RA

FThis page:: last update anytime - ongoing project (labour of love)

Most recent inclusions = RA 5005 + RA 5007 * CC 203

Web site contents
UK Folk Group FARAWAY FOLK UK LP for sale and discography and history!
ORIGINAL 1970s RA LABEL RECORDS DISCOGRAPHY * INDIANA HIGHWAY * SUBDUED HUBBUB * SHARON WHITBREAD & FRED * GINGER HOBBY HORSE

Faraway Folk were based in Brixham, being engaged in recording and live appearances in the 1970's. Their fourth album as the Faraway Folk, Seasonal Man, issued in 1975, is now an established British folk classic. and is very collectible. However, there has never been a lot (if any?) of information generally available on this folk group - until now that is!

This labour-of--love project gave inspiration to extend the assignment to the whole of the RA label catalogue. On closer study, one can appreciate that this made sense. Some of the musicians who recorded with Faraway Folk, and appear on other RA releases, have quite interesting interconnections.

Always required
are records, etc, pertaining to the RA LABEL Torquay, and any associated issues
If you find any records issued in the 1970s (they are not always dated) having any of the following stated:
a Torquay or Paignton address * A. Waldron or A. J. Waldron on label or cover * West Of England Sound
... please offer.
Note that in most instances**, they will be of nominal value only. Please bear this in mind when offering.
This project is a labour of love, with a blend of nostalgia and fun !

** always paying decent money for 'Seasonal Man' LP (must not be the off-center pressing ! )

DISCOGRAPHY

The following listing pertains to the RA label. The Faraway Folk releases listed here are also featured on the Faraway Folk page (an ongoing project), along with a more detailed account of their recordings, and more.

More will be added to this page as when the records become available! Can you assist?

adjacent to image = click on this to view a larger file.

RA's Cat no.	Artiste	Actual Title
RA 5001	FROZEN TEAR	THE HUNTER.. or is it?
RA 5002	see EP section	-
RA 5003	DICK EDWARDS	TORQUAY UNITED'S WAR CRY b/w AROUND YOU
RA 5005	SAFRON	TUNE FOR A VAGABOND b/w LADIES IN WAITING
RA 5006	TED YOUNG	THE DAY THEY GIVE OUR FISH AWAY b/w ROMANY
RA 5007	BRIAN ROWLAND SOUND	SWING LOW b/w SHAKE
RA 5008	SWEET LIFE	HOLD BACK THE HORSES
RA 5009	SID GATELEY & HIS MUSIC	THE FARMER'S WIFE b/w WORLDS FARE POLKA
RA 5013	TEIGN VALLEY STOMPERS	MEDLEY OF TUNES
RA 5015	SID GATELEY & HIS MUSIC	BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY b/w COME TO FIONA'S WEDDING
RA 5018	THE ARGYLL SQUAD	FAREWELL 3rd DIVISION b/w PROMOTION '75
RA 5019	AARDVARK	LONELY SEA b/w HAWAII FIVE-O

RA's Cat no.	Artiste	Actual Title
RAE 7001	FARAWAY FOLK	INTRODUCING
RA 5002	VARIOUS ARTISTS	GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY
RAEP 7002	THE TREVOR BURGESS TRIO WITH SUZANNE BROWN	STRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS
RAEP 7003	VALERIE WAY	Self Titled
RAE 7004	REV. JOHN YOUNG	Self Titled
RAEP 7005	PENNYLANDERS	SONGS OF LOOE
RAE 7006	GANDOLF FOLK	Self Titled
RAEP 7007	MIKE JOHNSON TRIO	OUR KIND OF MUSIC
RAEP 7009	THE VIC PALMER COMBO	ON HOLIDAY!

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RA label Album releases (includes official Music Cassette Tape format)

RA's Cat no.	Artiste	Actual Title
RA LP 6001	CONTRAST	A VERY GOOD YEAR
RA LP 6002 ST .	BODMIN TOWN BAND & TREVISCOE MALE VOICE CHOIR	IN CONCERT
RALP 6003 .	JOHN ALLEN AND HIS ORCHESTRA with WYNNA EVANS and ROBERT PITMAN	SUMMER SERENADE
RALP 6004	GINGER HOBBY HORSE & FRIENDS	Self Titled
RA LP 6005 .	SUBDUED HUBBUB .	SUBDUED HUBBUB at the SHIPHAY MANOR CLUB, SHIPHAY, TORQUAY DEVON
RA LP 6006	FARAWAY FOLK	LIVE AT THE BOLTON
RAWS 6008	THE REFLECTIONS	BOTH SIDES OF THE REFLECTIONS
RAWS 6009	SOUTH WEST BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION	CHAMPIONSHIP & CONCERT - VOL. 1
RASS 6010	CHOIR OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, PRESTON	HARK THE GLAD SOUND!
RALP 6011st	SHARON WHITBREAD & FRED	Variety is the.. SPICE OF LIFE
RALP 6012st	FARAWAY FOLK	TIME AND TIDE
RALPH 6013st	DICK EDWARDS	BIG CITY BOY
RASS 6014	THE TORBAY GOSPELAIRES	LET THE SONG GO ROUND THE EARTH
RA CUSTOM 6015	NORRIS LESLIE	ORGAN ON HOLIDAY
RA CUSTOM 6017	THE TEIGN VALLEY STOMPERS	A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
RALP 6019	FARAWAY FOLK	ON THE RADIO
RALP 6020	FRANK YONCO AND THE EVERGLADES	IF YOU DON'T LIKE HANK WILLIAMS
RALP 6022	HARRY H. CORBETT	ONLY AUTHORISED EMPLOYEES TO BREAK BOTTLES
CC 6023	ODDFOLK	JAN TREGEAGLE
RACC 6025	FARAWAY FOLK	ESPECIALLY FOR YOU
RALP 6026	THE PETE WILSON SHOWBAND	AS YOU LIKE IT
RALP 6029	FARAWAY FOLK	SEASONAL MAN

Single: RA 5001 FROZEN TEAR
THE HUNTER b/w YOU KNOW WHAT HAS TO BE

Plain sleeve

Tony Way = bass guitar, vocals * Leeson Burt = lead guitar, vocals
John Morgan = rhythm guitar, vocals * Paul Riley = drums
additionally for these recordings: Michael Dinham = piano, vox organ

This is RA's debut output, and due to the expense, the only issue having a gold label !

