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Solo forums => Fifth Beatles and the Merseybeat Scene => Topic started by: Benzadrine Beat on February 10, 2009, 06:48:04 PM

Title: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Benzadrine Beat on February 10, 2009, 06:48:04 PM
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=27416&content=music [face=Verdana]Hello Some other Guy's, Anyone who was/is a fan of Howie Casey and the Seniors, or the Big 3, should have a listen to these recordings by "Griff" including six originals and two oldies. Titles include Danny Boy, Jig-in-D, Waltz for Paddy Chambers, Ain't that somethin, Brian's study #2, Yes you Do, Red white & blue, and Yesterday. 50 years later, it's very easy to see why he was considered to be Merseyside's #1 Guitar Player[/face][size=9][/size]
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Casbah on February 11, 2009, 05:32:20 AM
Wow, you aren't kidding. Blew me away.
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Bobber on February 11, 2009, 12:39:06 PM
He lives in Calgary, Canada nowadays? I mean, for a Liverpudlian he sounds pretty American to me?
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on February 11, 2009, 02:26:48 PM
The Big Three
 
Brian 'Griff' Griffiths guitar
Johnny'Gus' Gustavson bass guitar
Johnny'Hutch' Hutchinson drums
 
'I don't think we'll be the last Liverpool names to get into the charts. The Big Three and Billy J. Kramer are people you'll be hearing about soon. See if I'm not wrong.'

So said Gerry Marsden in April 1963, and he wasn't entirely wrong: within a few weeks Kramer was at No. 1, and two months later the Big Three entered the Top Thirty. But only just: their second single and only hit, 'By the way' (by Mitch Murray, who had written Gerry's first hits) rose no higher than No. 22. Yet the Big Three, originally called Cass and the Casanovas, were possibly the most highly respected group of all among Liverpool musicians, and were in fact an early example of the phenomenon that came to be known as 'the group's group': their musicianship and their attack were legendary, and they had considerable influence on other groups, but on record - their only means of reaching a wide public - they tended to sound ordinary.

The group's comparative lack of national success may also have had something to do with the changes in personnel that they made at a time when audiences needed to identify clearly with the members of a group before giving their full approval. Johnny Gustavson and Brian Griffiths left in November 1963 to form the Seniors, Gustavson joining the Merseybeats soon afterwards, and they were replaced by two musicians from Faron's Flamingos: Faron himself (Bill Russley) on bass, and Paddy Chambers on lead. Iri May 1964 Faron left and Paul Pilnik (now with Stealers Wheel) became the bass player. Johnny Hutchinson was therefore the only member of the group who remained from their triumphant Liverpool days, and Decca, whose publicity was never the most efficient among record companies, could not establish a strong image for the group.

Is it possible, too, that their then revolutionary line-up, dispensing with the almost obligatory rhythm guitar, led people to believe there was something missing from their music? Whatever the reasons, the Merseybeat boom came to an end without the Big Three taking the country by storm as so many people had predicted they would.
Their E.P. 'Live at the Cavern' is probably their best memorial - it conveys something of the excitement they created in the Liverpool clubs during their heyday.
 

SINGLES:

March 1963: Some Other Guy/ Let true love_begin
June 1963:   By the Way/ Cavern Stomp 22
Oct 1963:    I'm With You/  Peanut Butter
June 1964:   If you ever change your mind/ You've gotta keep her under your hand
EP:

July 1964   Big Three Live at the Cavern
What'd I say?/ Don't start running away/ Zip a dee doo dah/Reelin'-& Rockin'/
  
(http://www.leirvag.no/merseybeat/bigthree.jpg)
info borrowed from this link....http://www.leirvag.no/merseybeat/the_big_three.htmhis home site has more mersey band info also..http://www.leirvag.no/merseybeat/index.htm
good interveiw here to...http://www.tropeamagazine.it/thebeatles/mersey/griff/index.html
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Benzadrine Beat on February 12, 2009, 06:56:13 PM
Quote
He lives in Calgary, Canada nowadays? I mean, for a Liverpudlian he sounds pretty American to me?

