Seeing John Leyton perform for the first time, along with the package tour stars of the early 60’s, became a life changing event for me. John visited my home town for the first time on a cold February night in 1962 and he closed the show with a wonderful live set that had the ‘sell-out crowd’ on their feet in rapturous applause. Johnny Remember Me had already been to the top of the charts at the end of the previous summer and the next single Wild Wind, whilst topping some charts, is in the Guinness World Records books as a number 2. He performed both song on the show along with his latest hit Son This Is She and I was delighted to see that all three of these songs, newly recorded, feature on this wonderful new CD release from the ageless John Leyton. He was there performing in those halcyon days and the re-creation of the feel of the sixties has been done on this CD which captures the true pizzazz of the music scene of the day. The Tardis has landed so step inside and be transported back to the vibrant days of those magical music memory tugging days.

John, superbly backed by The Flames, sings the songs of the rocking, rolling greats as he tips his hat to the icons of the era in quality recordings of the great songs of the time. There are great rocking versions of the Elvis classic, Treat Me Nice, Gene Vincent’s Say Mama, Buddy Holly’s Oh Boy as well as the softer harmony classics; Hello Mary Lou from Ricky Nelson and Walk Right Back by The Everly Brothers. These are not just any-old-song given a new treatment, they are classics from that golden ear that John Leyton treats with the fullest of respect and creates a vibrant reminder of how it used to be. Add to these the timeless quality of Rock-a-Billy classic, Pretend, Johnny Burnette’s Dreamin’ and a great medley of Razzle-Dazzle and Sea Cruise and the great escape from this twenty-first century is complete.

Talking of The Great Escape we cannot under-estimate John’s contribution to the motion picture industry. As an actor he delivered highly acclaimed performances in several memorable motion-pictures but will always be remembered as Willie the Tunnel King, alongside Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson in The Great Escape. The catchy film tune is featured twice on the CD, once at the start of the disc segueing into Shout, Shout, and later as one of 5 instrumental tracks performed by The Flames. The instrumental era of the pre-Fab Four days comes to life with The Flames versions of Shadows tunes, Man Of Mystery, Peace Pipe and the enthralling Perfidia. These boys sure can play and as you close your eyes and listen you will feel that the Tardis journey back to the 60’s is completed.

The last time I watched John and The Flames perform a live show was in May 2008 for the Small Town Saturday Night dance at the Victoria Hall, Halifax. It was the last ever dance to be held in that lovely Victorian Theatre and they played most of the tracks on this quality recording. The 22 tracks represent value for money and it is a recreation of their current show which, to me is just like watching them perform in a concert setting. John and The Flames are consummate showmen and to see them in a live show is a must for any fan of the era. It must, of course, if you’re like me, be followed by the purchase of the CD to re-live the show! This CD should be added to your collection immediately – if not sooner. It will not disappoint, in fact it with enthral you as it proves that the fires of the sixties are still burning bright in the hands of The Flames and the ever youthful John Leyton.

Trevor Simpson – May 2009
Check out Trevor’s book website at: - www.smalltownsaturdaynight.co.uk