The FOUR WAYS were a very young consortium when they formed in 1963. Consisting of Tony Way, Leeson Burt, John Morgan, and Paul Riley, the band fared well, and played extensively within the Plymouth area, and also them there village halls out in the sticks!

In 1967 they changed their name to FROZEN TEAR, and now being under the wing of the Management Agency HARRY GREENSLADE / PETER HOLDER, bookings were becoming more regular. As well as the Youth Club bashes, they appeared at some of the nightclubs in Plymouth's notorious Union Street (and lived to tell the tale!). Not bad for an outfit consisting of two 15 year olds and two grown-up 16 year olds! Regulars of the time to the Majestic Ballroom should recall the band.

As well as appearing alongside the likes of Amen Corner and Plastic Penny, their biggest 'claim to fame' was to be on the same billing as Fleetwood Mac and The Herd at Pennycross Stadium in Plymouth, May 1969. Extra here.

'Coincidently', FROZEN TEAR's John Morgan appearing on the same
poster as THE SPIRIT OF JOHN MORGAN ,featuring John Morgan !
-

Four months later Frozen Tear had the privilege of being the first artists to record and release a record for the newly set-up studios and label RA RECORDS. "You Know What Has To Be", a song penned by leader Tony Way, was intended to be side 1, but the printer mislabelled it, thus "The Hunter", a song renowned by the FREE, became the A side. However, John Peel played Tony's composition a couple of times on his show and gave the thumbs up, but alas this was to no avail. So only the initial 99 were ever pressed.

The following year, four other tracks were recorded, but only got as far as the acetate stage, thus to date are unreleased. By the end of 1970 Frozen Tear had disbanded.

Recorded 1969 * Issued 1969

re Tony Way: see also RA 5008, and the Miscellaneous section foot of this page

***********

Single: RA 5003 DICK EDWARDS
TORQUAY UNITED'S WAR CRY b/w AROUND YOU

Plain sleeve

Side 1 is "We Shall Not Be Moved" adapted by United's player Dick (see LP for further info), into a song praising Torquay United Football Team, and includes the lyrics "we're going to Division Two". With piano and rhythm accompaniment, there is a vocal chorus that could possibly be some other team members? However, sorry to report that the optimists were relegated to Division Four at the end of the 1971/ 72 season! Side 2 has the same musicians accompanying Dick with one of his own songs.

Single: RA 5005 SAFRON
TUNE FOR A VAGABOND b/w LADIES IN WAITING

Plain sleeve

Colin Hannah = Guitar and Vocals * Les Gill = Bass, Vocals * Clive Jury = Drums
Malcolm Rushton = Vocals, Flute * Paul Foster = Organ
Quentin (Oggy) Rigby = Background Vocals + Sound
-

Safron were a Cornish band who started life as The Good Times. They would become one of the most popular bands in Cornwall in the 70s. One of the many bands who ‘almost made it’, they won the Melody Maker band contest in 1975 and were considered by RCA, buy they picked the band Limey instead. In 1971 they made the trip to West of England Sound to record a couple of tracks, pressed on RA. “Ladies in Waiting” was a song by Daddy Longlegs, a US band who recorded for Warner Brothers and Vertigo. Songwriter Steve Hayton from DLL gave Safron guitarist Colin Hannah a copy of their LP and suggested they cut “Ladies” . More information on Safron is available here

Recorded 1971 * Issued 1971

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Single: RA 5006 TED YOUNG
THE DAY THEY GIVE OUR FISH AWAY b/w ROMANY

Plain sleeve
-

Single: RA 5007 BRIAN ROLAND SOUND
SWING LOW b/w SHAKE

Custom sleeve

Brian Rowland = ? * Jeff Church = ? * Others ??
Sorry, no information at the moment as to who this outfit were.

'Swing Low' is apparently penned by Uncle Wallace Willis. First and only verse one would assume is some sort of humorous attempt by Brian or Jeff? to bring some life into the song. But fear not, as mellows into harmony vocal chorus, so am assuming here due to inclusion of the female variety, session singers brought in. There is a lovely saxophone break included.

'Shake', written by JC and includes repeated lyric lines "shake shake it shake it with all your might" and "it's a rocking around" (yes, you surmise correctly),, that am sure nobody else has covered, as is not likely too if they want to be rebooked!

Thank you Jeff for signing this particular disc 'Aug 1971', thus we are informed when issued. Probably the only RA vinyl output in a 'custom' slip-sleeve. First example of 5007 ever seen.

Single: RA 5008 SWEET LIFE
HOLD BACK THE HORSES b/w SHADOW CLOCK

Plain sleeve

Tony Way = bass (for Shadow Clock), vocals * Ian Church = bass (for Hold Back The Horses)
Ray Farrell = guitar, vocals * Al Drew = drums * Ian Church = saxophone (on Shadow Clock)
additionally : Martin Vincent = guest solo guitarist

Single: RA5009 SID GATELEY & HIS MUSIC
THE FARMER'S WIFE b/w WORLDS FARE POLKA (Boerinnekensdans)

Update on this: found one with an Insert ! Has instructions for the "Farmer's Wife" novelty dance.
So replayed it. Sorry, still does nothing for me! Yet...

