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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Monday 28 November 2011

Keef Hartley (drums)


BANDS:
BANDPERIODDETAILS
The Thunderbeats [1962-?] 
Rory Storm & The Hurricanes [Jun 63-Nov 63] 
Freddie Starr & The Starr Boys [Nov 63-Apr 64]1 album
The Ice Blues [1964-Dec 64] 
Artwoods [1964-1967] 
John Mayall Band [May 67-Apr 68]13 albums + 5 compilations
Unnamed Band [1968] 
Keef Hartley Band  9 albums + 1 compilation
John Mayall Band (again) [1971] 
John Mayall Band (again) [1972-1973] 
Michael Chapman Band [1973-1974]6 albums + 1 compilation
Tramp [1974]1 album
Dog Soldier [1975]1 album
Michael Chapman Band (again) [1975-1977] 
The Academicals [1977]1 album
Chicken Shack [Oct 79] 
The Thunderbeats (again) [2000] 

BIOGRAPHY:

Fantastic drummer, Keef Hartley has performed with many of the greatest British musicians. He was born Keith Hartley in Preston, Lancashire, England in April 8th, 1944 (or maybe March?).

Keef Hartley



THE THUNDERBEATS


The Thunderbeats. From left to right: John Brierley, Keef Hartley, Pete Atkinson and Jimmy Whittle. Photo courtesy of Peter Illingworth


The Thunderbeats are the first band I know with Keef Hartley, around 1962. They were from Preston:

THE THUNDERBEATS #?
1962-?
Pete Atkinson
guitar
John Brierley
bass
Jimmy Whittle
Keef Hartley
drums

Along the months, there were some changes in The Thunderbeats:

THE THUNDERBEATS #?
?
David John
vocals
Reg Welch
guitar
Pete Atkinson
guitar
John Brierley
bass
Keef Hartley
drums
Rory Storm & The Hurricanesê

Finally, Keef left the band to become professional (being replaced by Gene Carberry).


RORY STORM & THE HURRICANES


Keef Hartley joined the famous band Rory Storm & The Hurricanes (they had Ringo Starr drumming for them) in June 1963. The band was commanded by the late Rory Storm (born Alan Caldwell):

RORY STORM & THE HURRICANES #5
Jun 63-Nov 63
êThe Thunderbeats
Rory Storm
vocals
Johnny Guitar
guitar
Ty Brian
guitar
Lu Walters
bass
Keef Hartley
drums
Freddie Starr & The Starr Boysê

They only recorded some songs, which later resurfaced on several Merseybeat compilations, although, as far as I know, none contained Keef in them.

The band gained a residence at the famous Star Club in Hamburg in October 1963, but Keef left the band next month, in November 1963.

Other info on members of Rory Storm & The Hurricanes (I know up to 19 members)
To be covered (7): Ian Broad, Pete Goodall, Johnny Guitar, Gibson Kemp, Trevor Morais, Ringo Starr, Bobby Thompson


FREDDIE STARR & THE STARR BOYS


Around 1963, Rory Storm and Freddie Starr bands were playing in Hamburg, Germany, in the Star Club. And a curious thing happened: in November 1963, they exchanged drummers. Keef Hartley joined Freddie Starr, and original drummer Ian Broad went on with Rory Storm. When Keef joined the band, they used the name Freddie Starr and The Starr Boys:

FREDDIE STARR & THE MIDNIGHTERS #4
Nov 63-1964
êRory Storm & The Hurricanes
Freddie Starr
vocals
Dave Carden
guitar
Johnny Kelman
guitar
Brian Woods
bass
Keef Hartley
drums

They released three singles, all of them produced by the late, legendary producer Joe Meek. But they also recorded an album, This is Liverpool beat, released in Germany.

A later lineup of Freddie Starr & The Starr Boys was:

FREDDIE STARR & THE MIDNIGHTERS #5
1964-Apr 64
Freddie Starr
vocals
Reg Welch
guitar
John Brierley
bass
Roger James
keyboards
Keef Hartley
drums
The Ice Bluesê
The Ice Bluesê

In April 1964, Freddie Starr split the band, but Keef and Roger James remained together.

Other info on members of Freddie Starr & The Midnighters (I know up to 13 members)
To be covered (1): Ian Broad


THE ICE BLUES


Around summer 1964, Keef Hartley and Roger James try again with a new band, The Ice Blues:

THE ICE BLUES #1
1964-Dec 64
êFreddie Starr & The Starr Boys
êFreddie Starr & The Starr Boys
Bob Garner
bass, vocals
Roger James
keyboards, vocals
Dave McShane
sax
Keef Hartley
drums
Lee Curtis & The All Starsê
Lee Curtis & The All Starsê

They moved to Blackpool, and later they even toured Germany. But they stayed together for a few months, until December 1964, when Garner and McShane joined singer Lee Curtis in Lee Curtis & The All Stars.



THE ARTWOODS


The Artwoods was formed when several members of Red Bludd´s Bluesicians were joined by Keef Hartley and Malcolm Poole, around the end of 1964:

THE ARTWOODS #1
1964-Apr 67
Art Wood
vocals
Derek Griffiths
guitar
Malcolm Poole
bass
Jon Lord
keyboards
Keef Hartley
drums

After an album, Keef left them (to join John Mayall) in April 1967, being replaced by Colin Martin.

They released an album, Art Gallery, as well as an EP, Jazz in jeans. Now, Art Gallery has been reissued on CD with 14 bonus tracks!! (including that EP).

100 Oxford Street is a compilation with several tracks from their album, plus several singles, from the period 1964-1966. It has 16 tracks, including one track with this funny title: ´I'm looking for a saxophonist, doubling French horn, wearing size 37 boots´, co-written by Keef.

Other info on members of The Artwoods (I know up to 6 members)
Already covered (1): Jon Lord
Old pages (1): Colin Martin
To be covered (3): Derek Griffiths, Malcolm Poole, Art Wood


JOHN MAYALL BAND


First thing that Keef does after joining Mayall, is playing in a experimental album, called The blues alone. Mayall plays all the instruments, except drums by Keef on 8 tracks. It was recorded in only 1 day, on May 1, 1967.

small photo of John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. From left to right: Mick Taylor, Chris Mercer, Rip Kant, Keef Hartley, John McVie. Out of the photo: John Mayall


In May 1967, John Mayall had lost his great partner Peter Green, and searched for new musicians, including the great ones Mick Taylor, Keef Hartley and Chris Mercer:

JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
May 67-Jun 67
John Mayall
vocals, harmonica
Mick Taylor
guitar
John McVie
bass
Rip Kant
sax
Keef Hartley
drums

In June 1967, Mayall adds a rhyhtm guitar, Terry Edmunds:

JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
Jun 67
John Mayall
vocals, harmonica
Mick Taylor
guitar
Terry Edmunds
guitar
John McVie
bass
Rip Kant
sax
Keef Hartley
drums

But Edmunds leaves the band that same month.

In June 1967, we find the same sextet playing with Mayall:

JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
Jun 67-Aug 67
John Mayall
vocals, harmonica
Mick Taylor
guitar
John McVie
bass
Rip Kant
sax
Keef Hartley
drums

They release a studio album, the superb Crusade, with covers of great blues songs, as well as several original songs.

Following that, John McVie leaves the band in August 1967 to rejoin old Mayall bandmates Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood in order to form the fantastic blues-rock band Fleetwood Mac. Rip Kant also leaves, and the new lineup in August 1967 is:

JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
Aug 67-Oct 67
John Mayall
vocals, harmonica
Mick Taylor
guitar
Paul Williams
bass
Keef Hartley
drums

They recorded a track in September 1967, 'Suspicions (part one)' included in the fantastic collection of outtakes, Thru the years, and 'Suspicions (part 2)' appears in another collection of outtakes, Looking back.

Paul Williams only stayed two months, until October 1967. The bassist role was filled in a very short period with three different musicians.

Keith Tillman joined in October 1967 until February 1968:

JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
Oct 67-Feb 68
John Mayall
vocals, harmonica
Mick Taylor
guitar
Keith Tillman
bass
Keef Hartley
drums

With this lineup, John Mayall performed his first American tour, playing with the Steve Miller Band in January 1968 at the Cafe Au Go Go in New York.

They released two consecutive live albums, recorded in 1968, Diary of a band, vol. 1 and Diary of a band, vol. 2. These live albums are a unusual experience. They can´t be considered the typical live album. They include interviews, funny parts, and long jamming around dense blues numbers. I like them, although the second volume contains more musical content. Some parts are really, really very good, although the albums never got great acclaim.

Next bassist to join, in March 1968, is a very young Andy Fraser:

JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
Mar 68-Apr 68
John Mayall
vocals, harmonica
Mick Taylor
guitar
Andy Fraser
bass
Keef Hartley
drums
Keef Hartley Bandê

But Andy Fraser only stayed till April 1968. But this time, more changes happen. Keef Hartley leaves to lead his own Keef Hartley Band (although he would rejoin Mayall several times later).

