The 13th Annual Hagley Charity Jazz Gig! - 13.11.10

This annual fund raising event is taking place at Hagley Community Centre, near Stourbridge on Saturday 13th November 2010. Tickets will be on sale from August 2010 and will include fish and chip supper. Tickets can be obtained on 01384 394402. The event is organised by The Rotary Club of Stourbridge and funds will go to a principal charity to be decided upon and other Rotary Charities. The band will comprise of a selection of the finest jazz stars in the UK: Tony Pipkin - trumpet, Norman Field - clarinet / saxes, Martin Veasey - trombone, Roger Heeley - piano, Len Thwaites - double bass, Ken Wright - drums, and Bev Pegg - vocal / guitar / banjo. Advance booking is essential. The event sells out every year. The 2009 event sold out 5 weeks before the night. Please book early to avoid disappointment. //

Bev Pegg & his Cowboy Band at Hagley - 19.5.10

The Rotary Club of Stourbridge hosted and organised the third Annual Country & Western Charity Gig at Hagley Community Centre featuring Bev Pegg and his Cowboy Band on Wednesday evening 19th May 2010. All tickets were sold out three weeks in advance. The band played a wide variety of popular country music songs including their most requested "Orange Blossom Special" played at 100 mph together with lots of laughs for the crowd. The usual 6-piece band comprising of Maurice Hipkiss - pedal steel guitar / dobro / violin, Pete Hartley - violin / mandolin, Pete Boddis - guitar / banjo / mandolin / vocal, Harry Rowlands - bass guitar / vocal, Ken Wright - drums / vocal plus Bev on lead vocal / guitar, were augmented by the guest appearance of superb violinist Salene. Approaching £1,200.00 was raised for The Multiple Sclerosis Society and other Rotary Charities from this event. A few brief videos of "Orange Blossom Special", "Guitar Boogie" and "You Never Can Tell" from this gig were taken from the side of the hall. If anyone wants to have a quick look, just go into You Tube, type in Bev Pegg, and they should be amongst a batch of videos to choose from. It's not exactly MGM quality but it captures the atmosphere.

High Prices paid for Bev's Rare LPs - 30.11.09

During the 1970s, Bev produced several LP records, all recorded in his small studio at Kinver, Staffordshire. The number of pressings varied between 50 and 99. As a result, these albums have become very valuable to dedicated record collectors.

As an example, the first release in 1970 of DB0001, "In The Middle Of The Road" by Dave Cartwright and Friends has recently been sold from one record collector to another for £200.00 Also the 1978 DB0007 album "Nostalgia Is A Thing Of The Past" by Bev Pegg and his Goin' Nowhere Band has changed hands for £150.00! As a contrast, one of Bev's buddies, picked up a copy of the "Middle Of The Road" LP during early November in a charity shop in Stourbridge for about £1.00!  ///

 

Bev and his Cowboy Band on UK Country Radio - 2.10.09

Tracks from Bev Pegg and his Cowboy Band's latest CD "Come Along Boys An' Listen To My Tale", will be played every hour from weekend Friday 2nd October until 8pm on Sunday 4th October 2009. Presenter Allan Watkiss has chosen Bev to be UK Country Radio.com's "Spotlight UK Artist" for that weekend. Bev is also being interviewed on the station to talk about the background of this highly popular album that has proved popular with UK country fans. Every weekday from 6.00pm, presenter Allan Watkiss plays a mix of the best UK Country Music alongside the big names from America. There's news of latest releases from UK artistes plus news of forthcoming country music concerts and events plus the hourly gig guide. Check this great radio station's website at www.UKCountryRadio.com

