Thursday, 10 November 2011

Denny Ball (bass)

BANDS:
BANDPERIODDETAILS
The Rockin´ Perfidias [?-1963] 
The Deadbeats [1963-1965] 
Some Other Guys   
The Roustabouts   
Danny King & The Mayfair Set [1965-1966]1 recording
The Mayfair Set [1966-1967] 
Chicago Hush [1967-Apr 68] 
Ideal Milk [1967] 
The Move [1968] 
Workshop   
Ace Kefford Stand  3 recordings
Big Bertha [Oct 69-Jan 71]3 recordings
Long John Baldry Band [1971-Nov 72]1 recording
The Beast [Nov 72-May 73] 
Bedlam [May 73-Apr 74]2 recordings
Jeff St John Band [1975] 
Twiggy Band [1977] 
Delta   
Denny And The Jets  1 recording
Shotgun [1980] 
Robert Lee Kolb Band   
Rick Wakeman Band [1985] (1 gig) 
Wolfie Witcher & His Brew [1988-1997]7 recordings
The Yardbirds [Summer 98] 
Wolfie Witcher & His Brew (again) [1998-2002] 
Denny Ball Band [May 99] (1 gig)1 recording
Bedlam (again) [2000] 
The Enforcers [2002] 
Wolfie Witcher & His Brew (again) [2002-?] 
BIOGRAPHY:

Denny Ball is part of a family related with music. His brothers Pete and Dave also played in several 60s groups. Denny was born Dennis Ball in Erdington, Birmingham, England.

Denny Ball in 1974


THE ROCKIN´ PERFIDIAS

The Rockin´ Perfidias is the first band I´ve been able to trace by the brothers Ball:

THE ROCKIN´ PERFIDIAS #?
?-1963
Pete Ball
guitar
Dave Ball †
guitar
+ others unknown to me. Help!
The Deadbeatsê
The Deadbeatsê
The Deadbeatsê

They changed their name to The Deadbeats in 1963.

Other info on members of The Rockin´ Perfidias (I know up to 3 members)
Already covered (1): Dave Ball
Not enough info (1): Pete Ball

THE DEADBEATS

The Deadbeats band was an evolution from The Rockin´ Perfidias:

THE DEADBEATS #1
1963-1965
êThe Rockin´ Perfidias
êThe Rockin´ Perfidias
êThe Rockin´ Perfidias
Pete Ball
lead guitar
Dave Ball †
rhythm guitar
Pete Donohoe
drums
Some Other Guysê
Some Other Guysê

They played together from 1963 to 1965.

Other info on members of The Deadbeats (I know up to 4 members)
Already covered (1): Dave Ball
Not enough info (2): Pete Ball, Pete Donohoe

SOME OTHER GUYS

This was a band containing brothers Pete and Denny Ball:

SOME OTHER GUYS #?
?
êThe Deadbeats
êThe Deadbeats
Pete Ball
guitar
+ others unknown to me. Help!
The Roustaboutsê
The Roustaboutsê

After a while, they changed their name to The Roustabouts.
Other info on members of Some Other Guys (I know up to 8 members)
To be covered (1): Nick Simper
Not enough info (6): Pete Ball, Len Bone, Alan Hill, Mike Payne, Paul Tait, Dave Taylor

THE ROUSTABOUTS

The Roustabouts derived from Some Other Guys:

THE ROUSTABOUTS #?
?
êSome Other Guys
êSome Other Guys
Pete Ball
guitar
+ others unknown to me. Help!

Other info on members of The Roustabouts (I know up to 2 members)
Not enough info (1): Pete Ball

DANNY KING & THE MAYFAIR SET

This was Denny Ball´s first professional band, Birmingham-based, around 1965:

DANNY KING & THE MAYFAIR SET #?
1965-?
Danny King
vocals
Trevor Burton
guitar
Roger Harris †
keyboards
Keith Smart
drums
The Moveê
The Rockin´ Berries|ê

They released 2 singles before change of personnel. Denny plays in the single ´Amen (My Teenage Prayer) / It´s Such A Shame´ (1965, Columbia). It was his first professional recording, at the famous Abbey Road studios.

Trevor Burton joined The Move, and Keith Smart joined The Rockin´ Berries, later moving to Balls, along with Denny Laine.

Danny King & The Mayfair Set in Birmingham, 1966. Left to right: Dave Morgan (kneeling), Roger Harris, Denny Ball, David Reay (kneeling) and Danny King


This was the new lineup for Danny King & The Mayfair Set after the departure of Trevor Burton and Keith Smart:

DANNY KING & THE MAYFAIR SET #?
?-1966
Danny King
vocals
Dave Morgan
guitar
Roger Harris †
keyboards
David Reay
drums
The Mayfair Setê
The Mayfair Setê
The Mayfair Setê

(Danny King & The Mayfair Set; Birmingham, England, 1966)
(Left to right: Dave Morgan (kneeling), Roger Harris, Denny Ball, David Reay (kneeling) and Danny King)

Danny King left the band, and they re-shuffled...

Other info on members of Danny King & The Mayfair Set (I know up to 8 members)
To be covered (3): Trevor Burton, Dave Morgan, Keith Smart
Not enough info (4): Pete Allen, Roger Harris, Danny King, David Reay

THE MAYFAIR SET

This was the new band The Mayfair Set:

THE MAYFAIR SET #1
1966-1967
êDanny King & The Mayfair Set
êDanny King & The Mayfair Set
êDanny King & The Mayfair Set
Chris Evans
vocals
Jim Murphy
vocals, guitar
Roger Harris †
keyboards
David Reay
drums
The World Of Ozê
The World Of Ozê

They spent one year in Germany 1966 to 1967 playing German night clubs like the K52 in Frankfurt, and the Pallette bar in Fulda. They went on to play US Army and Airforce bases.