John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers at Decca Studios, 1967 - from left to right: Dick Heckstall-Smith, John Mayall, Mick Taylor, Keef Hartley, Keith Tillman, Chris Mercer


John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers at Brighton University, 1968 - from left to right: John Mayall, Andy Fraser, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Mick Taylor, Chris Mercer



UNNAMED BAND


In 1968, after leaving John Mayall Band, Keef Hartley assembles a new band with young musicians that later turned legendary:

UNNAMED BAND #1
1968
Paul Rodgers
vocals
Paul Kossoff
guitar
Gary Thain
bass
Keef Hartley
drums
Keef Hartley Bandê
Keef Hartley Bandê

They only recorded three tracks, which unfortunately remain unreleased. I'd love to hear them!!! After that, Hartley and Thain formed Keef Hartley Band, and Rodgers and Kossoff went to form Free.

Other info on members of Unnamed Band (I know up to 4 members)
To be covered (3): Paul Kossoff, Paul Rodgers, Gary Thain


KEEF HARTLEY BAND


One of the finest blues bands I've ever heard, believe me! This was the first incarnation of the band:

KEEF HARTLEY BAND #1
?
êNew Nadir
Owen Finnegan
vocals
Ian Cruickshank
guitar (as Spit James)
Gary Thain
bass
Dino Dines
keyboards
Keef Hartley
drums

They started recording their first album, but they felt something didn't work. So they changed the vocalist.

They try with a different vocalist, but again, no luck:

KEEF HARTLEY BAND #2
?
Sam Holland
vocals
Ian Cruickshank
guitar (as Spit James)
Gary Thain
bass
Dino Dines
keyboards
Keef Hartley
drums

But they finally called the great Miller Anderson to join as vocalist and lead guitarist, in November 1968:

KEEF HARTLEY BAND #3
Nov 68-?
Miller Anderson
guitar, vocals
Ian Cruickshank
guitar (as Spit James)
Gary Thain
bass
Dino Dines
keyboards
Keef Hartley
drums

Keef found in Miller a fantastic companion, a superb guitarist and singer, who composed most of the songs.

With Miller's voice, they release the fantastic album, Halfbreed, recorded in three days, with a funny introduction where you can hear John Mayall's conversation with Keef, when he tells him he's out of Bluesbreakers band. The track is appropiately named ´Sacked´. Dino (here, credited as Peter Dines) co-writes half of the tracks in the album. Notice has to be made about all the guitar parts in the album were recorded by Spit. Miller just included the vocals, no guitars.

In the album, there's a horn section to enrich their sound (mainly Hartley former bandmates in John Mayall band):

  • Henry Lowther (trumpet, violin)

  • Harry Beckett (trumpet)

  • Lyn Dobson (tenor sax, flute)

  • Chris Mercer (tenor sax)

  • But, after a while, Spit James left the band, leaving Miller Anderson as the only guitarist.

    Once Spit James leaves the band, Miller Anderson takes the guitar role completely. New changes leave the lineup as follows:

    KEEF HARTLEY BAND #4
    ?
    Miller Anderson
    guitar, vocals
    Gary Thain
    bass
    Henry Lowther
    trumpet, violin
    Jimmy Jewell
    sax
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    This lineup played in Woodstock Festival, on its second day, although unfortunately they don't appear on the movie or soundtrack. I also have the extended video edition of the movie with almost 1 additional hour of footage, but, sadly, KHB isn't there.

    To remind a bit of the atmosphere of what happened there, I copy here a brief excerpt from liner notes written by Michael J. Fairchild for the album The Woodstock diary (1994, Atlantic), about that 2nd day:

    ´Rainless Saturday concerts bring euphoric peaks. Participants groove to the tunes of Quill, Keef Hartley, Santana, Mountain, Canned Heat, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Sly & The Family Stone, the Who, and the Jefferson Airplane. Gladiator gods at the frontliness of consciousness, these bands lead the masses past breakthrough peaks. Rock's Freedom Beat by moonlight unites the tribes at the apex of a decade. Woodstock's field of dreams awakens ancient rites and Sabbat dance. The music is a fruit rooted in Blues, ripening sweet in a half-million heads. It is the Saturnalia of the Century, casting possession frenzy 'til dawn...´

    For a while, Keef helped Jethro Tull as a guest, when their drummer wasn't available for some reason.

    For their next album, the lineup changes is increased with Mick Weaver:

    KEEF HARTLEY BAND #5
    ?
    Miller Anderson
    guitar, vocals
    Gary Thain
    bass
    Mick Weaver
    keyboards
    Henry Lowther
    trumpet, violin
    Jimmy Jewell
    sax
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    They release their second album, The battle of North West Six, another superb album. It was still recorded with Spit James in the band, with contributions from Mick Taylor (The Rolling Stones) guesting on guitar on one track. Plus Mike Davis (trumpet), Harry Beckett (trumpet, fluegelhorn), Lynn Dobson (tenor saxophone, flute), Chris Mercer (tenor saxophone), Barbara Thompson (baritone saxophone, flute) and Ray Warleigh (flute).

    When they were recording their third album, The time is near, Lowther and Jewell leave the band:

    KEEF HARTLEY BAND #6
    ?
    Miller Anderson
    guitar, vocals
    Gary Thain
    bass
    Mick Weaver
    keyboards
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    Dino Dines comes back to the band for a while:

    KEEF HARTLEY BAND #7
    ?-Dec 70
    Miller Anderson
    guitar, vocals
    Gary Thain
    bass
    Dino Dines
    keyboards
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    But the new members don't stay long time in the band, and they leave the band in December 1970, after recording some superb sessions for BBC Radio 1.

    The lineup of Keef Hartley Band changes to an incredible quartet:

    KEEF HARTLEY BAND #?
    ?
    Miller Anderson
    guitar, vocals
    Gary Thain
    bass
    Mick Weaver
    keyboards
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    They release the album Overdog, with help from former member Dino Dines (keyboards) and Colosseum drummer Jon Hiseman, who was friends with Keef.

    Keef Hartley Big Band. Rear, from left to right: Derek Wadsworth, Danny Allmark, Chris Mercer, Lyn Dobson, Barbara Thompson, Roger Wade, Pete York, Gary Thain, Derek Austin. Front, from left to right: Michael Rosen, Mike Davis, Terry Noonan, Martin Drover, Harry Beckett, Keef Hartley, Miller Anderson


    The Keef Hartley Band converts into a big band, in order to record a live album in the legendary Marquee in London, called Little big band. This was the personnel list:

    KEEF HARTLEY BAND #?
    1971
    êJuicy Lucy
    Miller Anderson
    guitar, vocals
    Gary Thain
    bass
    Derek Austin
    keyboards
    Harry Beckett
    trumpet
    Martin Drover
    trumpet
    Mike Davis
    trumpet
    Terry Noonan
    trumpet
    Michael Rosen
    trumpet
    Roger Wade
    sax
    Lyn Dobson
    wind
    Barbara Thompson
    wind
    Derek Wadsworth
    trombone
    Danny Allmark
    trombone
    Pete York
    percussion
    Keef Hartley
    drums
    Ingrid Thomas
    backing vocals

    After the live recording, the band turned into their usual aspect (a quintet).

    At some point, great horn man Lyn Dobson joins Keef Hartley Band, although he had already played in some of the former albums:

    KEEF HARTLEY BAND #?
    ?
    Miller Anderson
    guitar, vocals
    Gary Thain
    bass
    Mick Weaver
    keyboards
    Lyn Dobson
    flute, sax
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    And soon later, Miller Anderson thinks of pursuing a solo career. They get a new guitarist, Junior Kerr (alias for Junior Marvin, also known as Junior Hanson).

    KEEF HARTLEY BAND #?
    ?
    Miller Anderson
    guitar, vocals
    Junior Marvin
    guitar, as Junior Kerr
    Gary Thain
    bass
    Mick Weaver
    keyboards
    Lyn Dobson
    flute, sax
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    The two guitarists played together for a few weeks, until Miller Anderson finally leaves.

    This was one of the latest editions of the Keef Hartley Band:

    KEEF HARTLEY BAND #?
    ?
    Junior Marvin
    guitar, vocals
    Gary Thain
    bass
    Pete Wingfield
    keyboards
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    They recorded their last album, Seventy second brave, with help from Mick Weaver.

    Lancashire hustler was Keef next album, and it was credited to his name instead of being credited to Keef Hartley Band. It was recorded with help from several Vinegar Joe members (singers Elkie Brooks and Robert Palmer and guitarist Pete Gage - Keef had assisted them when they found themselves without a drummer in the band), plus Jess Roden (vocals), Miller Anderson (guitar), Junior Kerr (guitar, vocals), Phil Chen (bass), Mick Weaver (keyboards), Jean Roussel (keyboards).

