peteraltongreen

I would say it's ideal. Many of the 1950's jazz guitarists used ES175's with P90's ( check out Kenny Burrell's early stuff), and sound fantastic.I have used a Gibson ES225 in the past,and that sounded great,although it's a thin body.I currently use a stock H 575,strung with Ernie Ball .012" - .054",set no.2206.Sounds great to me through any tube amp,and even my Fender London reverb,solid state.

I generally don't do much recording now. I know I should, but I prefer a live performance, and it's done, however good or bad. I was asked by a pal to do a jazz rhythm track to compliment his Hammond B3.He's making a C.D., so when he sells it, shortly, he'll have a record of how great it sounded. All the instrumental work was done, even an original guide track I'd put on, but it was an ad lib track that was O.K., but could be better. So, I listened & wrote a chart, that I hope compliments the arrangement. What to use ? Well, I was going to take my 575,but at the last minute, I opted for the Gibson L5,because we are both Jimmy & Wes fans, and when I played in his organ band, that's the guitar I played. Decision 2...what amp ? Well, again I had my Fender London Reverb lined up, but last weekend, it developed a fault on the input. I can't believe it.. I only bought it in 1985/6.So,I pulled out a trusty Fender Tremolux head I have, mated it with a smaller Fender 2 x 10" cab and Bingo.. great sound...Jimmy & Wes roar again ! The job was done in 2 takes, then the reminiscing started. The studio was Fairview in North Cave, East Yorkshire, U.K. This is the studio where Mick Ronson ( who I knew) did his early recordings,Heatwave (Boogie nights etc) demoed their first album & singles, with Rod Temperton, Trevor Bolder ( Spiders) Bill Nelson ( Be Bop Deluxe) and many more used to record. So, the owner Keith Herd & I go back right to the beginning ,50 years ago. He's compiling a C.D. of some of the best tracks, which will be released shortly. So, today I had a different project. A couple of friends round to learn some of the Great American songbook....Night & Day, Under my Skin, I Remember You, My Funny Valentine, and Milton Nascimento's 'Bridges' were chosen. Me on guitar, this time the Heritage 575,through a Guild acoustic amp, my Tremolux was used by the keyboard man on his Nord setup, and our vocalist. Yes, we need a bass & drums, but we are working arrangements currently .So, more recording on a portable to hear what works. Tomorrow, I'm in a Rock 'n Roll band, playing a local pub. This is a pub I first played on Monday, May 6th,1963..true.I have my diary. It's a great venue for me, as I was resident there for a couple of years, all that time ago....and....there are still some of the customers who used to watch my band of the day ( Tony Martin & the Mods) play there. Incredible.

Well,nice to be back where I started from.Hope you all had a great New Year's Eve. I was playing bass with a Rock a Billy band.It was one of those gigs where the young 'uns are telling me how the songs they are about to perform go,I was thinking 'No they don't ',but I was all ears,because I have to know how THEY do the songs I have been listening to for over 50 years. All went well.We were playing a venue that I've played on & off for over 50 years.It's about to close & become yet another supermarket.Another gig vanishes into the mist of time.I left the gig limping.I'd been paid,and sat on my wallet ! NYE.always a good paying gig .

Well,guys...I don't believe it !I finally hit 70 years of age recently.The cards arrived.I thought they were for my dad ! I looked in the mirror...I am my dad !! How did I get here so quickly ? I started playing guitar in 1957.I'd been shipped off to a private school by my dad.It was like 'Tom Brown's School Days' .( An English book about private schools ) What was I going to do ? The answer revealed itself when I went into a small common room,used by the boys at the school.There was a roaring fire,a crowd of boys being entertained by 2 guys,playing guitars, who were about to become my friends.A real magic moment,and a life changing one.During the school holidays,I nagged my dad to buy me a guitar.I met with some resistance,but eventually,he bought me a starter guitar.I also arranged lessons off the school campus,so I also got a night on the town thrown in ! When I left school in 1960,I sought out other players in my then home town,and a band was formed.We did a limited amount of pop gigs.I also secured a job with a local jazz type band,so I was away. Disaster arrived when my parents moved city. Luck was with me.I already knew some guys in a band there,and I got a job with them.Things started to move,and in a short time,we were doing well paid gigs in various towns & cities in the area.A change of singer,and new agent,and we were further up the ladder.By the end of 1963,we'd started to support well known U.K. acts,Freddie & the Dreamers,Dave Berry & the Cruisers,Jimmy Powell & the 5 Dimensions.These were bands just bubbling under the top liners.!964 came,and we were supporting the Rolling Stones,Joe Cocker,Peter & Gordon,Marty Wilde & the like.I thought there was no stopping us.All it took was a 'No' in the wrong place.We were offered a recording deal.The deal was we had to sing a rather awful song by Chris Andrews.The good thing was we could choose any song for the flip side,and that could be the 'A' side.Our singers said no way,and that side of my playing career was over. I moved to London for a while,then returned home,and joined a function band.The unit did great paid work,and a greater variety of music.Perfect. Things were changing in the music scene.I started working as a house musician in clubs,and once again,I was backing the U.K. stars of the day. I've had a great run for my money.Got some mega guitars & amps,played with some great people,and guess what ? I'm still doing it. Last week...Saturday, a band called 'Mean Eyed Cat',in an open air gig,and yes they are a country band (bass guitar),Wednesday...Dr.Jive & the Sick Notes,a 50's 60's Rock 'n Roll band (Bass guitar),Thursday, an all day recording session,putting rhythm & lead guitar lines on a Hammond B3 recording ( 1953 Gibson L4 CC & 1988 Fender Strat. plus Deluxe,through a Peavey 'Decade' with Jensen speaker,straight into the mixing desk,via the pre amp out). Saturday...A great pub gig with a pop band I play with regularly,with me at the front sharing the singing & playing bass.Today...the phone rang..can I play guitar with a Rock a billy band...yes..that's a job for my 575 ! I can't believe the fun I've had.What a life.Long may it continue !

