Prior to Bev ceasing his
various bands engagements at the end of 2019, this page
previously had a facility to purchase CDs from it via
PayPal.
However, it is now used
purely as a reference and description for various CDs
that Bev has for available for sale. These albums are
now listed on eBay and can be purchased accordingly from
that site.
Should anyone wish to
purchase an album without wanting to use eBay, please
contact Bev via email which can be found on this website
and state your preferences please.
Also, by browsing on YouTube,
many of the songs on these albums can be found should
anyone just want to have a listen to any of them.
..
"The Best Of Times"
"The Best Of Times" is Bev's 2020 release on Beaujangle
DB0376 CD
The album includes twelve songs, ten of which are
written and performed by Bev relating to tales of love,
contentment, fear, humour, irony, questions and
nostalgia. In addition to Bev's own songs, also
included are two by good friends of his. "Song and Dance
Man" by the late Dave Cartwright was originally recorded
by Dave in Bev's Kinver studio back in 1973. However
when Dave released this song on his Transatlantic album
"Don't Let Your Family Down", the song was in reggae
style. Bev performs this song in its original way. The
other song is by another of Bev's friends, Pete Boddis.
Pete wrote "Sweet Loretta" quite recently and recorded
it on his recent album in purely solo vocal and
guitar mode. The song is simple, yet catchy. This
version contains added instrumentation behind Bev's
vocal.
Pedal steel guitar player / violinist Maurice Hipkiss
and vocalist Kate Toomer assist Bev with their musical
contributions. A 12-page sleeve accompanies the CD.
Tracks Listing:
Rosalita, Don't Make Me Feel This Way / Song and Dance
Man / Sweet Loretta / I Don't Wanna Walk Through This
Town Tonight / Born At The Best Time / I'd Rather Be
With You / My Baby, She's So Good To Me / They All
Understand / Whatever Happened To Marita? /
Stourport Boat Club, Saturday Night Jazz / Stourbridge
Gals /
Dancin' Into Trouble.
"Romance And Broken Hearts" is Bev's 2018 release on
Beaujangle DB0213 CD
"Romance and Broken Hearts" is a
collection of songs written and performed by Bev Pegg.
He is joined on this album by several of the excellent
musicians that he has shared the stage with over the
years. These include Maurice Hipkiss on pedal steel
guitar, Pete Hartley on violin plus Roy Parry on bass
guitar who adds backing vocals in addition with Julia
Tromans plus a couple of tracks from Kate Toomer. The
songs all revolve around romantic relationships.
Happiness, sadness, love, mistakes, deceit, coincidence,
joy, nostalgia to name but a few. A 12-page sleeve
accompanies the CD.
Tracks listing: Finding Romance
By The Sea / I Got It So Wrong / Boyfriend And
Girlfriend / Never Gonna Be / Youre Saying Its All
Over / Coffee Aroma / Tea At The Ritz / Turn The Clock
Back / Team Of Six / Brass Bed / Gotta Move On / Old
Studded Belt.
Headin For Home is Bevs 2016
release on Beaujangle DB0166 CD
"Headin For Home" contains a
varied collection of 15 songs, all but one written and
performed by Bev together with a bunch of his good
musician friends. Bev plays alongside many fine
musicians in his various band line-ups, some of whom
have assisted Bev in completing this album such as Pete
Hartley violin, Roy Parry bass guitar / backing
vocal, Ken Wright drums /backing vocal, Brian Godwin
Keyboard / backing vocal. There are folk songs, Black
Country songs, wistful, biting, humorous, country and
nostalgic songs. A 4-page sleeve accompanies the CD.
Tracks listing: Born At The Best
Time / Down Home American Boy / Its Only A Song / Two
Singers / Stourbridge Town / Lets Pass An Hour Away /
The King Of Black Country Comedy / Donald McClintock /
Spring Is In The Air / Richard Bennett / I Aint Deaf /
A Cautious State Of Mind / Bench By The Sea / Church
Street Blues / Headin For Home.
//////////////////////////////////////////////
Rolling River Blues
Rolling River Blues is Bevs
2014 release on Beaujangle DB0086 CD
Apart from the title track which
was written by Bev, the remaining 11 songs are a
collection of traditional country blues recorded by
legendary performers of yesteryear. Helping Bev out on
this album are Pete Burkes percussion / vocal chorus,
Roy Parry bass / vocal chorus, and Ricky Cool on
harmonica. A four-page sleeve accompanies the CD.
Tracks listing: Rolling River
Blues / John Henry / Mean Ol Frisco / Cornbread, Peas
and Black Molasses / You Cant Get That Stuff No More /
Its Tight Like That / Goodnight Irene / Lost Lover
Blues / Railroad Bill / Vigilante Man / Going To Germany
/ Out With The Wrong Woman.
Reviews:
"Just played the
CD - love it! Not a duff track on there - Bryan Chalker
- Somer Valley 97.5FM "Same Roots, Different Fruits"
show - 5.3.15 //
"A track from
Bev Pegg's new album "Rolling River Blues". As with his
other albums, I sure did enjoy listening to it" -
Russell Hill - Russell Hill's Country Music Show on 93.7
Express FM - 8.3.15
Going back to my teenage years, I
was a keen blues fan. (I had my harmonica confiscated by
the history teacher at school). I poured over the
records of the country blues people like
Lightnin Hopkins, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee,
Huddie Ledbetter and Big Bill Broonzy, as well as the
Urban guys like Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf and John Lee
Hooker. As Jon Hendricks used to say, The Blues is
jazzs mother, and youve got to be in trouble if you
try to have one without the other.