    Keef himself recognizes they recorded another album, which remains unreleased (why?!!), with collaborations from John Mayall and some other friends.

    Finally, Keef dissolves his own band to join John Mayall again.

    Other info on members of Keef Hartley Band (I know up to 29 members)
    Already covered (7): Harry Beckett, Dave Caswell, Ian Cruickshank, Dino Dines, Lyle Jenkins, Chris Mercer, Nick Newell
    Old pages (5): Miller Anderson, Derek Austin, Jimmy Jewell, Junior Marvin, Mick Weaver
    To be covered (16): Danny Allmark, Mike Davis, Lyn Dobson, Martin Drover, Owen Finnegan, Sam Holland, Henry Lowther, Terry Noonan, Michael Rosen, Gary Thain, Ingrid Thomas, Barbara Thompson, Roger Wade, Derek Wadsworth, Pete Wingfield, Pete York


    JOHN MAYALL BAND (again)


    Keef Hartley rejoins his friend John Mayall for a short tour in summer 1971. Rumour has it about Mayall trying to get Eric Clapton or Peter Green to play in this tour, but the chosen one was a 18-years old whiz guitarist, the great Jimmy McCulloch:

    JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
    1971
    John Mayall
    vocals, harmonica, keyboards, guitar
    Jimmy McCulloch
    guitar
    Larry Taylor
    bass
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    After that short tour, McCulloch left Mayall without making any recording.

    Next live band for John Mayall in late 1971 was:

    JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
    1971
    John Mayall
    vocals, harmonica, keyboards, guitar
    Freddy Robinson
    guitar
    Victor Gaskin
    bass
    Blue Mitchell
    trumpet
    Fred Clark
    sax
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    This lineup appears in the double live album Rock the blues tonight, released in 1999. This lineup appears in just three tracks. The rest of the tracks were recorded along 1970 and 1971, but without Keef.

    Around Spring 1972, Keef Hartley rejoins Mayall substituting drummer Ron Selico:

    JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
    1972-May 72
    John Mayall
    vocals, harmonica, keyboards, guitar
    Freddy Robinson
    guitar
    Victor Gaskin
    bass
    Blue Mitchell
    trumpet
    Clifford Solomon
    sax
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    A very jazz-oriented band, I must say. They even played in Spain, in Barcelona, on May 19, 1972.

    In July 1972, John Mayall augments his band in order to record a live album, Moving on:

    JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
    Jul 72
    John Mayall
    vocals, harmonica, keyboards, guitar
    Freddy Robinson
    guitar
    Victor Gaskin
    bass
    Larry Taylor
    bass
    Blue Mitchell
    trumpet
    Ernie Watts
    sax
    Clifford Solomon
    sax
    Fred Jackson
    sax
    Charles Owens
    flute, sax
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    We can find a Hartley solo in the song ´Worried man´. It's a very good album, although it´s not only blues, but blues with jazz. The introduction to the band was made by comic actor Bill Cosby. It was recorded at the Whisky A go-go in L.A., on July 10th, 1972.

    John Mayall toured again in the second half of 1972, without the added horn players:

    JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
    1972-1973
    John Mayall
    vocals, harmonica, keyboards, guitar
    Freddy Robinson
    guitar
    Larry Taylor
    bass
    Blue Mitchell
    trumpet
    Clifford Solomon
    sax
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    For their next album, Larry Taylor had left John Mayall band in the beginning of 1973, followed by some other changes:

    JOHN MAYALL BAND #?
    1973
    John Mayall
    vocals, harmonica, keyboards, guitar
    Freddy Robinson
    guitar
    Victor Gaskin
    bass
    Blue Mitchell
    trumpet
    Red Holloway
    flute, sax
    Don ´Sugarcane´ Harris
    violin
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    The album was called Ten years are gone, it was a 2LP, and it was produced by Don Nix. Hartley performs a great work in the long track ´Dark of the night´.

    But soon later, Keef quits again.

    Other info on members of John Mayall Band (I know up to 88 members)
    Already covered (4): Davy Graham, Ric Grech, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Chris Mercer
    Old pages (6): Rick Brown, Aynsley Dunbar, Peter Green, Jimmy McCulloch, Tony Reeves, Micky Waller
    To be covered (77): Colin Allen, Johnny Almond, Rocky Athas, Ronnie Barron, Jack Bruce, Warren Bryant, Tom Canning, Eric Clapton, Fred Clark, Rick Cortes, Jay Davenport, Roger Dean, Alex Dmochowski, Tim Drummond, Terry Edmunds, Mick Fleetwood, Hughie Flint, Andy Fraser, Mike Gardner, Victor Gaskin, John Gilbey, Don ´Sugarcane´ Harris, High Tide Harris, Martin Hart, Bobby Haynes,... up to 77 musicians.


    MICHAEL CHAPMAN BAND


    Singer Michael Chapman always has had superb musicians in his bands and albums. Around 1973, his live band was:

    MICHAEL CHAPMAN BAND #?
    1973-1974
    Michael Chapman
    vocals, guitar
    Paul Sutton
    guitar
    Rod Clements
    bass
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    They released Millstone grit, before Keef leaving (probably in 1974, although I´m not sure of the date). But he would team with Michael again along the years, as we'll see.


    TRAMP


    In 1974, Keef Hartley joins Tramp for a one-off live session:

    TRAMP #?
    1974
    Jo Ann Kelly
    vocals
    Danny Kirwan
    guitar
    Bob Brunning
    bass
    Bob Hall
    keyboards
    Dave Brooks
    sax
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    These recordings finally appeared in the album Tramp 1974: rare & unissued recordings volume 3, credited to Jo Ann Kelly.

    Other info on members of Tramp (I know up to 9 members)
    To be covered (8): Dave Brooks, Bob Brunning, Pete Emery, Mick Fleetwood, Bob Hall, Jo Ann Kelly, Danny Kirwan, Peter Miles


    DOG SOLDIER


    In 1975, Keef Hartley and Miller Anderson join forces again, in the short-lived band Dog Soldier:

    DOG SOLDIER #1
    1975
    Miller Anderson
    guitar, vocals
    Derek Griffiths
    guitar, vocals
    Paul Bliss
    bass, vocals
    Mel Simpson
    keyboards, vocals
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    After releasing their self-titled album, Dog Soldier, Keef Hartley and Paul Bliss left the band, who carried on with new members.

    Dog Soldier promo photo


    Other info on members of Dog Soldier (I know up to 7 members)
    Old pages (1): Miller Anderson
    To be covered (5): Paul Bliss, Eric Dillon, Derek Griffiths, Jim Leverton, Mel Simpson


    MICHAEL CHAPMAN BAND (again)


    This was Michael Chapman Band around August 1975:

    MICHAEL CHAPMAN BAND #?
    1975
    Michael Chapman
    vocals, guitar
    Achim Reichel
    guitar
    Steffi Stephan
    bass
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    They recorded the live album Pleasures of the street. As I don´t own the album, I don´t know if I´m missing some other member of the live band. Can someone help me?

    This was the Michael Chapman Band around April 1976:

    MICHAEL CHAPMAN BAND #?
    1976
    Michael Chapman
    vocals, guitar
    Rick Kemp
    bass
    Brian Chatton
    keyboards
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    Michael Chapman recorded a live album, Pleasures of the street, but I´m not sure of the lineup as I haven´t it.

    Around March 1977, Michael Chapman toured as a trio with his mates Clements and Hartley:

    MICHAEL CHAPMAN BAND #?
    1977
    Michael Chapman
    vocals, guitar
    Rod Clements
    bass
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    They also released a single under the pseudonym The Academicals, as we´re going to read.

    Other info on members of Michael Chapman Band (I know up to 23 members)
    Already covered (1): Brian Chatton
    Old pages (1): B J Cole
    To be covered (20): Laurie Allan, Jack Asselman, Alex Atterson, Bruce Barthol, Michael Chapman, Rod Clements, Mike Hoddinnot, Rick Kemp, Alamo Leal, Barry Morgan, Doug Morter, Nigel Pegrum, Achim Reichel, Mick Ronson, Jerry Soffe, Steffi Stephan, Paul Sutton, Johnny Van Derrick, Andy Ward, Keith Warmington


    THE ACADEMICALS


    In 1977, Chapman, Clements and Hartley released a single (´Time is tight / Ee by gum, it´s cold´) under the name The Academicals:

    THE ACADEMICALS #1
    1977
    êMichael Chapman Band
    êMichael Chapman Band
    êMichael Chapman Band
    Michael Chapman
    vocals, guitar
    Rod Clements
    bass
    Keef Hartley
    drums
    Michael Chapman Bandê
    Michael Chapman Bandê
    Michael Chapman Bandê

    Other info on members of The Academicals (I know up to 3 members)
    To be covered (2): Michael Chapman, Rod Clements


    CHICKEN SHACK


    This was Chicken Shack in October 1979, now with Keef Hartley on drums:

    CHICKEN SHACK #?
    Oct 79
    Stan Webb
    vocals, guitar
    Paul Butler
    guitar
    Bob Daisley
    bass
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    They rehearsed and played a one-off gig at the Banbury, UK football grounds, but Daisley and Hartley were out of the band for next gigs.