Actually, what IS interesting is that this insert states the availability of Sid's other disc
The Slosh / Fiona's Polka (see RA 5015). Being that 5009 is 1972, and 5015 is 1974,
one must assume the insert for Farmer's Wife was not printed until the release of Slosh?

Issued 1972

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Single: RA 5013 TEIGN VALLEY STOMPERS
MEDLEY OF TUNES

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Single: RA 5015 SID GATELEY AND HIS MUSIC
'DANCE THE SLOSH' ~ BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY
b/w
'DANCE TO FIONA'S POLKA' ~ COME TO FIONA'S WEDDING

Actual title of artiste on this disc is
SOUNDS "NORTH" AND "SOUTH" OF SID GATELEY AND HIS MUSIC.

This too has an insert - wow! This instructs one how to do "The Slosh" and "Fiona's Polka".
Also mentions availability of his Farmer's Wife single.

Issued 1974
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Single: RA 5018 THE ARGYLL SQUAD
FAREWELL 3rd DIVISION b/w PROMOTION '75

Plain sleeve

Plymouth Argyll Football Club celebrating their end of season promotion.
"Farewell." is sung to the tune of "it's A Long Way To Tiperary" (spelling?)
Recorded 1974 * Issued 1974
---------------

Single: RA5019 AARDVARK
LONELY SEA b/w HAWAII FIVE-O

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Extended Play: RA EP 7001 FARAWAY FOLK
INTRODUCING:

Title sleeve

Side 1: LONELY GIRL * I LOVE A LASS
Side 2: SPARROW * DRUNKEN NIGHTS
One original composition: "Lonely Girl" by John Hartshorn.

Recorded 1970 * Issued 1970

***********************

Maxi Single: RA 5002 VARIOUS ARTISTS
GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY

1: FARAWAY FOLK = John Turk, Shirley Turk, John Hartson, Judy Whittington
"And Set Me Whole World Free"

2: THE TORBAY QUARTET = Colin Woodford, Freda Male, George Harris, Elizabeth Nicholls
"O Little Town Of Bethlehem"

3: INDIANA HIGHWAY = Steve Culverhouse = trumpet * John Snell = tenor sax, alto sax, flute
Norman Lindon = tenor sax * Dave Klinkenberg = drums * Barry Privett = keyboards * Dave Mumford = bass
"We Three Kings". Great jazz rendition, leaning towards the avant-garde.

4: THE TORBAY QUARTET/ INDIANA HIGHWAY/ FARAWAY FOLK/
ENGINEER/ PRODUCER/ STAFF & FRIENDS OF WEST OF ENGLAND SOUND LTD.
"Down In Yon Forrest"

Mono * Recorded 1970 * Issued 1970

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Extended Play: RA EP 7002 THE TREVOR BURGESS TRION WITH SUZANNE BROWN
STRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS

Side 1: STRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS * SPANISH EYES
Side 2: COME TO ME * THEME FROM DEPT S *

Paul Brown = Hammond organ * Tony Baxter = guitar, bass guitar * Trevor Burgess = drums, vibraphone
Suzanne Brown = vocal

This trio, along with Suzanne, were at the time residency at Torquay's 5-star hotel, The Imperial.

The sleeve shows the trio outside the hotel's balcony, apparently spying on 2 girls through binoculars, who are depicted in the inset photo. Continuity not the order of the day here, as the girls, who by the way are Suzanne (vocalist on "Come To Me" only), and West Of England's joint director Elizabeth Usher, are adjacent to the Princess Theatre, which is around the bay from the hotel. Elizabeth was also the Go-Go dancer at the hotel's club.

"Strictly For The Birds", written by Dudley Moore, is a scat vocal. To quote: "A funky styled swinger featuring the guitar and instrumental singing of Tony Baxter. The track opens with a statement from Trevor's cup cymbal, segues to a walking bass pattern, followed by a jaunty melodic interpretation from Tony's voice and guitar on a 12 bar theme".

Vocal on "Spanish Eyes" is Trevor, with a short in keeping vibraphone solo. "Come o Me" is quoted as "An unusual treatment to a delightful ballad in 3/4 time. The almost Chamber music sound from the blending of organ, guitar and vibes, establishes the mood that serves as an invitation to the lovely voice of Suzanne as she injects a warm intimate appeal into the lyrics of this little piece of sadness.

Finally, "Department 'S' Theme", Edwin Astley's pen for the ITC Television series , which has been mis-credited on this EP as "Ashley": "..an instrumental workout for the Trio, Paul Brown's organ makes the shows forceful opening motif, which is in turn picked up by the bass and kicked off by the drums into a bright rocker. Paul adds his own ad-lib solo comment before the Trio fades away on the riff".

------------------

Extended Play: RAEP 7003 VALERIE WAY
Self Titled

Plain sleeve

Side 1: WHY DID I CHOSE YOU * MY WAY
Side 2: LET ME KNOW LOVER * I'LL BE THERE

Valerie Way = vocal * Harry Harnell = piano * Ron Bailey = bass
Trevor Burgess = drums * Brian Green = trumpet

Three uneventful ballads, and the up-tempo "Let Me Go Lover", that was a hit in the 60's for Kathy Kirby
Note that the title of the latter is mis-credited on the label * All 4 songs with accompaniment.
__________

Extended Play: RAE 7004 REV. JOHN YOUNG
Self Titled

Plain sleeve

Side 1: TO MUSIC * BALULALOW * THE BIRDS * GOSPEL TRAIN
Side 2: PASSING BY * THE LARK * SEA FEVER * MAA BONNY LAD

33/13rpm * 8 tracks

The Reverend John Young, with piano accompaniment, played by Frances Merrick.