 Bobber, I assume you mean North American as Canada has not become a State....Yet ;) I have heard others say his singing voice sounds somewhat like other more well known Guitar playing Americans, including: Marc knopfler, Eric Clapton, & Crispian St. Peters ;) !      
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Bobber on February 12, 2009, 08:48:25 PM
Quote from: 1312

 Bobber, I assume you mean North American as Canada has not become a State...
Yeah, that's what I meant.    ;D  He doesn't sound like someone coming from Liverpool.
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Benzadrine Beat on February 13, 2009, 06:28:08 PM
There seems to me to be quite a range between all the tracks on that site. A couple of tracks are surely American Rock & Blues, but there are also celtic and classical instrumentals. All were home recorded.  
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on March 29, 2009, 04:08:32 PM
goUJrj5YidA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goUJrj5YidA)
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 14, 2009, 03:34:11 PM
Nice to hear you guys like the music I have been playing over the last few years.
I teach guitar and cover all different styles, and I enjoy composing pieces that are
different in many ways  -- but I am still a scouser.

                                                    Griff
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Bobber on April 14, 2009, 05:50:35 PM
Quote from: 2057
Nice to hear you guys like the music I have been playing over the last few years.
I teach guitar and cover all different styles, and I enjoy composing pieces that are
different in many ways  -- but I am still a scouser.

                                                    Griff

Blimey! Welcome aboard Brian! We sincerely would like to invite you to post some more.  ;D
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 15, 2009, 06:32:01 PM
come on don't crowd the guy...we love the music griff...there just isn't enough free stuff available here..... ;D
i am kidding thanks for the notes.....you are still popular here....and please do post more...
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 15, 2009, 06:40:18 PM
it is great that you and johnny g still play together...is howie as big a p*sser as he seems to be????and how the hell is roy????i am a big fan of roys....
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 16, 2009, 04:35:22 PM
Gus, Howie, Roy, Tony Newman and myself got together in 2005 to form the Starcombo.
It was a great band, but ended up being 90% Politics and 10% music. Sad really as we never did a gig together,but I still keep in touch with Gus and Howie. Can I post another song on this site?

                            Griff
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 16, 2009, 04:40:15 PM
anything you would like sir griff....if you need help with the options let me know....anything i can do to help is fine by me....did you ever meet tony sheridan???dhiHrtRl1bo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhiHrtRl1bo)
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 16, 2009, 04:47:30 PM
Fx7htocZnpM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx7htocZnpM)
care to comment on these 2 tunes???by the way you look and the cavern stomp...
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 20, 2009, 03:24:27 PM
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=27416&content=music
i been listening....i enjoy waltz for paddy...i also enjoyed your rockabilly.....i'm listening to danny boy now....
i understand you are in canada now...how's that going?many mersey fans there??? you don't put anything on youtube?
it is a free service....people can steal your music tho...unless you give it to them...that'll keep the thieves honest...i am down at the bottom of the continent...florida...it's nice....country atmospere where i live...i use to live in south florida but i didn't want my kids in the city so we moved to the country...i was raised in the country till i was 11 tho...so i'm comfortable in the sticks... ;D you know we could make you a free web site if you are game....as fans we would do that...there are great free host to just post info on...sound click seems kind generic...even tho it is a great host...we could probally tripod you a site....tripod is the one i used for my beatles site...i think they are still free...http://originalonefeather.tripod.com/
if you wanna do the youtube thing i could help too...let's get you heard more...let me know...we can post them here too..
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 20, 2009, 10:16:14 PM
We had no choice but to record the songs we were told to do. Cavern Stomp wasn't that bad -- it moved along a bit. The last time I saw Seridan or spoke with him was back in the '60's at the Star Club.
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 22, 2009, 09:50:13 PM
griff could i download a song or two of yours and post them on youtube????i won't do it unless you say it's ok...and maybe you want to pick what goes on...i searched high and low for tunes from you and sound click is the only place there is any....
marshall
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 24, 2009, 02:54:09 AM
Marshall
               I don't mind you posting a few songs on youtube. I have to head out, Iwill get back to you Friday and we can sort it out.

