The Fentones

[Didier]

Hi,

I would concur with what Tony has just said. Robby is a member here and also posts regularly on YouTube and Facebook. He is a very talented guitarist and, if one listens to his covers of Shadows' numbers, has certainly got the 'sound' and Hank's early style of playing nailed. I have exchanged emails with him several times and he has very kindly and generously given of his time to advise me on how to achieve a better sound. Definitely worth a visit to his Youtube channel.

Cheers,

Ian

I agree, Rooby Januarasa who lives in Australia is one of the best Shadows' music guitarist. He has the right gear, and knows how tu use it !

Didier

[Garystrat]

Hi Didier,

“He has the right gear, and knows how to use it !”

I wish that were true for all us over 70s! LOL

Regards

Gary

[Teflon]

Also worth mentioning that Robbie creates most of his backing tracks himself - a very talented gentleman. His Youtube version of Man of Mystery is almost indistinguishable from the Shads original single release. He makes it look all so easy!

Cliff

[Gatwick1946]

About 16 years ago, when I was living on the Isle of Wight, I was lucky to find in a market, a copy of 'Shane Fenton and The Fentones- The Complete A-Sides and B-Sides CD. Its on the EMI Gold Label and the number is 7243 5 83774 2 2. There are 22 tracks as follows:

1 I'm a Moody Guy
2 Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue
3 Walk Away
4 Fallen Leaves On The Ground
5 Its All Over Now
6 Why Little Girl
7 Cindy's Birthday
8 Its Gonna Take Magic
9 Too Young For Sad Memories
10 You're Telling Me
11 I Ain't Got Nobody
12 Hey Miss Ruby
13 A Fool's Paradise
14 You Need Love
15 Don't Do That
16 I'll Know
17 Hey Lulu
18 I Do, Do You?
19 The Mexican
20 Lover's Guitar
21 The Breeze & I
22 Just For Jerry

19 to 22 are Fentones instrumentals.

I used to have a vinyl copy of the Parlaphone 45 rpm single, I'm A Moody Guy, and I am fairly sure the producer was Norrie Paramour (hope I have spelt his name correctly!).

I was lucky to see Shane and the Guys at the Radio Show, London Olympia Hall, in about 1962 - a great sound, but slightly harder edged than The Shadows!.
And shortly before he died, I spotted Shane (or Bernard) in the departure lounge at Gatwick Airport - he was not a tall man, about 5ft 9inches. I was able to have a few words with Bill Bonney at the above mentioned Pipeline Convention - he was wearing a very smart, tooled leather jacket! Strange what sticks in one's memory after all these years - happy days of yesteryear!

Kindest regards and keep safe,
Christopher

[GoldenStreet]

Although one generally associates the Parlophone label with George Martin (head of A&R from 1955), it is highly likely that Norrie Paramor (very much a Columbia figure) was involved in the production of these Shane Fenton sessions (he had also produced sessions by the Krew Kats for HMV in 1961.)

One particular track in the Fenton compilation, It's Gonna Take Magic, is notable in that it was written by Norrie with lyricist, Bob Barratt, his EMI production protege at that time. This number was featured in the 1962 film, Play it Cool, where it is performed (mimed) by Fenton and the Fentones, in addition to Billy Fury (the video is on YouTube), and includes an impressive piano solo, almost certainly played by Norrie, as he acts as musical director for the film.

The shorter commercially issued B-side single version, although including piano, has perhaps greater emphasis on the rocking guitar solo, and at 0:49 Shane Fenton can be heard urging with what sounds something like "hearing you Bonney", almost suggesting that Bill Bonney was playing lead rather than bass. I doubt, though, we shall ever know!

Others tracks by the Fentones from 1962 not included in the compilation are Caravan, Gringo, Mick's Tune and Take Five.

Bill

[abstamaria]

Of the many recordings of the Fentones, only The Mexican was known here, but it was popular and well liked enough for the local school combos to play it, along with pieces from the Shadows.

I have almost learned The Mexican. I know the notes (I think) and just have to understand the nuances of the original recording. It is unclear in places, so that makes sorting it out difficult. I wonder which echo machine they used.

Best,

Andy

[shadowriter]

ut 16 years ago, when I was living on the Isle of Wight, I was lucky to find in a market, a copy of 'Shane Fenton and The Fentones- The Complete A-Sides and B-Sides CD. Its on the EMI Gold Label and the number is 7243 5 83774 2 2. There are 22 tracks as follows

Currently available used on Amazon for £3.77 plus postage.

[Bazzer]

........also available on I Tunes as a download for £5.99, or individual tracks £0.99 p each.

[george ridley]

Many years ago,when I lived in London,(1968) I was browsing the fleamarket stalls
in Portobello Road and came across this one-sided Promo.

Promo.jpg (65.67 KiB) Viewed 8313 times

Bought it for something like a shilling.
In case you can't read the label, it says Shane Fenton,"A Fools Paradise".
It has a metal core(Aluminium?)as you can see by the chips.
Has taken a bashing over the years.
Cheers...George.

[JimN]

George... does that acetate still play?

If it does, and if you can get a digital copy to me, I'll be glad to attempt audio restoration in it.