Bev Pegg & his Railroad Skiffle Group at Upton Jazz Festival - 28.6.09

Following their successful debut at the Upton Jazz Festival 2006, and their repeat performances in 2007 and 2008, Bev and his Railroad Skiffle Group returned again to the festival on 28th June 2009. Their repertoire of songs from the 1920s and 1930s by blues, country and jug band musicians about trains, bank robbery, prison, adultry and murder always give the audience a good time. Bev's shows are always full of meaningful vocals, great humour and high quality instrumental content. Bev's Railroad Skiffle Group included superb guitarist Paul Degville, one of the leading Django Reinhardt style jazz players in the UK. Paul has played with many world famous icons such as Stephan Grappelli, Ruby Braff and Bud Freeman. Bass player Harry Rowlands, will be found mentioned many times on this website. Harry has the knack of playing the right stuff at the right time without any flashy licks that can sometimes detract from the endearing simplicity of many skiffle songs. Harry has been playing alongside Bev for the past 49 years! Drummer Ken Wright makes up this tight four-piece. Ken has been playing alongside Bev since 1961. He has a vast experience in a wide variety of music. For more information about Ken, read other parts of this website. The group's 2007 CD release with this four-piece and also several tracks featuring Bev's larger outfit including superb violinist Pete Hartley plus Midlands favourite Big Jim Merris on harmonica. This CD has had an excellent review in "The Musician" by Keith Ames as follows: Eighteen wonderful cuts of skiffle, jugband 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 Midnoght 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!

Severnside Jazz Club Reunion Night. at Stourport Boat Club - 6.6.09

During the spring of 1961 the Severnside Jazz Club opened at the premises of Stourport Boat Club, Worcestershire. The newly formed resident band was "The Blue Blood Jazzmen" comprising of Frank Rodgers-trumpet, Rick Vaughan-clarinet, Duncan Swift-trombone (there was no piano in the upstairs room of the club), Bev Pegg-guitar / banjo, Eric Harris-double bass, and Alan Jones-drums.

From its opening Saturday night, the club was packed with young people for several years to come. The line-up of The Blue Blood Jazzmen changed gradually from late 1961 with Duncan joining Bill Nile's Delta Jazzmen in 1962. Bev left the band in late 1963 when he joined Ken Rattenbury and his Band. Other members came and went, until the advent of The Beatles, and also the Folk Boom, caused the club to close during 1964. Sadly Rick Vaughan and Duncan Swift are no longer with us, and whilst a one-off reunion night should have been held maybe 15 years ago, Bev decided upon impulse to hold this reunion as soon as possible. As a result, ex-club members and musicians were contacted and within a few weeks, all tickets had gone with people from all over the UK turning up for this wonderful night of nostalgia. Bev's Blue Blood Jazzmen (2009) was made up of members of his current "Good Time Jazz Gang" including both Ken Wright-drums, and Bev, plus Ted Taylor-trumpet, all of whom played at the club in the early 1960s. Norman Field-reeds, Martin Veasey-trombone, stepping in for Barry Phillips who sadly died a mere few weeks before this event, Jon Penn-piano and Len Thwaites-double bass. Various ex-Blue Blood band members were there including Alan Jones-drums, Eric Harris-double bass, John Russell-piano, Pete Burkes-drums, several of whom sat-in with the band as well as Adrian Fendick-piano, Ken Freeman-piano, John Watkins-banjo, Kate Binnion-vocal and "Ollie"-vocal performing his inimitable version of "Ice Cream". Several widows of great musicians who played with the band such as Derek Halford, John Richards, Howard Sheldon, Rick Vaughan were there. Several top musicians such as Gordon Whitworth, John Everett, Jim Shelley, Nick Williams, Martin Williams, George Johnson were unable to make it due to gigs and other commitments etc., however a great night resulted for everyone there. Instead of the hoped for glorious sunshie, it poured with rain, but who cared? The club has a wonderful view overlooking the river, which in the summertime creates a fabulous atmosphere regardless of the weather. People were meeting up with old friends that they hadn't seen for over 45 years. The small dance floor was full, and it was without doubt a night to remember. Margaret Hannaby, who was originally on the door when the club opened in 1961, took on her old job, greeting people as they arrived as if nothing had changed! The surplus funds from the event came to £341.00 which has been donated to the British Heart Foundation.

Bev appearing at The Clifford T. Ward Convention, Sunday 24th September 2006.

"Bev, who was on Clifford T. Ward's first album and first 2 singles, made an appearance at The Clifford T Ward Convention, held at The Gainsborough Hotel, Kidderminster on Sunday 24th September 2006. He was accompanied by Ken Wright on drums who played and toured with Clifford in the 1960s, and was also on his first five albums. Harry Rowlands played bass during the trio's 40 minute set. Rather than perforn CTW songs, they played the pop music of the late 1950s and early 1960s that Clifford used to perform live prior to obtaining his record deal. In between the songs, the crowd were treated to Bev's hilarious anecdotes about family life in the 50s and 60s. Steve Bennett write up.