    Other info on members of Chicken Shack (I know up to 46 members)
    Already covered (5): Robbie Blunt, Mac Poole, Ed Spevock, Dave Winthrop, Steve York
    Old pages (4): Miller Anderson, Paul Martinez, Andy Pyle, Micky Waller
    To be covered (35): Tony Ashton, Dave Bidwell, Louis Borenius, Geoff Britton, Paul Butler, Bob Clouder, Jan Connolly, Bob Daisley, Gary Davies, Ross Elder, John Glascock, John Gunzell, Paul Hancox, Alan Hull, Mick Jones, Ray Knott, Jim Kroeven, Ric Lee, Christine McVie, James Morgan, Alan Morley, Alan Powell, Pip Pyle, Rob Rawlinson, Paul Raymond,... up to 35 musicians.


    MAINSQUEEZE


    Keef Hartley with his drumkit


    Mainsqueeze was a supergroup full of veteran players formed from the basis of The Famous Bluesblasters, led by John O´Leary. This was their original lineup:

    MAINSQUEEZE #1
    ?
    John O´Leary
    harmonica, vocals
    Victor Brox
    vocals, trumpet
    Eric Bell
    guitar, vocals
    Keith Tillman
    bass
    Dave Moore
    keyboards
    Keef Hartley
    drums

    But Keef Hartley left after a while (being replaced by Rod Coombes).

    Other info on members of Mainsqueeze (I know up to 10 members)
    Already covered (3): Rod Coombes, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Stretch
    To be covered (5): Eric Bell, Victor Brox, Dave Moore, John O´Leary, Keith Tillman


    THE THUNDERBEATS


    Surprise, surprise... Around year 2000, Keef Hartley reunited with his old friends from The Thunderbeats, and they have been doing a couple of recording sessions, just for fun:

    THE THUNDERBEATS #?
    ?
    David John
    vocals
    Pete Atkinson
    guitar
    John Brierley
    bass
    Keef Hartley
    drums
    + a couple of friends, unknown to me. Help!

    As far as I know, these sessions finally didn´t see the light of day.



    AND THEN...


    In the year 2000, I helped Keef to contact again with his friends Chris Mercer and Mick Weaver. This would led to some informal sessions held along with Miller Anderson, but the tracks were never released.

    Some years later, Keef intended to start a new Keef Hartley Band, now with Michael Chapman on vocals and guitar, but this also failed to materialise.

    A new Keef Hartley Band was announced to appear in some German festival in July 2001, but I don´t if this finally happened. Does anybody know?

    And the worst thing comes when today I´ve been told by Chris Mercer that Keef has passed away on November 26th, 2011 from complications during a hospital surgery. He has always been on my biggest heroes. I love his own albums, as well as the John Mayall appears where he appears. During these years since I wrote my first page about him, back in 1998, I always had the expectation that he would reappear. Since then, at least we have all the Keef Hartley Band albums reissued on CD, as well as the Not foolish, not wise new release. But he was planning releasing some other live albums that maybe now won´t be the light of day. Rest in peace, Keef, and thanks for all your music.

    The deluxe inner booklet for John Mayall´s double LP Back to the roots included Mayall's comments about all the musicians, as well as lots of photos. This is what Mayall says about Keef:

    ´Keef, the English Indian Chief of all time, and noted and respected bandleader, was first to report for duty to the English recording studio when Larry, Harvey and I arrived. He entrenched himself in a screened off corner of the room for the 3 nights we were there and played valiantly from thenceforth. A man of excellent wit and good humor, he became a fountainhead of cheerful spirit and the freedom and relaxation of the music was largely due to his presence. I've known Keef for a really long time, and ever since we met in a transport cafe on the road when he was just about ready to leave his seat in the Artwoods, we've had a long lasting friendship. He came to work for me whilst Peter Green was the guitar spearhead, and I believe he holds the record as the musician who worked with me for the longest straight period of time. Since 1968 he has struggled through the welter of rock groups competing for him and is now firmly established on the music scene as the leader of the band appropiately known as Keef Hartley. So far he has three albums to his credit and is even now doing special concert appearances with his own band´.


    TRIBUTES TO KEEF HARTLEY



    • From Andy Fraser (sent to me on November 29th, 2011 - special thanks to Ed Cool for making it possible):

    • Scary - to think I'm still here and feeling like a teenager. Keef was a great, solid, very dependable drummer. Always thought I was a bit of a ´toff´... but then maybe I used to be. He will be missed by many.

      Andy Fraser, mctrax.com

      Visit his site at http://www.andyfraser.com.

    • From Derek Austin (sent to me on November 29th, 2011):

    • Hi Miguel, so sad to hear this.

      I was in the band after Mick Weaver, for a year or so, I think, with Miller Anderson and Gary Thain. I did the Big Band Marquee album. I was young and a bit over enthusiastic, and Keef taught me the art of playing the groove, and working as a rhythm section. He once gave our top-of-the-bill gig money to our totally unknown support band, saying we were crap, and that they deserved the money more than us. We actually agreed with him.

      Last saw him when he was fitting cupboards in Johnny Kongos' studio in Mortlake: sadly he had quit playing, and left the music business, somewhat disillusioned, I think.

      A great person, and I will always have very fond memories of those days.

      Derek Austin

    • From Pete York (sent to me on November 29th, 2011):

    • I met Keef in the 60s and we kidded around and became friends. With my being an ex public schoolboy there was lots of zinging went on. For a short while I organised some "jams" at Bumpers near Leicester Square. The drum section was often Ian Paice, Roy Dyke, Keef and myself. We had a great band with Miller and some horn players. We drummers learned some drum routines which were unique in those days. One night Keith Moon came in and insisted on joining us without any idea of what we were trying to do. The effect was a bit like Himmler catering a Barmitzvah.

      The dusty, happy trails of Keef and I crossed often for a few short years until he seemed to drop out. Then he popped up at the Frankfurt Trade Fair, running into me by chance and telling me I should call Miller who was looking for good people to play with. I did so and Miller and I have been together in one form or another ever since.

      I liked Keef a lot, and the differences in our personalities actually worked to cement a friendship.

      I would have liked to have played the clean-cut cavalry captain to his Chief Sitting Duck in a rock and roll version of F Troop.

      I'm going to be listening out on these cold, crisp winter's nights for some heavenly tomtom messages from him, telling us what it's like where he is now. Cos if it don't sound good, I'm not going.

      Pete York

      Visit his site at http://www.peteyork.net.

    • From Bob Daisley (sent to me on November 29th, 2011):

    • Keef was an integral part in the development of the British Blues Boom, an important key figure in the musical family tree of so many bands. I only had the pleasure of working with Keef once, with Stan Webb's Chicken Shack in 1979, Keef had a great feel to his playing and was a nice bloke. R.I.P. Keef.

      Bob Daisley

      Visit his site at http://www.bobdaisley.com.

    • From John O´Leary (sent to me on November 29th, 2011):

    • I'm so sorry to hear about Keef's death and I am shocked. I haven't heard from him in many years and have often wondered if he would go back into playing music. He had a great talent and it was a pleasure to have played with him in Mainsqueeze.

      John O'Leary

      Visit his site at http://www.johnolearyb.com.

    • From Jon Hiseman (sent to me on December 1st, 2011):

    • Keef was my friend for nearly 50 years - Apart from being a fine drummer with a very simple and direct groove his real passion was carpentry and he ran a business for many years making specialist furniture for some of the UKs biggest recording studios. We worked together on alterations to the houses I bought and when I built my studio in 1982, Keef was there designing and supervising much of the woodwork. We spent most of our time together laughing - Keef could find the funny side of any situation - he was a very funny guy - but the last few years saw him racked by ill health. To the end, he remained stoical about life and I spoke to him regularly until a few days before he died. I shall miss him terribly - another one bites the dust.

      jon hiseman

      Visit his site at http://www.temple-music.com.

    • From Barbara Thompson (sent to me on December 1st, 2011):

    • Keef was more than a friend to Jon and me, he was one of the cornerstones of both our musical and our personal worlds - had simply always been there - and the very thought of not seeing him any more, or hearing his voice on the phone is unbearable. We often talked and he was always interested in what we were doing and usually did his best to hide the fact that he himself was very ill and suffered a lot towards the end.