The Mayfair Set returned to the UK in September 1967, and split up after a short time.

Chris Evans (under the stage name Christopher Robin) and David Reay went on to form The World of Oz, and later The Casuals.

Other info on members of The Mayfair Set (I know up to 5 members)
Not enough info (4): Chris Evans, Roger Harris, Jim Murphy, David Reay

CHICAGO HUSH

Chicago Hush, 1967. Left to right: Paul Willetts, Denny Ball, Mo Willetts, Dave Ball & Kenneth Broad


Dave and Denny Ball joined again in a blues band called Chicago Hush. This was 1967:

CHICAGO HUSH #?
1967-Apr 68
Mo Willetts
vocals
Dave Ball †
guitar
Kenneth Broad †
keyboards
Paul Willetts
drums

After returning from ´exile´ in Germany, Denny Ball found his brother was playing John Mayall type blues, and sounding like a cross between Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. Denny joined Chicago Hush and started to experiment with a different style of bass playing.

By popular consent Dave and Denny left the band on April 1st 1968.

Other info on members of Chicago Hush (I know up to 6 members)
Already covered (1): Dave Ball
Not enough info (4): Kenneth Broad, Paul Harris, Mo Willetts, Paul Willetts

IDEAL MILK

This was the rehearsal band for things to come.

IDEAL MILK #1
1967
Dave Ball †
guitar
Cozy Powell †
drums
Ace Kefford Standê
Ace Kefford Standê
Ace Kefford Standê

This is how it happened: The Ball brothers were all in Germany, in different bands. Dave was in The Madding Crowd in the north, and Pete was in The Sorcerors playing the same circuit as Denny in The Mayfair Set. Denny first met Cozy Powell on stage at a Sorcerors gig in Frankfurt. A jam session ensued, and a musical relationship was born. It was Pete Ball who had met up with Cozy Powell in Germany in 1967, and hired him to play in the Sorcerors. This band spent some time in Germany and then went to Turkey playing USAF bases before going back to England. When Cozy and Pete returned, Cozy stayed at the Ball household, and lived with the family on and off for the next three years. The Sorcerors changed their name to Young Blood, and signed a record deal with Pye records. They released several singles (Denny wrote some songs with them). And that close friendship gave birth to Ideal Milk.

There are some early recordings by this trio including a BBC session, and some rehearsal tapes of the music which later formed the basis of the Bedlam album.

Other info on members of Ideal Milk (I know up to 3 members)
Already covered (1): Dave Ball
Old pages (1): Cozy Powell

THE MOVE

In 1968, Denny Ball deputised for Trevor Burton who broke his arm apparently whilst fooling around in the country with members of the band Traffic (Stevie Winwood & co):

THE MOVE #?
1968
Carl Wayne †
vocals
Roy Wood
guitar, vocals
Bev Bevan
drums

Denny recorded some radio sessions with the Move including a live lunchtime show in London with an audience of ‘screaming girls’.

Other info on members of The Move (I know up to 13 members)
To be covered (12): Bev Bevan, Trevor Burton, Gordon Healer, Bill Hunt, Ace Kefford, Neil Lockwood, Jeff Lynne, Rick Price, Richard Tandy, Phil Tree, Carl Wayne, Roy Wood

WORKSHOP

Workshop was a short-lived band with blues and country feel. A launching platform for Phil Pickett, who became a successful writer and performer with success in pop band Sailor, and later worked with Culture Club:

WORKSHOP #?
?
Paddy McGuire
vocals
Phil Pickett
guitar, keyboards
Mick Kinsella
flute
Paul Warren
drums

Other info on members of Workshop (I know up to 5 members)
To be covered (1): Paul Warren
Not enough info (3): Mick Kinsella, Paddy McGuire, Phil Pickett

ACE KEFFORD STAND

This was the merge of the band Ideal Milk with the ex Move star Ace Kefford:

ACE KEFFORD STAND #?
?
êThe Move
êIdeal Milk
êIdeal Milk
êIdeal Milk
Ace Kefford
vocals
Dave Ball †
guitar
Cozy Powell †
drums
Big Berthaê
Big Berthaê

Cozy handed his notice in to Youngblood. An interesting situation in which the Ball brothers and Cozy were all sharing the same house. Cozy was quitting Pete Ball’s band to join forces with the other Ball brothers. Fortunately, Pete Ball was very philosophical about the whole thing, and realised that Cozy was heading for a different style of playing, and that he was much more interested in a rock band.

The Ace Kefford Stand started rehearsals on September 2nd 1968. The first gig by this band was at the Belfry (home of the famous golf club) on September 21st 1968. Amongst the sell out crowd were members of The Move. Robert Plant and John Bonham also gave their support.

The Stand played some college and university gigs as they waited to secure a record deal which finally came from Atlantic Records.

From early recording sessions at Polydor in London, they released a single, ´For your love / Gravy booby jamm´ (Atlantic, Apr 69), being the A-side a cover of The Yardbirds. This song can also be found in The perfumed garden, vol. 2 sampler compilation.

A second single called ´This World’s an Apple´ (Oct 69, Atlantic) was released under the name of Big Bertha featuring Ace Kefford. This was after the band had split up. This record is now a rare collector’s item.

In mid 69, Ace Kefford quits, and the rest formed a new band, Big Bertha. But meanwhile, Cozy Powell tried to form a power trio with Clem Clempson.

Other info on members of Ace Kefford Stand (I know up to 4 members)
Already covered (1): Dave Ball
Old pages (1): Cozy Powell
To be covered (1): Ace Kefford

BIG BERTHA

In October 1969, Big Bertha is formed:

BIG BERTHA #1
Oct 69-?
êLeaf Hound
Pete French
vocals
Dave Ball †
guitar
Pete Ball
keyboards
Cozy Powell †
drums
Atomic Roosterê

But Pete French soon left.

