From its early origins in 1958 featuring Trad jazz bands, by the time Carnaby Street became famous in the mid 60s the title Redcar Jazz Club was already a misnomer. Like many other clubs in the country, it wasn’t solely featuring jazz any more, but presenting top R&B and blues artists like T-Bone Walker, Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart and John Lee Hooker. Then when the audience’s tastes changed to rock, the club booked The Who, Free, The Yardbirds, Eric Clapton, Cream, Joe Cocker, Deep Purple, Steve Winwood in Traffic, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, The Moody Blues and many others.
This large format full colour 160 page hardback features over 200 photographs by Graham Lowe & Dennis Weller, many of them unseen, while author Chris Scott Wilson weaves the club’s story into a compelling mix of social commentary, garnished with contemporary adverts, memorabilia, detailed vignettes, recollections of audience members and memories of the artists who performed there.
“Once in a while a book can come along that resonates very deeply for some people: Backstage PASS Redcar Jazz Club is such a book.” John Roberts Coastal View & Moor News.
“produced with love and a real passion for the history of this iconic venue” Waterstone’s Book Store.
“this one is a true gem… incredibly well written and the pictures range from fantastic to astonishing… a clear labour of love for those who have created it…” Lee Ricketts blogspot
“Backstage Pass' has certainly created a truly excellent time-piece…” Chris Pattinson
“…marvelous book…” Ged Hickey Award winning Landscape Photographer.
“… lovingly assembled to capture the spirit of radically changing times over some 15 years.” John Roberts Coastal View & Moor News.
“A brilliant read” Suzanne Rehbohm
“…a really great piece of work…” John McCoy, singer & promoter.
“Beautifully produced and presented” Forrie Cairns, The Clyde Valley Stompers
“absolutely brilliantly put together” Terry Carter, guitarist with Legend
“Thanks for the memories. Brilliant book” Ivor Davies
“…received a copy from my Son for Christmas. Can’t put it down.” Alan Whitfield, guitarist
“oh what memories unleashed” forum contributor
