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 Blues Jam Profiles
Bryan Wall
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Bryan Wall
Drummer
Are you local?

No, I live in Harlow.

Where are you from, originally?

Hackney.

What's your tipple?

Anything really, but I do like Real Ale and Brandy (not in the same glass!)

What's your earliest memory?

Watching the steam trains go under the bridge at Turnpike Lane (where we lived).

What was the first record you ever bought with your own money?

Single: "Hi Heel Sneakers" by Tommy Tucker
Album: The first Bob Dylan LP

...and do you still have it?

Yes to the first and no to the second (my first wife took it when we divorced - never forgiven her!)

Any hobbies/interests?

Mainly cycling.

Do you remember the very first gig you went to? What was it like?

The WHO at Hertford Corn Exchange, 25th March 1966. So loud, my ears rang for a week after. They do it all the time now, so I guess it was a sign of things to come.

Worst job you've ever had?

Trainee Manager at WH Smiths - a long time ago....

What's your claim to fame (not necessarily musical)?

I've got three kids who all play rock with various instruments including drums - and better than me!

If you could invite 6 people (past, present or fictional) to dinner, Who would you choose?

John Lennon, Keith Moon, Samuel Pepys, Brian Redhead, Jordan, and that bird Fiona wossname who used to write about her sexual exploits for Men Only magazine when I was a teenager.

Been playing/performing long?

On and off since I was 16 (45-odd years), but mostly off.

Been in any bands?

Kids bands and now a serious covers rock band. We're planning to gig around Harlow in 2011.

What first got you interested in the Blues?

Listening to "The Blues Volume..." EPs on Chess records, round at a friend's house while smoking roll-ups made from three Rizla papers.

What other types of music do you like to listen to/play?

Rock / Rhythm and Blues (the original R&B - not this modern club stuff).

Favourite Blues artists?

Sonny Boy Williamson
T Bone Walker
Muddy Waters
John Lee Hooker
Eric Clapton

Does Chuck Berry count??? - I know he's an arsehole, but listen to the piano player on the old stuff - name of Johnnie Johnson. Now that's boogie!!!!!

Favourite artists (any other genre) ?

The Who, The Faces, Bob Dylan.

Ever been lucky enough to meet or share a stage with one of your musical heroes?

Was at the same reception as David Bowie once, and I met Robert Plant and Jimmy Page briefly at a family 'do'. Bruce Welch, rhythm guitarist from the Shadows, was also there - but I don't count him.

Favourite instruments and/or equipment?

I love my daughter's Pearl kit with its Zildjian cymbals.
Always wanted to play the harmonica but never mastered it. Any harp will do.

If you had to sum up your relationship with the Blues using just one word, what would it be?

Tireless.

Who would you pick (past or present) for your dream band?

Keith Moon to partner me on drums and do the fills I can't, My mate Nick on keyboards (he won't come to the Blues Jam as he will only play his own stuff, which is a real shame). Janis Joplin to sing, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee for a bit of contrast. John Entwistle on bass. Jimmy Page or maybe Hendrix on lead, Robert Johnson to find us the all the chicks and write some stuff, John Mayall to keep them all in line. Pete Townsend to write some more stuff.

I know... that's nearly the whole WHO line up, but after all they were a pretty good band!!!

Most embarrassing moment?

Don't know, really.

Proudest moment!

Watching all my three kids (and new Portuguese daughter in law) playing a great rock set together and knocking the audience for six at my eldest son's wedding reception in Portugal - and then joining them on the kit for a few numbers.

What do you most enjoy about the Blues Jam?

I actually really enjoy the playing (drums) but more than that, watching the others who are often so much better than me (and try to pick up a few tips).

If you could travel back in time to be present at one moment/event in musical history, what would it be?

To have been at a Beatles session in the Cavern in Liverpool.
  To have been there when Elvis recorded "Heartbreak Hotel" at Sun records.
    To have been at the crossroads when Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil...

Who would they cast to play you in the movie of your life?

Anthony Worrall-Thompson!

Marmite: - Yes or No?

YES, YES, YES!

If you were invited on "Desert Island Discs", which 8 records would you choose?
  • 1. Hi Heel Sneakers - Tommy Tucker
  • 2. Crossroads - (anyone's version)
  • 3. Honky Tonk Woman - The Rolling Stones
  • 4. Talking World War 3 Blues - Bob Dylan
  • 5. My Generation - The WHO
  • 6. Nadine - Chuck Berry
  • 7. Dr Jazz - as in "Hello Central, Gimme Dr....."
  • 8. Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out

I'll forgo the Bible and the works of Shakespeare, ta.

...and what would be your luxury item?

A Swiss army knife.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

When one door closes, another one shuts.

Go on - tell us a secret!

Wouldn't be a secret if I did!