      When Jon was taken very ill in Frankfurt and put into intensive care at the University Hospital, Keef sent him a telegram, which made him laugh so much, the German doctors and nurses thought he was having a fit. Like most drummers both Jon and Keef were very practical and good with their hands, and our house in London bears witness to this, with lots of beautifully made shelving and wardrobes made by Keef's company. When Keef started his own band, he often augmented the line up to create his "little big band" in which I played baritone saxophone. We played some great concerts, with Keef out front doing his bandleader thing, making the audience and the band laugh. Not only did Jon and Keef play concerts in America on the same bill but they also did a broadcast for the BBC where Keef made fun of Jon's relatively complex playing style. The audience - and Jon - were in fits of laughter but of course things were different behind the scenes, with the two of them often practising and swapping drummy ideas. Keef Hartley - Take A Final Bow.

      barbara thompson

      Visit her site at http://www.temple-music.com.

    • From Steve York (sent to me on December 2st, 2011):

    • Keef was one of the best British drummers and a real pro. It was a pleasure recording Vinegar Joe´s Rock & Roll Gypsies album with him. His playing was immaculate.

      Steve York

      Visit his site at http://www.steveyork.com.

    DISCOGRAPHY: (63 albums known to me - Status: Quite advanced)

    OWN ALBUMS (9 credits)
    • Halfbreed - Keef Hartley Band (03/1969)

      • Members: Miller Anderson, Ian Cruickshank, Lyn Dobson, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer (RIP: Harry Beckett, Dino Dines, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain)
      • Guests: John Mayall
      • Producer: Neil Slaven
      • Technical: Derek Varnals
      • Comments: In Halfbreed, there's a horn section to enrich their sound (mainly Hartley former bandmates in John Mayall band): Henry Lowther (trumpet, violin), Harry Beckett (trumpet), Lyn Dobson (tenor sax, flute), Chris Mercer (tenor sax). CD reissue by Deram contains 1 bonus track.
    • The Battle of North West Six - Keef Hartley Band (11/1969)

      • Members: Miller Anderson, Ian Cruickshank, Mike Davis, Lyn Dobson, Jimmy Jewell, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer, Barbara Thompson, Mick Weaver (RIP: Harry Beckett, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain)
      • Guests: Mick Taylor, Ray Warleigh
      • Producer: Neil Slaven
      • Technical: John Punter, Derek Varnals
      • Comments: The battle of North West Six is their second album. It was still recorded with Spit James in the band, with contributions from Mick Taylor (The Rolling Stones) guesting on guitar on one track. Plus Mike Davis (trumpet), Harry Beckett (trumpet, flugelhorn), Lynn Dobson (tenor saxophone, flute), Chris Mercer (tenor saxophone), Barbara Thompson (baritone saxophone, flute) and Ray Warleigh (flute).
      • My opinion: Another superb album.
    • The Time is near... - Keef Hartley Band (08/1970)

    • Overdog - Keef Hartley Band (04/1971)

      • Members: Miller Anderson, Dave Caswell, Lyle Jenkins, Ingrid Thomas, Mick Weaver (RIP: Dino Dines, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain)
      • Guests: Jon Hiseman (RIP: Johnny Almond)
      • Producer: Neil Slaven
      • Technical: Roy Thomas Baker, Robin Black, John Punter
      • Comments: Recorded during October 1970 to January 1971. The tracks from 1970 contain ex-members Dave Caswell, Lyle Jenkins and Dino Dines, who left the band in December, but the new band is Hartley, Anderson, Thain and Weaver.
    • Little big band - Keef Hartley Band (10/1971)

      • Members: Danny Allmark, Miller Anderson, Derek Austin, Mike Davis, Lyn Dobson, Martin Drover, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer, Terry Noonan, Michael Rosen, Ingrid Thomas, Barbara Thompson, Roger Wade, Pete York (RIP: Harry Beckett, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain, Derek Wadsworth)
      • Producer: Neil Slaven
      • Technical: Roy Thomas Baker
    • Seventy second brave - Keef Hartley Band (1972)

      • Members: Junior Marvin, Chris Mercer, Nick Newell, Mick Weaver, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Keef Hartley, Gary Thain)
      • Comments: This was their last album. Recorded by the lineup featuring Junior Kerr, Gary Thain, Pete Wingfield, Chris Mercer, Nick Newell and Keef Hartley, with contributions by mate Mick Weaver.
    • Lancashire hustler - Keef Hartley (1973)

      • Members: Junior Marvin, Mick Weaver (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Guests: Elkie Brooks, Phil Chen, Pete Gage, Jess Roden, Jean Roussel (RIP: Robert Palmer)
      • Producer: John Burns
    • Not foolish, not wise - Keef Hartley Band (1999)

      • Members: Danny Allmark, Miller Anderson, Derek Austin, Dave Caswell, Ian Cruickshank, Mike Davis, Lyn Dobson, Martin Drover, Henry Lowther, Junior Marvin, Chris Mercer, Nick Newell, Terry Noonan, Michael Rosen, Ingrid Thomas, Barbara Thompson, Roger Wade, Pete Wingfield, Pete York (RIP: Harry Beckett, Dino Dines, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain, Derek Wadsworth)
      • Producer: Neil Slaven
      • Comments: In 1999 it has been released a new live album by the band. Not foolish, not wise comprises old live recordings, plus some studio tracks, recorded from 1968 to 1972. Sadly, it doesn't include any info about the musicians involved, so we just can´t but guess who appears there.
    • Halfbreed (A rock and roll journey that happened against all the odds) - Keef Hartley (2007)

      • Members: (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Comments: Autobiographical book.
    OWN COMPILATIONS (2 credits) ALBUMS AS A BAND MEMBER (26 credits)
    • This is Liverpool beat - Freddie Starr & The Starr Boys (1964)

    • Jazz in jeans (EP) - The Artwoods (April 1966)

      • Members: Derek Griffiths, Malcolm Poole (RIP: Keef Hartley, Jon Lord, Art Wood)
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
      • Technical: (RIP: Gus Dudgeon)
    • Art gallery - The Artwoods (November 1966)

      • Members: Derek Griffiths, Malcolm Poole (RIP: Keef Hartley, Jon Lord, Art Wood)
      • Comments: CD reissue contains 14 bonus tracks (including their EP Jazz in jeans).
    • A Hard road - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (1967)

      • Members: Colin Allen, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Fleetwood, Hughie Flint, Peter Green, Henry Lowther, John Mayall, John McVie, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson (RIP: Johnny Almond, Keef Hartley)
      • Guests: Nick Newell, Alan Skidmore, Ray Warleigh (RIP: Paul Butterfield)
      • Producer: Bill Levenson, Mike Vernon
      • Technical: Suha Gur, Derek Varnals (RIP: Gus Dudgeon)
      • Comments: Magnificent album, recorded during October-November 1966. But the dream come true arrives with the remastered expanded edition that includes 22 additional tracks, all featuring Peter Green!!! These additional tracks feature musicians that didn´t appear in the original album: Paul Butterfield, Nick Newell, Keef Hartley, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson, Colin Allen and Henry Lowther etc.
    • Raw blues - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (1967)

      • Members: Eric Clapton, Aynsley Dunbar, Peter Green, John Mayall, John McVie (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Guests: Tony ´T S´ McPhee, Malcolm Poole, Steve Winwood (RIP: Champion Jack Dupree, Ransom Knowling, Willie Smith, Otis Spann, Muddy Waters)
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
    • The Blues alone - John Mayall (05/1967)

    • Crusade - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (09/1967)

      • Members: Rip Kant, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Mick Taylor (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
      • Technical: (RIP: Gus Dudgeon)
    • Diary of a band, vol 1 - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (01/1968)

    • Diary of a band, vol 2 - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (01/1968)

    • Looking back - John Mayall (08/1969)

      • Members: Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Fleetwood, Hughie Flint, Peter Green, Martin Hart, Henry Lowther, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Mick Taylor, Bernie Watson, Paul Williams (RIP: Johnny Almond, Roger Dean, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith)
      • Guests: Nick Newell
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
      • Comments: Looking back comprises 11 tracks, none of them ever available on an album. There are songs from 1964 to 1967. Other musicians: Hughie Flint (2 tracks), Chris Mercer (x tracks), Keef Hartley (2 tracks), Aynsley Dunbar (3 tracks). And with fantastic guitar players: the late Roger Dean, Eric Clapton (1 song), Peter Green (7 songs!!!) and Mick Taylor (1 song).
    • The Artwoods - Artwoods (1970)

      • Members: Derek Griffiths, Malcolm Poole (RIP: Keef Hartley, Jon Lord, Art Wood)
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
    • Thru the years - John Mayall (1971)