This was the 2nd lineup for Big Bertha, with a new singer:

BIG BERTHA #2
?
Dave MacTavish
vocals
Dave Ball †
guitar
Pete Ball
keyboards
Cozy Powell †
drums
Jeff Beck Groupê
Jeff Beck Groupê

The band signed to United Artists and recorded four tracks. ´Munich City´ was released in Germany and sold well. But after weeks of inactivity, and just a handful of gigs, Cozy was approached by Jeff Beck’s management company to meet with the legendary guitarist in London (where Denny would briefly join too).

But Denny Ball soon returned to Big Bertha. Denny returned to the fold to try with his two brothers to salvage the band. They auditioned a new drummer. and set about replacing Dave MacTavish who quit when Cozy Powell left.

After several days of auditions, two of the most unlikely people turned up at the house:

BIG BERTHA #3
?
êJeff Beck Group
Frank Aiello
vocals
Maria Popkievitch
vocals
Dave Ball †
guitar
Pete Ball
keyboards
+ a drummer, unknown to me. Help!

The new band was created, and with the new singers a whole new approach had to be made to the material. Denny wrote several new songs. Often sitting in a corner of the A&R department of the record company, or in the demo studio of the publishing department scribbling lyrics. The band were given a record producer Dick James and a rehearsal studio in which to come up with the right formula.

United Artists continued to make use of their signings through sessions and other appearances:


  • Frank and Maria released a single on which Cozy played.

  • Denny produced a track called ´Ring of Fire´ on which Cozy, Dave, Frank and Maria performed (as well as Ed Welch playing keyboards). It was written for Gary Hamilton, one of the stars of the stage show Hair. It was originally intended as a single for him.

  • Ed Welch recorded an album on which Cozy played and which produced a hit single called ´Clowns´.

  • A band called Walrus released a single called ´Never gonna let my body touch the ground´ originally written for Big Bertha by Denny.


In January 1971, a promoter in Germany wanted to book the now defunct Big Bertha. United Artists agreed to limited funding for the band to go over and perform:

BIG BERTHA #4
Jan 71
êJeff Beck Group
Dave Ball †
guitar, vocals
Denny Ball
bass, vocals
Cozy Powell †
drums
|Procol Harumê
Long John Baldry Bandê
Jeff Beck Groupê

A series of gigs in north Germany were put together and at last the band who called themselves Ideal Milk went on the road as a trio. Denny and Dave somehow managed the vocals over a thunderous Cream/Hendrix type of music full of solos and awesome power.

During the tour a live recording was made. The tapes are very interesting!

At the end of the tour, the trio vowed to reform ‘at some juncture’ and ‘do it properly’.

Cozy Powell went back to the Jeff Beck Group, Denny went to Long John Baldry Group, and Dave Ball joined superb band Procol Harum.

Other info on members of Big Bertha (I know up to 8 members)
Already covered (1): Dave Ball
Old pages (1): Cozy Powell
To be covered (3): Frank Aiello, Pete French, Dave MacTavish
Not enough info (2): Pete Ball, Maria Popkievitch

LONG JOHN BALDRY BAND

Soon after, the band Ashman-Reynolds became Long John Baldry's backing band, along with Denny Ball (who, after a spell of musical inactivity, had gone to audition for John Baldry, and was given five days to learn the set before going on tour in America) and Ian Armit. The band were on a package with Savoy Brown and Fleetwood Mac. This had to be around Winter 1971:

LONG JOHN BALDRY BAND #?
1971-1972
êAshman Reynolds
êAshman Reynolds
êAshman Reynolds
êAshman Reynolds
Long John Baldry †
vocals
Bob Weston †
guitar
Rod Edwards
keyboards
Ashman Reynoldsê
Ashman Reynoldsê
Ashman Reynoldsê
êAshman Reynolds
Ian Armit †
piano
Keith Boyce
drums

After the tour finished they made an appearance on ´Top of The Pops´ BBC show. The band line up for that show included Rod Stewart, Elton John and Lesley Duncan on back-up vocals.

In the summer of 1972, Baldry changed the line-up as people went their separate ways.

After parting ways with Ashman-Reynolds, Long John Baldry flew to New York with bass player Denny Ball and piano player Ian Armit (a veteran from the 60s British r&b scene, he played with Alexis Korner in Blues Incorporated) to look for musicians for their next tour:

LONG JOHN BALDRY BAND #?
1972-Sep 72
Long John Baldry †
vocals
Bob Kulick
guitar
Ian Armit †
keyboards
Joe Forgione
drums
Elaine Clark
vocals
Myra Cooper
vocals

The band opened for Uriah Heep who were on one of their biggest concert tours yet. It was an unusual alliance of a blues and gospel band opening for a heavy rock band. It was during this tour that Denny struck up a friendship with the Heep guys.

When Bob Kulick leaves Long John Baldry, Dave Ball joins in September 1972:

LONG JOHN BALDRY BAND #?
Sep 72-Nov 72
Long John Baldry †
vocals
Dave Ball †
guitar
Ian Armit †
keyboards
Joe Forgione
drums
Elaine Clark
vocals
Myra Cooper
vocals

The band play a few UK dates, and the Good to be Alive album was recorded. With some great guests: Lesley Duncan (vocals), Sue Glover (vocals), Liza Strike (vocals), Kay Garner (vocals), Sam Mitchell (guitar), Andy Bown (keyboards), Jimmy Horowitz (keyboards), John Mealing (keyboards), Terry Cox (drums) and Tony Newman (drums).