Bev Pegg and his friends have
certainly done their homework, and captured the essence
of the Blues and Skiffle genre in this selection of
songs. Its an authentic sound, full of atmosphere and
well recorded.
I must admit though, that I do
have a problem with a bunch of Midlanders singing with a
deep Southern drawl (as in USA). I appreciate it
would sound awful singing this material with an English
Accent: however, to my ears it does sound a wee bit
contrived. This was always somewhat of a tricky dilemma
even in the Skiffle era of the 1950s.
Also, perhaps a wider use of the
instrumentation, with a few solos from band members,
would give more variety and contrast to the CD, which,
however, like a lot of Blues records, tends to be a bit
samey.
I know Bev gets booked on a
number of Festivals, and his live act is very
entertaining, so this CD should sell well. Good luck to
you, Bev.
Recommended to all you Blues
fans!
Trefor Williams Just Jazz
Magazine June 2015 Issue
Wildwood is
Bevs 2013 release on Beaujangle DB0046 CD
Musicians: Bev
Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass/mandolin, Pete Hartley-violin,
Richard Collins-banjo, Maurice Hipkiss-dobro, Ricky
Cool-harmonica, Harry Rowlands-bass/vocal.
Tracks listing:
Rolling In My Sweet Babys Arms / Im Thinkin Tonight
Of My Blue Eyes / Streamline Cannonball / The Tennessee
Stud / Toy Heart / Wabash Cannonball / White Dove / You
Are My Sunshine / Blues Stay Away From Me / Nine Pound
Hammer / Keep On The Sunny Side / Rose Of My Heart / Old
Salty Dog Blues / Carolina Star / Texas Eagle / Rocky
Top.
An eight-page
sleeve accompanies the CD.
Reviews:
Review of "Wildwood" from the July
/ August 2013 issue of Maverick Magazine:
"Veteran country entertainer Bev
Pegg has been on the scene for more years than I care to
remember. He is the consummate country musician and
flits between styles to keep his long-time fans on their
toes. This latest album is subtitled "The Bluegrass
Album" and is a collection of musty old favourites given
a run-through by Bev (vocals, guitar, mandolin, bass),
supported by Harry Rowlands (bass, backing vocals), Pete
Hartley violin), Maurice Hipkiss (dobro) and Richard
Collins (banjo).
I've heard these songs many, many times over the years,
and though these versions are well done, there's nothing
that jumps out and grabs my attention. What is
impressive is the booklet with a brief history of each
of the songs. A higher quality gig album that is a
keeper for newer country music fans."
14 tracks of mainly original folk songs linked to the
Cradley area of the Black Country. There are a few
traditional songs plus the popular "Did You Like The
Battle Sir?" co-written by John Richards and Bev back in
1972.
Musicians from Bev's regular band line-ups appear on
various tracks:
Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass/mandolin/resonator
guitar/banjo/keyboard /percussion, Pete Hartley-violin,
Maurice Hipkiss-dobro, Harry Rowlands- bass/vocal, Ken
Wright drums/vocal.
Tracks listing: Did You Like The
Battle Sir? / The Yarn Of The Nancy Bell / Hammers Are
Ringing Round Cradley / The Three Jolly Butchers / The
Chainmakers Lullaby / Duel On The Hill / Get Your
Chains From Cradley / Wes Hardin And Bad Roy Hill / The
Anvil Yard / Chokin Foundry Blues / Dear Phil / On
Benny Brookes Retirement / Bankss Good Beer / Ill Fly
Away.
This CD includes a 16-page insert
of sleeve notes of lyrics and photographs.
Rendezvous is Bevs 2012 release
on Beaujangle DB0041. CD
17 tracks of mainly "country/rock" style songs, although
difficult to categorise due to a bit of jazz guitar and
bluegrass thrown in for good measure. Performed by Bev
on vocal/guitar/bass
guitar/mandolin/banjo/percussion/keyboard, together with
several of his regular band pals namely Pete
Hartley-violin, Maurice Hipkiss-pedal steel
guitar/dobro, Dutch Lewis-saxophones, Harry
Rowlands-bass guitar/vocal, Ken Wright-drums/vocal. All
have contributed to various tracks on this album.
The CD includes an 8-page sleeve notes and lyrics.
Tracks listing: Rendezvous / That
Song We Used To Call Our Own / Didnt I? / A Little Bit
Of Country Music / Love Song / Mr. Landlord Dont Worry
/ Apache / Dear August / Billys Dilemma / Everybodys
Got To Have Friends / Twelve-Month Valentine / The House
On The Brow Of The Hill / Wildwood Flower / Sweet
Georgia Brown / Learning The Game / Wes Hardin And Bad
Roy Hill / Over.
Reviews:
"Rendezvous" was chosen as the
showcase album on Express FM's Country Music Show hosted
by Russell Hill on Sunday 19th August 2012. It was
described as "absolutely marvellous" by the DJ and three
tracks were broadcast during the show which were "A
Little Bit Of Country Music and a Little Bit Of Rock 'n'
Roll", "Apache" and "Sweet Georgia Brown".
Review: "Rendezvous" was reviewed
in the March / April issue of "Music Maker" magazine as
follows:
"Bev Pegg is a musician who can
seemingly turn his hand to a myriad of styles, from
country to skiffle, from rock 'n' roll to rhythm and
blues. Throw in a little jazz, bluegrass and humour,
offer solo and band engagements and seemingly you have
an unstoppable one-man entertainment industry.