Paint it Black ! I recall the only time I played that live with my band of the day. It was the first time I'd used a slide live on stage.The owner of the venue came up at the end and said 'If you ever play that f*****g song here again,I'll see you never work again,ever !' Now,was it the song,did he not like the Stones,or was it my slide playing ? I'll never know,but I've never played it since,or used a slide.True !!

I am in contact with Brian Jones,the sax player with the Undertakers,via Facebook.Brian recently underwent a hip replacement operation,and is progressing well.This happened to coincide with my discovery of a full set of autographs of the band I collected on the night my group & I played support to the band,50 years ago !They also unfortunately lost their drummer recently too.

Sad to report another death.Jackie Lomax,who was singer & bass player with the Liverpool group 'The Undertakers',sadly passed away on 15th Sept,2013.I remember Jackie well,as my band,'Tony Martin & the Mods' supported the Undertakers in Hull,England,on November 19th,1963, at the Gondola club..They were a great band,played well,looked great,and had a superb stage presence.They should have risen higher up the fame ladder,but competition was fierce in those days...Beatles,Stones,Kinks,Who...we all know the ones that made it.I notice in my diary entry that our band got a £4 (about $10) fee for this gig.There was an agent there,and the lack of money was soon made up with better paid gigs all over the U.K. that this guy provided.I also noticed the infamous date of Friday,22nd November 1963...Ring any bells ? The day Kennedy was shot. I,as a 19 year old,was far more concerned with our gig at the Chomley Club,Hull U.K.,and the fact our performance was O.K. Another first for us that week,was a trip to Manchester,to the Lyndale Ballroom in Eccles.A favourite venue for us,and the £18 (about $40 ) fee.As we were an R & B type band,we went well.Others who fared well there were Dave Berry the Cruisers from Sheffield,and The Rockin' Berries,who had a U.K. hit with 'He's in Town'.Another viisitor to this venue was 'Herman's Hermits',of whom the ballroom manager said were O.K.,but would never get anywhere...Ha ! ( I tried to upload a photo,without success,will try again later )

Sad to report the death ( 21st May,2013 ) of Bowie's bass man from the 'Spiders from Mars',Trevor Bolder.Trevor had been suffering with Pancreatic cancer for some time.His younger brother,Andy Bolder also died only a couple of months ago with a throat problem.I got to know Trevor when he played & produced some tracks with his brothers & friends at Fairview studio in Willerby,East Yorkshire,U.K.( the same studio that demo'd Heatwave's first album,Boogie Nights etc ),in the 1970's.His later playing career was with U.K. band 'Uriah Heep'. A very sad loss.

Did a gig this week at our local City Hall ( Kingston upon Hull,East Yorkshire England ) I decided to take my Heritage 140 (1986) as it looks great,plays great,and sounds mega ! It handled the mostly rythmn guitar gig excellently,adding a snap to the very limited soloing that was required for the gig. I had to laugh.The 10 piece band,(piano,bass,guitar drums + 2 trumpets,2 saxes & 1 trombone + singer ) were only required to play 6 tunes.We'd had a band rehearsal,as we needed to shorten the scores to fit in with some dancers that were performing their routines to our music.Of course,there were no guitar charts,so I photographed the piano score,then wrote myself the relevant charts...Great ! Turn up for the gig..all change.Different tunes,still no music,so I had to busk the lot.Fortunately,it was all simple stuff I'd played before.How the host managed to stretch 20 minutes,or less music into a 2 hour show was a work of genius.We live & learn. I played the Heritage through a Fender London solid state amp.I knew it was a long carry from the elevator to the stage,so my little folding buggy did the honours.