Other info on members of Long John Baldry Band (I know up to 109 members)
Already covered (12): Aliki Ashman, Dave Ball, Cliff Barton, Cal Batchelor, Doreen Chanter, Irene Chanter, Bill Eyden, Jimmy Horowitz, Felix Krish, Billy Law, Harry Reynolds, Bob Weston
Old pages (7): Ian Armit, Pete Blannin, Keith Boyce, Rod Edwards, Al Gay, Ernie O´Malley, Micky Waller
To be covered (89): Tony Ashton, Cliff Aungier, Long John Baldry, Geoff Bradford, Gary Breit, Hugh Brockie, Charity Brown, Norm Brown, Paul Brown, Tom Brown, John ´Rabbit´ Bundrick, Roger Carey, Liane Carroll, Chris Castle, Jacko Ciminello, Elaine Clark, Mick Clarke, Tom Connor, Charlie Coolie, Myra Cooper, Randall Coryell, Butch Coulter, John Dickie, Vince Dietrich, Jim Fish,... up to 89 musicians.

THE BEAST

November 1972 and the core of Big Bertha/Ideal Milk reunites to form the ultimate band. Originally called The Beast:

THE BEAST #1
Nov 72-May 73
êLong John Baldry Band
êLong John Baldry Band
êSpirit
Frank Aiello
vocals
Dave Ball †
guitar
Cozy Powell †
drums
Big Berthaê
Big Berthaê
Big Berthaê
Big Berthaê

They changed the name to Big Bertha in May 1973 in order to avoid confusion with another band in the States.

Other info on members of The Beast (I know up to 4 members)
Already covered (1): Dave Ball
Old pages (1): Cozy Powell
To be covered (1): Frank Aiello

BEDLAM

Bedlam. From left to right: Frank Aiello, Dave Ball, Cozy Powell, Denny Ball


Originally called The Beast, they changed to Bedlam in May 1973:

BEDLAM #1
May 1973-Apr 74
êThe Beast
êThe Beast
êThe Beast
êThe Beast
Frank Aiello
vocals
Dave Ball †
guitar
Cozy Powell †
drums

They released a self titled album, Bedlam. With help from old Cozy mate, Max Middleton (keyboards). Produced by the late Felix Pappalardi (Cream's producer, and bassist in Mountain), who also played keyboards. They also released a single, ´I believe in you / Whiskey and wine´ (1973, Chrysalis).

There are also some sessions of unreleased material which were scheduled for Bedlam II, but unfortunately, that never happened, as they split in April 74.

There is also a CD of Bedlam from a live radio show recorded in 1974 when they were on tour with Black Sabbath.

Denny Ball while in Bedlam


Other info on members of Bedlam (I know up to 5 members)
Already covered (1): Dave Ball
Old pages (1): Cozy Powell
To be covered (2): Frank Aiello, Russell Gilbrook

JEFF ST JOHN BAND

A year after Bedlam split, Denny Ball had a spell with an Australian band fronted by Jeff St John (Australian rocker from 'The Id' and 'Copperwine'). The guitarist in the band was ex Bee-Gees Vince Melouney (he plays in several of their early albums, from 1967 to 1969):

JEFF ST JOHN BAND #?
1975
Jeff St John
vocals
Vince Melouney
guitar
+ others unknown to me. Help!

They played some gigs and appeared on TV before the guys returned to Australia.

Other info on members of Jeff St John Band (I know up to 8 members)
To be covered (1): Vince Melouney
Not enough info (6): Tony Ansell, Ron Barry, John A Bird, BJ, Ace Follington, Jeff St John

TWIGGY BAND

In 1977, Twiggy toured England (7 concerts) to promote her second album, Please get my name right. Denny Ball was part of her touring band:

TWIGGY BAND #?
1977
Twiggy
vocals
+ others unknown to me. Help!

Other info on members of Twiggy Band (I know up to 2 members)
Not enough info (1): Twiggy

DELTA

Another long break from the business and Denny was asked to play on a recording session. He liked the band (especially the girl member) and they became Delta.

DELTA #1
?
Derek Damon
vocals
Jude Allen
keyboards, vocals
Eike Erzmoneit
drums
Denny And The Jetsê
Denny And The Jetsê

The band made some recordings, which included a speculative session with David Byron (of Uriah Heep) producing, but none of it was ever released.

Other info on members of Delta (I know up to 6 members)
To be covered (1): Eike Erzmoneit
Not enough info (4): Jude Allen, Tony Barton, Derek Damon, Tony Lee

DENNY & THE JETS

A spin off band called Denny And the Jets released a single, also produced by David Byron:

DENNY AND THE JETS #1
?
êDelta
êDelta
Denny Ball
bass, vocals
Jude Allen
vocals, keyboards
Gaby Byron
drums

The single, ´Shoo-be-doo (I love you) / At a distance´, went out on State Records in 1979. It was given some healthy air time on Radio 1.

Other info on members of Denny And The Jets (I know up to 7 members)
Not enough info (6): Jude Allen, Elke Avis, Gaby Byron, Olivia Davies, Kristen Hardy, Emma Terracini

SHOTGUN


Shotgun. From left to right: Denny Ball, Ian Gibbons, Ken Hensley, Derek Marshall, Pete Thompson


In 1981, Denny Ball joins Shotgun, the band assembled by Ken Hensley when he left Uriah Heep (after 11 years in the band):

SHOTGUN #1
1981
êUriah Heep
Ken Hensley
vocals, guitar
Derek Marshall
guitar
Ian Gibbons
keyboards
Pete Thompson
drums
Robert Lee Kolb Bandê
Robert Lee Kolb Bandê
Robert Lee Kolb Bandê

But the band's life was very short, and they didn't make any recording. Made one concert tour of UK in April 1981. Great reviews.

There is a video of the band performing Ken Hensley’s single taken from Ken's Free Spirit album.

They were supposed to make a European tour, but Ken left for the States.