*******************

Extended Play: RAEP 7005 PENNYLANDERS
SONGS OF LOOE

Photo: Looe

Side 1: PORT NADLER * FROM THE ISLAND TO RAME
Side 2: WHERE THE RANNEYS HIDE * HIGH TIDE

Folk trio: 2 x female, 1 x male.

Compositions pertaining to features within the area of Looe in Cornwall, thus not to be confused with
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich's EP release 'Loos Of England', which has reference to public toilets,
but no mention of the public loos situated in Looe !

The Pennylanders are a consortium (as opposed to a group) of local people, and appear on this disc as:
Track 1 Port Lander = Betty Currah (contralto), Ken Dingle (accordion), Ian Marshall (piano).
Track 2 From The Island To Rame = Beryl Clements (soprano), Tessa Marshall (contralto), Ian Marshall (piano).
Track 3 Where The Ranneys Hide = Tessa Marshall (voice and guitar).
Track 4 High Tide = Beryl Clements (soprano),
Recording and Production by John Penty.

*******************

Extended Play: RAEP 7006 GANDOLF FOLK
Self Titled

Plain sleeve

Side 1: SOUND OF SILENCE * STREETS OF LONDON
Side 2: SCARBOROUGH FAIR * BLOWING IN THE WIND

Folk trio: 2 x female, 1 x male.

John Eden (also 6011 + 6013),, other personnel unknown.
Their repertoire did not stretch much further than covers of as similar to above.
The disc depicted here has side 1 label on both sides.

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Extended Play: RAEP 7007 MIKE JOHNSON TRIO
OUR KIND OF MUSIC

Photo:
opposite Torre Abbey Gardens, Torquay

Side 1: CAN'T BUY ME LOVE/ PERDIDO * RAINBOW
Side 2: THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE/ BY THE TIME I GET TO PHOENIX * PROUD MARY

Mike Johnson = Hammond organ, vocal * Pete Greenham = percussion, vocal * Mike Emery = bass

M J & P G vocal on "Rainbow" & "Proud Mary". "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" solo by Mike Johnson, which, I have to say, has to be one of the worst vocal recordings on vinyl! "Can't Buy Me Love/ Perdido" & "The Shadow Of Your Smile" are instrumentals, with Lennon & McCartney's composition being of a interesting jazzy organ rendition.

Mike Emery has played in several groups, with the most interesting being FOUR STEPS BEYOND during 1964 ~ 1967. This band supported some big names that played in Devon during this period. Click here for example. They also toured Europe during 1966 ~ 68, with their claim to fame playing alongside Noddy Holder, etc.. .who were then known as THE 'N BETWEENS.

Photo:
Beverly Park Holiday Centre

Side 1: EVERYBODY'S TALKIN' * IF THE WHOLE WORLD STOPPED LOVIN'
Side 2: SOUL FINGER * MY WAY

Vic Palmer = organ * Ray Hill = guitar * Stuart Boyles = bass * Ronnie Graham = drums * Mike O'Connor = vocal

"Everybody's Talkin'" is a rushed through, up-tempo version. Is there anybody that can
make "My Way" sound interesting? Stax's "Soul Finger" is certainly one of the liveliest
tracks on the RA label, having a great organ sound, along with rhythm accompaniment.

========================

RA LP's

Although the prefix letters vary; i.e. RA, RALP, RASS RAWS, etc
the following listing is the chronological issue of the RA label.

"SS" = SPECIAL SERIES * "WS" = WEST COUNTRY SERIES

A VERY GOOD YEAR * PEACEFUL * SUMMER TIME sic * BOTH SIDES NOW * SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY
SHE BELONGS TO ME * YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE * LOOK OF LOVE * AUTUMN LEAVES * WHEN SONNY GETS BLUE * DESAFINADO * ANGIE

Terry Odell = acoustic + electric guitar * Alan Keil = bass guitar + lead vocals
Dave Roberts = percussion, piano, glockenspiel

'Somewhere' penned by Alan and Dave, with all other compositions being covers, but the arrangements are new here. 'Sonny' has female vocal courtesy of a Della Somers. Terry is solo with Davy Graham's 'Angie'.
Produced by Tony Waldron and Elizabeth Usher. Elizabeth also designed the cover, having very effective use of just black & white. RA's first album from 1970, and a scarce one at that!

********************

RA LP 6002 ST * BODMIN TOWN BAND & TREVISCOE MALE VOICE CHOIR
"IN CONCERT"

*************

RA LP 6003 * JOHN ALLEN AND HIS ORCHESTRA with WYNNA EVANS and ROBERT PITMAN
"SUMMER SERENADE"

***************

RALP 6004 GINGER HOBBY HORSE & FRIENDS
Self Titled

1:LOVE IS BLUE * UNDER MY SKIN * A MAN & A WOMAN * GIRL FROM IPANEMA * WIVES & LOVERS * ONE NOTE SAMBA
2: EBB TIDE * 1 CAN'T QUIT HER * WITHOUT HER * SPINNING WHEEL * JUNKET

Keith Taylor = organ, piano, vocals * Ian Hobson = guitar, vocals
Len Lindon = bass guitar, vocals * Brid Hesketh = drums, maracas
Brass section: Norman Lindon = alto * Steve Culverhouse = trumpet * John Snell = tenor, flute

Ginger Hobby Horse formed June 1968. The name originates from Keith, who's nickname is "Ginger", and Ian, known as "Hobby Hobson". Residency at Sladnor Park Country Club, Torquay. The "Friends", heard on the 4 final tracks album are the brass section, are members of INDIANA HIGHWAY, who previously had their own EP release "LIVE AT THE HOTSPOT" (foot of page) If you like the Peddlars and Blood, Sweat & Tears, and organ to boot, you will love Ginger & the gang! Cover appears to be an Elizabeth Usher design.