Rock Icon Plant's impromptu gig - 29.1.05

(Extract from Stourbridge News) Legendary Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant wowed gig-goers when he made an impromptu appearance at Stourbridge Tennis Club. The Rock icon got up on stage at Bev Pegg's concert at the Sugar Loaf Lane club to perform a selection of rock 'n' roll classics. It wasn't the first time the superstar has put in a surprise turn at the club; he pulled the same stunt last year. Plant-who is working on a new album ahead of a world tour later this year- belted out popular hits including Shakin' All Over, Move It, Are You Lonesome Tonight?, Baby Let's Play House, Wha'd I Say?, and One Night, backed by the Bev Pegg Band. And according to members of the crowd, the highlight of his brief set was an emotional rendition of If I Was A Carpenter, backed by the acoustic guitar talents of Bev Pegg. Bev said "Words can't describe how good we feel, being able to back one of the greatest rock singers of all time. He's a genuine, modest, great guy".

Robert Plant sings with The Bev Pegg Band - 31.1.04

When Bev and the band, plus comedian Tommy Mundon performed at Stourbridge Tennis Club on Saturday 31st January 2004, the crowd were treated a surprise guest appearance by ex-Led Zeppelin Rock Legend Robert Plant, who got up and sang with Bev's Band. Robert sang songs such as "If I Were A Carpenter", "Be-Bop-A-Lula", "Wha'd I Say" to an ecstatic reception from the crowd. Kevyn Gammond, "Priory of Brion" guitarist, and big buddy of Robert sat in on guitar and displayed his great instrumental and vocal technique. Robert has made these impromptu appearances with The Bev Pegg Band about six times over the past 10 years. Who knows when the next time will be?

'Bittersweet', The Clifford T. Ward Story by Dave Cartwright -

This wonderful book by Dave Cartwright sold out within months of going to print. It is much sought after today, with a premium price being demanded by sellers. In the book, Dave refers to Ken Wright, who drums with Bev and the band as "An 'A' class drummer, with style, flair, and imagination. One who listens." Dave refers to Bev as follows: "Bev, however is irrepressible. He continues to gig wherever and whenever possible: jazz, folk, joke, rock 'n' roll. As keen and as able as ever, an all-enduring enthusiast. The supreme performer."

Bev Pegg LPs / Cassettes / CDs - Beaujangle Recording Co. - Tel: 01562 883493 - Fax: 01562 883388

DB0001/LP - Harmony Label - 1970 - "Middle Of The Road" featuring Dave Cartwright.- Original songs - Folk / Pop - Deleted - 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/backing vocals, Paul Davenport-electric piano, Drums-Ken Wright / Paul Mackreath / Pete Burkes, bass guitar-Bev Pegg / Terry Clarke, backing vocals-Kate Mulraney/Annie Norris/Jan Lawson/Bev Pegg/Paul Davenport/Pete Burkes/Ken Wright. // Latest News!  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, Staffordshire during 1969/70 from which 99 albums were released in 1971 (above 99, and you had to pay purchase tax in those days! Following on from this album, Dave 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 also a comprehensive track listing of who plays what on each song.Studio.

DB0002/LP - Harmony Label - 1973 - "Village Music" by "Brindley Brae", featuring Bev Pegg, John Richards and others. - Original songs - Folk / Pop - Deleted. 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: John Richards-vocal/guitar/banjo, Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass guitar/harmonica, 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.

DB0003/LP - Harmony Label - 1968 - "Ken Rattenbury and his Band plus Bill Rank (ex- Paul Whiteman trombonist)".- Dixieland Jazz. - Deleted. Tracks: At The Jazz Band Ball / Jazz Me Blues / I Can't Give You Anything But Love / Blues in Bb / Someday Sweetheart / Limehouse Blues / I Can't Give You Anything But Love (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.

