04 PM (#1988279) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Scrump Those clips have reminded me that the first time I heard Streets of London and Tim McGuire was sung by Pat in about 1968/69. Thanks for posting them. Of course I subsequently heard them by the writers, but I'll always remember it was Pat who introduced me to those songs. |
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06 Mar 07 - 02:44 PM (#1988482) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Geordie-Peorgie Another thing an' aall... Mrs P is an infant teacher and she's aalwez been able to play a bit of recorderbut one night at The Roondaboot........ Ish pulled a sopranino oot of his jacket pocket and played.... like an angel!!!! Aah'd nivvor heard a recorder played that way - Like a REAL instrument - and Mrs P...? whey she wez speechless! She said afterwords that she'd nivvor imagined a recorder sounding like that - Absolute heaven! - It certainly lifted her game on the old pipe!! Ish wez a mad, sweet, kind, lunatic, generous darlin' of a man ! Jon Jr? That night in '91? Do ye remember Lenny Betts upending the raffle-ticket bucket ower his heid - not knaahin' that somebody'd emptied half a pint of dregs and fag-ends intiv it?? Classic!! |
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06 Mar 07 - 06:12 PM (#1988738) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: mick p r.m s.c ALL THE BEST TO DIZ, I know he`s not been well. I have seen him play a few times with Pete Chopin, Brixton Bert And Johnny Silvo. |
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07 Mar 07 - 03:32 AM (#1989144) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,The Rawmarsh Masher Now well rooted in the North, my formative years were spent upon the South Coast in good old Gosport. I remember well the performances of Pat, Diz and Jon at the Den of Folk, that fortnightly candlelite venue where the chic of Gosport youth would gather to drink Whitbread Tankard. Pat fun songs but serious, Diz serious music but extrememly funny links, and of course Jon who was simpy a lunatic, but an amazing daffodil eater, besides being highly talented with the nose whistles. All great performers in their own right. However, the evening that always stands out in my mind was a Christmas Party at the Railway Folk Club at Fratton, (very handy for the train). This particular night had all three appearing for an evening of musical mayhem. The songs came at a relentless pace, with Pat and Jon digging deep into their reps of comedy while Diz through in his great Jazz guitar playing. It was just one of those nights where everything gels producing an almost electric atmosphere. I remember Jon walking on tables and chairs to get to the stage to throw Pat off at one stage,(the Railway was never a large Club). My mate and I walked back to Gosport via Portchester and Farham, on air singing away to my Old Guitar and I Didn't Care (see jonisherwood.com). I was priviliged to see many top names of the sixties folk scene during those five late teenage and early adult years, but non stand out like the deadly trio. The chemical mix by way of their different talents, the posh Pat, the musical genius of Diz when he had a guitar in his hand, and the total madness of Jon created something few performers can acheive today. What it taught me was to have fun with music. Never take it too seriously. A lesson I employ as a middle aged vandal on the South Yorkshire folk scene. The Rawmarsh Mashers are proud to sing many of Jon's songs regularly in the Folk Clubs - even if the audience look on in total bewilderment when Jon is given a name check after our rendition of the Cucumber Song. The Scots had Imlach, Nichol and McGinn, the Midlands and North had Carrot, The Fivepenny Piece and the Spinners............. but the Southern contribution to that great sixties folk scene in the form of Pat, John and Diz was just as inspiring. It's great to see so many great memories of the "boys" above and one or two mentions for Folk Clubs visited and lived in so many years ago. Visit Jon's great Web site to sample the music - Great Thread........... Richard |
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07 Mar 07 - 01:24 PM (#1989670) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Geordie-Peorgie Aah remember that Christmas at The railway - They wez advertised as "Father, Mother & Son" but neebody wez sayin' which wez which! My fave Pat Nelson song wez "The Ballad Of Harping Fred Smith" and when him and Jon duo'd on 'STD Blues' (That's 'Standard Trunk Dialling' by the way). Diz, did the one aboot the diabetic dog who could out-pee all the other dogs - The chorus went "Piddle-iddle-iddle-iddle etc etc etc" What a night!! |
