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The Old Grey Whistle Test

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This was a very popular BBC2 television music show that ran from 1971 to 1987. It was the British version of North American’s Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert show … or is it the other way around? It first went on air in September 1971 and lasted for 16 years. The final show was broadcast on Dec. 01, 1987.

I just happened to run into this gem of an old show while researching my post about Allan Holdsworth on this blog.

… a ‘tin pan alley’ phrase from years ago. When they got the first pressing of a record they would play it to people they called the old greys [doormen in grey suits] . The ones they could remember and could whistle having heard it just once or twice had passed the old grey whistle test. The meaning behind the name

To say that it became one of the most influential music shows for a generation would be an under statement.

This show had everything you wanted in a 1970’s – 1980’s Rock & Roll variety show! I’ve never seen this show, but maybe that was because I live on another continent! Anyways, check out the line up of who played on this show!

The first British TV performance of Bob Marley and the Wailers, U2, The Ramones, Supertramp, Eric Clapton, The Police, John Lennon Lynyrd Skynyrd, Talking Heads, David Bowie (beautiful) and Edgar Winter Group, just to name a few!

“I owe my whole solo career to The Old Grey Whistle Test. Mike and Bob were the only people who had faith in ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’ Rick Wakeman

They also did some great interviews of the musicians of the time. Keith Moon, The Rolling Stones, A very young Muddy Waters, Tom Scholz and Brad Delp of Boston, John Lennon part 1 & 2.

Another way to promote bands that where not actually playing on the show, was making a video of the song, specifically for the show. I’ve never heard of any show, or band for that matter doing something like this. It is really a testament to what lengths a band would go to, just to be put on the show! Led Zeppelin, Mike Oldfield were some of them!

So hats off to the grand old lady of British Rock Variety shows, The Old Grey Whistle Test!

Keep on Jammin’





Rock and Roll Tattoo artist

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To me, tattoo’s represent the Rock ‘n Roll image, but that seems to be changing quite a bit these days. Tattoos are works of art if done properly. They can be a very personal expression of yourself to the world, but of course they should be done safely and correctly. If your looking for an excellent tattoo artist to help you with this, and you live in the Toronto area, then I may have found the one that you are searching for.

His name is Mark Naraine. We met this polite and courteous young man many years ago. He works part-time at a large high-end grocery store, close to our home. Mark is always friendly, helpful and never too busy to answer any of your requests, even if he is outside his specific specialty. Over the years we have started talking to him on a more personal level. We discuss a variety of subjects and one day his love of tattoos came up.

He didn’t seem like the kind of person who would have one, let alone be a tattoo artist. When he talked about his love of this art form, he described every facet about the procedures and the negative aspects of his trade to the general public. The one thing that stood out in our mind was his attention to the safety factor in his line of work. I have this uncanny ability to figure out what kind of a person you are, in a very short period of time, and my senses were telling me that this guy was for real.

The other day I saw him again. Having not seen him for ages, I asked him what he had been up to recently. He told me where he was working and I took note of it and went home to check out these places. As it turns out, they are highly recommended shops to have a tattoo done at.

He works at Abstract Arts and East Side Tattoo. Check out some of his work and I bet you’ll be impressed, I know I was.

Even thought I do not have a tattoo, I do think that they are neat to look at. My wife was interested in one many years ago, but I think she’s lost the drive to get one done. Has anyone had one done at any of these shops, we’d love to hear your feedback.

Keep on Jammin’

Songs reflect your true personality

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Listening to certain types of songs may just tell you more about your own, or even someone else’s, personality than you think! Take the music test, it’s easy and painless. Plus, the worst thing that you can do is learn something about yourself or people in general.

Throughout the years, I have often wondered if there is any correlation between music and the listener. Personal preferences define people to a point, but they’re only accidentals, they are not the essence of an individual.

When I was young, I enjoyed many styles of music. I tended to listen to the ones that older people was interested in. Maybe I was musically mature for my age. The best bands that I enjoyed playing with were always the older and more seasoned players. Then, when I played with guys my own age, I just played with them to keep myself busy. No disrespect intended, but it wasn’t all that much of a challenge to me at that point.

My life was as a young kid growing up in Brantford was normal. My parents stayed together. They didn’t drink or fight and our neighbourhood was like Mr Rogers. I lead a very solid, middle class existence.

When I was exposed to some certain styles of music that was very foreign to me during those informative years, I sometimes thought that it reflected directly upon those people. I imagined that this kind of music was part of who and what they were. Like for instance, if people listened to Punk Rock, then they must be prone to violence and anarchy! Country music reflected a drunk who lost his dog and so forth. I know, what a weird way for a kid to think.

Now after skimming through an article called maybe this song is about you, I now feel that, hey maybe I was on to something there as a young child!

So see what type of personality that you are in this test and tell us if you think the result are accurate … to some degree!

Keep on Jammin’

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