Other info on members of Shotgun (I know up to 5 members)
Old pages (3): Ian Gibbons, Ken Hensley, Pete Thompson
Not enough info (1): Derek Marshall

ROBERT LEE KOLB BAND

Robert Lee Kolb (from Dallas) came over to play a couple of shows. Line-up included some Shotgun members:

ROBERT LEE KOLB BAND #?
?
êShotgun
êShotgun
êShotgun
Robert Lee Kolb
vocals, guitar
Ian Gibbons
keyboards
Pete Thompson
drums
+ singers and a sax player unknown to me. Help!

Other info on members of Robert Lee Kolb Band (I know up to 4 members)
Old pages (2): Ian Gibbons, Pete Thompson
Not enough info (1): Robert Lee Kolb

RICK WAKEMAN BAND

In 1985, Rick performed on a TV special called Night Music, with this lineup:

RICK WAKEMAN BAND #?
1985
êRuthless Blues
Rick Wakeman
keyboards
Rick Fenn
guitar
Tony Fernandez
drums

Also on the show, a twenty piece string section, and the actor Robert Powell performed a narration.

Tony Fernandez was a member of Ruthless Blues. Denny was deputy for Ruthless Blues on a few occasions.
Other info on members of Rick Wakeman Band (I know up to 43 members)
Already covered (5): Dave Caswell, Barry De Souza, Stevie Lange, Bruce Lynch, Gary Pickford-Hopkins
To be covered (37): Jon Anderson, Steve Barnacle, Reg Brooks, Vicki Brown, Dave Colquhoun, Dave Cousins, Jeff Crampton, Chas Cronk, Dr Doom, John Dunsterville, Mike Egan, Rick Fenn, Tony Fernandez, Barry Flather, Frank Gibson Jr, Anthony Glynne, Chrissie Hammond, John Hodgson, Ashley Holt, Rick Hudson, Barney James, Sonia Jones, Cori Josias, Dave Lambert, Phil Laughlin,... up to 37 musicians.

WOLFIE WITCHER & HIS BREW

Then, he began to collaborate with Wolfie Witcher, before joining permanently in 1987 in Wolfie Witcher and his Brew. They are a London-based R&B band, although they play many different styles of music. They have been through lots of lineup changes along the years, so I state here what I've been able to check. I'd like if someone can provide more info here, please.

Rick Wakeman joined forces with Wolfie Witcher and his Brew for a TV fund raising event for Children in Need.

Around April 1988, the lineup for Wolfie Witcher & His Brew was:

WOLFIE WITCHER & HIS BREW #?
1988
Wolfie Witcher
vocals, harmonica
Gary Thomas
guitar
Gary Jones
guitar, trumpet
Simeon Jones
sax
Paul Goosens
drums

There is a live album shared with another blues band (Shakey Vick Blues Band), recorded in London. The lineup for Wolfie Witcher & His Brew in that album, Saturday night and Sunday morning, recorded circa 1989 is:

WOLFIE WITCHER & HIS BREW #?
1989
Wolfie Witcher
vocals, harmonica
Kit Packham
vocals, sax
Gary Thomas
guitar
George Carless †
sax
Paul Goosens
drums

This was the lineup for Wolfie Witcher & His Brew in 1997:

WOLFIE WITCHER & HIS BREW #?
1997
Wolfie Witcher
vocals, harmonica
Pete Emery
guitar
Kit Packham
vocals, sax
George Carless †
sax
Sam Kelly
drums
The Yardbirdsê

After several years, Denny Ball left the band for a while in 1998, to join a mythical band, The Yardbirds.

THE YARDBIRDS

Denny Ball, 1998, with The Yardbirds in Czech Republic


Around 1998, there were still two original members in this mythical band, Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty. They've been in and out the music business during the 80s, but now they're back again. Great! When their last guitarist, Gipye Mayo (ex-Dr Feelgood) left them to take a sabbatical period, bassist John Idan switched to guitar, and that's when Denny Ball comes here:

THE YARDBIRDS #?
Summer 1998
êWolfie Witcher & His Brew
John Idan
vocals, guitar
Alan Glen
harmonica, percussion
Chris Dreja
guitar
Jim McCarty
drums
Wolfie Witcher & His Brewê

(Denny Ball 1998 (with Yardbirds in Czech Republic))

Denny played with them during summer 1998, until Gypie Mayo returns, thus Denny coming back to his band again, Wolfie Witcher.

Other info on members of The Yardbirds (I know up to 21 members)
Already covered (2): John Knightsbridge, Gypie Mayo
Old pages (1): Jeff Beck
To be covered (17): Eric Clapton, Jerry Donahue, Chris Dreja, Mark Feltham, Laurence Garman, Alan Glen, John Idan, Ben King, Ray Majors, Jim McCarty, Billy-Boy Miskimmin, Andy Mitchell, Jimmy Page, Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, David Smale, Top Topham

WOLFIE WITCHER & HIS BREW (again)

This is the last lineup I know with Denny for Wolfie Witcher & His Brew, probably circa 1998:

WOLFIE WITCHER & HIS BREW #?
1998
êThe Yardbirds
Wolfie Witcher
vocals, harmonica
Pete Emery
guitar
Kit Packham
vocals, sax
George Carless †
sax
Richard Spaven
drums

DENNY BALL BAND (for the COZY POWELL TRIBUTE CONCERT)

Denny is the one with the baseball cap. Also appearing: Neil Murray, Brian May and Chris Thompson - photo used by kind permission of Oliver Tamminga - visit his Brian May site for many more photos


On May 1st, 1999, it was held a Cozy Powell Tribute Concert, at Buxton Opera House, in Buxton, Derbyshire. The evening was called A night to remember...Cozy Powell.

This was a moving occasion with tributes paid by all the performers, and enhanced by some excellent music.