The rendezvous here is with sounds
largely American and the album has an undoubted country
feel but not exclusively so. I don't think Bev would
claim to be the world's greatest singer (he probably
doesn't claim to be Stourbridge's either) but his voice
has a certain rough around the edges world-weary charm
that fits the music just perfect. He's also adept across
a range of different instruments but with a number of
associates to hand, Rendezvous presents the sound of a
band in full swing.
A good chunk of the songs are
Bev's own, of which the title track is as good a road
song romance as you're likely to hear east of Route 66.
Covers include a version of Wildwood Flower,
interestingly sung from a male perspective, while
Learning The Game, a much-underrated Buddy Holly song,
is delivered with all the poignancy it deserves. A
couple of instrumentals add to the overall diversity on
show, with a fine version of Apache displaying Bev's
unerring skill at precision mimicry.
Over fifty years in the business
and Bev shows no sign of tiring just yet."
Peter Stevenson - Music Maker
Magazine.
"RENDEZVOUS"
"Beaujangle Recordings, West
Midlands-based vocalist, guitarist and comedian Bev
Pegg's own label has been releasing albums for over 40
years now, and Pegg himself has been making music for
even longer. This 2012 release, an eclectic 17-track
effort and the 42nd on the label, blends, if not a
little loosely at times, layers of jazz, country,
bluegrass and rock 'n' roll with anecdotal tales. All 17
songs on the album offer somewhat of an insight into
Bev's musical tendencies and career, being the frontman
of several genre-specific bands; Bev Pegg and his Good
Time Jazz Gang, and Bev Pegg and his Cowboy Band being
just two of them. "Rendezvous", "A Little Bit of Country
Music" and "House On The Brow Of The Hill", three of ten
self-penned songs, are all country, rocking and rolling
numbers, each carrying their infectious melodies and
quirkily written hooks well. There's even a few "old
favourites" embedded in the album too; seven in fact
from a country-fused rendition of Gerry Rafferty's
"Didn't I?" to the southern-binding "Apache". A haunting
interpretation of Lesley Duncan's "Love Song", with
Bev's dry vocals and gentle harmonies at the helm,
creates an enchanting listen, whilst the interlude
blue-jazz "Sweet Georgia Brown" gets the old foot
tapping.
There's a lot to get your teeth into with this package,
and what's more; Bev released a further two albums since
its release. The fact that he's in his 70s and still
making decent music, and doing it well is utterly
admirable, and it's this maturity, particularly in his
voice, that gives the album its distinguished edge. If
you like a slightly unpolished and quirky, but
nevertheless eclectic sound then Pegg could be your man.
We look forward to the next ones Bev!"
Emily Saxton
Maverick Magazine
June 2014
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
"Country Field"
Country Field is Bevs 2011
release on Beaujangle DB0033 CD
A selection of
various country style songs, many of which are original
Bev Pegg compositions.
Musicians: Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass
guitar/mandolin/percussion /harmonica/keyboard, Harry
Rowlands-bass guitar, Ken Wright-drums, Hannah
McCormack-backing vocals, Matt Cox-piano,
Maurice Hipkiss-pedal steel guitar/dobro, Pete
Hartley-violin.
Tracks listing: Goin To The Country Dance
Tonight / Im Still Rockin /
A Poor Boys Lament / Hot Rod Telecaster / Sad
Sweet Mary Ann /
Im My Own Grandpa / Ill Be Ever By Your Side /
Im Observin you / Good Friends Together / Youre In My
Mind / There Aint Nothin Else / Stefanie / Song Of The
Soch / Guitar Boogie / Still Got That Broken Heart / Old
Jacks Band / I Just Want Things To Be Like Before /
Quick Off The Mark . / Yearning (Just For You).
"Country
Field"
was reviewed and given a 5-star rating by "Maverick
Magazine" in their October 2011 issue: "If you've not
heard of Bev before, you're in for a treat. Based in
the UK's Black Country, Bev Pegg is able to perform a
wide variety of styles ranging from jazz and skiffle
to rock 'n' roll. Supported by his superb band,
together they turn their hands to country and excel
with each and every one of these nineteen tunes,
fifteen of which were penned by Bev. With
so many fine examples to choose from, it is difficult
to find the best track, but if this had to be done it
would be Good Friends Together. Just like
its title suggests, this is one to sing along to with
a couple of pals with the introduction of the
harmonica adding further quality to this tune. Bev and
his band are also more than capable of releasing
tracks that can get couples on the dance floor whilst
gazing wistfully into each other's eyes. A
Poor Boy's Lament is simply brilliant
especially when the quality of the fiddle allows for a
bona-fide great song to feature on this genuinely
excellent album. Country rockabilly tracks are also
scattered around the record, which includes Hot
Rod Telecaster. The guitar skills demonstrated
by Bev on this instrumental are quite awesome and acts
as a benchmark for how a guitar can sound if played
skilfully. Bev is a prolific songwriter and performer.
It would be quite incredible to see this material
being performed in the flesh. That would be a sight
many wouldn't forget in a hurry." - Russell Hill -
Maverick Magazine and Express FM Radio Presenter.
Come Along Boys And Listen To My Tale is Bevs 2009
release on Beaujangle DB0023 CD
Bev Pegg plus musicians from his
Cowboy Band play a collection of popular country
classics." Musicians: Maurice Hipkiss-pedal steel
guitar/dobro/violin, Pete Hartley-violin, Pete
Boddis-mandolin/backing vocals, Harry Rowlands-bass
guitar/backing vocals, Ken Wright-drums, Bev
Pegg-vocal/guitar/mandolin/banjo.
