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OK, I know it's not the most popular of Shadows albums, but it is exactly 50 years tomorrow, 12 October 1969, that the Shads recorded this live album. I wasn't sure about it at first, when I heard it in 1981 on the MFP release, but since then, it's grown on me. It's nowhere near as bad as some people make out, even if it isn't truly the Shadows at their best. I recently managed to get hold of the original gatefold edition, with mini-poster still attached, and so here it is. A treasured possession. They don't make 'em like they used to. Happy Birthday and many happy returns!

I ordered it form Japan, six copies for people, and it duly arrived sometime in 1970.

I'd seen them with Alan Hawkshaw in the UK on Numerous occasions and it was good to have this.

The best part of it for me id the amazing Bass Playing of John Rostill. It's the only example of his 'take' on the early Shadows hits he wasn't on. Dance On and Foot Tapper are amazing examples of this.

Regards

Stuart

I don't remember where I bought my Sankei Hall album, but it was probably an ordinary record shop in Helsinki. The number on the sleeve is C052-05081, and the record seems to have been made in Holland. The music lacks swing because there's no rhythm guitar, but I still listen to it occasionally.

drakula63 wrote:OK, I know it's not the most popular of Shadows albums, but it is exactly 50 years tomorrow, 12 October 1969, that the Shads recorded this live album. I wasn't sure about it at first, when I heard it in 1981 on the MFP release, but since then, it's grown on me. It's nowhere near as bad as some people make out, even if it isn't truly the Shadows at their best. I recently managed to get hold of the original gatefold edition, with mini-poster still attached, and so here it is. A treasured possession. They don't make 'em like they used to. Happy Birthday and many happy returns!

My father has this same original 1969 Japanese edition, which he probably bought in about early 1970. The disc itself is made of red transparent vinyl. Yours is too Chris?

StuartD wrote:I'd seen them with Alan Hawkshaw in the UK on Numerous occasions and it was good to have this.

The best part of it for me id the amazing Bass Playing of John Rostill. It's the only example of his 'take' on the early Shadows hits he wasn't on. Dance On and Foot Tapper are amazing examples of this.

Regards

Stuart

I agree. Also, John can be heard making some of the announcements and he sings in harmony with Hank where Bruce used to in the years before 1969 on "A Little Bitty Tear", "Putting On The Style" and "Don't Make My Baby Blue".

Sadly, my version is the bog standard black vinyl. Only joking! It is black vinyl, but the whole item is in virtually mint condition and I got it for a fairly reasonable price, considering its scarcity. There is a red vinyl version for sale somewhere, but a bit more than I wanted to pay. To have it in such a great condition, in the gatefold sleeve with the poster still attached is something I am very happy about!

I actually saw the gatefold version just once before and that was at Alan Hawkshaw's house, late 2012, I think. I can't remember now whether his copy was red vinyl or not... but I'll hazard a guess that it was. Actually I don't think I took it out to look! There's actually some video footage shot in his studio control room and in the background you can actually see me having a quick look through his records!

Anyway, 50 years ago today... although I suspect that in Japan they are already in tomorrow. A great album, underrated, and certainly not one to be dismissed as casually as some seem to.

Here's a video frame-grab, from about 7 years ago. At my request, Alan actually played the theme from 'Exodus' on his keyboard. It was a great experience. That's me top left - minus my head! (The other vidcap. the one above it, is in the control room part of the studio. In the background you can see Alan's albums on the shelf, behind the huge Synclavier tower. He had all his library albums in there and they were all numbered. So somewhere in that lot is 'The Shadows "Live" at Sankei Hall' - October 12th, 1969.)

What piano and organ.did Alan use ?

andykombi wrote:What piano and organ.did Alan use ?

Good question. The organ was a Hammond and the keyboard, can't remember. It was hooked up to his computer. If I take a look at the footage, there might be some close ups. He also had a Grand Piano (downstairs) and a Synclavier which he used occasionally. I should also point out that he has moved since the video was made and so we were very lucky (well, I was) to actually spend time in the actual studio that he'd been using since around 1973. Apparently 'EVERYONE' had been up there! I was actually there when a couple came to view the house! They were quite amazed when they discovered who he was!

(Just done a couple of screen shots from another part of the video. That's me just entering the frame - it was taken on a different day.)

A few more. Alan at his piano... can't see what make it is as the lid is obviously up. There seems to be a little brass plaque on the top, but I can't see what it says. I'll guess it was a Steinway! The keyboard was some kind of MIDI controller, which he actually had hooked up to a laptop with a huge screen attached. He could get any sound he wanted out of it. The Hammond organ was a modern version of the one he used in the '60s. That's all I can remember. Nice guy, hugely talented and he told some great stories!

And finally. Here he is, talking about his days as a Shadow! The photo was originally hanging on a different wall, but I put it there behind him for a bit of appropriate decoration! Thanks Al.