Sound-a-like vocalist Keith Taylor features as lead singer on six numbers, including "Ebb Tide" (arrangement The Peddlars), "Without Her" and "Spinning Wheel" (both arrangements by B,S & T). "Junket" is the only instrumental track, giving the brass section a chance to blow off steam! Interestingly, it states on the sleeve that a tape version is available on standard 1/4 in/ 33/4 in ips; 71/2 ips/ cassette... where be them then?

Recorded May 1970 * Issued 1970

DELICIOUS LADY * YOU MAKE ME FEEL SO HAPPY * MY GUY * THIS WHEELS ON FIRE * BY THE TIME I GET TO PHOENIX
GIRLIE * TAKE THIS HAMMER * RUBBER NECKIN' * THIS GAL'S IN LOVE WITH YOU * TAKE OFF YOUR CLOTHES * SEVENTH SON

John Snell = guitar * Mickey Jacques = guitar * Keith Setters = organ, vocals * Rod Smith = bass * George Sharkie = drums
-

Well, if this is not Ginger Hobby Horse, or the least, Keith Taylor, I will eat my shorts! All vocal tracks, with My Guy and This Gal's In Love With You being female, sung by Brenda Jones. * Recorded 1970 * Issued 1970
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
My life seems to be full of coincidences music wise. I should have kept a diary, some have been quite extraordinary. Anyway, one anecdote that might be of interest?... I visited the Shiphay Manor one Saturday, in the very early 70's, when Subdued Hubbub were resident, and were appearing on the night. One of those pointless memories in my life, is when a group of us were sitting in one of the smaller rooms where there was a juke box playing, with the volume quite low. After about 3/4 hour of conversation, I realised that the same record was continuously playing - nobody else had appeared to have noticed this! The record in question was Two Lovers + : side 2 of Mary Well's reissue single My Guy - as featured on this (Subdued Hubbub) LP ! A true parable, and am sticking with this.

******************

RA LP 6006 FARAWAY FOLK
LIVE AT THE BOLTON

photo:
Brixham Harbour
+ top inset :The Faraway Folk outside The Bolton, Brixham.

LESSON TOO LATE * WAYWARD BOY * JOHNNY IS A SHOEMAKER * ST. JAMES INFIRMARY * ADMIRAL BENBOW
THE ANDALUCIAN GYPSIES * DRUNKEN SAILOR * SANTIANO * KAZZO SONG * IKLEY MOOR * WHIP JAMBOREE
BOLTON HOTEL * SKIFFLE MEDLEY = She'll Be Coming Round../ All My Sins/ Down By The River Side/ Putting On The Agony

John Turk * John Hartshorn * Shirley Turk * Judy Whittington

Two original F. Folk compositions: Kazoo Song & Bolton Hotel. The Andalucian Gypsies is penned by Benny Hill.
Shirley & Judy duet on Johnny Is A Shoemaker, & Admiral Benbow (unaccompanied).
This recording is as performed in front of an appreciative audience,
including spoken introductions, and has not been edited.

This being their first LP, was issued on the strength of their successful sales of their debut vinyl issue, the 7001 EP.

Recorded at the Bolton Hotel Brixham, Sunday 23rd August 1970 * Issued 1970

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RAWS 6008 THE REFLECTIONS
BOTH SIDES OF THE REFLECTIONS

photo:
Torquay front, depicting the Princess Theatre
(The Beatles performed here)

WICHITA LINEMAN * ONE NOTE SAMBA * 500 MILES * LULLABY OF BIRDLAND * IT'S NOT UNUSUAL
MEDITATION * BOTH SIDES NOW * 'IT'LL BE ME * IN JUDGEMENT * OUTASIGHT * HEY NOW
IT'S GOT ME MOVIN' * SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME

Dave Weeks = rhythm guitar, lead vocal * Tony Ives = lead guitar, vocal
Bob Bawden = bass * Roger Tallamy = drums, vocal

Three instrumentals, the remainder with vocal. Four songs being originals, written by John
Laing, a friend of the band. Prolific lead guitar on most numbers accredit this as a good album.
Recorded 1971 * Issued 1971

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RAWS 6009 SOUTH WEST BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION
CHAMPIONSHIP & CONCERT - VOL. 1

photo: Cockington

Consists of the winning bands of the Four Sections in the 1970 Contest at the Festival Hall:
St. Austell Silver; Bodmin Town; Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge; Junior Leaders Regiment.
Recorded at the Festival Hall, Paignton, Devon, on Saturday 14th November 1970. * Issued 1971

***************

RASS 6010 CHOIR OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, PRESTON
HARK THE GLAD SOUND!

photo:
St. Paul's Church, Preston, Devon

HARK THE GLAD SOUND * OF THE FATHER'S LOVE BEGOTTEN * THE LORD'S MY SHEPHERD * ADAGIO ANDD ALLEGRO FUGETTA, ETC

Choir: 18 boys, 12 ladies, 10 men. * Organ: Abbot & Smith of Leeds, rebuilt by John Coulson of Bristol.
Recorded 1971 * Issued 1971

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RALP 6011st SHARON WHITBREAD & FRED
Variety is the.. SPICE OF LIFE

IT'S JUST A GAME * MANY A MILE * BLACK WATER SLIDE * GLENN'S SONG * MUST I GO ROUND * MAKE ME A PALATE
(NOW WE'RE RUNNING) TWICE AS FAST * STAR * LAZARUS * GYPSY SONG * REFLECTIONS * FIXIN'' TO DIE

Sharon = lead vocal * Fred = acoustic guitar
Folk duo residing in Ashburton, Devon. Actually, Fred's real name is Tony Hart.

