This is intended to be a homage to very many musicians I've loved since I started listening to music. My intention is to tell what I know about them, hoping that those people who like them too, will help me fill numerous gaps, which I may have in their careers and discographies. Sorry, but there are no MP3 audio files here at all, just info (and love for the musicians).


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Friday 10 February 2012

Speedy Acquaye (percussion)

(Also known as: Neemoi Acquaye / Speedy)
BANDS:
BANDPERIODDETAILS
Tubby Hayes Group  1 album
Ronnie Scott Group   
Kenny Graham´s Afro-Cubists   
Georgie Fame Band [May 62-Jul 66]10 albums + 1 compilation
Herbie Goins & The Night Timers [1966-1967]2 albums + 1 compilation
Airforce [Sep 70-Feb 71]1 compilation
Akido  1 album
John Martyn Band [?]1 album + 1 compilation
Dade Krama   
Adzido   

BIOGRAPHY:

Percussionist Neemoi Acquaye played with several bands in the beginning of the British boom. He was born Nii Moi Acquaye in James Town, Accra, Ghana (then, it was known as Gold Coast), Africa on June 7, 1931, but went to live in England in 1947. He earned his living as a fire eater and a dancer, as well as actor, before starting playing music as a pro.

Speedy Acquaye



TUBBY HAYES GROUP


After emigrating to England, Speedy Acquaye started playing with Tubby Hayes Group:

TUBBY HAYES GROUP #?
?
Tubby Hayes
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
+ others unknown to me. Help!

Other info on members of Tubby Hayes Group (I know up to 88 members)
Already covered (1): Bill Eyden
Old pages (1): Pete Blannin
To be covered (57): Kenny Baker, Gordon Beck, Walter Bishop Jr, Greg Bowen, Alan Branscombe, Johnny Butts, Leon Calvert, Jeff Clyne, Les Condon, Bert Courtley, Jimmy Deuchar, Jackie Dougan, Alan Downey, Bob Efford, Art Ellefson, Victor Feldman, Tony Fisher, Allan Ganley, Bill Geldard, Herb Geller, Ian Hamer, Cliff Hardie, Joe Harris, Dickie Hawdon, Tubby Hayes,... up to 57 musicians.


RONNIE SCOTT GROUP


Neemoi Acquaye also played with the great Ronnie Scott for a while:

RONNIE SCOTT GROUP #?
?
Ronnie Scott
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
+ others unknown to me. Help!

Other info on members of Ronnie Scott Group (I know up to 33 members)
Already covered (2): Harry Beckett, Bill Eyden
To be covered (23): Lennie Bush, Malcolm Cecil, Les Condon, John Critchinson, Tony Crombie, Chris Dagley, Jimmy Deuchar, Jackie Dougan, Martin Drew, Derek Humble, Gary Husband, Chris Karan, Rick Laird, Mornington Lockett, Ron Matthewson, Dick Pearce, Ronnie Ross, Ronnie Scott, Phil Seamen, Ron Simmonds, Alan Skidmore, Ronnie Stephenson, Stan Tracey


KENNY GRAHAM´S AFRO-CUBISTS


Neemoi Acquaye was a member of Kenny Graham´s Afro-Cubists band, that blended British jazz with African sounds:

KENNY GRAHAM´S AFRO-CUBISTS #?
?
Kenny Graham
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
+ others unknown to me. Help!

Other info on members of Kenny Graham´s Afro-Cubists (I know up to 62 members)
To be covered (13): Jackie Armstrong, George Chisholm, Victor Feldman, Derek Humble, Pete King, Eddie Mordue, Barry Morgan, Danny Moss, Phil Seamen, Eddie Taylor, Tommy Thomas, Stan Tracey, Leo Wright


GEORGIE FAME BAND


In May 1962, great guitarist Joe Moretti joined Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames. The lineup was also augmented with great ones Mick Eve and Speedy Acquaye:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
May 62-Jun 62
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
Joe Moretti
guitar
Mick Eve
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Red Reece
drums

But soon after, Moretti left them.

John McLaughlin is the new guitarist for Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, replacing the departing Joe Moretti:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
Jun 62-Jul 62
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
John McLaughlin
guitar
Mick Eve
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Red Reece
drums

In July 1962, they expand their lineup with a second sax player:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
Jul 62-Oct 62
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
John McLaughlin
guitar
Mick Eve
sax
John Marshall
sax, as Johnny Marshall
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Red Reece
drums
Johnny Halliday Bandê

In October 1962, Tex leaves the band (being replaced by Boots Slade).

This is the new lineup for Georgie Fame & The Blues Flames in October 1962:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
Oct 62-Apr 63
êNero & The Gladiators
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
John McLaughlin
guitar
Boots Slade
bass
Mick Eve
sax
John Marshall
sax, as Johnny Marshall
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Red Reece
drums
Graham Bond Organizationê

In April 1963, John McLaughlin leaves to join Graham Bond, and they carry on without a guitarist.