Griff
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: alexis on April 25, 2009, 04:06:51 AM
Holy F*n cow.

Brian Griffith is posting on this site. I cannot believe this.

Welcome sir. You may not know it, but you are royalty! I love listening to your soundclick songs. I'm going back and listen to your Cavern songs now.

Did you know Bill Harry well? He posts on here too.

Any technical help you may or may not need, there are lots of folks here that will help you gladly, me among them.

I live in San Antonio, TX., also the southern part of our fair continent.

Welcome again!
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 25, 2009, 09:25:47 AM
Quote from: 2057
Marshall
               I don't mind you posting a few songs on youtube. I have to head out, Iwill get back to you Friday and we can sort it out.

Griff
i do appreciate the time you take to come by here griff...i will be on later today...i just started working again after 3 weeks off and i am trying to make up for lost time...so i will be working today..

Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: An Apple Beatle on April 25, 2009, 12:03:32 PM
Welcome aboard Griff...great to learn about you. :)
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 25, 2009, 06:44:14 PM
Keep in mind that these songs are home recordings. I guess the quality is not too bad on some of them, but if people enjoy them, so be it ! I know Bill Harry from the old days back in the 'pool, he was a tremendous influence on the whole scene back in the '60,s. As for a few songs on youtube -- how about 'Waltz For Paddy' and 'Ain't That Somethin'.
                            These songs were done for fun, and to see if I could still put things together. My son encouraged me to start playing again quite a few years back --  so there you go.

                    Griff  
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 25, 2009, 08:14:19 PM
Big Three Resurrection songs from 1973. Not many have heard?
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UCZ9M08U
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JXEI75HX
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Z8Q0WRK4
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7SAPZ1BM
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I4UAAB3W
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 25, 2009, 08:53:11 PM
My son put these on for me. They are from an album recorded in 1973 with Johnny Gus -- Nigel Olsen ( drums) and myself. Recorded in London in about a week, between Guinness drinking sessions and whoever turned up on time. I 've always thought that they had a simple, honest, original sound. Gus always had a great voice -- just listen to 'Angel Baby' !

                  Griff
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 26, 2009, 03:07:10 AM
i look forward to putting putting paddys waltz on youtube...do you have some ideas of some images that we can use??things that were in the groove then or something that reminds you of playing the songs...it has to be a feeling great video type thing...after all your name is on it.....and i would hate to do any injustice to your music...but i will also research something from back when if you want....so are you coming out of retirement then?????you could keep the mersey beat alive in canada...
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 26, 2009, 03:37:20 AM
first song is one i like something other guy and you guys do a good version of it...drinking is good for creativity sometimes tho isn't it?it sounds like club rock...at least music has come out of the basement tho huh..second song a little bit..worth a twice listen ...so far... ;).. ;D in america they called it garage rock because that's where they played it..listening to the third now all of me....you guys seem comfortable jamming together...good music not overtly agressive sounding and well put together...it is very 70s isn't it???that fits right in with the music then..you could get bear records to release an album if you provided enough tunes...they take on mersey projects among other eras..have you ever had contact from them??all of me is great...like jazz...you are very accomplished..but we knew tha already....moving on to angel baby...damn that's a smooth graceful entrance into it...is that ronnie???!!! ;D kidding i love the serious approach...i can almost feel myself at the sock hop...on to 5....moving on to if you got to make a fool of somebody...i like the horn in this one...is that an accordian too???
probally a u k release???i enjoyed them griff and will search for it on vynil...i still got a kicing record player lol
yoiu guys got shafted by decca too....bummer.......
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 26, 2009, 03:47:20 AM
dang i had the interview opened in another window so everything had some other guy in it... ;D i am joking!!
here is an interview with the man himself...http://www.tropeamagazine.it/thebeatles/mersey/griff/index.html a good link for everyone..that page shows that you appear in good health...i hope thats the case...
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 26, 2009, 10:03:36 AM
i am working again today so later i will check more things and ideas out....i can get paid today for what i do...cash,so that will be my gas money for next week..so that's good i will not end up borrowing off the wife...mine or even someone elses.... ;D
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 28, 2009, 12:51:21 AM
this was my first stab at it...what do you think?i removed the inferior vid...
bill harry was the only one on the web with pictures of paddy...i will ask him if i can use a few and fix some of the double images...
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 28, 2009, 01:53:07 AM
The 2 I's wasn't in Liverpool -- great job though . I can send some other pictures for you to use. Thanks for the work doing this. How do I send the pics?

