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 Young Norman at Happy Valley, Llandudno 1964 |
Understandably impressed, Norman began to take a real interest in the British Blues Scene, playing more blues orientated music himself, eventually playing alongside the likes of Paul Jones (Manfred Mann), Alexis Korner, Graham Bond (The Graham Bond Organisation) and Jack Bruce (Cream), the latter becoming a long term collaborator and friend. What an apprenticeship! |
| In 1967 Norman formed his own band, 'Morning After' with a lineup that included brother, Malcolm on drums and Ian Stocks on bass. Gigging extensively throughout the late sixties and early seventies they built up a regular following. Often playing alongside Victor Brox, Norman eventually joined Victor's 'Blues Train', playing numerous gigs and appearing on Granada TV's 'So It Goes'. In fact, Victor Brox played a very particular role in Norman's career, christening him 'Beaker' after the Neolithic 'Beaker' folk to whom he considered Norman bore a resemblance! He introduced Norman 'Beaker' on stage one night and the name stuck to the point now where most people think it is his real name! |  Morning After 1967 |
 No Mystery 1981 |
Then, at the height of the Punk era Norman formed 'No Mystery', with a lineup of experienced and talented musicians who played the blues with a sense of humour. They stood out on the gig circuit at a time when bands prided themselves on their inability to play more than three cords and audience participation meant, spitting at the band. 'No Mystery' won widespread admiration from fellow musicians, fans and critics both in the UK and Europe. Indeed 'No Mystery' were one of the few western bands to penetrate the Iron Curtain pre 'Glasnost', playing to ecstatic audiences in East Germany and Poland. As Norman's reputation began to grow in the UK for his authentic but refreshing approach to the blues genre, the visiting American bluesmen began to show more than a passing interest in a white guitarist beating then at their own game and it wasn't long before Norman and 'No Mystery' were touring and recording with the very cream of the US blues fraternity. |
| Perhaps one of their
finest hours was guesting with BB
King at Manchester's Free Trade Hall
and the Hammersmith Odeon where the audience included Eric Clapton who went
on to cover one of Norman's songs ('Break
It Down') for a radio session; sadly
it never made it onto vinyl. BB commented " I think we've found a white
Freddy King", a compliment indeed and one not wasted on the many
artistes Norman has subsequently worked with including: Jimmy Rogers, Buddy Guy, Lowell Fulson, Fenton Robinson, Chuck Berry, Katie Webster, Louisianna Red (with
whom Norman appeared on the Old Grey Whistle Test), the list goes on and
on. Even the young up and coming stars such as Larry Garner have
called on Norman and his band to give them their unique style of modern day blues. In 1981, 'No Mystery' released their first single, 'Taxman's Wine' c/w 'Doubt You Lord' (Jungle Telegraph WS001S), a welcome antidote to the depressing popular music scene at that time which was dominated by synthesiser groups with bad hairstyles and even worse dress sense! But the enthusiasm with which it was received by critics and live audiences didn't translate into mainstream sales and it failed to chart. Somewhat disheartened the band continued with their hectic schedule of live performances but by 1982, Norman felt 'No Mystery' had run its course and the band amicably disbanded. |
| The early eighties saw Norman
experimenting with different band line ups and exploring new areas musically. Involved in
several projects and bands including 'Street
Talk', a rock orientated band with
two girl singers and the intriguingly named 'State Rhapsody Orchestra' playing 'musical electric cabaret' (don't ask). The 'Norman Beaker Band' also continued to perform with various lineups which included
'No Mystery' members, Lenni and Tim Franks but also Dave Bainbridge on keyboards and Kevin Hill on bass.
Norman was to collaborate with Dave on several projects including writing the theme for
Granada TV's 'World in Action' programme. During the eighties, Norman produced and appeared on several blues compilations including 'Manchester Rhythm and Blues' 1984 and 'Up Jumped the Blues' (1988). 'Norman Beaker Band releases included 'Bought in the Act' (1986), recorded live at the Leeds Trade Club, sadly only released on cassette, 'Modern Days, Lonely Nights' (1988) on vinyl and 'Into the Blues' (1989) released on cd. |
 Norman Beaker Band #1 1983 |
| The current band lineup are one of the finest live acts on the circuit, playing with a lot of emotion, a lot of excitement but also with a lot of humour. Band members include; Damien Hand on saxophone, John Price on bass, Dave Baldwin on keyboards and Tim Franks on drums; with Lenni (sax), and 10cc's Paul Burgess (drums) also making regular appearances. The band have earned tremendous respect from their peers for their dedication to the blues when it was less fashionable than today, and for encouraging new talent and projects such as The Alexis Korner Memorial Concert which annually brings together, for one night only, the very best of the British Blues artistes. |
 Norman Beaker Band #2 1994 |
Norman has many strings to his bow such
as writing themes for T.V. and films. He also had his own cult radio show. The nineties
saw Norman, as busy as ever, song writing, touring, recording and somehow finding time to
become a highly respected producer, working with artistes such as Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Paul Jones, Jack Bruce, Ruby Turner, Mick Abrahams and Chris Farlowe, the latter becoming and ongoing partnership, as the Beaker band doubles
as Chris' band. Norman has been so busy recording with other artistes that finding time to record his own material has been difficult. However, in 1999, he took time out to record "The Older I Get...the Better I Was", an upbeat collection of self-penned, modern and original blues numbers. The overwhelmingly positive response to this CD encouraged Norman to return to the recording studios again in 2002 and "Who's he calling me him?" was the result. In contrast to "Older", this recording finds Norman in a more reflective mood, exploring life's and love's trials and disappointments, it also features Chris Farlowe as guest vocalist on "The Guitar Don't Lie". The new millennium has seen Norman and his band extensively touring the UK and Europe with Chris Farlowe. Plans for the current year include dates in the UK and Europe and 2003 will also see the release of a new Chris Farlowe CD which features Norman and the Band. You can also catch them live with Chris Farlowe at one of their regular appearances as special guests of Van Morrison on his 2003 UK tour. |