Tracks: San Antonio Rose / Anytime
/ Truck Driving Man / Uncle Pen / You Win Again / No
Longer A Sweetheart Of Mine / City Of New Orleans /
Orange Blossom Special / Bonapartes Retreat / Singin
The Blues / Mountain Dew / How Come My Dog Dont Bark?
/Alabama Jubilee / Cripple Creek / Route 66 / The Old
Chisholm Trail.
Come Along Boys An' Listen To My
Tale" was reviewed in the January 2010 issue of
"Maverick" magazine as follows:
"Harking back to the great days of
country music by including some fine covers with many
surpassing the originals.
A West Midlands native but sings
as though he's actually from Texas or Nashville, Bev
Pegg is something special. Bev's six-man band was only
formed in 2008 but what a sound they have been able to
create in such a short space of time. The album
containing covers of some of the truly great songs in
country music, their attempts certainly are commendable
and certainly worth a dance or two with a loved one.
Mountain Dew has to be the finest of the
sixteen tracks. With a quality opening beat that seems
to run through the tune's duration, I'm sure that this
has been played to energetic efforts by both band and
crowd in countless large and small venues due to how
good it is. The traditional Cripple Creek has
an authentic sound about it which I'm sure die-hard fans
of this great style of music would appreciate and
probably include it in their list of top renditions as,
just like Mountain Dew is just so outrageously good.
Even Hank Williams You Win
Again is included on the album and a version
which I'm sure ol' Hank wouldn't object to hearing. With
some mighty sweet pedal steel playing and vocals that
certainly give credit to Hank, this song has the
ability to transport you to one of Nashville's honky
tonks due to its authentic sound. Only the most talented
need apply when attempting to play Orange
Blossom Special, and in the example of this band
they can certainly count themselves in this musical
camp. The highest of plaudits must go to the violinist
Pete Hartley, as his playing is just marvellous. A
faster version than many, this merely adds to the
frenetic quality laid down by its creator Ervin T. Rouse
who I'm sure feels very proud that his tune is still
being played at this level over seventy years since
composing it.
A lengthy album it may be due to
it consisting of sixteen tracks, this extensive playtime
is by no means a negative aspect as each and every song
finds themselves ending up just as good as each other.
An awesome album to say the least performed by a band
who are simply outstanding." - R.H. - "Maverick"
magazine - January 2010.
All Sorts Of Stuff is Bevs 2013 release on
Beaujangle DB0022/2 CD
A wide variety of music styles frequently performed by
Bev either as a solo act or with his band, including 6
self-penned songs of Bev's. This CD was originally
released in April 2008; however, Bev was never totally
happy with the mix, consequently the whole album has
been re-recorded and re-released in July 2013.
Tracks Listing: The Promised Land / God Help Me / It
Don't Bother Me That Much / Swing 42 / Biding My Time In
Worcestershire / It's So Easy / Wasn't Born To Follow /
Walk On By / You Never Can Tell / Just Be Friends /
Dancing Girl / The Cradley Heath Song / Lady, Oh Lady /
You Tell Me Your Dreams / It Doesn't Matter Anymore /
Diana / Angelina Don't Go Out Tonight / Lucille / Take
Me Home Country Roads / Guitar Man.
Musicians: Maurice Hipkiss-pedal
steel guitar, Dutch Lewis-saxophones, Ken Freeman-piano,
Harry Rowlands-bass guitar/vocals, Ken Wright-drums,
Kate Pegg-backing vocal, Bev
Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass/mandolin/banjo/keyboard/harmonica/percussion.
The original version of "All Sort
Of Stuff" was reviewed in the March 2011 edition of
"Maverick" magazine as follows:
"Versatile Bev gives it all he's
got. Based in the West Midlands in the UK, Bev not only
concentrates his extraordinary talent just on one genre
but several. Country has been covered in many of his
previous records and here Bev is found in a rock and
roll mood which, defines his ability to make his
audience shake a tail feather.
The album contains an astonishing
twenty-one songs and all are absolute crackers. Walk
On By is always a crowd favourite and I can
see this going down an absolute storm in his frequent
gigs. Also, highly enjoyable and creditable is Buddy
Holly's It's So Easy. A bona fide classic,
it is covered extremely well here with Bev's lead guitar
so impressive that you can see this track influencing
up-and-coming musicians.
Bev Pegg is an artist I highly
recommend to anybody who likes their music performed by
someone who is obviously skilful in doing so - I hope to
catch him live in the not-too-distant future." - Russell
Hill - "Maverick" magazine - March issue 2011.
All Aboard is Bev Pegg and his
Railroad Skiffle Groups 2007 release on Beaujangle
DB0017 CD
Authentic USA
skiffle / folk / blues songs dating right back
to the 1850s.
Tracks: Midnight
Special / How Can You Keep On Movin' / I'm Alabama Bound
/ Greenback Dollar / In The Pines / I Shall Not Be Moved
/ How Long Blues / Bring A Little Water Sylvie / Hard
Times, Come Again No More / I'm Troubled / Lost John /
Freight Train / Down By The Riverside / See See Rider /
The Covered Wagon Rolled Right Along / I Wanna Go Home /
My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night.