I have long been a fan of rocker Charlie Gracie.I recall going to my local record store around 1958 time,and buying his then current E.P. ( Extended Play, 7" vinyl disc,usually with 4 tracks for those newer members to the planet !) Not only did I constantly play the 4 tracks of the E.P.,but I oggled the Guild guitar on the cover,with It's 3 P-90 style Pick ups,and a row of tone switches to die for ! Charlie had many hits both here (U.K.) & in the U.S.A, and he was right up there with Elvis,Buddy,Eddie & Gene.Fast forward to 2012 ( Time DOES fly ! ).I never,ever in my wildest dreams thought I would not only share the stage with my old idol,but be backing him too ! Not only that,but he still uses that Guild guitar,and, I GOT TO PLAY IT ! This is a guitar that has been played by most of the great, early rockers,so it's hallowed ground indeed. I have seen & chatted to Charlie before,but this topped the lot.Charlie gave us all his hits,and some great songs from others too.I hope I get that job again ! Now,the technical :Charlie played his Guild through a 1968 Fender Twin Reverb,that I'd borrowed from a pal for him.The bass player used a Gibson EB0 from around 1970 time,through a Mark 2 x 10" bass combo.I was sorely tempted to take my Heritage 575. Two things stopped me.1) Charlie was playing an archtop,and I didn't want to clash so,2) I played my Fender U.S Strat plus De Luxe ( 1988 ) with it's 3 Lace sensors,through a Fender Conert top from 1985 ( A Rivera design ) & a 1 x 12 " cabinet.When I'm unsure of things,I take a Strat ! All sounded great to me. Thanks,Charlie.

Thanks mars_hall.At the time it took place,I didn't think it would be as important session as it was.I was,however pleased to see some guys in our studio who could play well,and knew exactly what they were doing.The studio went on to do many more people who had success.I decided to continue down the gigging road,and I've had some fun,and met some great people.Long may it continue ! Peter Alton Green

Today ( 3rd March,2011),I heard from an old friend that a local bass player (Hull, East Yorkshire,U.K. ) had passed away at about 63 years old.When I hear news like this,I generally think over how our lives interacted.Stan Saye was the bass player in a local band called the Hammer.I made a couple of records with this outfit,before Stan was a member.When the original band split up,it reformed with Stan,singer John Parker,Another John on drums,and probably,most importantly,Rod Temperton on Keys.This unit toured the U.S.Airforce bases in Germany,and there,Rod met Johnny Wilder,whose band , Johnny Wilder's Chicago Heatwave,recruited him into their ranks.My next encounter was at Fairview studios,near the city of Hull in 1973/4 time,when Rod & Heatwave arrived to put down the demo's that would lead to their hit records,and international recognition for Rod.The sessions went very well.They were well rehearsed,so a minimum of retakes were necessary,when we had the sound balance.To hear song like 'Boogie Nights','Always & Forever' going down onto tape was a thrill I'll never forget.The demo's were every bit as good as the released versions.I remember talking to Rod,and him saying to me that when he gets to America,he's going to find Quincy Jones,and work with him.Glenn,a friend & I told Rod about a knockout U.S. band called 'Seawind' we were big fans of,and played him some tracks.Later,Rod used the Seawind Horns on some of his American stuff.Was that us ? I wonder.My big mistake was not joining the band when Clay,their New York guitar player quit,and I was asked to join.I was about to get married,and couldn't commit myself to touring.So,what was Rods biggest hit ? Thriller,by Michael Jackson,as well as hits for George Benson,Patty Austin,Bob James,Michael MacDonald,film music for the Color Purple to start with.Rod's still writing & producing great music.If this sound far fetched,remember,people generally are not born famous,and their lives touch others on their way up.I am grateful for my encounters with both Stan & Rod. Peter Alton Green.

Just realized I haven't added anything to this blog since last August ! Must be the fact that I joined Facebook ( As Peter Alton,with the same cartoon badge.There's a million 'Peter Greens' & they all play guitar ) I have a collection of old band photo's from the 50's 60's etc.of groups & entertainers in my area of the U.K.,and I wanted to get them into cyber space.If anything happens to me,they would be lost forever,now anyone can view them.They have been widely viewed by many people,memories have been activated,and I've had loads of nice comments from both new viewers & older people who are in those photos.I have added new photo's of course,the newest were taken last Saturday ( 26th Feb 2011 ) Some musician friends & I put on a Rock 'n Roll night at a local Pub/Restaurant,to try to raise money for our soldiers wounded in war zones.It went very well.There were 5 guitarists ( including me) bass,pedal steel,keys,2 saxes,drums & various singers. The venue was packed,and we all had a ball,playing old Elvis,Carl Perkins,Stones,Hendrix material.No rehearsal,just play it as you remember it.We raised about $1000 for the worthy cause,and had a good time too.Now,gear freaks,what did I use? I knew the venue would be crowded with the audience in very close proximity to the players,so Mexi Strat got the job.If it gets trashed,it's only a few hundred bucks,as opposed to a few thousand if I took the Heritage C140CM.I played this through a Fender Concert head & 2 x 10" speakers.Worked very well.The following night,last minute,I was asked to fill a vacant guitar spot with another R 'n R band.Another packed venue,with audience in close proximity again,same set up,except this time I took a 2 x 12" Fender cab,and a small pedal board. (Compressor,Chorus,Digi Delay & Tremolo ) The magic combination ! What a great sound that was.I was elated by the end of the night.I now have to learn the stuff for my new band,with whom I'm the bass player,for our first gig on April 1st.Lots of Tom Petty,Bad Company,Creedence etc,and also Guitar parts for a big band show in July at our local City hall ! Peter Alton Green