The Bel-Airs – Giddy Up A Ding Dong
Brunwick – SRT5KL635 [1985]
Giddy Up-A-Ding Dong – Burn That Candle – I´m Rockin´ – Love Eyes – Brighton Rock – Rocky Mountain Girl – Cotton Pickin’ Rocker – Sweet Sue – Build Up – Happy Baby – Teenage Letter – Later
With their album cover omitting the band’s name on the front, misleading liner notes, and their label (Brunwick instead of Brunswick), the Bel-Airs play with the listener’s perception. It’s easy to be fooled, but the Bel-Airs are indeed a band from the mid-1980s. The lineup consisted of Clive Crisell (drums and vocals), Kim Crisell (guitar), Kevin Hirse (rhythm guitar), Colin Potter and Dave Privet (saxophones), Kenny Moorse (formerly of Rockhouse) then Danny Hayward (double bass).
Of course, as their repertoire demonstrates, the band drew inspiration from American combos like Bill Haley and the Comets, or the Jodimars, but their overall sound owed as much, if not more, to typically British bands Tony Crombie or Tommy Steele. Besides, their version of Giddy Up A Ding Dong seems more inspired by Steele’s arrangement than Freddie Bell’s.
One could reproached to the band could a slight lack of originality, as all the tracks are covers, very well-known ones at that, and some are played very close to the original versions. But let’s not be too critical; the album as a whole is quite well done and features some good solos (especially on guitar), making for a rather enjoyable record overall.
The Bel-Airs – Cruise Inn
SRT5KS388, BEL 58 [1985]
Cruise Inn – Later / Say Yeah – Time To Kill
The short distance works to the Bel-Airs’ advantage, and as a result, this EP is much more varied and original than their album. Cruise Inn, written by Colin Potter, the band’s saxophonist, is an excellent rock ‘n’ roll tribute to the Amsterdam rock ‘n’ roll venue. Next up is Later, a cover of the Jodimars. On the B-side, Kenny Moorse, the Bel-Airs’former bass player, joins the band on double bass and lead vocals for Wayne Handy’s Say Yeah before ending on a high note with the subtle and jazzy Time To Kill by Tommy Steele.
Fred “Virgil” Turgis
First line-up, from left to right: Kenny Moorse, Clive Crisell, Kevin Hirse, Kim Crisell and Colin Potter
Photo © the Bel-Airs www.facebook.com/ThoseCrazyBelAirs