Denny Ball played with his own band, comprised of:

DENNY BALL BAND #1
May 99
êThe Yardbirds
êDeadLine
Pete French
vocals
John Idan
guitar
Russell Gilbrook
drums
The Yardbirdsê
DeadLineê

There were many notable performers including Neil Murray (playing with Tony Martin, Geoff Nicholls, Mike Casswell, and Bobby Rondinelli), Spike Edney (playing with a version of his own SAS Band: Chris Thompson, Clayton Moss, John Marter, Neil Murray, Susie Webb and Zoe Nicholas), Chris Farlowe, Tony Ashton, Darren Wharton, and many more. Brian May closed the concert after making a very moving tribute to Cozy.

I hope it was filmed, and someday we'll have the chance of watching that great event!

Other info on members of Denny Ball Band (I know up to 4 members)
To be covered (3): Pete French, Russell Gilbrook, John Idan

WOLFIE WITCHER & HIS BREW (again)

This was Wolfie Witcher & His Brew in June 1999:

WOLFIE WITCHER & HIS BREW #?
1999
Wolfie Witcher
vocals, harmonica
Jim Roche
guitar
Pete Emery
guitar
Ray Carless
sax
Kit Packham
sax, vocals
Richard Spaven
drums

AND THEN... DENNY BALL music

Denny Ball in 1995


Denny has also acted as tour manager, for example, for Osibisa in 1981.

Apart of being part of Wolfie Witcher And His Brew, Denny is writing two albums. He continues to use Denny and the Jets as his pop/contemporary band name.

And in 1999, it has seen the light of day the first Denny Ball album, after such long, interesting career. The album is called Items, it's fantastic, and it can only be obtained via Internet, at Denny's own website at www.dennyball.com.

The album contains great tracks, but my complete favourites are ´The deputy´ and the lovely ´Stranger in Autumn´, with his extended solo. Denny plays all the instruments on it, plus some guest female vocals. I knew how good bass player he was (you just have to check the tracks ´Soundcheck´ or ´Numbers´), but I've been very surprised about his great skills at playing electric guitar. His guitar solos are great!!

BEDLAM (again)

Bedlam was reformed many years later, in year 2000, by brother Denny and Dave Ball with drummer Russell Gilbrook:

BEDLAM #?
?
Frank Aiello
vocals
Dave Ball †
guitar
Russell Gilbrook
drums

THE ENFORCERS

Around 2002, Denny Ball played with Bill Hurley´s band The Enforcers:

THE ENFORCERS #?
2002
Bill Hurley
vocals
+ others unknown to me. Help!

But I don´t know the complete lineup(s). Can someone help, please?

Other info on members of The Enforcers (I know up to 19 members)
Already covered (2): John ´Irish´ Earle, Gypie Mayo
Old pages (1): Jim Russell
To be covered (11): Billy Bremner, Geoff Britton, Ben Donnelly, Eddie Edwards, Gary Grainger, Johnny Guitar, Peter Gunn, Bill Hurley, Bill Liesegang, Pete Thomas, Big George Webley
Not enough info (4): Eddie Angel, Tim Hill, Si Mulvev, Alan Savage

WOLFIE WITCHER & HIS BREW (again)

This was Wolfie Witcher & His Brew in September 2002:

WOLFIE WITCHER & HIS BREW #?
2002
Wolfie Witcher
vocals, harmonica
Jim Roche
guitar
Ray Carless
sax
Sam Kelly
drums

Other info on members of Wolfie Witcher & His Brew (I know up to 22 members)
To be covered (21): George Carless, Ray Carless, John Challis, Andy Coughlan, Phil Drury, John Dummer, Pete Emery, Paul Goosens, Gary Jones, Roger Jones, Simeon Jones, Sam Kelly, Peter Miles, Kit Packham, Jim Reece, Mike Reid, Jim Roche, Richard Spaven, Gary Thomas, Wolfie Witcher, Mel Wright

AND NOW...

Denny moved to Australia, where he is still recording and playing with some band.
UNRELEASED PROJECTS:

  • Denny was deputy for Ruthless Blues on a few occasions. Don´t know the exact lineups, but it was probably with John Knightsbridge (guitar) and Tony Fernandez (drums).


  • In July 1968, Denny Ball attended the Beatles Apple offices in Baker Street, London and auditioned in a small rehearsal room for the job as bass player for James Taylor.


  • Cozy Powell suggested that Denny Ball (both in Big Bertha) went with him to meet up with Jeff Beck. They met at the United Artists offices, and with a very eager record company managing director in tow, went on to play together as a trio at a rehearsal venue in north London. Being well rehearsed, Denny and Cozy presented a ´showcase´ of just bass and drums at the start of that session, after which Jeff took up the guitar and jammed for about an hour with them. Jeff suggested that they both stay at his cottage in Kent for further rehearsals.


  • In 1976, in a not-very-known episode, Denny rehearsed with Uriah Heep, to get the bass role. The surprise comes when Denny himself discovered the name of the singer who rehearsed in the same sessions: David Coverdale (vocals), Mick Box (guitar), Denny Ball (bass), Ken Hensley (keyboards, guitar), Lee Kerslake (drums). But the vacant jobs were not given to Coverdale or Denny, but to John Lawton (vocals) and Trevor Bolder (bass). Anyway, Denny maintained a close relationship with Uriah Heep members, as we can read in his page.


  • In 1980, Denny Ball played in some sessions for Marsha Hunt. Does anybody know if they were released?