DB0004/LP Harmony label - 1968 - "Front Room Jazz" - Bev Pegg & guest musicians in Hot Cub of France mode.- Deleted. 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

DB0005/LP - Harmony label - 1969 -Bev Pegg with various guest musicians inc. Clifford T. Ward & Dave Cartwright - Pop - Deleted. Tracks: Can't Buy Me Love / To Love Somebody / Do I Still Figure In Your Life? / Wishin' An' 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/electric bass/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.

DB0006/LP - Beaujangle label - 1975 - "Away From The Sand" Bev Pegg & friends including John Richards, Duncan Swift, Dave Cartwright etc. - Original songs - Pop - Deleted. 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 / Hayfever. Musicians: Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass guitar/tambourine/mandolin/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.

DB0007/LP - Beaujangle label - 1978 - "Nostalgia Is A Thing Of The Past" - Bev Pegg & His Goin' Nowhere Band - Original songs - Folk / Country Pop - Deleted. Tracks: Rock 'n' Roll Teddy Boy / We Ain't Goin' Nowhere / Sad Sweet Mary Ann / Dancin' Girl / Nostalgia Is A Thing Of The Past / Song Of The Soch / "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/vocal/glockenspiel/harmonium, John Richards-guitar/vocalPaul Mackreath-drums/vocal, Gary Tolley-guitar/vocal/narration, Maurice Turner-tenor saxophone, Maurice Hipkiss-pedal steel guitar, Kate Binnion-backing vocal, Annie Norris-backing vocal, Vicki Pegg, Kate Pegg, Katherine Johnson, Victoria Johnson, Helen Smallman-children's voices.

DB008/LP - Beaujangle label - 1980 - "The Foundry Ditty & The Industrial Air" by Bev Pegg - Original Industrial Folk Songs - 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, backing vocals - Vicki & Kate Pegg.

DB0011/Cassette - Beaujangle label - 1993 - "Let's Pass An Hour Away" by Bev Pegg - Original songs - Pop - Stock available. - 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 and instrumental work by Bev Pegg.

DB0012/Cassette - Beaujangle label - 1995 - "The Bev Pegg Band Live Gigs 1992-1995" - Rock 'n' Roll - 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-piano, Cliff Williams-saxophone, Dutch Lewis-saxophone, Kate Pegg-vocal, Patsy Aston-vocal, Angela Daniels-vocal, Jill Hughes-vocal.

PKC-077 / PKCD-077 Cassette & CDs - PEK label - 1997 - "Take Your Fingers Off It" - Bev Pegg & his Good Time Jazz Gang - Dixieland Jazz - Stock available. 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

DB0012/CD - Beaujangle label - 2002 - "String Jazz" - Bev Pegg & his Gang of Two - 1920s & 30s jazz in acoustic style - Stock available. - 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 Johhny / Twenty Four Robbers. - Musicians: Bev Pegg-guitar/vocal, Steve Bennett-rhythm guitar, Mike Homer-bass.

DB0013/CD - Beaujangle label - 2003 - "Seascape Cottage" by Bev Pegg - Original songs with Country / Bluegrass influence. - Stock available. - 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:

"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 ChalkerMusic Maker Magazine. March/April 2009

DB0015/CD - Beaujangle label - 2004 - "Mrs. Rosalind Campbell-Smythe Cordially Invites You To Her Party." - Bev Pegg & his Good Time Jazz Gang - 1920s & 30s Classic Jazz Influence. Stock now available again after previous sell out. 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 Bandshow. This set is firmly routed 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. It?s 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 UK?s 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

DB0016/CD - Beaujangle label - 2005 - "The Bev Pegg Band" - Late 50s / early 60s American rock 'n' roll standards. Limited stock available. - Tracks: Lucille / More Than I Can Say / Truck Drivin' Man / Great Balls Of Fire / Breaking Up Is Hard To Do / Tequila / Running Bear / Shake Rattle And Roll / Somethin' Else / Sweet Little Sixteen / That'll Be The Day / Summertime Blues / Wonderful World / Johnny B. Goode / My Babe / Sea Cruise / Goodnight Irene.  Musicians: Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar, Brian Godwin-piano/vocal, Harry Rowlands-bass guitar/vocal, Ken Wright-drums/vocal, Cliff Williams-tenor saxophone.