                             Griff
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 28, 2009, 02:01:36 AM
you can email them to me at thepcmobile@yahoo.com
was the 2 is in soho or london?sorry i got carried away because you guys played there....
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 28, 2009, 02:03:04 AM
Quote from: 2057
The 2 I's wasn't in Liverpool -- great job though . I can send some other pictures for you to use. Thanks for the work doing this. How do I send the pics?

                             Griff
i don't mind at all...i am glad to help.... ;) you gave music...i'll give this..no worries...

Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 28, 2009, 02:05:13 AM
the navy picture was you at what age??????
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 28, 2009, 01:32:01 PM
The navy pic is my brother -- so we can leave that one out, or not. The 2 I's was in Soho which is in London. I will send the pics in a few hours.

                             Thanks    Griff
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 29, 2009, 12:30:56 AM
i made a newer one i like this one better.....i left your brother in...he fit in... :)
i will probally try and do another using just black and white photos...i think i may have over exposed your image in the video...we will see how it does for a bit tho...tell me what you think...NzT0C5LAOso (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzT0C5LAOso)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzT0C5LAOso
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 29, 2009, 01:48:47 AM
Marshall
             Looking good -- how can you make the pics clearer?

                                           Griff
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: alexis on April 29, 2009, 04:46:21 AM
You are very talented, Marshall!
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Bobber on April 29, 2009, 07:16:48 AM
Why don't you fit some Big Three pics in?


Griff, is that a Futurama in your hands on the old black and white picture?
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 29, 2009, 09:43:48 AM
the resolution on some of the pictures is fuzzy because a smaller picture was made bigger..i'll have to edit the photos individually to un fuzz them...but it may lose clarity....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzT0C5LAOso
watch in full screen at you tube...
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 29, 2009, 01:56:56 PM
I see what you mean, why don't we only use the pics that are clear. I will send you some Big 3 pics then you can use less of me. After all it  is about Paddy.

                               Thanks Grii  
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on April 29, 2009, 01:59:34 PM
As you can see I have changed my name to Grii, Iwill change it back for the next post!
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: alexis on April 29, 2009, 03:35:21 PM
Hey Grif - About halfway down on this site  http://www.tropeamagazine.it/thebeatles/mersey/griff/index.html there is a picture of you and a few birds. We were wondering, which one is Bettina Derlien, the barmaid at the Star Club?

Thanks!
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 29, 2009, 08:43:59 PM
Quote from: 2057
I see what you mean, why don't we only use the pics that are clear. I will send you some Big 3 pics then you can use less of me. After all it  is about Paddy.

                               Thanks Grii  
i'll cut it like you want...i'm just the barber... :) i'll check my mail after i read a few topics....

Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 29, 2009, 08:52:48 PM
(http://www.tropeamagazine.it/thebeatles/mersey/griff/bigthree4.jpg) she is the blonde..german women are big aren't they??? ;D
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 29, 2009, 09:20:18 PM
bill haRRY seems to have many of paddys pictures...i wonder if he would send some to me???i will ask him in an email in a bit...
THERE ARE NOT THAT MANY ONLINE OF EITHER OF YOU GRIFF....WE CAN REMEDY THAT....maybe we can create a big three site....bobber is good helping at that type of thing...we could post the things from 73 on there too...
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: alexis on April 29, 2009, 09:30:57 PM
Quote from: 284
([url]http://www.tropeamagazine.it/thebeatles/mersey/griff/bigthree4.jpg[/url]) she is the blonde..german women are big aren't they??? ;D


That was my thought too, but Bobber asked in another thread, and I couldn't find a single picture on the web with her name, so I thought I'd ask the man himself (Mr. Grif, since John isn't around)!

She's big, according to that internet article, because she had medical complications from an abortion that John encouraged her to have. Quite slim prior, it says.

I find that a little hard to believe actually. Amazing what's typed out and printed on the web.

But it may be true, who knows?
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 29, 2009, 09:45:16 PM
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/almaxp/big3back-1.jpg)
http://www.musicpophits.com/MainPages/GroupStars/BigThree.htm
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: alexis on April 29, 2009, 09:51:33 PM
Quote from: 284
([url]http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g68/almaxp/big3back-1.jpg[/url])
[url]http://www.musicpophits.com/MainPages/GroupStars/BigThree.htm[/url]


"Bob Wooler, DJ-compere"  :-/

Edit: OK, I looked it up, MC (Master of Ceremonies).

Is that a common word in England (compere), or is it a pretentious Decca-ism-ism?
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 29, 2009, 11:53:28 PM
i am not sure..it isn't used here much...check this out...pcu9XHcNxjE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcu9XHcNxjE)
i didn't have alot of pictures so i added some around the same era...of bands paddy may have had contact with...that and some of griffs pics too...
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Bill Harry on April 30, 2009, 11:16:49 PM
I have features of the Big Three on both of my sites. Here's the one from www.merseybeat.co.uk

http://merseybeat.co.uk/articles-details.php?cat=Mersey+Artists&id=162
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on May 01, 2009, 01:01:13 AM
i know you do bill...whenever i need back up info i go to your sites...i reccommend them all the time...you know i love you bill...thats why i want your pictures of paddy for a song griff wrote...did you give that a listen bill????it is great....
so the ep that was released called live at the cavern was griff,gus and hutch if i am correct...if so that was the best of them to show case even tho the origins are just as important....so what do you think bill???
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on May 01, 2009, 03:24:41 AM
this is me after a rough day....(http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9180/bigdaddya.png)
and here's my cure....(http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3416/thepool.png)
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on May 01, 2009, 09:51:25 PM
Marshall
               Maybe we should omit the pics that are blured,I guess not changing the ones I sent didn't work.
It's your project so what do you think? I will keep looking for other Big 3 Pics.

                                                            Griff
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on May 02, 2009, 09:51:00 AM
5mbj6do2t6E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mbj6do2t6E)Fx7htocZnpM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx7htocZnpM)
the whole ep....
maybe i could use few pictures...i may be over doing it...fRfQ-hm3APs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRfQ-hm3APs)
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on May 03, 2009, 10:26:30 PM
QOxAQSocGGY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOxAQSocGGY)
check this out griff....i think i can stretch the amount of time a picture is used more easily now...if you like you can give me info for this vid....
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on May 05, 2009, 03:03:55 PM
Marshall
              Looking good -- pics are clear. I will see if I have any more pics that you could use on this one.