Electric accompaniment by various musicians:
J. Young = tenor sax; John Eden = bass; John Snell (I.H.) = flute; R. Swiecicki = slide (Glenn's Song);
Tony Waldron = piano, electric guitar; Glenn Turner = lead guitar; Kim Turner = drums; etc.

Listening to Sharon's vocal style, she is obviously influenced by Buffy Sainte-Marie. In fact, "Must I Go Bound" is a Buffy composition. Choir on "Lazeras" is credited to, amongst others, FARAWAY FOLK, although on listening, this is not too obvious. Kim Turner, who is STING'S co-manager, and was originally sound engineer and road manager for THE POLICE in the early days, has appeared in several groups, including CAT IRON and THE ANDY FRASER BAND, while his brother Glenn Turner is of WISHBONE ASH - an incarnation of EMPTY VESSELS . "Glenn's Song" is penned by Glenn and Elizabeth Usher. Sharon has also sung with Colin Wilson (his album is 6023)

                                                                                Recorded 1972 * Issued 1972

Musician John Eden also later to become a music producer, In 1984, at the request of Kim Turner, he helped produce Andy Fraser’s solo album “Fine Fine Line” for Island Records. In 1990 John and Kim produced “Room In my Fatha’s House” by Vinx, Sting's recent discovery.

PS: Within the duration of setting out this page (May 2003) sad news has filtered through that Kim Turner has passed away,
       following problems with that dreaded thing we are all too aware of, cancer.

***************

RALP 6012st FARAWAY FOLK
TIME AND TIDE

photo:
aboard the "CHARLOTTE RHODES" ship, ( as featured
in the TV series "THE ONEDIN LINE") Dartmouth.

MELANIE * SEASONS OF TIME * RUE * SINNER MAN * VANISHING AGE * GOT NO TIME * FARAWAY
LADY WAITING * LOWLANDS * SUMMER TIME * GOOD TIME CHARLIE * TIME YOU OLD GYPSIE MAN

John Turk = lead guitar, mandolin, vocal * Shirley Turk = finger cymbals, xylophone, kazoo, vocal
John Hartshorn = rhythm guitar, kazoo, vocal * Judy Whittington = tambourine, recorder, washboard, vocal

Also, on various tracks: Jon Eden = bass (re Gandolf) * Nick Ramsey-Whale = drums * Brain Widdowson = bongos, flute
Clive Powers = string bass * John Howe = bass * Tony Waldron = guitar

Second album as the Faraway Folk, and their best next to Seasonal Man.
Recorded 1972 * Issued 1972

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RALP 6013st DICK EDWARDS
BIG CITY BOY

TITLE * TRUDI * TOUGH * WHY DON'T THEY LEAVE ME ALONE? * LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP * WHICH WAY IS THE WIND BLOWING?
TEN YEARS * (I REMEMBER) MAGGI * A MILLION MILES * I GOTTA GO - I GOT A GUN * LADY FROM OHIO * MOWDOWN HOEDOWN

Dick Edwards = acoustic guitar, lead vocal * John Eden = bass
Glenn Turner = electric & acoustic guitar-on "Maggi" * Tony Waldron = electric guitar
Richard Harris + Richard Sweicicki + A. D. Hext = slide guitar * Paul Scanian = Jews harp
Nick-Ramsey Whale, Kim Turner, Peter Townsend = drums * John Brown = piano
Parsley, Meem and Spark = (unknown) female backing vocals on some tracks.

Although this is a country orientated album, it is not the usual dreary repertoire that is heard on have- guitar, will -travel LP's. Originating from Nottingham, Big Dick (dyslexic typo) being a professional footballer, started off at Notts County, moved on to Mansfield Town, Aston Villa, and now (1972 that is) Torquay United, where he has resided for 2 years. So, as like the Afghan Hound on the cover, Dick has pedigree!

Some pleasing slide guitar, and the drums keeps things jollying along nicely. "A Million Miles" is a demo written and given to Dick by Raymond Froggatt. * Recorded 1972 * Issued 1972

Extra item.. DICK EDWARDS DUO: 331/3rpm private press EP (not RA)

***************

RASS 6014 THE TORBAY GOSPELAIRES
LET THE SONG GO ROUND THE EARTH

TITLE * MARVELOUS AND WONDERFUL * FAIREST LORD JESUS * I SHALL KNOW HIM * ROOM FOR THEE * ABIDE WITH ME * ETC

Conductor: George E. Pering * Organist: Joyce M. Pering

Christian male voice choir, comprising of members of various Churches and Assemblies
within the Torbay area. Founded in 1956. All tracks bar one were recorded "on location".
Recorded 1972 * Issued 1972

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RA CUSTOM 6015 NORMAN LESLIE
ORGAN ON HOLIDAY

photo:
Torquay Harbour

7 x tracks MELODIES (incl. SEVENTY SIX TROMBONES, PAPER DOLL, WANDERING STAR, WHO'S SORRY NOW), plus
ANGEL SERENADE * SOMEWHERE MY LOVE * CHARMAINE * SPANISH EYES

'Norris Leslie at the Lowry Citation Theatre Organ'

Norris originates from West Bromwich where he was resident organist at The Tower. Moved to Brixham in 1952. Appeared at
the Grange Court Holiday Centre in Torbay (where you there?). Mr Norman Leslie with his organ - was he also a speaker? ouch!
Recorded 1972 * Issued 1972

**************

RA CUSTOM 6017 THE TEIGN VALLEY STOMPERS
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

photo:
Mouth of the River Teign Estuary

FIVE FEET TWO, EYES OF BLUE * UNDECIDED * I CAN'T GIVE YOU ANYTHING BUT LOVE BABY * TIGER RAG
NEW ORLEANS * TIGER SHARK * HARD HEADED HANNAH * WILD CAT BLUES * CABARET

Ron Purver * Ken Rennison * Rob Gribble * John Whitlock * Dick Petherick * Ian Burgess

Basically a Trad Jazz outfit, who are still performing locally.
Recorded 1973 * Issued 1973

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RALP 6019 FARAWAY FOLK
ON THE RADIO

photo:
F. F. photograph also on the rear.