Musicians: Bev
Pegg-vocal/guitar/mandolin/banjo, Paul Degville-guitar,
Harry Rowlands-bass guitar/vocal, Ken
Wright-drums/vocal, Pete Hartley-violin, Big Jim
Merris-harmonica.
This album was reviewed
in "The Musician" magazine, Autumn 2007:
"Eighteen wonderful cuts
of skiffle, jug band and rent party music from Bev and
his three-man group, who are supported by violinist
Pete Hartley and the blues harp of Big Jim Merris.
From Midnight Special to My Old Kentucky Home
Goodnight, this compilation is simply marvellous and a
reminder of why skiffle was so influential in the
1950s. More!"
"Mrs. Rosalind Campbell-Smythe
Cordially Invites You To Her Party."
"Mrs. Rosalind Campbell-Smythe Cordially Invites You To
Her Party." is Bev Pegg and his Good Time Jazz Gangs
2004 release on Beaujangle DB0015. CD
1920s & 30s Classic Jazz Influence.
Tracks: The Darktown Strutter's
Ball / Lazy River / Louisiana / Someday Sweetheart /
Mississippi Mud / It Had To Be You / Miss Annabelle Lee
/ Please / Keep Young And Beautiful / I Wish I Could
Shimmy Like My Sister Kate / Yes Sir, That's My Baby /
You Took Advantage Of Me / When It's Sleepy Time Down
South / Dinah.
Musicians: Bev
Pegg-vocal/guitar/banjo, John Burnett-trumpet, Norman
Field-clarinet/saxophone/whistle, Derek
Halford-trombone, Roger Heeley-piano, Len
Thwaites-double bass, Ken Wright-drums.
Music Maker Magazine Review of "
Miss Rosalind Campbell-Smythe Cordially Invites You To
Her Party" Album:
"Banjo, vocal introduction to "The
Darktown Strutter's Ball" an old jazz favourite that my
dad, Alan Breeze used to sing with the Billy Cotton Band
show. This set is firmly rooted in the '20s jazz era
which was reflected later in the '50s by BBC Light
Programme, where I spent much of my childhood watching
my dad record Radio and TV shows. "Lazy River" is a
classic Hoagy Carmichael song that the wonderful Bobby
Darin had such a big hit with. Very relaxed presentation
of the song, which leads into "Louisiana", followed by
"Someday Sweetheart" with a clear piano introduction and
Bev Pegg's easy style of delivery in his vocal
presentation. These are sentiments and lyrics from a
different era that we have sadly exchanged in modern
times for far less coherent offerings. There are a host
of other songs and tunes from an earlier age including
Walter Donaldson's and Gus Kahn's "Yes Sir, That's My
Baby", a track that I'm sure BBC Radio stalwart Desmond
Carrington would add to his playlist. Paul Whiteman's
Orchestra were the first to record "Mississippi Mud" in
the '20s and ironically enough I have a copy of that
band's original wage sheet from the period, which I will
feature in a later article. It will be somewhat of an
eye opener regarding fees that they were paid. Bev and
the band cover the evergreen Rogers and Hart's "You Took
Advantage Of Me" in a mid swing tempo and then play ably
through the penultimate track "Sleepy Time Down South".
"Dinah" is the final offering on this 14 track CD and
heralds the end of a very enjoyable set that takes one
back to earlier times and very fond memories. Its
strange reviewing this CD at this time, as I am writing
a book on my father Alan Breeze and his life with Bill
Cotton's Band and our family. Granada TV are supposed to
be making a film about the Cottons (father and son)
later this year and I am informed that one of the UKs
best actors Timothy Spall (Auf Weidersein Pet, Stir
Crazy, Sweeny Todd) will be playing my father. As a
conclusion I have to congratulate all the musicians
involved who are, Bev Pegg (vocals and guitar), John
Burnett (trumpet), Norman Field Clarinet and saxophone),
Roger Heeley (piano), Len Thwaites (double bass), Ken
Wright (drums) and Derek Halford (trombone). All of
these musicians are highly rated in the profession for
their individual abilities and are equally at home using
their talents in a group formation. The sessions were
recorded at Beaujangle Studios in Worcestershire with
both musical arrangements and production by Bev
Pegg. - Michele Breeze - Music Maker Magazine.
March/April 2009
Seascape Cottage is Bevs 2003 release on Beaujangle
DB0013. CD
Original songs with Country / Bluegrass influence.
Tracks: Seascape Cottage / Fifties
America / Jonesy In Trouble / Summer In Grafton Street /
I Ain't Sure / Halesowen '57 / Strictly Business / Oh
Annie / The Wednesday Singles Night Dance / Nearly As
Good / Girl On A Boat / Mother Of The Bride / Still
Water / On The River At Henley / Broad Street Blues /
Gran'pa's Truck / Come And See Us Again / Finally
Settled Down / Sweet Farewell.
Musicians: All vocals and
instrumental work by Bev Pegg.
Music Maker Magazine Review of
"Seascape Cottage" Album. March / April 2009:
"Whilst Bev's name is vaguely
familiar, I can't ever recall receiving one of his
albums - and what a treat I've missed until now.
