The Searchers - A Guitar Band

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:47 am

While most of the groups from the UK in the early 1960s were combos involving three guitars and drums, there were many notable exceptions whose recordings became famous for the piano, organ, string section or harmonica arrangements.

I am wondering why the Searchers' studio recordings did not include very many other instruments. Was this do to the focus of Tony Hatch or driven moreso by the guitar preference of The Searchers?

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 5:33 am

As a further comment, it might be argued that Spencer James use of a synth guitar is an attempt to add variation to The Searchers' music. I have never heard this synth guitar live. Is it effective?

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 9:55 am

It is used on good effect on songs like Young Girl and any tracks they do from the Hungry Hearts album which was predominately synth led. The only recognised Searchers number, in my opinion of course, that it is effective on is What Have They done to the Rain.

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:06 am

Thanks Roy. Do you suppose that it comes right down to a financial decision for the band?

When you think about it, wouldn't there be any number of musicians that could use a keyboard to simulate strings, horns and yes even piano?

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 12:46 pm

in The Searchers case, not even a consideration, just so happened that Spender James played a synth guitar.

jjr · Post by **jjr** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 5:49 am

Peter,

The Searchers used strings ("What Have They Done to the Rain", "A Tear Fell"), organ("Let the Good Times Roll", "A Tear Fell"), and piano on may of their studio cuts.

I can also report that when I saw the Searchers in Hampton Bays, N.Y in '85(?), just before Mike left, they had a keyboard player with them, but he was behind a curtain on one of the wings, and wasn't introduced. Come to think of it, I don't think the band introduced themselves, either.

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 8:03 am

First I've ever heard of them using a keyboard player John. They have used keyboards very rarely, saw them do Solitaire "live" once with Frank Allen on keyboards, also seen a roadie they had once, Chris was his name, who played bass on a couple of numbers while Frank played piano.

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 8:34 am

John: Yes thanks I was familiar with these arrangements, however, have always wondered why they didn't go further in this regard. The strings were used effectively on the songs you mention and I very much liked the arrangement. It would have been nice to hear more.

pam · Post by **pam** » Tue Nov 16, 2004 1:59 pm

Just to add futher to this one, on a tour of Australia at a performance I attended I think it was John McNally who introduced Spencer and made the comment that bringing him into the group with the synth had enabled them to do a broader range of numbers. And yes I agree with Roy it is used to good effect on Young Girl and also Can't Cry Hard Enough. Roy can you send me updates on latest releases with catalogue numbers. Last one I got was Swedish Radion Sessions and I had to order it from a place in Brisbane which is about 150 kms from where I live. Makes it awkward if I am not going down there. Have a source here in my local town who deals in most hard to get music so if I have all the details can get them to order them for me. Thanks