                                      Good job   Griff
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on May 10, 2009, 12:58:21 PM
tKuhHGzbGb8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKuhHGzbGb8)
how about this one?????
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on May 11, 2009, 10:30:57 PM
 Marshall
              Good one!
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on May 11, 2009, 11:16:56 PM
i like them better with a single picture like that...it makes you listen to the song without getting distracted looking at photos...i enjoy that tune too...it is great..who plays the pecussion on it??? it's bluesy but at the same time country rock sounding...do you play rockabilly too??
the song has had 4 plays but i just posted it the yester day...maybe a personal comment by you on the page will get it more attention...paddys waltz has had 31 plays...ain't that something has had 7 plays...i watch them from my youtube page so my hits aren't counted...
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on May 12, 2009, 07:34:31 PM
Marshall
              I think you are right about the single pic. I used an old drum track and just added a few fills.
              We were brought up on Rockabilly, Skiffle and R&R IN THE 1950,s in Liverpool-- love all that stuff.
                                      Griff
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on May 19, 2009, 01:17:37 PM
i love that classical yesterday griff....it gives it a smoother play than most with vocals...
yeah rockabilly seems to be quite a influence to a great number of bands from the early 60s...i can never get enough carl perkins or gene vincent....
study 4 is great too...is that something you are working on?or is it finished?
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on May 20, 2009, 12:48:25 AM
Marshall
             I thought I put too much reverb on Yesterday -- I did it a few years ago.
             Study # 4 -- what you see is what you get ( so to speak ) My hands are getting
             arthritic and it is getting harder for me to pull off playing these pieces. I wish I    
             could have recorded it cleaner.
                                  By the way I played on the same gig as Gene Vicent in 1967 in
              France. He was in pretty bad shape then, I think he passed away a few years later.
              I was brought up with his music and his guitarist's solos. I think his name was
              Be - Bop Harris.   What a great name !!
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on May 20, 2009, 03:26:05 AM
sorry to hear that about your hands...gaining the wisdom of age can be hell on a body...i do roofing for a living and have since i was 20...i am 46 now and my body doesn't work like it did when i was younger...i feel the toll psychical labor has done to me...i would like to think i work smarter instead of harder these days but i know i've slowed down...if we made a living mentally it would still get us one day...
the picture you sent me of you hiking was that in the mountains of canada?quite a change from the pool.....do you camp,hunt or fish??you look like an outdoorsman now...i was a boy scout for a number of years..i loved camping and fishing...hunting never appealed to me...i have been camping with my two boys but not fishing so much...i need to do more with them...the little guys keep growing to fast tho... ;D do you have children griff? you must if you have those lovely grandkids....i saw a picture of you with gus and howie on this site http://dmme.net/interviews/gus.html
i showed it to my 14 year old...i let him listen to your music too...he likes it but he likes the hard rock too...i grew up on country and rockabilly but listen to everything....i have over 10,000 albums from the 40s to the present of every sort so he can listen to anything he wants...he likes some country but likes some of the heavier stuff more....musical taste is learned i believe...well be good,stay healthy and post more...by the way are you a scouser? ;) or canadian? ;D
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on May 20, 2009, 04:46:27 PM
Marshall
              Kids and Grandkids, in fact we are visiting Jim and family in Saskatoon this weekend. I can hear it now --Where the hell is Saskatoon ? We love to hike in the Rockies,
but only the short hikes now.
               Still a scouser with half a Canadian accent, Funny when I go back to the 'pool
 ( some ) people who don't know me, think I am American. I have read that interview by
Gus, I should give him a call next week.

