| Chris Curtis Talks About The Searchers |
On 13th April 2003, Chris Curtis was interviewed on a radio show called “On the Merseybeat” this show is presented by Spencer Leigh who is not only a broadcaster but an excellent journalist, who has written a number of books connected with Merseybeat and also related topics.
I would highly recommend a book called “Let’s Go Down The Cavern” although probably now out of print and also a book called “Halfway To Paradise” limited distribution for this one but an excellent read, being about British Beat Music before The Beatles.
Spencer Leigh had interviewed C Curtis in 1998 and also did a written interview in a specialist Magazine called Record Collector. He stated in that article that he had been trying to interview Curtis for years but had always been turned down, he even stated that when researching for the afore mentioned “Let’s Go Down The Cavern” Curtis was the only person who turned him down with an abrupt response.
However things change and the purpose of this interview according to pre-publicity was to discuss a new CD release, one immediately thought of the forthcoming “Ultimate Collection” originally scheduled for April release but due to what I suspect are licensing issues has been delayed. This CD will supposedly encompass PYE, Liberty and Sire tracks, possibly RCA, Tim Viney could confirm this, as I am sure he has some involvement no doubt.
I do not intend to write a word for word account, but merely a brief review because some “avids” may be interested in some of the salient bits.
I have to say though that those of us who were perhaps looking for new revelations or really controversial comments were going to be disappointed.
I did think it strange however that if the intention was to talk about the aforementioned CD then Chris Curtis was not really an ideal person, he could only comment with any authority on the PYE years, up to mid 66 at least.
In the end however SL said they were there to discuss new releases concerning The Iron Door Sessions, Swedish Radio Sessions and the Star Club CD, not new releases in my book, but that’s really irrelevant.
One thing that did strike me was CC said he was unaware of these releases and it was only through SL, telling him about them, that he became aware.
SL initially said CC was innovative on adding drum sounds to the records, not totally sure I agree there, but CC said he was always adding little things, to give an example “No One Could Love Me” the “B” side of ”Some Day We’re Gonna Love Again” was played, in which it was explained that a basic drum track was laid down and then after listening to playback, CC added castanets and Spanish bells, in fairness if you listen to this track, it works effectively.
CC mentioned Tony Hatch was on piano, but when asked if Tony Hatch was an asset or a liability, strange question I thought, his retort was “He was alright”. He then went on to say TH had”fibbed” to him about “Sugar and Spice” a story most Searchers fans already know, that TH wrote this track under a pseudonym, CC claimed it was basically a reworking of “Sweets For My Sweet” and was rubbish, SL queried why did they record it then and was told that PYE wanted to rush out a follow up.
PYE did of course issue a lot of Searchers material between 63-64, of course one can see CC’s point but fact remains, rubbish or not it was a very successful track for the band. and is part of The Searchers hits legacy.
During recent years The Searchers have added Tambourine Man to their repertoire and in some quarters it has been muted that the sound on that record was heavily Searchers influenced, something I have not really subscribed to, CC was asked by SL if they wished they had done Tambourine Man, “No “was an emphatic reply, SL seemed somewhat surprised but CC went on to explain that it would have suited the guitar sound but not him personally, meaning I assumed voice.
As is usual with these types of programmes they are interspersed with Music and one of CC’s choices was a track called “Park Avenue” by Lou Johnson, who I have never heard of, CC stated “This would be great for P J Proby, if anybody could find him”. “It would great if I was on it too” was a somewhat tongue in cheek comment I felt. CC was certainly unaware it seems, that
P J Proby has recently returned to performing and ironically recently toured with The Searchers. SL politely pointed out the former but not the latter.
Does anyone who reads these postings know of Lou Johnson, it wasn’t a bad track, bit Lounge Lizard stuff, but catchy.
The conversation turned to the Iron Door sessions CD and CC did not seem to realise that this was the demo the band sent to Pye to enable them to get a recording contract.
They chose to play “Rosalie” and CC made reference to this being a showcase for John McNally who he said was and still is a great Rhythm Guitar player, John McNally has of course played lead guitar now for many years, still it was an affectionate comment I felt.
They discussed the Iron Door and CC stated they never played any lunchtime sessions, “I needed my food and sleep” done in a funny voice was comment made.
The conversation turned to the Cavern but CC said that they hardly played there, maintaining that Ray McFall personally disliked him and citied that as the reason. He also stated that the Cavern stank and was not suited to playing in a leather jacket and long hair which CC had the time.
SL responded by basically saying it was that hot in that environment it would be foolish to play in a leather jacket. “That’s me” was CC’s response.
Did The Beatles no harm springs to mind.
They discussed the Star Club and played “What Did I Say” CC stated he had not heard the track in nearly 40 years until SL had sent it him, but during the conversation than said “It was given to me by The Crickets” I presumed he meant all those years ago.
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