The casual listener might be forgiven for thinking that
many of these songs are previously un-released Ramblin'
Jack Elliott tracks - but they are all Pegg
originals, with the single exception of "Sweet Farewell"
which he adapted from John Grigg's original. Bev is a
man of many talents and able to sing with a convincing
American talking-blues or bluegrass "twang", but then
reverting to his native Midlands accent for folksy items
like "Strictly Business" and "Halesowen '57". Pegg is a
very able acoustic guitarist, gifted songwriter,
comedian and all-round musical entertainer and his wry
sense of humour surfaces from time to time, making this
19-track album a thoroughly entertaining experience. I
loved his take on Ramblin' Jack with the engaging title
track and was convinced of a genuine American pedigree;
how wrong I was. Pegg is simply extremely adept at
switching dialects and I'd love to hear him in a live
situation. It's never easy to create a full collection
of nineteen songs using just a solo acoustic for
accompaniment but Pegg pulls it off superbly. A subtle
bass does creep in on occasions but this is primarily
one man and his guitar singing and picking his socks
off. I adored his tongue-in-cheek "Nearly As Good" with
its references to Howard Keel, Johnny Cash, Roger
Daltrey, Rick Nelson and Frank Sinatra. Clever stuff.
Another favourite of mine is "Girl On A Boat" and Bev's
picking is superb - but it gets better on
"Gran'pa's Truck". This is pure nostalgia for an old
American pick-up truck and his lyrical pace and delivery
reminded me somewhat of the late Jerry Reed. A final
bonus point for me is the inner sleeve colour shot of
the splendid 1951 Cadillac. Highly recommended for many
reasons. Bryan Chalker Music Maker Magazine.
March/April 2009
Maverick Magazine review of
"Seascape Cottage" February 2011:
Those who have yet to discover Bev
for themselves are in for a treat. Hailing from the UK's
Black Country and having released countless numbers of
records that cover country, pop, jazz and skiffle, the
multi-talented Bev Pegg is an artist who seems to have
everything going for him. With the exception of one, all
of the songs on this album were written by Bev himself
and each demonstrate an artist at ease with himself and
the talent which he has. The result is a cracking
album that covers several styles from folk to country.
"Come And See Us Again" sees Bev demonstrating his
vocals extremely well and the picking ability he
possesses is something to simply stand and marvel at.
This sublime quality is also found on "I Aint Sure".
With a catchy chorus to it, this tune's tongue-in-cheek
sound should make the listener raise a smile on more
than one occasion as well as wanting to sing along.
Having performed alongside Robert Plant on many
occasions, the respect which Bev has gained from this
other legendary figure and many other established
figures shows that Bev is no flash in the pan, and has
musical longevity that the participants in any reality
show should be envious of. - Russell Hill - Maverick
Magazine - February 2011.
String Jazz is Bevs 2002 release on Beaujangle
DB0012. CD
"String Jazz" - Bev Pegg & his Gang of Two - 1920s
& 30s jazz in acoustic style
Tracks: That's My Weakness Now / Just One More Chance /
Make Me A Pallet On The Floor / Mill Street Rag /
Mean To Me / I'm Going To Give It To Mary With Love /
Tea For Two / Nobody Knows When You're Down And Out /
Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone / Ain't Gonna
Give Nobody None Of My Jelly Roll / Woodchester Rag / I
Would Do Anything For You / Trouble In Mind / Singin' In
The Rain / All The Things You Are / Shine / Frankie And
Johnny / Twenty Four Robbers.
Musicians: Bev
Pegg-guitar/vocal, Steve Bennett-rhythm guitar, Mike
Homer-bass.
Take Your Fingers Off It is Bev Pegg and his Good Time
Jazz Gangs first album on the PEK Label recorded in
1997. PKC-077 Cassette & CD.
1910s, 20s & 30s classic jazz standards.
Tracks: Take Your Fingers Off It /
I'm Confessin' / After You've Gone / Baby Wont You
Please Come Home? / Sweet Georgia Brown / Send Me To The
Electric Chair / Alexander's Ragtime Band / Until The
Real Thing Comes Along / San Francisco Bay Blues / Sweet
Lorraine / Doctor Jazz / Everybody Loves My Baby.
Musicians: Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar,
Gordon Whitworth-trumpet, Rick Vaughan-clarinet, Derek
Halford-trombone, Zoltan Sagi-tenor saxophone, Ken
Freeman-piano, Len Thwaites-double bass, Tony
Caldicott-drums
The "Jazz Rag" review of this album published in January
1998:
Yes, sixty minutes of instant sunshine! Bev
Pegg, that irrepressible enthusiast for, performer and
supporter of all that lovely music which bears no
specific date, just simply gets on with it, respects the
classic roots of the idiom and, as Ive just hinted,
gets well and truly involved with the essentials and
traditions.
The octet which Bev has assembled for this
session has been knowledgeably recruited from that
impressive coterie of Midlands mainstreamers
which has, over a period of some years, performed with
dedication and instrumental brilliance on what I
perceive as the jam session scene. Therefore, it seems
desirable to identify the protagonists by name so here
goes! Gordon Whitworth (trumpet), Rick Vaughan
(clarinet), Derek Halford (trombone), Zoltan Sagi (tenor
sax), Ken Freeman (piano), Bev Pegg (guitar and vocals),
Len Thwaites (double bass) and Tony Caldicott (drums).
And what is quite revealing about the standards of
musicianship displayed, the whole 12-item collection was
recorded on one day, the 3rd of May this
year, in just four-and-a-half hours of concentrated
jamming. Good Time Jazz really says it all happy
sounding, confident, entirely professional music-making.