GIPSY ROVER * SHELLS * ROLLIN' IN MY SWEET BABIES ARMS * EARLY MORNING RAIN
COUNTRY COMFORT * WRECK OF THE OLD '97 * ALL OF US TOGETHER * JEAN COTE
SHE'S LEAVING HOME * DRUNKEN SAILOR * LOLA * ROCK WURZEL LINE

John Turk = guitars, mandolin, vocal * Adrian Morris = rhythm guitars, harmonica, vocal
Shirley Ann = recorder, percussion, vocal * Bryony Smith = bass, banjo, vocal

Their third album, with changed personnel. Recorded at the BBC's Pebble Mill, Birmingham,
and broadcasted at the time on "The Early Show", and "The Tony Brandon Show".

Straying away from the traditional flavour, in preference for more familiar songs
written by Ray Davis, Elton John/ Bernie Taupin, Lennon/ McCartney, etc.
Chosen, most probably, as "safe" songs for the general listening public.
Use of mandolin on several tracks saves the day!
Recorded 1974 * issued 1974
- - - - - - - -

Cassette: RACC 6019 FARAWAY FOLK
ON THE RADIO

Cassette tape of the above LP. Yellow labels. Clear green cartridge.
It is possible that there was no photographic inlay?

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RALP 6020 FRANK YONCO AND THE EVERGLADES
IF YOU DON'T LIKE HANK WILLIAMS

photo:
Frank, with others within inset

TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS * IT'S NOT LOVE, BUT IT'S NOT BAD * FOR THE GOOD TIMES * SHE'S NO ANGEL
COUNTRY WAS BORN IN ME * ON THE SOUTHBOUND * HELP ME MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT * TITLE
SILVER WINGS * * IT'S SUCH A PRETTY WORLD TODAY * I'D RATHER BE SORRY *EVERGLADES

Franco Yonco = acoustic guitar, lead vocal * Karl Benson = bass guitar, vocal
Trevor Couchman = pedal steel, lead guitar, dobro, banjo * Johnny Lang = drums, vocal
Miss Kit Conner = lead vocal

---> see also 6023

***********************

RALP 6022 HARRY H. CORBETT
ONLY AUTHORISED EMPLOYEES TO BREAK BOTTLES

photo: Harry in a dairy yard.
Back sleeve: Harry, Faraway Folk, etc on stage.

TITLE * THE FILLIN' KNIFE * YOUR BABY HAS GONE DOWN THE PLUGHOLE * JOHNNY COPE
HOUSEHOLD MEMORIES * CAPTAIN KIDD * MAGGY MAY * JACK OF ALL TRADES * CUSHY BUTTERFIELD
THE SWEET NIGHTINGALE * I CAN'T FIND BRUMAGEN * THE NIGHT I FIRST PLAYED MY MACBETH

Sub title: Harry H. Corbett sings a collection of songs from all over Great Britain..
..or.. 'Dairy Of A Band'?

Harry H. Corbett = vocal * Tony Waldron = piano
FARAWAY FOLK = guitars, tambourine, etc, and vocal accompaniment

ACCUSATION * NO GOLDEN ANGLES * FUNERAL * FATHER CLEMENTS * ETC.

Colin Wilson = vocal, guitar, mandolin * Phil Beer = vocal, mandolin, fiddle

No RA prefix on this catalogue number. Issued on the studio's stock of green cassettes. Front of inlay has the RA RECORDS logo, with the inclusion of LTD. The latter statement was normally reserved for reverse only.

Recorded in the studio in just one day, and in single takes, this album is termed as a 'folk opera', telling the story of a Cornish Legend called Jan Tregeagle; "a mixture of contemporary and tradition music, with close harmonies".

In 1975, Colin also recorded with Sharon Whitbread (she of RALP 6011), and alongside Frank Yonco (see RALP 6020) at the Woodstock Studios in Oxford. Frank a country album, Colin recording a single and an album under the Tabitha label

Colin is still writing and performing today, as is SHOW OF HANDS Phil Beer.

Recorded 1974 * Issued 1974

*****************

Cassette: RACC 6025 FARAWAY FOLK
ESPECIALLY FOR YOU

DOWN IN YON FOREST * JOSEPH AND MARY * GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN * WASSAIL SONG
THE YULE LOG * ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY * COVENTRY CAROL * NORTH COUNTRY LAD
SPARROW * CROW ON THE CRADLE * PORTLAND TOWN * BONNY BLACK HAIR (sic)

John Turk = guitars, mandolin, vocal * Adrian Morris = rhythm guitars, harmonica, vocal
Shirley Turk = percussion, vocal * Bryony Smith = bass, banjo, vocal
-

This precedes Seasonal Man; the final 4 tracks being included on RALP 6029.
'Especially', and the "Dragons" tape have to be the scarcest Faraway Folk releases.

Although the inlays were printed, with the design including the new Faraway Folk logo,
the "On The Radio" cassette labels were used, by crossing out the the title & cat no,
then writing in pen "ESPECIALLY FOR YOU" & 6025 !