                                                             Take care      Griff

PS Where do you keep all your albums ???
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on May 21, 2009, 11:33:12 PM
in my 14 years olds room,in my room,and in my back room....when i moved up here from fort lauderdale it was hell because i alphabitize them...paul creates a problem being p[aul and wings so i just group them together...most are from america but i have some imports...i need to pick up that big three ep you're on.....
down here in florida we got all kinds of fresh water springs...there are even a couple of cold ones....i was born here and don't plan on moving to soon if at all...i love it..there is salt water fishing in the gulf of mexico...you can get clams,scallops,shrimp,mussels and all different kinds of fish...
what made you move to canada???i know it's gotta be cleaner than the pool...but doesn't it get colder????you be careful up there in those mountains...is the sasquatch legend around where you are??we got the skunk ape in florida....the rest of the states call him bigfoot....any indian villages up there? cigarette prices must be thru the roof by now up there...i do like their government....you never hear of canada invading anybody.... ;D there are some canadians on this forum...you should venture out and about to other topics...let us pick your proverbial musical brain....you might leave your wisdom in some lucky musician....has music always been the main thing you worked at thru the years?
yeah talk to gus...see if he has a computer..maybe we can get him posting too...tell him marshall says hello...he doesn't know me...yet!!! ;)
i know a bit about canada my best cyber buddy is a female teacher from near quebec...her name is manon des jardines...damn i hope i spelled that right...she visited england a few months ago for a few weeks....we met on a ringo starr forum...i think i met her online in 1997....i helped her learn english in my moondog chatroom...she knows american wit now.....she teaches first and second graders...she is a sweetheart..she had a few health problems and told me they put her on a list...instead of helping right away...i thought that was f***ed up...i told use some vacation money and come see an american doctor...she said she was gonna wait..it took over a year but at least they helped.....
we gotta get you a wikipedia information page...were you in a band before the big 3?????was that the first band you became a part of? and tell me about more of your influences and what kinds of bands you listen to.... be cool and stay healthy..i'll talk to you later....
marshall
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on May 21, 2009, 11:44:50 PM
Quote from: 284
5mbj6do2t6E ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mbj6do2t6E[/url])Fx7htocZnpM ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx7htocZnpM[/url])
the whole ep....
maybe i could use few pictures...i may be over doing it...fRfQ-hm3APs ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRfQ-hm3APs[/url])

 i gotta keep these on the page i'm posting that way i got background music...

Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on June 14, 2009, 06:16:55 PM
(http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/9390/bigthreeblackwhite.jpg)
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: cryin shames on June 16, 2009, 06:36:52 PM
Hello to all.
I just found this site, looking for Brian Griffiths on Google.
I was in a later Mersey band. We got inspiration from the earlier bands including and in particular The Big Three.
In 1966 we used to play on the bill with Hutch and his new band.
   The Big Three never sounded as good as the earlier lineup, even with Faron and Paddy.
In 1967 I was asked to join Gus And Johnny Banks in a band they were putting together to be called John and Johnny and the Fruit Eating Bears.
    Funny enough the same band title used by the Mersey's.
I often wondered what Fruit Eating Bears meant to them.
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on June 17, 2009, 03:18:05 AM
maybtell us more about your adventures with gus shame......e brian can clue us in...i really is fantastic that he has taken time to come by here...and post...have i thanked you yet bri?
and maybe you can tell us about playiong with gus shame......please???!!!!
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: adamzero on June 17, 2009, 03:47:44 PM
Thanks PC and Brian and Bill.  This is some great stuff.  I wanna link the vids on Facebook and Myspace.  

Marshall, you the best!
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: cryin shames on June 17, 2009, 05:12:45 PM
Here's a post for Griff.
I recently did a radio show about the 60s.
The other guest on the show was a guy named Manfred Kaulman.
Manfred has written a brilliant book about Merseybeat.  Better than any other books on the subject, well researched and detailed.
Manfred used to be in Hamburg. Griff if you can't get the book in Canada on it;s release. Let me know.
The host of the show was Alan Schroeder. Ex Cliff Roberts and the Rockers drummer. I think Griff will probably know both of these guys. Incidentally, you can listen to this Merseybeat show every Monday on the link in the pic.
I am posting a picture...hopefully!!!!!
(http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9725/merseywavescopy.th.jpg)
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on August 29, 2009, 01:35:37 AM
you chased him off...i think.... ::)
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Bobber on August 29, 2009, 08:58:49 AM
you chased him off...i think.... ::)

