Reviews
From the moment in 1962 when I learned the chords to Picture of You, I wanted to be one of Joe Brown's Bruvvers. And here he was, all those years later, looking in remarkably good nick - slim, mop of hair showing no sign of thinning and cheeky grin betraying not a click of denture.
But it's the Cockney kings genuine enjoyment and catholic tastes in music that make for a great evening. Sets ranged from gospel songs of the Golden Gate Quartet from the 1930s, with sumptuous four-part harmonies, to Irish jigs and an Italian wedding waltz from Joe's busy mandolin.
Bottleneck guitar features, Cajun numbers and even the wistful Lullaby in Ragtime from the Danny Kaye film "The Four Pennies" with Joe on ukulele, won warm applause from an audience mainly in their golden years. Acknowledging the influence of Skiffle King Lonnie Donegane (who played one of his last shows at the Tivoli), Joe said "without him showing kids how to make music with three chords, I wouldn't have this guitar around my neck - more like a b- rope!"
Other influences from the period, including the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly, were celebrated in song before Joe picked up his rock and roll guitar, a 1964 Gibson 345 ("I don't play this much; it's too b- heavy!"). He reminised about teddy boy days - although now the balding drainpipe trouser brigade were admiring the Tiv's newly upholstered seats rather than slashing them - before launching into some vintage rockers.
Good news for fans of 60s music: Joe is planning a tour with Marty Wilde next spring. Book 'em Tivoli!
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