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10 Mar 07 - 07:07 AM (#1992408) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST Geordie-Peorgie, I didn't see the episode with Len Betts and the "raffle ticket bucket" incident but I had heard about it... Colin Pearce told me about it a couple of years ago.. I think my Mum had taken us home before the mayhem kicked off!! Len Betts was a brilliant man. I have him to thank for a lot of the photographs I have of my Dad. Particularly this one of Jon Isherwood & Pat Nelson Talking of Colin Pearce, he and Jim Birmingham (AKA Arnold Gutbucket) have produced some covers of my Dad's records which were due to be released as a charity CD. I must find out how he is getting on… |
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10 Mar 07 - 01:54 PM (#1992709) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Jon Isherwood Jnr Sorry, this is the photo of Jon Isherwood & Pat Nelson |
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10 Mar 07 - 02:08 PM (#1992718) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: bubblyrat What a pair of Smoothies !! |
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11 Mar 07 - 07:05 AM (#1993296) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Jon Isherwood Jnr I think the theme was supposed to be "gangsters!" |
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11 Mar 07 - 08:26 AM (#1993332) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Harmony Angel Many years ago, Jon Isherwood was booked to perform at the Hitchin Folk Club when it was being held in a pub, the name escapes me, close to the railway station. Unfortunately, for some reason he couldn't make it and sent a mate along instead. Maureen got up to introduce him. She said "I know nothing about him but give him a big hand anyway.... It's Jasper Carrott" |
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11 Mar 07 - 11:45 AM (#1993421) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: scouse Many years ago living in Southampton I saw Pat on a Regular bais at the "Yew Tree." Folk club I think it was there was another character around that area at that time any-one remember John "Paddy." Brown.. As Aye, Phil |
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11 Mar 07 - 12:59 PM (#1993476) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Geordie-Peorgie Aye Scouse!! JPB is still aroond but not involved with the folk scene any mair He was editor of 'Folk On Tap' magazine for many years and as such, a leading figure in The Southern Counties Folk Federation (SCoFF, possibly even Chair - He gave up the editorship aboot 10-12 years ago aah believe Not seen him for a couple of years but aah believe he still writes for local (Hampshire) magazines Lovely bloke! And that photo of Ish & Pat!!! Pat lo0ks like that Mickey bloke in Only Fools & Horses - |
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12 Mar 07 - 03:15 AM (#1993998) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: scouse Geordie-Peorgie.....,Greetings from "Cloggieland." Ta muchly for the info. ..As Aye,Phil. |
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12 Mar 07 - 05:01 AM (#1994057) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Scrump Many years ago, Jon Isherwood was booked to perform at the Hitchin Folk Club when it was being held in a pub, the name escapes me, close to the railway station. Unfortunately, for some reason he couldn't make it and sent a mate along instead. Maureen got up to introduce him. She said "I know nothing about him but give him a big hand anyway.... It's Jasper Carrott" The pub was the Talisman, now long gone (demolished and replaced by an office block). About 2 weeks ago, Maureen celebrated her 40th year of running Hitchin Folk Club (held in the Sun these days), and the surprise guest was none other than the aforementioned Mr Carrott, making (probably) his first appearance there since the occasion above. |
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12 Mar 07 - 09:42 AM (#1994307) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Andy Jackson Some time ago in the dim and distant I was approached to book Jasper Carrot at the Cutty Wren in Hythe...I replied " I run a Folk Club not a comedy show". I can laugh like a drain at a folk singer being funny but a comedian doing folk songs didn't seem right to me. Please don't start a great big off thread discussion about the place of comedy in folk, let's keep this thread to memories of the old Southern Folk Scene. Cheers Andy |
