Mike Maxfield R.I.P

[russ]

Just noticed that Mike Maxfield from the Dakotas passed away this month.
He is probably best know for composing the instrumental "The Cruel Sea' which was a Top 20 hit in 1963.
The Ventures also recorded "The Cruel Sea".
Probably the last original member?

[GoldenStreet]

Sad news indeed, the Dakotas were great favourites of mine back in the day - after the Shads!

Pages 3 & 4 of this 2015 thread include comment about Mike...

http://www.shadowmusic.bdme.co.uk/viewt ... 0&start=30

Bill

[RayL]

As a 'junior sprog' learning the ropes at BBC Broadcasting House, I was sent to the Playhouse Theatre in the summer of 1963.
Billy J. and the Dakotas were to appear in a show to be recorded there.
Being fascinated by the 'twiddley bit' in The Cruel Sea' I asked Mike how he did it. He showed me how he placed his hand and the finger movements needed. Thanks, Mike! I tried, Oh how I tried, to play that afterwards. Still can't!
(on that same day, The Beatles were to play in a studio at BH. Perhaps if I hadn't been sent to The Playhouse, I might have met The Beatles!)

EDIT. Just realised that i told that story about Mike Maxfield in the link quoted above. Oops!

[Moderne]

I don't know anything about Mike Maxfield but I think The Cruel Sea (written by Mike) is a superb guitar instrumental...as well as The Millionaire, Ludwig and Humdinger...and probably loads of other tunes.

[GoldenStreet]

Details of some of Mike's available post-Dakotas output...

https://www.45cat.com/record/maxep1013

https://www.samsammusic.com/en/p/mike-m ... -in-motion

Bill