      • Members: Aynsley Dunbar, Hughie Flint, Peter Green, Martin Hart, Jon Hiseman, Henry Lowther, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Tony Reeves, Mick Taylor, Bernie Watson, Paul Williams (RIP: Roger Dean, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith)
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
      • Technical: Bill Price, Derek Varnals (RIP: Gus Dudgeon)
      • Comments: Thru the years (originally a 2LP, including the complete Looking back LP inside), now it has been released as a 1CD, with just the tracks not yet included in Looking back. It comprises 14 tracks, none of them ever available on an album. Some musicians featured: Hughie Flint (2 tracks), Keef Hartley (1 track), Aynsley Dunbar (7 tracks), Chris Mercer (x tracks), Roger Dean. Noted appearances: Peter Green (8 songs, some of them just superb!), Mick Taylor (3 tracks), and several of the musicians who later formed Colosseum: Jon Hiseman, Tony Reeves and Dick Heckstall Smith.
      • My opinion: My opinion about those two rarities album is that they have a very good quality. I love them!!
    • Back to the roots - John Mayall (1971)

      • Members: Eric Clapton, Harvey Mandel, John Mayall, Jerry McGee, Larry Taylor, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson (RIP: Johnny Almond, Don ´Sugarcane´ Harris, Keef Hartley, Paul Lagos)
      • Comments: Back to the roots double album was a special one. John Mayall called some of his past musicians to play with him again for a one-off project. Most of them attended the call, and we can find here great names: Guitar: Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Harvey Mandel, Jerry McGee. Bass: Larry Taylor, Steven Thompson (1 track). Violin: Sugarcane Harris. Sax, Flute: Johnny Almond. Drums: Paul Lagos, Keef Hartley (9 tracks). The album was recorded between the 15th and 25th of November 1970.
      • My opinion: I love this album, it´s fantastic. It´s hard to choose from, but my favourite parts are Mick Taylor´s superb guitar solos in the slow blues, absolutely moving.
    • Down the line - John Mayall (1972)

      • Members: Colin Allen, Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, Aynsley Dunbar, Hughie Flint, Peter Green, Jon Hiseman, Rip Kant, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Nigel Stanger, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson (RIP: Johnny Almond, Roger Dean, Keef Hartley)
      • Guests: Alan Skidmore, Ray Warleigh
    • Moving on - John Mayall (1972)

      • Members: Victor Gaskin, Fred Jackson, John Mayall, Charles Owens, Larry Taylor, Ernie Watts (RIP: Keef Hartley, Blue Mitchell, Freddy Robinson, Clifford Solomon)
      • Technical: Eddie Kramer
    • Millstone grit - Michael Chapman (1973)

      • Members: Alex Atterson, Michael Chapman, Rick Kemp (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Technical: John Kongos
    • Ten years are gone - John Mayall (1973)

      • Members: Fred Clark, Victor Gaskin, John Mayall (RIP: Don ´Sugarcane´ Harris, Keef Hartley, Red Holloway, Blue Mitchell, Freddy Robinson)
    • Pleasures of the street - Michael Chapman (1975)

      • Members: Michael Chapman, Rick Kemp, Achim Reichel, Steffi Stephan, Paul Sutton (RIP: Keef Hartley, Johnny Van Derrick)
      • Guests: Mutt Lange, Stevie Lange
      • Technical: Dave Garland
      • Comments: Recorded live in 1975. CD reissue contains 5 bonus tracks.
    • Dog Soldier - Dog Soldier (1975)

      • Members: Miller Anderson, Paul Bliss, Derek Griffiths, Mel Simpson (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Producer: John Burns
      • Comments: CD reissue contains 1 bonus track.
    • Savage amusement - Michael Chapman (1976)

      • Members: Michael Chapman, Rick Kemp (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Guests: Mutt Lange, Stevie Lange, Andy Latimer, Tim Renwick (RIP: Peter Wood)
      • Producer: Don Nix
      • Technical: Jerry Boys
      • Comments: Very interesting folk-rock artist. In his first albums, we can find superb, famous musicians. Savage amusement was recorded with Tim Renwick (guitar), Andy Latimer (guitar, from Camel), Rick Kemp (bass), Peter Wood (keyboards), and Keef Hartley (drums). The backing vocals are credited to Mutt and Stevie, so my guess is that he's referring to Mutt Lange and Stevie Lange.
    • Time is tight / Ee by gum, it´s cold (SINGLE) - The Academicals (1977)

      • Members: Michael Chapman, Rod Clements (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Comments: Rare single by the Michael Chapman Band (Chapman, Rod Clements and Keef Hartley) under the pseudonym of The Academicals.
    • The Man who hated mornings - Michael Chapman (1977)

      • Members: Michael Chapman, Rod Clements, B J Cole (RIP: Keef Hartley, Mick Ronson)
      • Guests: Andy Latimer, John McBurnie, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Vivienne McAuliffe)
      • Comments: The man who hated mornings was recorded with Andy Latimer (guitar), Mick Ronson (guitar), B J Cole (steel guitar), Pete Wingfield (keyboards), and Keef Hartley (drums), among others.
    • Rock the blues tonight - John Mayall (1999)

      • Members: Fred Clark, Victor Gaskin, Harvey Mandel, John Mayall, Larry Taylor (RIP: Don ´Sugarcane´ Harris, Keef Hartley, Paul Lagos, Blue Mitchell, Freddy Robinson)
    • Tramp 1974: rare & unissued recordings volume 3 - Jo Ann Kelly (2001)

      • Members: Dave Brooks, Pete Emery, Bob Hall, Danny Kirwan, Peter Miles, Adrian Pietryga (RIP: Bob Brunning, Keef Hartley, Jo Ann Kelly)
      • Guests: Dyan Birch, Frank Collins, Paddy McHugh
      • Comments: Credited to Jo Ann Kelly, but it really features tracks from Tramp (studio and live), recorded during Spring 1974.
    • Growing pains 2 - Michael Chapman (05/2001)

      • Members: Michael Chapman, Rick Kemp (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Comments: Collection of unreleased live tracks recorded from 1967 to 1986.
    • And then, there were three - Michael Chapman (03/2010)

      • Members: Michael Chapman, Rod Clements (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Comments: Recorded live in July 1977 but released in March 2010.
    COMPILATIONS AS A BAND MEMBER (9 credits)
    • 100 Oxford St - Artwoods (1983)

      • Members: Derek Griffiths, Malcolm Poole (RIP: Keef Hartley, Jon Lord, Art Wood)
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
    • Archive to the eighties - John Mayall (1988)

      • Members: Eric Clapton, Harvey Mandel, John Mayall, Jerry McGee, Larry Taylor, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson, Joe Yuele (RIP: Johnny Almond, Don ´Sugarcane´ Harris, Keef Hartley, Paul Lagos)
      • Comments: This a strange release. The tracks were taken from the album Back to the roots, but Mayall re-recorded the drums in some of the tracks (with Joe Yuele instead of Keef Hartley). I can´t understand a reason for doing that.
    • Room to move 1969-1974 - John Mayall (1991)

      • Members: Eric Clapton, Victor Gaskin, High Tide Harris, Fred Jackson, Harvey Mandel, Jon Mark, John Mayall, Jerry McGee, Charles Owens, Randy Resnick, Soko Richardson, Ron Selico, Larry Taylor, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson, Ernie Watts, Joe Yuele (RIP: Johnny Almond, Don ´Sugarcane´ Harris, Keef Hartley, Red Holloway, Paul Lagos, Blue Mitchell, Freddy Robinson, Clifford Solomon)
      • Guests: (RIP: Shakey Jake)
      • Producer: Bill Levenson, Don Nix
    • London blues 1964-1969 - John Mayall (10/1992)

      • Members: Colin Allen, Eric Clapton, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Fleetwood, Hughie Flint, Peter Green, Martin Hart, Jon Hiseman, Rip Kant, Henry Lowther, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Tony Reeves, Mick Taylor, Bernie Watson, Paul Williams (RIP: Johnny Almond, Roger Dean, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith)
      • Guests: Nick Newell, Alan Skidmore, Ray Warleigh (RIP: Paul Butterfield)
      • Producer: Bill Levenson, Jimmy Page, Mike Vernon
    • Art gallery - Artwoods (1995)

    • The Best of John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers - As it all began 64-69 - John Mayall (1997)

      • Members: Colin Allen, Eric Clapton, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Fleetwood, Hughie Flint, Peter Green, Martin Hart, Jon Hiseman, Rip Kant, Henry Lowther, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Tony Reeves, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson, Bernie Watson, Paul Williams (RIP: Johnny Almond, Roger Dean, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith)
      • Guests: Nick Newell (RIP: Paul Butterfield)
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
      • Technical: Jon Astley
      • Comments: In 1997, it has been released the compilation The best of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers - As it all began 64-69. It has been digitally remastered, and includes Mayall's comments on every track, from an interview. In my own opinion, the selection is quite good, and includes some songs not available on albums. Keef Hartley plays in 5 tracks: ´Broken wings´ (from The blues alone), ´The death of J.B. Lenoir´ (from Crusade), ´Me and my woman´ (also from Crusade), ´Suspicions (part one)´ (from Thru the years), and ´Picture on the wall´ (from Looking back).
    • Dogs got more sense: the Decca years 1974-1977 - Michael Chapman (July 2004)