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12 Mar 07 - 09:53 AM (#1994315) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Scrump I can laugh like a drain at a folk singer being funny but a comedian doing folk songs didn't seem right to me. Please don't start a great big off thread discussion about the place of comedy in folk, let's keep this thread to memories of the old Southern Folk Scene It was you who started it, Miskin Man :-) |
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12 Mar 07 - 03:34 PM (#1994622) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Geordie-Peorgie Hey Lads & Lasses!! Hev a look at the 'Pear Tree' thread - the aforementioned John Paddy Brown guested on there a day ago! - He's thinkin aboot writin' a histr'y of Folk aroond this area. While we're on the subject of Jasper Carrot on this thread.... If ye buy his book "A Little Zit On The Side", there's a whole chapter dedicated to Ish - Divin' behind the sofa whenever there wez a knock at the door in case it wez the baillifs What a legend Ish wez!! God, aah miss him |
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17 Mar 07 - 09:29 PM (#1999879) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Dave & Sue Frampton I can't remember now how Jon and I first met up, but it was when we were both in our teens and had something to do with music and entertainment. We went to each other's homes and I met his father, who was a haematologist, and his mother, sister Mary and brothers Francis and Nicholas. The early photos where Jon is clowning around with Pete Lloyd and me, and where we look as if we had hardly started shaving, were taken at my mother and stepfather's house in Lodge Avenue, Cosham. It started off as skiffle. This was probably the first group in which Jon performed for public audiences, and he doubled with singer and guitarist Wendy Coleman. The photo of us on stage with Dave Callas on the drums was quite a surprise, and I have no real recollection of where it was. We couldn't afford a double bass but had somehow come by a cello, which had to do. Jon moved on into folk music and I went on to play jazz and used to play regularly at Tina's Jazz Club (which then became the Bottle in the Wall Club.) I remember Jon's first business card was a bit congested, advertising him as a guitarist, singer, entertainer, architectural drawer, cartoonist and some….. Sue and I have enjoyed reading the blogs. One story not told was that of 'Isherwood of Arabia'. Somehow Jon took up a contract to work in Libya, I'm not sure in what connection but I think it was supposed to be for a year or two. All the clubs and pubs were told about it for weeks before he was due to leave, and farewell event piled on farewell event, complete with Bedouin paraphernalia. It didn't work out, we never quite found out why, but Jon was back in Portsmouth within about 6 weeks (I think), accompanied by a beautiful girl. Jon, bless him, never took time to worry about abstractions like 'anti-climax'. We migrated to Australia over 20 years ago and lost contact with him. It was interesting and moving to read the blog from Pat Nelson's brother Michael, because we knew Pat as well as Jon. I was at school with Michael (the Northern Grammar – Pat went there too) and for some years he lived a few houses down the road from ours. Michael, please get in touch with us if you read this on dsframpton@bigpond.com. We well remember Pat and Liz getting married and a fun time at the reception at the Queen's. You couldn't have had two more contrasting people than Pat and Jon but they had great respect for one another and were an amazing team, both being great showmen! Sue and I are going over to Ireland next month and although we lost touch with Jon many years ago we often thought of him. We heard through the grapevine he had sadly passed away and want to see where he spent the latter part of his life in Moate. In trying to trace him we were pleased to come across this web site. Dave & Sue Frampton |
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21 Mar 07 - 02:39 PM (#2003347) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,David Finlay Delighted to find this website. Fond memories of all three from the Sunshine Inn, Farlington circa 1970. Can anyone tell me how to obtain the Pat Nelson album ? I am already the proud owner of the original Isherwood LP. Regards David Finlay London |
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27 Apr 07 - 07:03 AM (#2036988) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Jon Isherwood Jnr Just to let you know I have added lots of movies to the Jon Isherwood Website. www.jon-isherwood.com The link is on the right hand side of the page. Even noseflute included as well as many terrible jokes!! |