This is the new lineup for Georgie Fame & The Blues Flames in April 1963:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
Apr 63-Oct 63
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
Boots Slade
bass
Mick Eve
sax
John Marshall
sax, as Johnny Marshall
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Red Reece
drums

The time for a recording contract had arrived. They were scheduled to record a live album, but Speedy couldn't play as he was arrested (thus missing appearing in the live album recorded at The Flamingo, where he was replaced by Tommy Thomas). After the problems are solved, Speedy rejoins the band in October 1963. The lineup had suffered some other changes too and Tex Makins returns to the band.

Tex Makins returns to The Blue Flames in October 1963, asked by Georgie:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
Oct 63-Apr 64
êJohnny Halliday Band
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
Mick Eve
sax
John Marshall
sax, as Johnny Marshall
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Red Reece
drums
+
Eddie Thornton
trumpet, sometimes
Tommy Frost
drums, sometimes
OR
Roy Mills
drums, sometimes

For a while, Red Reece became ill, and he was replaced by Tommy Frost and Roy Mills. Another occasional band member was trumpet player Eddie Thornton.

This lineup released their 2nd album, Fame at last, in 1964.

But more changes happened in Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames in April 1964:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
Apr 64-May 64
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
Mick Eve
sax
Peter Coe
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Jimmie Nicol
drums

On a side note, Jimmie Nicol was later famous for being the drummer who played with The Beatles in an Australian tour when Ringo couldn't make it (although he had a long career before and after that).

When Jimmy Nicol left Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, a great musician arrives, Phil Seamen:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
May 64-Jul 64
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
Mick Eve
sax
Peter Coe
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Phil Seamen
drums

A great loss for the band was Mick Eve who left them in July 1964. During the period he was in the band, some singers had made the odd gig with the band, although they weren't official members: John Hodgkinson (later to reappear as J.W. Hodgkinson in the superb band If), Ronnie Jones, Paul Williams or Geno Washington were some that would come down and do a number or two with the band.

This was the first lineup of Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames without Mick Eve:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
Jul 64-Sep 64
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
Peter Coe
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Phil Seamen
drums
OR
Micky Waller
drums

But Seamen wasn't able to play all of the time, so Micky Waller was brought to play when Seaman wasn't available.

Waller (and Seamen) left in September 1964.

Another different lineup for George Fame & The Blue Flames in October 1964, marking the reunion with an old friend, Colin Green, who was the original guitarist in the band. Bill Eyden is the new drummer, replacing mythical Phil Seamen:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
Oct 64-Nov 64
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
Colin Green
guitar
Peter Coe
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Bill Eyden
drums

A new musician is added in November 1964, great sax player Glenn Hughes:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
Nov 64-Mar 65
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
Colin Green
guitar
Peter Coe
sax
Glenn Hughes
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Bill Eyden
drums

Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames: Speedy, Bill Eyden and unknown (to me) sax player


Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames featuring Bill Eyden and Speedy (others are unknown to me)


Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames featuring Bill Eyden and Speedy (others are unknown to me)


And another musician adds as a permanent member of Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames in March 1965, old mate Eddie Thornton:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
Mar 65-Dec 65
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
Colin Green
guitar
Eddie Thornton
trumpet
Peter Coe
sax
Glenn Hughes
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Bill Eyden
drums
The Sidewindersê
Stan Tracey Groupê

But in December 1965 (or maybe in October 1965?), Bill Eyden leaves (to be replaced by a young Mitch Mitchell).

Still in December 1965, Cliff Barton join Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames:

GEORGIE FAME BAND #?
Dec 65-Jul 66
êRiot Squad
Georgie Fame
vocals, keyboards
Colin Green
guitar
Cliff Barton
bass
Eddie Thornton
trumpet
Peter Coe
sax
Glenn Hughes
sax
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Mitch Mitchell
drums

They released a 3rd album, Sweet things. But in July 1966, Speedy and Cliff leave the band (Cliff was replaced by another great player, Ricky Brown). The band called it a day 4 months later. It was the end of an era...

Other info on members of Georgie Fame Band (I know up to 49 members)
Already covered (5): Cliff Barton, Harry Beckett, Bill Eyden, Tex Makins, Joe Moretti
Old pages (4): Rick Brown, Ray Minhinnet, Ray Russell, Micky Waller
To be covered (39): Colin Allen, Harvey Burns, Clive Burrows, Peter Coe, Elton Dean, Lyn Dobson, Mick Eve, Georgie Fame, Hughie Flint, Tommy Frost, Mike Gorman, Colin Green, Jon Hiseman, Glenn Hughes, Henry Lowther, Greg Lyon, John Marshall, John McLaughlin, Roy Mills, Mitch Mitchell, Dick Morrissey, Jimmie Nicol, Brian Odgers, Chris Pyne, Red Reece,... up to 39 musicians.


HERBIE GOINS & THE NIGHT TIMERS


Herbie Goins & The Night Timers - featuring Mick Eve on sax, Eddie Thornton on trumpet and Speedy on percussion. Bassist unknown to me


Herbie Goins & The Night Timers - featuring Herbie Goins, Mick Eve on sax, Eddie Thornton on trumpet and Speedy on percussion. Others unknown to me


Herbie Goins & The Night Timers - featuring Herbie Goins, Mick Eve on sax, Eddie Thornton on trumpet and Speedy on percussion. Others unknown to me


Herbie Goins & The Night Timers - featuring Mick Eve on sax, Eddie Thornton on trumpet and Speedy on percussion. Guitarist and bassist unknown to me


Herbie Goins & The Night Timers - featuring Mick Eve on sax and Speedy on percussion. Others unknown to me (is Harry Beckett the one from the right?)