Recorded 1974 * Issued 1974

*********************

RALP 6026 THE PETE WILSON SHOWBAND
AS YOU LIKE IT

photo: Band.
Rear has individual photographs

BAND ON THE RUN * YOU AND I * OUR DAY WILL COME * THIS DAY * UP IN A PUFF OF A SMOKE
FOOTPRINTS ON THE MOON * BEACH BABY * SAD SWEET DREAMER * HAVING MY BABY
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR/ I DON'T KNOW HOW TO LOVE HIM

Pete Wilson = drums, percussion * Esme Wilson = lead & backing vocal
Alan Marin = lead & backing vocal * Trevor Berkley = guitar, backing vocal *
Steve Peach = bass guitar, backing vocal * Lee Wonder = flute, backing vocal * Len Nash = piano, organ

Two interesting tracks; McCartney's "Band On The Run", and Johnny Harris's "Footprints on the Moon"
Both include an organ. These two tracks aside, this album is as the their name, title, and photograph portrays.
Recorded 1974 * Issued 1974

************************

RALP 6029 FARAWAY FOLK
SEASONAL MAN

SEASONAL MAN * THE YULE LOG * COMING BACK TO BRIXHAM * PATTERNED MOON * SUMMER'S END
CROW ON A CRADLE * SPARROW * PORTLAND TOWN * CHERRY TREE CAROL * BONNY BLACK HAIR (sic)

John Turk = guitars, mandolin, vocal * Adrian Morris = rhythm guitars, harmonica, vocal
Shirley Turk = percussion, vocal * Bryony Smith = bass, banjo, vocal

RA/ Faraway Folk's finest hour (well, 40 minutes anyway).

Recorded 1975 * Issued 1975

Some examples of this title were mis-pressed. Side 1 or side 2 banding is off-center, and
on playing will be unlistenable, especially as the stylus draws nearer to the end tracks.
This fault can be identified by observing the varying width of the run-in at opposite ends. Do
not compare the gap between the run-off , as sometimes it is just the label that is not dead centre.

**********

Cassette: RACC 6029 FARAWAY FOLK
SEASONAL MAN

Cassette tape version of the above album. Inlay is a colour variant.

*********

**********************
101
Miscellaneous 7" releases

Extended Play: Michele Records LMD 101 1969 ~ INDIANA HIGHWAY
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL / LIVE AT THE HOT SPOT

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL * HARD TO SAY GOODBYE
PEOPLE SURE ACT FUNNY * I CAN'T STOP * SOCK IT TO 'EM J.B.

Arif Assift = vocals * Barrie St. John = organ * John Anthony = sax
Steve Alpert = trumpet * Robert Charles = lead guitar * David Monfort = bass guitar * David Kay = drums

Indiana Highway were signed with Lionel Digby's agency, the local artiste manager and promoter within the Torbay area, and this EP was Lionel's one and only venture as a record entrepreneur. Produced by Tony Waldron and Phil Dunne, it was pressed at Tony's West Of England Studios, and precedes his RA label.

Indiana Highway can be found stated on concert posters as support to some infamous rock artistes who appeared in Devon during the 1960s. They were resident at Paignton's 'Hot Spot' discotheque in the late 60's, and this 5 track 45rpm is a fine example of their repertoire of the time. 'Hard To Say Goodbye' is the Indiana's own composition, and the only slow number here, with all other four tracks having the flavour of the exciting Stax soul sound that was around all those years ago. 'Sock It' is an instrumental. Actually, the two Arthur Conley compositions 'People' and 'I Can't Stop' are performed at an amazingly fast tempo, thus one would be forgiven if on playing side 2 the speed was adjusted thinking it should be a 331/3rpm play!

By the way, although titled 'Live At The Hot Spot'. the clapping and cheering heard in between each track has been dubbed on; but fear not, as it does not affect the enjoyment of this fabulous extended play!

1968: Indiana Highway appearing on the
same show as headliners The Herd
------------
none
Extended Play: no label 1973 ~ SWEET LIFE
Unissued / untitled

AFTER SUNDAY * BOOGIE WITH THE BOSS
STRANGE ONE * BETTER DAYS

A Tony Way involvement. (see 7" RA 5001 + RA 5008)

White label test Pressing from 1973 ~ memories of this are now vague.. info will follow sometime!
------------
HR1
Extended Play: Halfway Records HR1 ~ HOMBRE
No head title

HALL OF FUNNY MIRRORS * 20TH CENTURY LOVE
FIGETY FEET * BACK STREET STARS * SANDWICHES FOR THE ORCHESTRA

A Tony Way involvement (see 7" RA 5001 + RA 5008)

A one-off issue; the label named after the Halfway House Inn at Tavistock, Devon, whose landlord at the time, a John Rigbey, assisted with the sponsorship of this release. The recordings were made at Swan Street Studios in Torquay, the home of West Of England Studios / RA Records, until Steve Norris took over the reigns in 1978 and renamed the business.

------------
002
Single: WMH 002 1981 ~ BACKSTREET STARS
FIND MORE TIME b/w WHEN LOVE COMES AROUND

A Tony Way involvement (see 7" RA 5001 + RA 5008)

*********************************End*********************************

Always required are records, etc, pertaining to the RA LABEL Torquay, and any associated issues
If you find any records issued in the 1970s (they are not always dated) having any of the following stated:
a Torquay or Paignton address * A. Waldron or A. J. Waldron on label or cover * West Of England Sound
... please offer.
Note that in most instances, they will be of nominal value only. Please bear this in mind when offering.
This project is a labour of love, with a blend of nostalgia and fun !

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Faraway Folk * Site Contents

Cat no	Artiste	Actual Title
LMD 101	INDIANA HIGHWAY	LIVE AT THE HOT SPOT
no number	SWEET LIFE	no head title
HR 1	HOMBRE	no head title
WMH 002	BACKSTREET STARS	FIND MORE TIME