DB0017/CD - Beaujangle label - 2007 - "All Aboard" - Bev Pegg and his Railroad Skiffle Group - Authentic USA skiffle / folk / blues songs dating right back to the 1850s. Released May 2007. Stock available. - 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.

DB0022/CD - Beaujangle Label - 2008 - "All Sorts Of Stuff" from Bev Pegg. 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. Released April 2008. Stock Available - Tracks: The Promised Land / Take Me Home Country Roads / It Don't Bother Me That Much / Swing 42 / Biding My Time In Worcestershire / It's So Easy / Walk On By / You Never Can Tell / Just Be Friends / Wasn't Born To Follow / Dancing Girl / Lady, Oh Lady / You Tell Me Your Dreams / The Cradley Heath Song / Angelina Don't Go Out Tonight / God Help Me / It Doesn't Matter Anymore / Diana / American Pie / Lucille / Guitar Man. Musicians: Maurice Hipkiss-pedal steel guitar, Dutch Lewis-baritone/tenor/alto saxes, Nick Blunn-piano, Kate Pegg-backing vocal, Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar/bass/mandolin/banjo/keyboard/harmonica/percussion.

DB0023/CD - Beaujangle Label - 2009 - "Come Along Boys An' Listen To My Tale" - Bev Pegg plus musicians from his Cowboy Band. A collection of popular country classic songs performed by Bev and his bunch of superbly talented guys. Released: April 2009. Stock Available.- 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 / Bonaparte's Retreat / Singin' The Blues / Mountain Dew / How Come My Dog Don't Bark / Alabama Jubilee / Cripple Creek / Route 66 / The Old Chisholm Trail. Musicians: Maurice Hipkiss-pedal steel guitar/dobro/violin, Pete Hartley-violin, Pete Boddis-mandolin/backing vocal, Harry Rowlands-bass guitar/backing vocal, Ken Wright-drums, Bev Pegg-vocal/guitar/mandolin/banjo. 

All recent CDs - £10, cassettes - £5 & p&p from Beaujangle Recordings, 12, Woodchester, Hagley, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 0NF.

Copies of rare recordings are confirmed on an individual basis

Sporting Activity

Alongside Bev's musical and business activities is his sporting life. During his late teens and early twenties, he played soccer in the Birmingham AFA League. // Taking up tennis during his late twenties, he represented and later captained Stourbridge Lawn Tennis and Squash Club playing in the top division of the Hereford and Worcestershire League. He was runner up in the Hereford and Worcester Over 45 Tennis County Championships in 1986. He represented the County during the late 1990s in the Over 55 Team. He won the Hagley Tennis Club title at the ripe old age of 58, beating the 19 year old favourite! // He captained Hagley Squash Club in the Hereford and Worcester Squash League, winning several club awards during the 1970s and 80s. He narrowly lost to the ultimate winner of the title, in the 1986 Hereford and Worcester County Squash Championships. // Bev ran the marathon in 1986 in the time of 3 hours 54 minutes. // In May 2007 at the National Racketball Championships, Bev beat the reigning over 65s Champion Tony Thomas in a quarter final that lasted one hour eight minutes. Unfortunately he had to play the semi final just two hours later against Chris Isaacs who beat Bev and went on to win the tournament. In the May 2008 National Championships, Bev again beat Tony Thomas, only to lose to John Shingler in the semi final. John Shingler went on to become the current National Champion. // Bev won the over 65s Hereford and Worcestershire County Tennis Singles Championship on 20th September 2008 at Manor Park Tennis Club, Malvern. The tournament was based on a "one-set shoot out" round robin system with each player playing about four 1-set matches during the day. Bev beat Andrew Saunders 6-3 in the final to take the title. // In the May 2009 National Racketball Championships, Bev was once again losing semi-finalist to John Shingler. // Bev won the over 60s Worcestershire County Racketball Championship at Redditch on 28th March 2010, beating John Bromley 3-0 in the final. // Bev entered the 2010 over 65's National Racketball Championships during May. For the fourth year running, he lost in the semi-final. This time to John Houghton who was the eventual winner of the championship. Bev did take a step forward however, beating ex-champion John Shingler in the play-off for third place 3-0 (11-2, 11-2, 11-4). //