Herbie Goins & The Night Timers - featuring Mick Eve on sax and Speedy on percussion. Guitarist and bassist unknown to me


Immediately after leaving Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, Speedy Acquaye joined another mythical outfit: The Night-Timers, fronted by superb singer Herbie Goins.

HERBIE GOINS & THE NIGHT TIMERS #?
1966-?
Herbie Goins
vocals
Mick Eve
sax
Harry Beckett
trumpet
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
+ others unknown to me. Help!

Can't find proper info about the different lineups, but some of the musicians that played in the band during that period were Junior Marvin, Ian Hague, Andy Rickwell and fabulous singer Linda Lewis.

Speedy appears in their EP with the songs ´The incredible Miss Brown / Coming home to you / Nº 1 in your heart / Cruisin´´, as he can be spotted in the EP cover that was released in November 1966.

Speedy also appears in their album from 1967, Number 1 in your heart. But, after a while, he left the band and started playing in sessions. By the way, this album has been reissued a couple of times, under different titles: Soul, soul, soul or also as Soultime!, including the whole album, some singles and some live track.

Other info on members of Herbie Goins & The Night Timers (I know up to 22 members)
Already covered (3): Harry Beckett, Hugh Bullen, Chris Mercer
Old pages (1): Junior Marvin
To be covered (13): Mike Carr, Ron Carthy, Roy Davies, Mick Eve, Herbie Goins, Ian Hague, DeLisle Harper, John Paul Jones, Linda Lewis, Dave Mason, John McLaughlin, Roy O´Temro, Eddie Thornton


AIRFORCE


Ginger Baker's Airforce was a megaband, formed after Blind Faith demise. Originally conceived as a one-off association, it finally went through almost two years, with changing lineups. Speedy joined around 1970. I don't know if there were more lineups with Speedy, so any help with info would be very welcomed!

Airforce. From left to right: Bud Beadle, Steve Gregory, Graham Bond, Colin Gibson (hidden behind Bond), Speedy Acquaye, Ginger Baker, Diane Stewart, Aliki Ashman, Kenny Craddock


Ginger Baker & Speedy Acquaye


Ginger Baker & Speedy Acquaye


Graham Bond & Speedy Acquaye


Speedy Acquaye & Kenny Craddock


Airforce. From left to right: Ginger Baker, Diane Stewart, Speedy Acquaye and Aliki Ashman


Airforce. From left to right: Speedy Acquaye, Aliki Ashman and Kenny Craddock


Airforce. From left to right: Colin Gibson, Ginger Baker (hidden behind Diane Stewart), Diane Stewart, Aliki Ashman, Speedy Acquaye


Airforce. From left to right: Steve Gregory, Graham Bond, Ginger Baker (hidden behind Bond), Speedy Acquaye, Kenny Craddock, Diane Stewart, Aliki Ashman - out of the photo: Bud Beadle and Colin Gibson


This is the lineup of Ginger Baker´s Airforce for an appearance in German TV show Beat Club:

AIRFORCE #?
Sep 70-Feb 71
Diane Stewart
vocals
Colin Gibson
bass
Kenny Craddock
keyboards, guitar, vocals
Steve Gregory
sax, flute
Bud Beadle
sax
Graham Bond
sax, keyboards
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
Ginger Baker
drums
Ashman Reynoldsê

They recorded a new album, Ginger Baker´s Air Force 2, although 3 songs still feature musicians from previous lineup (Denny Laine, Harold McNair, and Ric Grech).

In 1998, it has been released a 2CD, Do what you like, comprising the whole two Airforce albums, plus an outtake from 2nd album, plus several songs from Ginger Baker´s album Stratavarious (featuring Bobby Tench under the pseudonym Bobby Gass).

Other info on members of Airforce (I know up to 21 members)
Already covered (2): Aliki Ashman, Ric Grech
Old pages (2): Colin Gibson, Denny Laine
To be covered (16): Ginger Baker, Eleanor Barooshian, Bud Beadle, Graham Bond, Trevor Burton, Kenny Craddock, Steve Gregory, Joni Haastrup, Jeanette Jacobs, Remi Kabaka, Harold McNair, Phil Seamen, Diane Stewart, Alan White, Steve Winwood, Chris Wood


AKIDO


Akido was formed by Speedy Acquaye:

AKIDO #?
?
Mark Arthurworrey
guitar
Andrea Arthurworrey
vocals
Louise Arthurworrey
vocals
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
+ others unknown to me. Help!

They did a few college gigs and played and upstairs at Ronnie Scotts. Speedy used to do fire eating on stage. and we played upstairs at Ronnie Scotts. Speedy used to do fire eating on stage. Their managed was Ronnie Lane who also produced their album, Akido, in 1972. But the players in the album are not the same ones, so I think there was more different lineups by Akido (probably with Biddy Wright). Can someone help here, please?