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27 Apr 07 - 09:14 AM (#2037086) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: John MacKenzie I remember Jon from The Assembly Rooms at Surbiton in the 70s, I also remember his cigarette swallowing antics, what an act. Giok |
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09 Aug 07 - 11:47 AM (#2122518) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Arnold Gutbucket.com I only know Diz Dizley through reputation but I only have fond memories of both Pat Nelson and Jon Isherwood. I spent a sunday afternoon with Pat trying to find the Naval establishment at which he was supposed to be doing a lunchtime gig, driving all over Gosport. We never did find it and the next time I saw him I asked him if he found out where he was supposed to be that day and he said yes...HMS Nelson. I last saw Jon at Pat´s funeral where he was inconsolable, he was so helpful and generous with his time and advice when I was starting out introducing me to John Bedford the agent for whom I worked until last year when I moved out to Majorca. A lovely guy, mad as a balloon and very very funny. |
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10 Aug 07 - 10:02 AM (#2123040) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: Dave Masterson All this talk of Diz Disley and Portsmouth reminds of the story Diz used to tell. One of my favourites. Driving home from a gig in Portsmouth many years ago (rather the worse for wear), he was pulled over on Cosham Hill by the Police. Portsmouth bogie: "Oh, just a check sir". Diz: "Shall I make it out to you?" Surprise, surprise, they breathalysed him!!! |
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16 Aug 08 - 10:11 AM (#2415365) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Jon Isherwood Jnr If anyone is interested, I have updated my Dad's website to 'include a music player'. (A loose definition of music!) Go to http://www.jon-isherwood.com/ and click the "Jon Isherwood's Polkbox". On there you will find a new discovery. (Unearthed by a photographer called Nigel Grundy). A 1967 LP recorded at the Portsmouth Folk club with songs I had never heard him sing, such as "Railroad Bill" and "Thrashing Machine". Hope they are enjoyable to some of you. |
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31 Aug 08 - 02:58 AM (#2426628) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Jim Foreman I remember Jon Isherwood an Pat Nelson well. I was a regular at the folk club that met above the Swan pub in Lake Rd, Portsmouth, in the late 60s. Both great guitarists and singers. |
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21 Feb 10 - 02:32 PM (#2845959) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST,Jason Hill Hell, yes! I remember Jon and Pat well. I was particularly appreciative of the support Pat gave me as a young musician. Pat was also very involved in politics. I remember when the Tories put on a public meeting at Portsmouth Guildhall with Quintin Hogg as a speaker. Pat turned up extremely smartly dressed, and managed to blag his way into the reserved Tory seats at the front. When it was time for questions from the audience, the chair only took questions from the front rows. Pat put his hand up, and was called to ask a question, but instead of a polite question, Pat started an anti-Tory diatribe. Eventually, the bouncers removed him, and the chairman apologised to the audience, saying that when he had called upon Pat to ask a question, he thought the gentleman was a Tory. |
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27 Mar 13 - 07:43 PM (#3495731) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST I'm Ralph Wigg, son of Stan & together we ran the Black Horse singers' club in Amberley, West Sussex. Jon & Pat were great favourites of ours & as you probably know, Pat recorded half of his 'Ladies Man' album here. Diz was also a frequent guest, sometimes turning up unexpectedly to play with Johnny Silvo & Dave moses. |
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07 Aug 15 - 06:04 PM (#3728832) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST I was Jon Isherwood's girlfriend in the 60s when we were both broke! We used to go to my parent's house for dinner on Wednesdays, my brother's house in Copnor on Thurdays and on payday we went to the Figaro in Osborne road! Happy days! I also knew Pat Nelson and the last time that I aw them both was in Cornwall in 1978. We went for a curry in Falmouth and had a party at my house the next day. Richard Digance came and Fred Wedlock - a lovely man. Remember him? Mary Wills |
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24 Nov 23 - 06:46 PM (#4192314) Subject: RE: Isherwood,Nelson and Disley From: GUEST Just discovered this web site. Remember them at Kingston on Thames playing at the folk club run by Derek Sarjant |