    • DISCOGRAPHY: (25 albums known to me - Status: Quite advanced)

    OWN ALBUMS (1 credit) ALBUMS AS PRODUCER (1 credit)
    • Ring of fire (SINGLE) - Gary Hamilton ( - )

    ALBUMS AS A BAND MEMBER (17 credits)
    • Amen (my teenage prayer) / It´s such a shame (SINGLE) - Danny King & The Mayfair Set (1965)

      • Members: Denny Ball, Trevor Burton, Keith Smart (RIP: Roger Harris)
    • Munich city / Sunny woman (SINGLE) - Big Bertha (1969)

    • For your love / Gravy booby jamm (SINGLE) - Ace Kefford Stand (April 1969)

    • This world’s an Apple (SINGLE) - Big Bertha featuring Ace Kefford (October 1969)

    • Bedlam - Bedlam (August 1973)

      • Members: Frank Aiello, Denny Ball (RIP: Dave Ball, Cozy Powell)
      • Guests: Max Middleton
      • Producer: (RIP: Felix Pappalardi)
      • Technical: Ben King
      • Comments: Reissued on CD as Cozy Powell´s Bedlam.
    • Good to be alive - Long John Baldry (1976)

      • Members: Denny Ball, Jimmy Horowitz (RIP: Long John Baldry + Dave Ball, Sam Mitchell)
      • Guests: Andy Bown, Terry Cox, Jon Field, Sue Glover, John Mealing, Tony Newman, Liza Strike (RIP: Lesley Duncan + Kay Garner)
      • Comments: The Good to be Alive album was recorded in 1973 with great musicians: Lesley Duncan (vocals), Sue Glover (vocals), Liza Strike (vocals), Kay Garner (vocals), Dave Ball (guitar), Bob Cohen (guitar), Sam Mitchell (guitar), Denny Ball (bass), Andy Bown (keyboards), Jimmy Horowitz (keyboards), John Mealing (keyboards), Terry Cox (drums) Tony Newman (drums), Mike Driscoll (drums), as well as horns by Jon Field, Chris Hughes and Mick French.
    • Shoo-be-doo (I love you) / At a distance (SINGLE) - Denny And The Jets (1979)

      • Members: Denny Ball
      • Producer: (RIP: David Byron)
    • Sunday night & Saturday morning - Shakey Vick & Wolfie Witcher (1989) (LIVE)

      • Members: Wolfie Witcher + Denny Ball, Paul Goosens, Kit Packham, Jim Roche, Roger Sutton, Gary Thomas (RIP: George Carless)
      • Comments: Sunday night & Saturday morning was a live album recorded again at the Carnarvon Castle. The album is shared by Wolfie Witcher & His Brew (Wolfie Witcher, Gary Thomas, Kit Packham, George Carless, Denny Ball and Paul Goosens) and Shakey Vick Blues Band (Shakey Vick, Jim Roche, Alan Vincent, Roger Sutton and Tony Balch).
    • Big Bertha - Big Bertha (June 1999) (LIVE)

    • Ace the face - the lost 1968 album... and more! - Ace Kefford (2003)

      • Members: Ace Kefford + Denny Ball (RIP: Dave Ball, Cozy Powell)
      • Guests: Jimmy Page, Keith Smart
      • Producer: Trevor Burton, Andy Fairweather Low, Tony Visconti
      • Comments: Album containing old, unreleased recordings by Ace Kefford Stand, Ace Kefford alone and related.
    • Anthology - Bedlam (2004)

      • Members: Frank Aiello, Denny Ball, Dave MacTavish (RIP: Dave Ball, Cozy Powell)
      • Guests: Ace Kefford
      • Producer: (RIP: Felix Pappalardi)
      • Comments: A 2CD, including one CD with studio recordings, plus a second CD with a live concert. It contains tracks by Bedlam and previous incarnations (Ideal Milk, Big Bertha, etc.).
    • Live in Hamburg 1970 - Big Bertha (2004) (LIVE)

    • Hang on to your mouth organ - Wolfie Witcher & His Brew ( - ) (LIVE)

      • Members: Wolfie Witcher + Denny Ball
      • Comments: Hang on to your mouth organ is another live album, this time recorded at the 100 Club in London’s Oxford Street. Available on cassette.
    • A Long way to Tipitina´s - Wolfie Witcher & His Brew ( - )

      • Members: Wolfie Witcher + Denny Ball, Pete Emery, Sam Kelly, Kit Packham, Gary Thomas (RIP: George Carless)
      • Comments: A long way to Tipitina’s is a studio album, available on cassette. Sometime later, it was reissued on CD, with extra tracks.
    • Howlalongawolfie! - Wolfie Witcher & His Brew ( - ) (LIVE)

      • Members: Wolfie Witcher + Denny Ball
      • Comments: Howlalongawolfie! was recorded live at the Underworld London.
    • Gummin´ the gob-iron - Wolfie Witcher & His Brew ( - )

      • Members: Wolfie Witcher + Denny Ball, Paul Goosens, Gary Jones, Simeon Jones, Gary Thomas
      • Comments: Gummin´ the gob-iron was a studio album recorded in 1987, and co-produced by Denny Ball and Wolfie. Only available on cassette.
    • Chewin´ on the old tin butty! - Wolfie Witcher ( - )

      • Members: Wolfie Witcher + Denny Ball
      • Comments: Chewin´ on the old tin butty! is their last studio album, as far as I know.
    ALBUMS WITH BANDMATES AND FRIENDS (4 credits)
    • Don´t forget your alligator - Dave Ball ( - )

    • Take no prisoners - David Byron (March 1975)

      • Members: (RIP: David Byron)
      • Guests: Denny Ball, Mick Box, Ken Hensley, Lee Kerslake, John Wetton + Doreen Chanter, Irene Chanter, Neil Lancaster, Chas Mills, Russell Stone, Lou Stonebridge, Pete Thompson
      • Technical: Ashley Howe
      • Comments: Take no prisoners was the first solo effort by the great, much-missed David Byron, lead singer in Uriah Heep. Recorded in February 1975 with his bandmates Mick Box (guitar) & Lee Kerslake (drums), plus Denny Ball (bass), Lou Stonebridge (keyboards), Pete Thompson (drums), as well as the Chanter Sisters on backing vocals.
    • Free Spirit - Ken Hensley (1980)