Other info on members of Akido (I know up to 5 members)
To be covered (3): Louise Arthurworrey, Mark Arthurworrey, Biddy Wright


JOHN MARTYN BAND


Neemoi Acquaye backed John Martyn for a while, but can´t get proper info:

JOHN MARTYN BAND #?
?
John Martyn
vocals, guitar
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
+ others unknown to me. Help!

Other info on members of John Martyn Band (I know up to 32 members)
Already covered (1): Tommy Eyre
To be covered (30): Arran Ahmun, Jeff Allen, Dave Ball, Miles Bould, Dave Cantwell, Gerry Conway, Spencer Cozens, Danny Cummings, Scott Firth, John Giblin, John Henderson, Paul Kossoff, Jim Lampi, Gaspar Lawal, Ronnie Leahy, Dave Lewis, John Martyn, Ted McKenna, Harold McNair, Max Middleton, Foss Paterson, Andy Sheppard, John Stevens, Danny Thompson, Alan Thomson,... up to 30 musicians.


DADE KRAMA


Dade Krama was a group from Ghana where Neemoi Acquaye also played:

DADE KRAMA #?
?
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
+ others unknown to me. Help!



ADZIDO


Adzido is Europe´s leading traditional African dance company, founded in 1984 by George Dzikunu. Neemoi Acquaye worked with them for a while:

ADZIDO #?
?
Speedy Acquaye
percussion
+ others unknown to me. Help!



AND THEN...



Speedy Acquaye in the sessions for Wings and their Rockestra


Speedy Acquaye in the sessions for Wings and their Rockestra


And I haven't been able to find more info about Speedy, apart from the fact that he sadly died in London on September 15, 1993, due to liver cancer. He had been working with Georgie Fame again not long before. Any help with info will be very appreciated.


DISCOGRAPHY: (32 albums known to me - Status: Quite advanced)

ALBUMS AS A BAND MEMBER (16 credits)
  • Equation in rhythm - Costanzo plus Tubbs (1961)

    • Members: Jack Costanzo, Bert Courtley, Kenny Napper, Stan Roderick (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Allan Ganley, Tubby Hayes, Ronnie Ross, Phil Seamen)
    • Guests: Malcolm Cecil, Jack Irvine, Shake Keane (RIP: Jackie Armstrong, Harold McNair, Tommy McQuater)
    • Comments: Recorded in August 1961.
  • Do re mi / Green onions (SINGLE) - Georgie Fame (04/1964)

  • I´m in love with you / Bend a little (SINGLE) - Georgie Fame (07/1964)

  • Fame at last - Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (09/1964)

  • In the meantime / Telegram (SINGLE) - Georgie Fame (02/1965)

  • Like we used to do / It ain´t right (SINGLE) - Georgie Fame (07/1965)

  • Something / Outrage (SINGLE) - Georgie Fame (10/1965)

  • The Incredible Miss Brown (EP) - Herbie Goins And The Night Timers (1966)

  • Sweet things - Georgie Fame (05/1966)

    • Members: Peter Coe, Georgie Fame, Colin Green, Eddie Thornton (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Cliff Barton, Glenn Hughes, Mitch Mitchell)
    • Producer: (RIP: Denny Cordell)
  • Getaway / See saw (SINGLE) - Georgie Fame (06/1966)

  • Number 1 in your heart - Herbie Goins & The Night Timers (10/1967)

    • Members: Herbie Goins (RIP: Speedy Acquaye)
    • Comments: The album was reissued as Soul, soul, soul, and also as Soultime! with additional tracks.
  • Airforce 2 - Ginger Baker´s Airforce (10/1970)

    • Members: Aliki Ashman, Ginger Baker, Bud Beadle, Colin Gibson, Steve Gregory, Denny Laine, Diane Stewart (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Graham Bond, Kenny Craddock, Ric Grech, Harold McNair)
    • Guests: Rocky Dzidzornu
  • Akido - Akido (1972)

    • Members: Biddy Wright (RIP: Speedy Acquaye)
    • Guests: Jeff Whittaker
    • Producer: (RIP: Ronnie Lane)
  • Solid air - John Martyn (1973)

    • Members: Danny Thompson (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, John Martyn)
    • Guests: John ´Rabbit´ Bundrick, Tony Coe, Tristan Fry, Dave Mattacks, Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Richard Thompson
    • Comments: There´s a deluxe edition as a 2CD, with a 2nd CD with 16 rare and live tracks.
  • Right now - Georgie Fame (1979)

    • Members: Georgie Fame, Colin Green, Henry Lowther, Brian Odgers, Ray Warleigh (RIP: Speedy Acquaye)
    • Guests: Steve Gregory, Malcolm Griffiths, Bernie Holland, Alan Parker, Terry Smith, Henry Spinetti (RIP: Barry Morgan)
  • That´s what friends are for - Georgie Fame (1979)

    • Members: Georgie Fame, Brian Odgers, Eddie Thornton (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Dick Morrissey)
    • Guests: Mike Davis, Steve Gregory, Malcolm Griffiths, Jim Mullen, Alan Parker, Brian Smith (RIP: Barry Morgan)
    • Comments: Recorded in August 1979.
COMPILATIONS AS A BAND MEMBER (4 credits)
  • The Very best of Georgie Fame - Georgie Fame (1966)