I just love the melodious sound and controlled fury this
splendid 8-piece generates; Gordons incisive and
decisive leads, agile solos; Ricks fluid and fluent
clarinet; Dereks majestic trombone; Zoltans
exquisitely lyrical tenor sax; Kens dynamic, percussive
piano; leader Bevs fine guitar, both rhythm and solo,
plus his relaxed and joyful vocals well featured; then
Lens accurate propulsive bass and, finally, Tonys
ever-swinging and tasteful drumming.
This outstanding hour of light-hearted,
polished jazz is well worthy of investment, sure is!
Well done, gentlemen well done indeed!
Ken Rattenbury - "The Jazz Rag"
"In 1997 Bev Pegg plucked seven top-notch musicians from
the rich vein residing in the Midlands to join him,
initially for a one-off recording session. In just under
5 hours this pick-up band, albeit carefully selected,
had recorded 12 tracks on "Take Your Fingers Off It",
liked what they'd achieved and decided to form a
permanent band - the birth of the Good Time Jazz Gang.
It goes almost without saying that the ensemble playing
produced by these fine musicians, who obviously enjoyed
themselves and had a good time, is impeccable on each
and every track.
Each member also contributes great solos throughout this
swinging session and leader Bev Pegg treats the listener
to both his wonderful guitar playing and inimitable
vocals.
If you haven't got "Take Your Fingers Off It" in your
collection, it's worth the effort to get one."
"The Foundry
Ditty & The Industrial Air" is Bevs 1980 release on
the Beaujangle label DB0008 LP & CD
Original
Industrial Folk Songs LP deleted but some stock
available. Now re-released on CD.
Tracks: The
Ironmaster's Prayer / When We Went To Clent / Halesowen
'57 / The Incomparable Foundry Air / Tittlebally Bonk /
A Cradley Jack Of All Trades / Humphrey Hardfeature's
Description Of Cast Iron Inventions / A Four Pound Rise
/ Cradley Boys And Worcester Girls / A Precarious Trade
/ Oh For An Alvis Limousine / The Vanishing Trick. -
Musicians: Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass
guitar/mandolin/banjo/dobro/ bazooki/harmonium/drums,
Pete Burkes-drums, Harry Rowlands-bass guitar, Vicki
& Kate Pegg backing vocals.
Other albums on the Beaujangle
& associated labels that have either limited stock,
or are obsolete are as follows:
"The Bev Pegg Band Live Gigs 1992-1995"
DB 0012/Cassette - Beaujangle - 1993 - "The Bev Pegg
Band - Live Gigs - 1992 to 1995". - Rock 'n' Roll - Some
cassette stock available.
Tracks: Lucille / Great Balls Of Fire / Learning The
Game / Tequila / Running Bear / Sweet Little Sixteen /
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow / Rock A While / Long
Tall Sally.
Musicians: Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar, Ken Wright-drums,
Harry Rowlands-bass guitar/vocal, Terry
Clarke-guitar/vocal, Brian Godwin-keyboard/vocal, Cliff
Williams-saxophone, Dutch Lewis-saxophone, Kate
Pegg-vocal, Patsy Aston-vocal, Angela Daniels-vocal,
Jill Hughes-vocal.
DB0011 / Cassette (now a few on CD) - 1993 - "Let's Pass
An Hour Away" by Bev Pegg - Original songs - Pop/Folk
etc.
"Let's Pass An Hour Away" by Bev Pegg
Tracks: Let's Pass An Hour Away / Biding My Time In
Worcestershire / Angelina, Don't Go Out Tonight / Lady
Lucy / A Smile For Yesterday / Tea At The Ritz / Did You
Like The Battle Sir? / A Well Bred Man / When The Magic
Has Gone / Donald McLintock's Guitar / Pals / For You My
Love A Red Rose / Princess Of The Night Time / Survivors
/ Thanks For The Good Times.
Musicians: All vocal & instrumental work by Bev
Pegg.
DB0007/LP (Several copies on CD currently available) -
1978 - "Nostalgia Is A Thing Of The Past" - Bev Pegg and
his Goin' Nowhere Band - Original songs - Folk / Country
Rock etc.
"Nostalgia Is A Thing Of The Past"
- Bev Pegg and his Goin' Nowhere Band
Tracks (Side 1): Rock 'n' Roll Teddy Boy / We Ain't Goin
Nowhere / Sad Sweet Mary Ann / Dancing Girl / Nostalgia
Is A Thing Of The Past / Song Of The Soch / (Side 2)
"The Royal Show" - Hail Fellow / How Dare A Maiden Treat
Me So / You Don't Know What You're Missing / So I'll Get
My Mates / Awake Ye All / The Royal Show / It Rained For
An Hour / No Longer There / Hail Fellow (Finale)
Musicians: Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass guitar/mandolin,
Dave Pountney-piano/glockenspiel/harmonium, John
Richards-guitar/vocal, Paul Mackreath-drums/vocal, Gary
Tolley-guitar/vocal/narration, Maurice Turner-tenor
saxophone, Maurice Hipkiss-pedal steel guitar, Kate
Binnion-vocal, Annie Norris-vocal, Vicki Pegg-Katie
Pegg-Katherine Johnson & Victoria Johnson-childrens
voices.
DB0006/LP (Several copies currently on CD and available)
- 1975 - "Away From The Sand" - Bev Pegg & Friends
including John Richards, Duncan Swift, Dave Cartwright
etc. - Original songs - Pop.
"Away From The Sand" - Bev
Pegg & Friends
Tracks: Away From The Sand / Hathaway Green / Camera Boy
/ Mr. Big Time / The Man With The Mask / Mr. Moonlight,
Help Me On My Way / Trampoline Girl / Dandy / Hired
Assassin / Afternoon Tea / Hay Fever.
