I was in London back in 1999 for work. When I got there, I met my friend, owner of the tech company for whom I worked, it was late when I got off the plane. My friend insisted we go out on the town, despite I was exhausted from my flight from the US! We learned quickly that pubs close at 11, so finding a place to get a drink was out, or so we thought, We asked where we could go but everyone said that every place would be closed. We found that strange, but didn’t give up. We ended up in Soho, found a small jazz club, and voila! We went in, sat down, and were entertained by this amazing performer wearing a lot of plaid who seemed to have been plucked out of the 1920s. He performed, told funny stories. When it was over, we met and spoke to him for awhile. What a great guy. I bought his CD, which he signed. I had no idea who he was but we thought he was fantastic.. About ten years later, I came across a documentary type program on TV that featured Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, and George Melly! They were all talking about the influence that blues had on their musical careers. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just any guy. He was well known, but sadly, not here here in the US, at least that I knew. I had already gotten rid of all my CDs at this point, and I was so disappointed that I had thrown away his autograph. Regardless, what a treat that was to have seen him that night. I’ll never forget it. ❤🎶
Great story. I wish I had seen this legend. I recommend his trilogy of books of his life, very,very entertaining. The 60’s dudes, Hendrix,Joplin thought they were dangerous ! These guys were doing it in the 50’s.
some good see more of george on youtube thanks for posting this I loved him and his music he still sadly missed we cant replace him no one can he was a one off RIP George xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A British revivalist Jazz great since the 50's. Try to hunt down copies of his autobiographies OWNING UP, SCOUSE MOUSE and RUM, BUM AND CONCERTINA which are worthwhile reads - and very candid and amusing! Two of his bandleaders - John Chilton and Digby Fairweather - have also written accounts of their time with George - Digby's is very honest as to his persoality and failings and is ultimately very touching as George's failing health finally expires.
I miss George so much. There has never been anyone quite like him. So talented, so mischievous, so much fun.
Bordering on perfect! John Chilton's mournful trumpet......wow!!
I was in London back in 1999 for work. When I got there, I met my friend, owner of the tech company for whom I worked, it was late when I got off the plane. My friend insisted we go out on the town, despite I was exhausted from my flight from the US! We learned quickly that pubs close at 11, so finding a place to get a drink was out, or so we thought, We asked where we could go but everyone said that every place would be closed. We found that strange, but didn’t give up. We ended up in Soho, found a small jazz club, and voila! We went in, sat down, and were entertained by this amazing performer wearing a lot of plaid who seemed to have been plucked out of the 1920s. He performed, told funny stories. When it was over, we met and spoke to him for awhile. What a great guy. I bought his CD, which he signed. I had no idea who he was but we thought he was fantastic..
About ten years later, I came across a documentary type program on TV that featured Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, and George Melly! They were all talking about the influence that blues had on their musical careers. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just any guy. He was well known, but sadly, not here here in the US, at least that I knew. I had already gotten rid of all my CDs at this point, and I was so disappointed that I had thrown away his autograph. Regardless, what a treat that was to have seen him that night. I’ll never forget it. ❤🎶
Thanks for sharing ❤
Great story. I wish I had seen this legend. I recommend his trilogy of books of his life, very,very entertaining. The 60’s dudes, Hendrix,Joplin thought they were dangerous ! These guys were doing it in the 50’s.
George Melly & John Chilton's Feetwarmer are an abitbitterandverysweet childhood memory - love it. Thx for dat.
One of the best acts I've seen live!
May John Chilton rest in peace thanks for sharing your talent with us
some good see more of george on youtube thanks for posting this I loved him and his music he still sadly missed we cant replace him no one can he was a one off
RIP George xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
r.i.p. These old guys who left us the legacy
Totally agree 👍
melly made it look so easy, defo came naturally to him!!!
Class. Sheer class.
brilliance
Wonderful
Good stuff george
Niiiice oO
Nice to hear Collin Bates (pno) after all these years.
A British revivalist Jazz great since the 50's. Try to hunt down copies of his autobiographies OWNING UP, SCOUSE MOUSE and RUM, BUM AND CONCERTINA which are worthwhile reads - and very candid and amusing! Two of his bandleaders - John Chilton and Digby Fairweather - have also written accounts of their time with George - Digby's is very honest as to his persoality and failings and is ultimately very touching as George's failing health finally expires.
RUM, BUM AND CONCERTINA is perhaps the funniest book of all time.
Great Ronnie Scott's band
knew the drummer, Chuck Smith
Yesssss Jazz RETZAH
the sync is no good.