    • Members: Peter Coe, Mick Eve, Georgie Fame, Colin Green, Tex Makins, John McLaughlin, Boots Slade, Eddie Thornton (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Cliff Barton, Glenn Hughes, John Marshall, Mitch Mitchell, Red Reece, Phil Seamen, Micky Waller)
  • Soultime! - Herbie Goins & The Night Timers (10/1992)

    • Members: Herbie Goins (RIP: Speedy Acquaye)
    • Comments: Reissue of the Number 1 in your heart album from 1967, with additional tracks.
  • Sweet little mysteries - the Island anthology - John Martyn (1995)

    • Members: Arran Ahmun, Dave Ball, Phil Collins, Danny Cummings, John Giblin, Foss Paterson, Danny Thompson, Alan Thomson, Colin Tully (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Tommy Eyre, John Martyn)
    • Guests: John ´Rabbit´ Bundrick, Geoff Castle, Tony Coe, Smiley De Jones, Jon Field, Tristan Fry, James Hooker, Remi Kabaka, Bobby Keys, Dave Lawson, Dave Mattacks, Andy Newmark, Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Tony Reeves, Barry Reynolds, Rico Rodrigues, Bruce Rowland, Richard Thompson, Ian Whiteman, Steve Winwood (RIP: Morris Pert, Chris Wood)
    • Producer: Chris Blackwell
    • Comments: Sweet little mysteries: the Island anthology is, obviously, a compilation. A 2CD with lots of great musicians. I'll only mention a few ones: Richard Thompson (guitar), Barry Reynolds (guitar), Dave Pegg (bass), John Giblin (bass), Tony Reeves (bass), Steve Winwood (keyboards), John 'Rabbit' Bundrick (keyboards), Tommy Eyre (keyboards), Dave Lawson (keyboards), Geoff Castle (keyboards), Ian Whiteman (keyboards), Jon Field (flute), Neeomi Acquaye (percussion), Danny Cummings (percussion), Tristan Fry (percussion), Remi Kabaka, Morris Pert (percussion), Phil Collins (drums), Dave Mattacks (drums), Andy Newmark (drums), Bruce Rowland (drums),
  • Do what you like - Ginger Baker (1998)

    • Members: Aliki Ashman, Ginger Baker, Bud Beadle, Colin Gibson, Steve Gregory, Denny Laine, Diane Stewart, Steve Winwood (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Graham Bond, Kenny Craddock, Ric Grech, Phil Seamen, Chris Wood)
    • Guests: Bobby Tench
    • Comments: Do what you like comprises the whole two Airforce albums (Airforce and Airforce 2), plus an outtake from 2nd album, and several songs from Ginger Baker's album Stratavarious.
ALBUMS WITH BANDMATES AND FRIENDS (2 credits)
  • Small Faces - Small Faces (06/1967)

    • Members: Kenny Jones, Ian McLagan (RIP: Ronnie Lane, Steve Marriott)
    • Guests: Eddie Thornton (RIP: Speedy Acquaye)
    • Comments: This was their 3rd album (not their debut). There´s a remastered edition on CD with 5 bonus tracks.
  • Ooh la la - Faces (1973)

    • Members: Kenny Jones, Ian McLagan, Rod Stewart, Ron Wood (RIP: Ronnie Lane)
    • Guests: (RIP: Speedy Acquaye)
    • Producer: Glyn Johns
SESSIONS (6 credits)
  • Summer of last year / Summer evening (SINGLE) - The Pyramid (01/1967)

    • Guests: John Paul Jones, John McLaughlin, Big Jim Sullivan (RIP: Speedy Acquaye)
    • Producer: (RIP: Denny Cordell)
  • Poet And The One Man Band - Poet And The One Man Band (1969)

    • Members: Jerry Donahue, Pat Donaldson, Pete Gavin, Albert Lee, Mike O´Neill, Ray Smith
    • Guests: Roger Coulam (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Nicky Hopkins, Barry Morgan)
    • Technical: Eddie Offord
  • Third World War - Third World War (1971)

    • Members: Jim Avery, Jim Price, Terry Stamp
    • Guests: Bobby Keys, Mick Liber (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Tony Ashton)
    • Technical: Phill Brown
    • Comments: Recorded during September to November 1970.
  • Never a dull moment - Rod Stewart (07/1972)

    • Members: Ian McLagan, Martin Quittenton, Rod Stewart, Ron Wood
    • Guests: Spike Heatley, Jimmy Horowitz, Glyn Johns, Kenny Jones, Dick Powell, Pete Sears (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Gordon Huntley, Ronnie Lane, Micky Waller)
    • Technical: Mike Bobak
    • Comments: Never a dull moment is Rod´s 4th album, with Ron Wood, Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan & Kenny Jones (that is, the complete Faces lineup!), Martin Quittenton (guitar), Pete Sears (piano and bass), Micky Waller (drums), Dick Powell (violin), Spike Heatley (bass), Neeomi 'Speedy' Acquaye (congas), Gordon Huntley (steel guitar). It contains a superb cover of a Jimi Hendrix song, ´Angel´, and a rendition of Rod's idol, Sam Cooke (´Twistin' the night away´, arranged by Jimmy Horowitz).
    • My opinion: A great album, really never a dull moment! :)
  • Back to the egg - Wings (06/1979)