      • Members: Rod Clements, B J Cole, Rick Kemp, Nigel Pegrum (RIP: Keef Hartley, Mick Ronson, Johnny Van Derrick)
      • Guests: Mutt Lange, Andy Latimer, John McBurnie, Maddy Prior, Tim Renwick, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Vivienne McAuliffe, Peter Wood)
      • Producer: Don Nix
      • Technical: Dennis Blackham
      • Comments: 2CD with a DVD, it includes 3 complete albums plus rarities.
    • So many roads - an anthology 1964-1974 - John Mayall (2010)

      • Members: Colin Allen, Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Fleetwood, Hughie Flint, Victor Gaskin, Peter Green, High Tide Harris, Martin Hart, Jon Hiseman, Fred Jackson, Rip Kant, Henry Lowther, Harvey Mandel, Jon Mark, John Mayall, Jerry McGee, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Charles Owens, Tony Reeves, Randy Resnick, Soko Richardson, Ron Selico, Nigel Stanger, Larry Taylor, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson, Bernie Watson, Ernie Watts, Paul Williams (RIP: Johnny Almond, Roger Dean, Don ´Sugarcane´ Harris, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Red Holloway, Paul Lagos, Blue Mitchell, Freddy Robinson, Clifford Solomon)
      • Guests: Nick Newell, Alan Skidmore, Steve Winwood (RIP: Paul Butterfield)
      • Producer: Jimmy Page, Mike Vernon
      • Comments: 4CD boxset with many of the classic songs by the golden periods of John Mayall.
    • Singles A´s and B´s - Artwoods ( - )

    ALBUMS WITH BANDMATES AND FRIENDS (1 credit)
    • Percussion band - Pete York (1972)

      • Members: Miller Anderson, Ray Fenwick, Eddie Hardin, Ian Paice, Pete York (RIP: Jon Lord)
      • Guests: Roger Glover, Mick Weaver (RIP: Keef Hartley, Dee Murray, Gary Thain)
    SOUNDTRACKS (1 credit)
    • Grease OST - VVAA (1978)

      • Guests: Albert Aarons, Max Bennett, George Bitzer, Bill Bodine, Ollie E Brown, Bobby Bryant, Dennis Budimir, Cindy Bullens, Carol Chase, Dean Cortez, John Farrar, Victor Feldman, Venetta Fields, Peter Frampton, James Getzoff, Jim Gilstrap, Jay Graydon, Jim Haas, Pat Henderson, Ron Hicklin, Diana Lee, John Lehman, Gayle Levant, Maxayn Lewis, Melissa Mackay, Greg Mathieson, Tim May, Lincoln Mayorga, Cliff Morris, Joey Murcia, Olivia Newton-John, Cubby O´Brien, Mike Porcaro, Lee Ritenour, Sally Stevens, Ernie Watts (RIP: Paulette Brown, Larry Bunker, Harold Cowart, Tom Garvin, Keef Hartley, Jerome Richardson, Tommy Tedesco, Carlos Vega)
      • Producer: Barry Gibb
      • Comments: Keef Hartley plays uncredited.
    SESSIONS (13 credits)
    • From New Orleans to Chicago - Champion Jack Dupree (1966)

      • Members: (RIP: Champion Jack Dupree)
      • Guests: Victor Brox, Eric Clapton, Alex Dmochowski, Aynsley Dunbar, Nick Evans, John Mayall, Tony ´T S´ McPhee, John Morshead, Malcolm Poole, Ray Warleigh (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
      • Comments: Champion Jack Dupree was a great bluesman and pianist. He died in 1992, when he was 82, and he still played live concerts! The album From New Orleans to Chicago was recorded in February 1966, produced by Mike Vernon, so he brought here musicians he used to work with. John Mayall and Eric Clapton were brought from The Bluesbreakers, plus Eric Clapton, Malcolm Poole and Keef Hartley (both from The Artwoods) and Tony McPhee (from The Groundhogs). Some CD reissues were made under a different title, Won´t be a fool no more.
    • Scoobydoobydoo - Champion Jack Dupree (1969)

      • Members: (RIP: Champion Jack Dupree)
      • Guests: Alex Dmochowski, Aynsley Dunbar, Terry Noonan, Bud Parkes, Alan Skidmore, Richard Studt, Mick Taylor (RIP: Keef Hartley, Gary Thain)
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
      • Technical: Mike Ross
      • Comments: In Scoobydoobydoo, Keef Hartley is funnily credited as "Big Chief Drumstick"! With more Mayall musicians: Mick Taylor (guitar) and Alan Skidmore (sax). And some great musicians under pseudonyms: Gary Thain, Alex Dmochowski and Aynsley Dunbar.
    • Fiends and angels - Martha Velez (1969)

      • Members: Martha Velez
      • Guests: Brian Auger, Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, Jeff Condon, Ian Cruickshank, Christine McVie, Chris Mercer, Terry Noonan, Bud Parkes, Andy Silvester, Mick Weaver, Stan Webb (RIP: Johnny Almond, Duster Bennett, Dave Bidwell, Jim Capaldi, Keef Hartley, Paul Kossoff, Mitch Mitchell, Gary Thain, Derek Wadsworth, Chris Wood)
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
      • Technical: David Grinsted, Derek Varnals
      • Comments: Great collection of musicians for her debut: from Cream: Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. From Traffic: Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood. From Keef Hartley Band: Keef Hartley (drums), Spit James (guitar), the late Gary Thain (bass), Mick Weaver (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax). From Jimi Hendrix band: Mitch Mitchell (drums). From John Mayall: Johnny Almond (sax). From Free: Paul Kossoff (guitar). From Chicken Shack: Stan Webb (guitar), Andy Silvester (bass), Christine McVie (keyboards), Dave Bidwell (drums). Plus: Brian Auger (organ). The cream of British blues-rock.
    • Fiends and angels again - Martha Velez (1970)

    • Rock´n´roll gypsies - Vinegar Joe (1972)

      • Members: Elkie Brooks, Mike Deacon, Pete Gage, Jim Mullen, John Woods, Steve York (RIP: Robert Palmer)
      • Guests: (RIP: Keef Hartley)
    • Vinegar Joe - Vinegar Joe (1972)

      • Members: Elkie Brooks, Pete Gage, John Hawken, Rob Tait, Steve York (RIP: Robert Palmer, Dave Thompson)
      • Guests: Roger Ball, Dave Brooks, Malcolm ´Molly´ Duncan, Tim Hinkley, Conrad Isidore, Gaspar Lawal, Michael Rosen (RIP: Keef Hartley)
    • Ain´t gonna play no second fiddle - Dana Gillespie (1974)

      • Members: Dana Gillespie, Simon Phillips (RIP: Bob Weston)
      • Guests: Roger Ball, Dyan Birch, John ´Rabbit´ Bundrick, Phil Chen, Frank Collins, Mel Collins, Malcolm ´Molly´ Duncan, Mickey Gallagher, Bryn Haworth, Eddie Jobson, Jody Linscott, Henry Lowther, Paddy McHugh, Dave Skinner, John Turnbull (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Producer: John Porter
      • Comments: Again, Dana Gillespie reunited a superb list of musicians in Ain't gonna play no second fiddle, recorded in June and July 1974. With Bob Weston (guitar, from Fleetwood Mac), John Turnbull (guitar), John Porter (guitar), Eddie Jobson (keyboards, violin), Mickey Gallagher (keyboards), Phil Chen (bass), Henry Lowther (trumpet), Mel Collins (sax, from Kokomo), Jody Linscott (percussion), Simon Phillips (drums), plus the members of Kokomo on backing vocals: Dyan Birch, Frank Collins and Paddy McHugh. Keef Hartley plays uncredited here!
    • Weren´t born a man - Dana Gillespie (1974)

      • Members: Dana Gillespie
      • Guests: John ´Rabbit´ Bundrick, Ray Cooper, Terry Cox, Pat Donaldson, Ray Glynn, Rosetta Hightower, Paul Keogh, Bobby Keys, Ronnie Leahy, Mike Moran, Del Newman, Brian Odgers, Frank Ricotti, Jim Ryan, Liza Strike, Rick Wakeman, Dave Wintour (RIP: Barry De Souza, Keef Hartley, Robert Kirby, Joanne Williams)
      • Producer: David Bowie, Robin Geoffrey Cable (RIP: Mick Ronson)
      • Comments: English singer and actress, she was born Dana Richenda Antoinette de Winterstein Gillespie!!! She started her musical career in 1969, and David Bowie helped her in 1974. In Weren't born a man, we can find Jim Ryan (guitar), Paul Keogh (guitar), Dave Wintour (bass), Pat Donaldson (bass), John 'Rabbit' Bundrick (keyboards), Ronnie Leahy (keyboards), Mike Moran (keyboards), Rick Wakeman (keyboards), Bobby Keys (sax), Ray Cooper (percussion), Frank Ricotti (percussion), Terry Cox (drums), Barry De Souza (drums) and Keef Hartley (drums), plus Rosetta Hightower, Lisa Strike and Joanne Williams on backing vocals. It includes a David Bowie cover, ´Andy Warhol´.
    • Mensch, dieser Klaus! - Lothar Meid (1975)

