Python Lee Jackson: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 10:40, 22 April 2007

Revision as of 10:58, 22 April 2007

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==Early years ==

The original Python Lee Jackson line up came together around JuneMarch 1966 when Brisbane born keyboard player and singer David Bentley and drummer David Montgomery left [[Sydney]] group, [[Jeff St John & The Id]] to formjoin a new band withformed to play at Sydney club, Rhubarbs. The other members came from the short-lived Unit 4 and comprised Englishmen and former DenvermanDenvermen, singer and guitarist Frank Kennington and Mick Liber and(born in Peebles, Scotland in 1944) plus local bass player Lloyd Hudson.Hardy, Relocatingwho toalso [[Melbourne]],went by the quartetname addedLloyd formerHudson [[Wild(and Cherries]]later singerVirgil Malcolm McGeeEast) and signedMelbourne-born todrummer CBSDavid Montgomery.

In June, Kennington was busted and the quartet added former [[Wild Cherries]] singer Malcolm McGee (born in Melbourne on 1 November, 1945). In September, Bentley left (and rejoined the band in 1968) and was replaced by Bob Welsh. The band's first single, "Emergency Ward" c/w "Who Do You Love?" was actually a Ward Austin song featuring Python Lee Jackson as backing group.

Python Lee Jackson released two [[single (music)|single]]s in quick succession, "Emergency Ward" c/w "Who Do You Love?" and a cover of [[Major Lance]]’s "Um-Um–Um-Um-Um-Um" c/w "Big City Lights" in November and December 1966 before Bentley left, his place being taken by Bob Welsh on piano. Also around this time, Virgil East succeeded Lloyd Hudson on bass.

Python Lee Jackson released a cover of [[Major Lance]]’s "Um-Um–Um-Um-Um-Um" c/w "Big City Lights" in December 1966 before Hardy was replaced by Duncan McGuire from Doug Parkinson's The Questions for three weeks. McGuire appeared on the band's a cover of [[Sam and Dave]]’s "Hold On, I’m Coming" c/w "Your Mother Should Have Warned You" before Hardy returned for the band's frist trip to Melbourne. Like it's predecessor, the single hit the Sydney and Melbourne top ten.

The group became a popular live attraction in Melbourne, and on 3 March 1967, played one of their shows at the Catcher with Chelsea Set, Party Machine and Adderly Smith Blues Band.

TheDuring newthe linesummer upHardy, releasedwho twohad furtherused singles,the aname coverVirgil ofEast, [[Samwas andreplaced by Dave]]’s "HoldMacTaggart Onfrom Adelaide band, I’mThe Coming"Black c/wPearls. "YourThe Mothernew Shouldline Haveup Warnedreleased You"the andband's final Australian single, "It’s a Wonder" c/w "I Keep Forgetting" before breakingWelsh upleft into thebe summerreplaced ofby 1967sax player Bernie McCann.

A few months later Mick Liber left and briefly played with Jeff St John’s formed group, The Id, which have reformed, and then worked with [[Billy Thorpe]] and Gulliver Smith’s band, The Noyes, while Virgil East joined Jeff St John’s next project, Yama. MalcolmLiber McGeereplacement joinedwas Laurie Arthur from The VirgilStrangers. However, the band only lasted a few months and broke up in January Brothers1968.

Malcolm McGee joined The Virgil Brothers and recorded a string of singles. He later played with McGuire in Rush. MacTaggart reunited with Liber briefly in Billy Thorpe's band.

Mick Liber briefly played with Jeff St John’s formed group, The Id, which have reformed, and then worked with [[Billy Thorpe]] and Gulliver Smith’s band, The Noyes, while Virgil East joined Jeff St John’s next project, Yama. Malcolm McGee joined The Virgil Brothers.

Montgomery reunited with David Bentley in The David Bentley Trio. Around October 1968, they joined forces with Mick Liber and travelled to the UK where they revived the Python Lee Jackson name.