    • Members: Howie Casey, Tony Dorsey, Steve Holley, Steve Howard, Laurence Juber, Denny Laine, Paul McCartney, Thadeus Richard (RIP: Linda McCartney)
    • Guests: Gary Brooker, Tony Carr, Ray Cooper, David Gilmour, John Paul Jones, Kenny Jones, Hank Marvin, Bruce Thomas, Pete Townshend (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Tony Ashton, John Bonham, Ronnie Lane, Morris Pert)
    • Comments: One of the sessions deserve a bit of explanation. In 1979, Wings released a new album, Back to the egg. It includes two track with the Rockestra, an all-star lineup assembled by Paul McCartney. Be ready... this is the lineup:
      • Paul McCartney (vocals, bass, guitar)
      • Denny Laine (guitar, vocals)
      • Laurence Juber (guitar, vocals)
      • Linda McCartney (keyboards, vocals)
      • Steve Holly (drums)
      • +
      • Howie Casey (sax)
      • Tony Dorsey (trombone)
      • Steve Howard (horns)
      • Thadeus Richard (sax, flute, clarinet)
      • +
      • David Gilmour (guitar, from Pink Floyd)
      • Hank Marvin (guitar, from The Shadows)
      • Pete Townshend (guitar, from The Who)
      • John Paul Jones (bass, piano, from Led Zeppelin)
      • Ronnie Lane (bass)
      • Gary Brooker (piano, from Procol Harum)
      • Tony Ashton (keyboards)
      • Bruce Thomas (bass, from The Attractions)
      • Speedy Acquaye (percussion)
      • Tony Carr (percussion)
      • Ray Cooper (percussion, from Elton John band)
      • Morris Pert (percussion)
      • John Bonham (drums, from Led Zeppelin)
      • Kenny Jones (drums, from The Who)
  • Home from home (the missing album) - Heads Hands & Feet (1995)

    • Members: Pete Gavin, Albert Lee, Mike O´Neill, Ray Smith
    • Guests: Madeline Bell, B J Cole, Jerry Donahue, Pat Donaldson, Linda Lewis, Zoot Money, Andy Summers (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Tony Ashton, Lesley Duncan)
    • Technical: Eddie Offord
    • Comments: This album was recorded in 1968, originally to be the 2nd album by Poet & The One Man Band, but it remained unreleased until 1995, now credited as Heads Hands & Feet. The Bond Street Midnight Choir that appears contains, uncredited, none other than Zoot Money, Lesley Duncan, Madeline Bell, Andy Summers, John Anderson, Linda Lewis, B J Cole, David Foster, Ray Osborne, Jamba and Tony Ashton.
COMPILATIONS (SESSIONS) (4 credits)
  • Reason to believe: the complete Mercury studio recordings - Rod Stewart (11/2002)

    • Members: Ian McLagan, Martin Quittenton, Rod Stewart, Ron Wood
    • Guests: Chris Barber, Madeline Bell, Maggie Bell, Doreen Chanter, Irene Chanter, Ray Cooper, Mike D´Abo, Keith Emerson, Spike Heatley, Jimmy Horowitz, Ray Jackson, Elton John, Kenny Jones, Will Malone, Andy Newmark, Dick Powell, Martin Pugh, Andy Pyle, Harry Reynolds, Pete Sears, Danny Thompson, Ruby Turner, Willie Weeks (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Long John Baldry, Ric Grech, Gordon Huntley, Ronnie Lane, Sam Mitchell, Micky Waller)
    • Producer: (RIP: Lou Reizner)
    • Technical: Mike Bobak, Keith Grant, Glyn Johns
    • Comments: 3CD boxset comprising Rod´s first five albums (The Rod Stewart album, Gasoline alley, Every picture tells a story, Never a dull moment, Smiler, plus several additional tracks.
  • Five guys walk into a bar... - Faces (07/2004)

    • Members: Kenny Jones, Ian McLagan, Rod Stewart, Ron Wood, Tetsu Yamauchi (RIP: Ronnie Lane)
    • Guests: Wayne Jackson, Bobby Keys, Andrew Love (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Harry Beckett, John Peel)
    • Producer: Glyn Johns, Ron Nevison
    • Technical: Martin Birch, Mike Bobak, Dan Hersch, Bill Inglot, Eddie Offord, Tom Scott (RIP: Keith Harwood, Gary Kellgren)
    • Comments: 4CD boxset including lots of rarities.
  • Gold - Rod Stewart (07/2005)

    • Members: Ian McLagan, Martin Quittenton, Rod Stewart, Ron Wood
    • Guests: Doreen Chanter, Irene Chanter, Ray Cooper, Mike D´Abo, Keith Emerson, Billy Gaff, Spike Heatley, Jimmy Horowitz, Ray Jackson, Elton John, Kenny Jones, Will Malone, Andy Newmark, Dick Powell, Martin Pugh, Andy Pyle, Harry Reynolds, Pete Sears, Danny Thompson, Ruby Turner, Willie Weeks (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Ric Grech, Gordon Huntley, Ronnie Lane, Sam Mitchell, Micky Waller)
    • Producer: (RIP: Lou Reizner)
    • Technical: Mike Bobak, Keith Grant, Glyn Johns
    • Comments: 2CD compilation.
  • The Rod Stewart sessions 1971-1998 - Rod Stewart (10/2009)