      • Members: Lothar Meid
      • Guests: Karl Allaut, Thor Baldursson (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Comments: Lothar Meid was the singer in Amon Duul II. This was his first solo album. Don't know how Keef Hartley was involved here!
    • Live at The Marquee - Hardin & York (1994)

      • Members: Ray Fenwick, Eddie Hardin, Pete York
      • Guests: (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Technical: Bob Hall
    • Live in the 70´s - Hardin & York (1997)

      • Members: Ray Fenwick, Eddie Hardin, Pete York
      • Guests: (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Comments: Recorded live in June 1971.
    • Losers paradise - Dave Gardner (1998)

    • The Fantastic Freddie Mac - Freddie Mac ( - )

      • Members: (RIP: Freddie Mac)
      • Guests: (RIP: Keef Hartley)
      • Comments: In this album, Freddie Mac used part of the band Artwoods as his backing band in some tracks, although uncredited.
    COMPILATIONS (SESSIONS) (2 credits)
    • The Blues world of Eric Clapton - Eric Clapton (1969)

      • Members: Eric Clapton, Hughie Flint, John Mayall, John McVie (RIP: Johnny Almond, Champion Jack Dupree, Otis Spann)
      • Guests: Tony ´T S´ McPhee, Malcolm Poole, Alan Skidmore (RIP: Keef Hartley, Ransom Knowling, Willie Smith, Muddy Waters)
      • Comments: Compilation of tracks featuring Clapton. Taken from albums by John Mayall, Otis Spann or Champion Jack Dupree.
    • The Complete Blue Horizon sessions - Champion Jack Dupree (2005)

      • Members: (RIP: Champion Jack Dupree)
      • Guests: Stuart Brooks, Alex Dmochowski, Aynsley Dunbar, Simon Kirke, Terry Noonan, Bud Parkes, Alan Skidmore, Richard Studt, Mick Taylor, Stan Webb (RIP: Duster Bennett, Keef Hartley, Paul Kossoff, Gary Thain)
      • Producer: Mike Vernon
      • Technical: Mike Ross

    QUESTIONS:

    01. Did Keef form a band with Mike Harrison? When?

    02. Did Keef played Chicken Shack also in 1977?

    03. Keef recorded some material (along with Art Wood) for Little Walter, also for Mae Mercer? Does anybody know which recordings?

    04. Keef played in some album by Jimmy Witherspoon, being produced by Mike Vernon. Which album?


    RELATED WEBSITE LINKS: 42


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

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

    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 Dmitri Epstein), we have fantastic interviews:

    From the comprehensive Rockpalast site (by Michael Marsch), 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: 1
    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 Keef Hartley, please, also write me with the link.
    • Keef Hartley Band - Waiting Around
    • Keef Hartley on German TV in 1969. (Resolution: 480)
      Featuring: Miller Anderson, Ian Cruickshank, Dino Dines, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain. Not sure about Dino Dines and Spit James. unknown to me.


    THANKS:

    Very Special Thanks to:
  • Keef Hartley: for his kindness and most of all, for his music (1998).
  • Chris Mercer: for all his help and support, as well as for keeping me informed about Keef (1998 & 2011).
  • Mick Weaver: for accepting to put him in touch back with Keef (1998).
  • Steve York: for info on Vinegar Joe and Keef Hartley (2003).
  • John O´Leary: for sending me his tribute to Keef as well as info on Mainsqueeze (2002 & 2011).
  • Peter Illingworth: for info on The Thunderbeats and Keef and a photo of Thunderbeats (2000 & 2011).
  • Dana Gillespie: for permission about using their two images of Dana´s albums (1999).
  • Rob Tait: for telling me who played drums in the Vinegar Joe album (2005).
  • John Flowers: for his very interesting message about Miller and Keef (2005).
  • Andy Fraser: for sending me his tribute to Keef (2011).
  • Derek Austin: for sending me his tribute to Keef (2011).
  • Pete York: for sending me his tribute to Keef, as well as his very kind message (2011).
  • Bob Daisley: for sending me his tribute to Keef (2011).
  • Jon Hiseman: for sending me his tribute to Keef (2011).
  • Barbara Thompson: for sending me her tribute to Keef (2011).
  • Tim Pratt: for incredible help regarding Keef Hartley (1999).
  • Hermann Braunschmidt: for his incredible, wonderful presents (1999).

  • Special Thanks to:
  • Alex Gitlin: my great friend, for many reasons (his continuous help and interest about Keef, as well as album scans, tapes and many more things). He travelled to England to meet Keef (1998).
  • Ian Southworth: for invaluable help (1998).
  • Justin Purington: for his help (1999).
  • Marc Higgins: for lots of info regarding Michael Chapman (2002).
  • Bernd Olschewsky: for his offers (2002).
  • John Weydemeyer: for his offers (2000).
  • Christer Fridhammar: for info on Not foolish, not wise album (1999).
  • John Goss: for his very interesting messages regarding Keef and Miller Anderson (1999).
  • John H Warburg: for lots of biographical infos (2008).
  • Ed Cool: Andy Fraser´s webmaster - for passing my message to Andy Fraser (2011).

  • Thanks to:
  • Boris Shnitzer: my great friend, for backup and encouragement as well as the Crusade CD (1998).
  • Diego Zanti: for some details on KHB albums (1999).
  • Chris Popham: for permission about using their two images of Dana´s albums (1999).
  • Harald De Boer: for his messages (2009).
  • Mark A. Gunnell: for signing my old guestbook (1999).
  • Jon Esnaola: for his messages about Keef (1999).
  • Andrew Avila: for signing my old guestbook (2000).
  • Ki: for his message at signing my old guestbook (2000).
  • Jim Allan: for his message about Keef Hartley Band (2002).
  • John Bunn: for signing my old guestbook (2000).
  • Matthew Hisbent: for his message as well as for signing my old guestbook (2000).
  • Roger Ellis: for signing my old guestbook (1999).
  • Keenan Nasution: for signing my old guestbook (1999).
  • Jeff Waters: for signing my old guestbook (1999).
  • Mr. Blues Train: for signing my old guestbook (1999).
  • Terry Burman: for signing my old guestbook (1999).
  • Claude Vigneault: for info on Lothar Meid album (2001).
  • Andy Roberts: for his memories of the Keef Hartley Big Band gigs (2005).
  • Cesar Almeida: for his message (2007).
  • Axel Reisenhofer: for info on Mainsqueeze (1999).
  • Lor D'Alimonte: for his message (1999).
  • Ian Green: for info on John Mayall´s Primal solos album credits (2001).
  • John Hughes: for his memories of some Keef Hartley Band concerts (2001).
  • Grape/Uva: for his message (2005).
  • Geoff Welch: for his message (2001).
  • Malcolm Strachan: for his message (2003).
  • Howard Alexander: for his message (2002).
  • Alan McClelland: for his kind message (2002).
  • David Hunter: for his memories of a Keef Hartley Band gig (2004).
  • Brian Eley: for his comments on Woodstock and KHB (2002).
  • Kalevi Lyytikäinen: for info on a Keef Hartley gig (2005).
  • Gary Pearce: for his kind message (2001).
  • Ron Saunders: for his kind message (2001).
  • Tex Slim: for his message (2001).
  • Johnny Hudson: for his message (2001).
  • Steve Murtha: for his memories of great gigs (also including KHB) (2004).
  • David Unwin: for his memories of a KHB gig (2004).
  • Tony Hickmott: for his message (2005).
  • Alain Versini: for writing (2004).
  • Dinky Dunston: for his very kind words (2000).
  • Dan Forte: for his message regarding Keef Hartley and Spit James (2002).
  • Rafael Zamora: for his very interesting messages (1999).

  • Also thanks for writing to:
  • Dave Witt (2003), Iain Christie (2006), Dave Mooney (2000).

  • WHAT'S NEW:

    28/November/2011 - Page added to the blog.
    29/April/1998 - Original page written by me (in the old site).

    RELATED MUSICIANS:

    Keef Hartley mostly worked with these musicians: (name + number of credits)
    John Mayall (21)
    Mike Vernon (17)
    Chris Mercer (16)
    Mick Taylor (16)
    Henry Lowther (13)
    Johnny Almond (12)
    Eric Clapton (12)
    Gary Thain (12)
    Aynsley Dunbar (11)
    Miller Anderson (10)

    Page created by Miguel Terol on: 29/April/1998 - Last modified on: 19/July/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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