Griff was online here yesterday.
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Griff on August 30, 2009, 07:09:19 PM
Hi guys
             I haven't been in touch for a while -- such a busy summer with family, and working on the house. I will get on board again this week.           
              Griff
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on September 01, 2009, 03:26:44 AM
i look foward to it sir and i am glad to know you are well....
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on September 06, 2009, 02:33:41 PM
passing a message on...
May 4th 2009
09:51:53 PM
What is your name?Dave McCarthy
How did you find this Web Site?Listening to self-recordings from Brian Griffiths a good mate of mine relayed to U-Tube from this site
Where are you from?Liverpool
Do you have any comments?If any of the lads from the Cavern/Iron Door/Mardi Gras/Hope Hall/ Litherland town Hall/OPB/Aintree Institute/Grafton/ St Lukes, etc Liverpool rock circuit read this and want to drop a line: scousemacca@hotmail.com
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on January 02, 2010, 02:24:46 PM
Dave Ferguson has emailed me he wants to interveiw brian....i fowarded the info....here is daves site http://www.liverpoolbeat.com/ (http://www.liverpoolbeat.com/)
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: alexis on January 02, 2010, 06:07:24 PM
All this is VERY cool. Welcome to all the Mersey Beaters who are checking out this fantastic site. Marshall, you deserve an award for this!

Thanks to all!  :D
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on January 03, 2010, 02:06:01 PM
(http://www.sweetsorcery.com/images/award-ribbon.png)
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on January 03, 2010, 10:45:05 PM
maybe i can write a book someday....
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Ligger on January 05, 2010, 01:59:47 AM
I'll buy one.
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on January 05, 2010, 02:55:28 AM
thanks for the vote of confidence sir....have you seen the tony sheridan junior videos yet?
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Bobber on January 05, 2010, 09:05:30 AM
I'll buy you a Sun Studio's T-shirt.
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on January 12, 2010, 02:46:04 AM
hey big guy.....Nat Stuckey Cut Across Shorty (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWFGcdWQRn8#normal)
how have you been?
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on January 12, 2010, 02:57:38 AM
Dave Ferguson has emailed me he wants to interveiw brian....i fowarded the info....here is daves site [url]http://www.liverpoolbeat.com/[/url] ([url]http://www.liverpoolbeat.com/[/url])
see this mersey timer?
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Ligger on January 12, 2010, 12:31:01 PM
Thanks for posting the vids of Tony's son.
Very Stray Cattish and fun.
 
Nice Gretsch.
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on January 13, 2010, 10:47:15 AM
tj recently met bri....he likes bri style and digs gene and eddie as well....
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 12, 2010, 09:00:21 PM
where are you brian?what's happening in your life?
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on April 21, 2010, 07:38:04 PM
your thoughts sir griff?The Big Three- Peanut butter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbSmhvB9NkI#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: pc31 on October 07, 2014, 02:15:36 AM
k kev theres a few songs of griffs on my utube channel check em out....
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: Bobber on February 17, 2015, 11:00:07 AM
That was my thought too, but Bobber asked in another thread, and I couldn't find a single picture on the web with her name, so I thought I'd ask the man himself (Mr. Grif, since John isn't around)!

She's big, according to that internet article, because she had medical complications from an abortion that John encouraged her to have. Quite slim prior, it says.

I find that a little hard to believe actually. Amazing what's typed out and printed on the web.

But it may be true, who knows?


(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/106358540/Beatles%2040-50/john%20and%20bettina.jpg)

John and Bettina Derlien in 1966.
Title: Re: The Big 3's Brian Griffiths
Post by: KelMar on February 20, 2015, 03:26:03 AM
Here's another shot from the same time, which Barry Miles says was June 24, 1966. Bettina was one of the guests at the hotel, following their performance at the Circus-Krone-Bau in Munich.

(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee372/KelMar1963/june_24_1966_BettinaDerlien_zps82b78c85.jpg)

Others in the picture are said to be Kathia Berger, Icke Braun and (his wife at the time, German actress) Evelyn Hamann.