    • Members: Carmine Appice, Rick Braun, Tony Brock, Phil Chen, John Corey, Jim Cregan, Paulinho Da Costa, Jay Davis, Joey Diggs, Mike Finnigan, Jeff Golub, Gary Grainger, Max Gronenthal, Dee Harvey, Duane Hitchings, John Jarvis, Danny Johnson, Chuck Kentis, Phil Kenzie, Nick Lane, Oliver Leiber, Robin LeMesurier, Linda Lewis, Steve Madaio, Ian McLagan, David Palmer, Billy Peek, Darryl Phinnessee, Martin Quittenton, Jimmy Roberts, Carmine Rojas, Kevin Savigar, John Shanks, Rod Stewart, Wally Stocker, Andy Taylor, Lee R Thornburg, Lamont Van Hook, Fred White, Ron Wood, Jimmy Zavala
    • Guests: Colin Allen, Kenny Aronoff, Jeff ´Skunk´ Baxter, Madeline Bell, Gene Black, Tim Bogert, Pete Carr, Valerie Carter, Doreen Chanter, Irene Chanter, Michael Chapman, Ray Cooper, Lol Creme, Steve Cropper, Kevin Dorsey, Anne Dudley, Donald ´Duck´ Dunn, Scott Edwards, David Foster, Albhy Galuten, Earl Gardner, David Gilmour, Bob Glaub, Richard Greene, Jimmy Haslip, Roger Hawkins, Spike Heatley, Gary Herbig, David Hood, Dann Huff, Al Jackson, Clydene Jackson, Paul Jackson, Ray Jackson, Jimmy Johnson, Jimmy Johnson, Plas Johnson, Davey Johnstone, John Paul Jones, Kenny Jones, Jerome Jumonville, Suzie Katayama, Holly Knight, Joe Lala, Michael Landau, Patrick Leonard, David Lindley, Steve Lipson, Nils Lofgren, Nick Lowe, Steve Lukather, Eddie Martinez, John Mayall, Lance Morrison, Jamie Muhoberac, Andy Newmark, Patrick O´Hearn, Nigel Olsson, Richard Page, Sid Page, Bill Payne, Phil Perry, Lenny Pickett, John Pierce, Tim Pierce, Dick Powell, Guy Pratt, Jim Price, Andy Pyle, Frank Ricotti, John Robinson, Paul Robinson, Rick Schlosser, Tom Scott, Pete Sears, Leland Sklar, William ´Smitty´ Smith, Mark Stein, Neil Stubenhaus, Fred Tackett, Pete Thomas, Danny Thompson, Joe Turano, Ruby Turner, Carmen Twillie, Tommy Vig, Waddy Wachtel, Joe Walsh, Oren Waters, Willie Weeks, Larry Williams, David Woodford, Terry Young (RIP: Speedy Acquaye, Long John Baldry, Barry Beckett, Lyn Collins, Jesse Ed Davis, Bernard Edwards, Ric Grech, Nicky Hopkins, Gordon Huntley, Ronnie Lane, Sam Mitchell, Billy Preston, Tony Thompson, Micky Waller, David Williams)
    • Producer: Bob Ezrin, Trevor Horn, Danny Kortchmar, James Newton Howard (RIP: Tom Dowd)
    • Technical: Mike Bobak, Dan Hersch, Andy Johns (RIP: Willie Mitchell, Dee Robb)
    • Comments: 4CD boxset compilation with lots of unreleased tracks.

QUESTIONS:

01. Has Speedy worked with The Animals, Graham Bond and The Rolling Stones?

02. Does Speedy appear in Georgie Fame´s single ´Sunny / Don´t make promises´ in September 1966? Which lineup?

03. Does Speedy appear in Georgie Fame´s single ´Sitting in the park/ Many happy returns´ in December 1966? Which lineup?


RELATED WEBSITE LINKS: 9


Official site(s) - tell them you saw the link here:

From the always interesting Alex's Picks (by Alex Gitlin), we have:

From the fantastic The British Sound blog (by Bruno Ceriotti), we have rock family trees about:

Wikipedia doesn´t want to include links to this website, but I won´t do the same with them. So, from the great Wikipedia, we have:

Assorted links:

RELATED VIDEO LINKS: 11
Disclaimer: I don´t own or upload any of the videos linked here. I just include links to live videos that are already available, in order to show the work of this musician. Anyway, if someone feels that some link shouldn't be included, please write me at the email address shown below. And if you know of more videos featuring Speedy Acquaye, please, also write me with the link.
  • Georgie Fame - Monkeying Around
  • Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (also Gary Farr & The T-Bones) live in August 1965. (Resolution: 480)
    Featuring: Speedy Acquaye, Bill Eyden, Georgie Fame, Gary Farr, Eddie Thornton. Others (my guess: Colin Green / Tex Makins / Peter Coe / Glenn Hughes) unknown to me.

  • Georgie Fame - Walking The Dog
  • Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames live in 1965. (Resolution: 360)
    Featuring: Speedy Acquaye, Bill Eyden, Georgie Fame, Eddie Thornton. Rest of the band unknown to me.