Musicians: Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass
guitar/mandolin/tambourine/harmonica/bass
harmonica/organ/drums, John
Richards-guitar/vocal/harmonica, Dave
Cartwright-guitar/Duncan Swift-piano, Norman
Nankervis-violin, Linda Thompson-violin, Ken
Wright-drums/vocal, Paul Mackreath-drums/vocal, Paul
Davenport-electric piano, Maurice Hipkiss-pedal steel
guitar, Derek Thomas-guitar, Gary Tolley-guitar/vocal,
Ray Shakeshaft-organ, Dave Pountney-organ, Harry
Rowlands-organ, Kate Binnion-backing vocal, Linda
Evans-backing vocal, Rosemary Todd-backing vocal, Annie
Norris-backing vocal.
DB0005 / LP (Copied to CD) - Bev Pegg and Friends -
"Kinver Studio Recordings 1968-69"
Bev Pegg and Friends - "Kinver
Studio Recordings 1968-69"
Tracks: Can't Buy Me Love / To Love Somebody / Do I
Still Figure In Your Life? / Wishin' And Hopin' / We Can
Work It Out / The Mighty Quinn / You Can't Do That /
Wonderful World / Walk Right In / Did You Ever Have To
Make Up Your Mind? / Three Words / You've Just Gone And
Got Married / Just Ask Your Heart / Sad World.
Musicians: Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass guitar/drums,
Clifford T Ward-vocal, Dave Cartwright-vocal/guitar, Ken
Wright-drums/vocal, Terry Clarke-bass guitar/vocal, Paul
Turner-bass guitar, Pete Burkes-drums, Di Spain-backing
vocal, Angela Turner-backing vocal.
DB0004/LP (Copied to CD) - 1968 - "Front Room Jazz" -
Bev Pegg & guest musicians in Hot Club of France
Mode.
Tracks: Sweet Georgia Brown / Out Of Nowhere / Sweet
Lorraine / Rosetta / Ida, Sweet As Apple Cider / Lady Be
Good / Running Wild / Wildcat Blues / Avalon / Rose Room
/ Emaline / Nobody's Sweetheart.
Musicians: Bev Pegg-guitar/bass, Norman
Nankervis-violin, Joe Lees-clarinet, Rick
Vaughan-clarinet.
DB003/LP - 1968 - "Ken Rattenbury and his Band plus Bill
Rank (ex - Paul Whiteman trombonist)" - Dixieland Jazz -
(Copied to CD)
Tracks: At The Jazz Band Ball / Jazz Me Blues / I Can't
Give You Anything But Love, Baby / Blues In Bb / Someday
Sweetheart / Limehouse Blues / I Can't Give You Anything
But Love, Baby (2) / Jumpin' At The Woodside.
Musicians: ken Rattenbury-trumpet/piano, Bill
Rank-trombone / Derek Halford-trombone, Joe
Lees-clarinet/tenor saxophone, Harry Hadley-double bass,
Bev Pegg-guitar, Stan Tinkler-piano, Les Handley-drums.
DB0002/LP (Copied to CD) - 1973 -
"Village Music by Brindley Brae" featuring Bev Pegg
& John Richards. - Folk / Pop.
Tracks: Dandy / Tom Harrison's Bird / Goodnight Song /
Mr. Bounty Hunter / June / Did You Like The Battle Sir?
/Turned Down Blues / Where Did I Go Wrong? / Come Along
/ The Hen's March-Spanish Lady.
Musicians: Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass guitar/harmonica,
John Richards-vocal/guitar/banjo, Harry Rowlands-bass
guitar/vocal, Paul Davenport-electric piano/organ, Mike
Tinsley-mandolin/vocal/guitar/whistle, Mike Elms-backing
vocal, Judy Elms-backing vocal, Alan Reynolds-guitar,
Norman Nankervis-violin, Kate Mulraney-vocal, Joe
Fellows-bongos/vocal, John Rose-violin.
DB0001/LP (Copied to CD and re-released) - 1970 -
"Middle Of The Road" featuring Dave Cartwright. -
Original Songs - Folk / Pop.
Tracks: Middle Of The Road / Sweet Angeline / When
Summer Comes To Susan / Friends and Fools / Weekend /
Miss Never Know How You Feel / Maggie My Dear /
Nottingham Town / Song To Joanie / Peaceful Mind / Come
Along Girl / I Can Move So Sad.
Musicians: Dave Cartwright-vocal/guitar, Bev
Pegg-guitar/bass guitar/backing vocals, Paul
Davenport-electric piano/backing vocals, Ken
Wright-drums/backing vocals, Paul Mackreath-drums, Pete
Burkes-drums/backing vocals, Terry Clarke-backing
vocals, Kate Mulraney-backing vocals, Annie
Norris-backing vocals, Jan Lawson-backing vocals,
At last a CD version of this much sought after LP. This
is the initial album recorded by Dave Cartwright at
Bev's small studio in Kinver of which 99 albums were
released in 1970 (above 99 and you had to pay purchase
tax back in those days). Following on from this album,
Dave Cartwright was signed to the Transatlantic Label
which resulted in four excellent album releases. The
serial number DB0001 indicates that this was the first
ever release from the Beaujangle Studio. The original
sleeve, plus details from the separate inner sleeve have
been incorporated in this new CD with its 8-page sleeve
notes. There is a comprehensive track listing of who
plays what instrument on each song.