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Early recordings

2003-02-17 by J.K.Beresford

Hi y'all,
A possible contender for earliest recording of mellotron may be by 
a small-time band leader by the name of Graham Dalley. Graham's 
band "The Graham Dalley Dozen" was resident at a place called 
The Barn near Solihull, England. He was a young brilliantly talented 
musician (trumpet I think) and he was mad about the mellotron. He 
had a MKII at The Barn and used it to entertain the punters whilst 
they ate their chicken and chips between sets. He was responsible 
for 2 separate versions of the theme music to a radio show called 
"My Music" which he did on the MKII. He also released at least 
one album ("The sounds of 65" or something) which I have been 
trying to find as there is the possibility it may contain some of 
Grahams mellotron playing. I've also been trying to get hold of a 
recording of the My Music theme tune from the 60's from the Beeb 
but no luck yet - anyone remember this? Sadly Graham died of a 
heart-attack at the Barn one night in 1971 aged 41. His tron which I 
chased around a lot looking for probably returned to the music 
shop in Birmingham where he worked during the day. The thought 
is it was probably on long term loan as a promotion exercise.
Anybody know any other pub/club mellotron players? There must 
have been a few.
John
M300#005

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