  • Georgie Fame - Do Re Mi
  • Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames live in 1966. (Resolution: 480)
    Featuring: Speedy Acquaye, Georgie Fame. Rest of the band (maybe Peter Coe, Glenn Hughes, Cliff Barton, Bill Eyden.Who on guitar?) unknown to me.

  • Georgie Fame - Point Of No Return
  • Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames on TV. (Resolution: 480)
    Featuring: Speedy Acquaye, Bill Eyden, Georgie Fame. Rest of the band unknown to me.

  • Georgie Fame - Monkeying Around
  • Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames. (Resolution: 480)
    Featuring: Speedy Acquaye, Peter Coe, Bill Eyden, Georgie Fame, Glenn Hughes. Bassist (probably Cliff Barton) unknown to me.

  • Herbie Goins & The Night Timers - Night Train
  • Fantastic rarity by Herbie Goins & The Night Timers. (Resolution: 480)
    Featuring: Speedy Acquaye, Mick Eve, Herbie Goins, Eddie Thornton. Rest of the musicians unknown to me.

  • Airforce - Early In The Morning
  • Airforce live at German TV Beat Club program in October 1970. Fantastic. (Resolution: 360)
    Featuring: Speedy Acquaye, Aliki Ashman, Ginger Baker, Bud Beadle, Graham Bond, Kenny Craddock, Colin Gibson, Steve Gregory, Diane Stewart.

  • Airforce - Toady
  • Airforce live at German TV Beat Club program in October 1970. Fantastic. (Resolution: 240)
    Featuring: Speedy Acquaye, Aliki Ashman, Ginger Baker, Bud Beadle, Graham Bond, Kenny Craddock, Colin Gibson, Steve Gregory, Diane Stewart.

  • Airforce - Sunshine Of Your Love
  • Airforce live at German TV Beat Club program in October 1970. Fantastic. (Resolution: 240)
    Featuring: Speedy Acquaye, Aliki Ashman, Ginger Baker, Bud Beadle, Graham Bond, Kenny Craddock, Colin Gibson, Steve Gregory, Diane Stewart.

  • Wings - Rockestra Introduction
  • Musicians introduction on the making of Rockestra themes, in October 1978. (Resolution: 240)
    Featuring: Speedy Acquaye, Tony Ashton, John Bonham, Gary Brooker, Tony Carr, Howie Casey, Ray Cooper, Tony Dorsey, David Gilmour, Steve Holley, Steve Howard, John Paul Jones, Kenny Jones, Laurence Juber, Denny Laine, Ronnie Lane, Hank Marvin, Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney, Morris Pert, Thadeus Richard, Bruce Thomas, Pete Townshend.

  • Wings - Rockestra Documentary
  • Fantastic documentary on the making of Rockestra themes, in October 1978. (Resolution: 480)
    Featuring: Speedy Acquaye, Tony Ashton, John Bonham, Gary Brooker, Tony Carr, Howie Casey, Ray Cooper, Tony Dorsey, David Gilmour, Steve Holley, Steve Howard, John Paul Jones, Kenny Jones, Laurence Juber, Denny Laine, Ronnie Lane, Hank Marvin, Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney, Morris Pert, Thadeus Richard, Bruce Thomas, Pete Townshend.


THANKS:

Very Special Thanks to:
  • Terry Stamp: for info on Speedy playing in one of the Third World War albums (2002).
  • Chris Mercer: for help at identifying musicians in the Herbie Goins & Georgie Fame videos (2012).
  • Mark Arthurworrey: for his fantastic message about Speedy (2005).

  • Special Thanks to:
  • Nick Rossi: for info and corrections on Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames lineups, as well as for info on Speedy's recordings with Herbie Goins & The Nightimers (2002).
  • Johann Haidenbauer: for info on Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers, as well as some scans and info on rare sessions with Speedy (2002 & 2012).
  • Theresa Boyd: for her lovely messages about Speedy (2006 & 2007).
  • Jaap Luif: for extensive info on Airforce and Denny Laine (1998).
  • John H Warburg: for lots of biographical infos on Georgie Fame band members (2007).

  • Thanks to:
  • Alex Gitlin: my friend, for assorted help (2001).
  • Alan Ladlow: for sending me info about Speedy´s obituary (2002 & 2004).
  • Eddie McDonnell: for sending me the complete personnel list on Airforce 2 (2004).
  • Kate Lewis: for her message on Speedy (2004).

  • WHAT'S NEW:

    10/February/2012 - Page added to the blog.
    29/September/2000 - Original page written by me (in the old site).

    RELATED MUSICIANS:

    Speedy Acquaye mostly worked with these musicians: (name + number of credits)
    Georgie Fame (11)
    Ronnie Lane (9)
    Eddie Thornton (9)
    Kenny Jones (8)
    Colin Green (7)
    Tex Makins (7)
    Ian McLagan (7)
    Peter Coe (6)
    Glenn Hughes (6)
    Rod Stewart (6)

    Page created by Miguel Terol on: 29/September/2000 - Last modified on: 03/March/2012. If you want to contribute with info, please write to: molympus1@gmail.com

    Please, note than you can check the indexes (musicians, bands, obituaries) at the top of this page.

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