      • Members: Ken Hensley
      • Guests: Denny Ball, Mark Clarke + Kenny Jones, Ian Paice, Gary Taylor, Jim Toomey (RIP: Trevor Bolder)
      • Comments: Free Spirit was the third solo album by Ken Hensley. With Denny Ball (bass in two songs, ´Inside the mystery´ and ´Woman´), Trevor Bolder (bass, Ken's bandmate in Uriah Heep), Gary Taylor (bass, from The Herd), Mark Clarke (bass, from Colosseum, once he also was in Uriah Heep), Jim Toomey (drums, from The Tourists), Geoff Allan (drums), Ian Paice (drums, from Deep Purple), Kenny Jones (drums, from Small Faces, Faces and The Who). This was the album that Shotgun was to promote.
    • From time to time - Ken Hensley (1994)

      • Members: Ken Hensley + Mark Clarke
      • Guests: Denny Ball + B J Cole, Kenny Jones, Simon Kirke, Patrick Leonard, Dave Markee, Lynton Naiff, Ian Paice, Mick Ralphs, Henry Spinetti, Liza Strike, Claire Torry (RIP: Trevor Bolder + Boz Burrell, Paul Kossoff)
      • Comments: From time to time is a collection of outtakes and unreleased tracks. It includes many of the musicians that appear in his solo albums. Denny Ball appears playing in one song, ´Love at first sight´, recorded sometime in 1980, probably for the Free Spirit album. With Geoff Allan in drums in that track.
      • My opinion: Unlike many similar projects, this album is really a fantastic album, with great songs. I love it!
    SESSIONS (1 credit)
    • Cosmic wheels - Donovan (March 1973)

      • Members: Tony Carr
      • Guests: Denny Ball, John ´Rabbit´ Bundrick, Clive Chaman, Phil Chen, Jack Emblow, Jim Horn, Chris Spedding, Alan White (RIP: Lesley Duncan, Bobby Keys, Cozy Powell)
      • Comments: Cosmic wheels was next album by Donovan after a long time without recording. Backed by the cream of British musicians, he released a great album. With: Chris Spedding (guitar), Clive Chaman (bass), Phil Chen (bass), Denny Ball (bass), John 'Rabbit' Bundrick (keyboards), Lesley Duncan (vocals), Bobby Keys (sax), Alan White (drums, soon to join Yes), Cozy Powell (drums).
        Cozy Powell and Denny Ball recorded some other tracks with him at the time of Cosmic Wheels. There is a film/video from some of the sessions which were taken by Don.
    ALBUMS AS TECHNICIAN (1 credit)
    • Indoor buskin´ - Wolfie Witcher & His Brew ( - ) (LIVE)

      • Members: Wolfie Witcher + Andy Coughlan, Peter Miles, Jim Reece, Mike Reid, Gary Thomas
      • Technical: Denny Ball
      • Comments: Indoor Buskin’ was recorded live at the Carnarvon Castle in Camden Town London. This is how Denny Ball contacted the band. He was asked to record and engineer a live show. Afterwards, he became the reserve bass player, and then joined the band.
    QUESTIONS:

    01. For which artists did Denny Ball play for producer Mickie Most?

    02. Has Denny played with Lynsey De Paul?

    03. Did Denny tour with Twiggy as musician or as tour manager, back in 1977?

    RELATED WEBSITE LINKS: 22


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

    From the superb site Knights in Blue Denim: The British Blues Scene '68 - '70 (by Christer Fridhammar & Vanja), we have:

    From the great site DME (by Dmitry M. Epstein), we have fantastic interviews:

    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:
    THANKS:

    Very Special Thanks to:
  • Denny Ball: for so much help, also for the contact and the photos (1997).
  • Aliki Ashman: for her message (2001).
  • Joe Forgione: for his message (2002).
  • Dave Morgan: for info on Danny King lineups (1999).
    •
    Special Thanks to:
  • Rodrigo Werneck: for the contact (check out his superb Ken Hensley site for 3 interviews with Denny (1997).
  • Boris Shnitzer: my friend, for the albums by David Byron and Ken Hensley (1998).
  • Christer Fridhammar: for info about several Wolfie Witcher lineups (1998).
  • Oliver Tamminga: for giving me permission for using his photo from the Cozy Powell Tribute Concert (1999).
  • Jose Luis Schenone: for his message about Dave Morgan (2000).
    •
    Thanks to:
  • Shawna Ball: for her real kindness (1997).
  • Bruce Dumes: for his message (1999).
  • Helen Stead: for signing my old guestbook, regarding Wolfie Witcher (1999).
  • Ian Brown: for signing my old guestbook, regarding Wolfie Witcher (1999).
  • Thomas Boerstler: for info on Wolfie Witcher albums (2005).
  • Olafur: for info on Long John Baldry (1999).
  • Jennie Osborne: for her message (2001).
  • P&H L.: for info on Wolfie Witcher album (2001).
  • Angela Worton: for info on Chicago Hush (2008).
    •
    WHAT'S NEW:

    10/November/2011 - Page added to the blog.
    15/December/1998 - Original page written by me (in the old site).
    RELATED MUSICIANS:

    Denny Ball mostly worked with these musicians: (name + number of credits)
    Dave Ball (11)
    Cozy Powell (10)
    Wolfie Witcher (7)
    Ace Kefford (4)
    Gary Thomas (4)
    Frank Aiello (3)
    Ken Hensley (3)
    Pete Ball (2)
    Trevor Bolder (2)
    Trevor Burton (2)
    Page created by Miguel Terol on: 15/December/1998 - Last modified on: 03/April/2015. 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.
    en

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