Early Career Early Career The Mandrakes Robert went to art school at Scarborough Technical College. His first band was The Mandrakes which were formed in 1965. This band had nothing to do with The Mandrake Paddle Steamer contrary to previous press reports. The Mandrakes supported many renowned acts during this period at local venues and appeared from a live festival appearance on the television programme "Six Five" Robert sang, but did not recordwith Dada, who also featured Elkie Brooks on vocals. Dada metamorphosed into Vinegar Joe who recorded 3 albums for Island records: Vinegar Joe Robert's writing increased apace and he had sole or shared writing credits on 8 of the tracks across the 3 Vinegar Joe albums, including the single "Never Met A Dog" The album Six Star General included a cover of an Andy Fraser (Free and ex John Mayall's Bluesbreakers bass player) song "Talkin' Bout My Baby".

This marked an early admiration by Robert for Andy Fraser which later became apparent in his faithful and warm cover of Andy's "Every Kinda People", one of Robert's biggest early commercial successes The line up of Vinegar Joe was Elkie Brooks (vocals and percussion), Robert Palmer (vocals and rhythm guitar), Pete Gage (guitars and effects), Steve York (bass guitar), Tim Hinkley (piano and organ), Rob Tait (drums and percussion).Vinegar Joe toured heavily and made TV appearances on "The Old Grey Whistle Test", "Music Unlimited ("Ride Me Easy Rider)" and Best Of The Beat Club ("Proud To Be (A Honky Woman))" but the albums failed to achieve any significant sales figures and the band split up in March 1974. The idea was mooted at the time of Robert joining Little Feat (he allegedly sang backing vocals on a little Feat US tour), as a replacement for Lowell George, but Robert stayed with Chris Blackwell's Island records as a solo artist. .

Interview with Elkie Brooks (2003) - Robert Palmer : Music & Style Robert Palmer : Music & Style Interview with Elkie Brooks (2003) Publié le 15 Décembre 2008 Jon Kirkman: When Vinegar Joe split, I was very surprised that it took you longer to establish yourself as a solo artist than it did for Robert Palmer although, to be fair, he didn't make the big bucks until the mid eighties, but it seemed the emphasis was on Robert Palmer rather than Elkie Brooks. Elkie Brooks: Well, I'll give you a very simple scenario for that one. Robert already had his career mapped out a year before he told us he was leaving the band. We were just a rehearsal band for Robert Palmer but it never worked out that way. I got picked on by the media and I was the focal point of the band. But a year before he left, he had all the songs written, he knew what area he was going to go in and what he was going to do. He basically had Chris Blackwell in his pocket and the rest, as you know, is history.

JK: Well, if I'm honest, and this is no disrespect to Robert, his songs on Six Star General sounded very much like Robert Palmer solo rather than Vinegar Joe. EB: Unfortunately and in fairness to Robert, because I think he was full of frustration the last couple of years in the band. You have to remember there were a couple of very strong characters apart from myself. Pete Gage on guitar and Steve York were awesome characters the pair of them and both wrote very well. So, it was kind of difficult to get his foot in the door a lot of the time when they'd be going off on one. They were all very educated blokes and me, you know, (laughs) who'd left home at fourteen and it was difficult for me to get anything in there quite a lot of the time as well. JK: With respect to the other members, wasn't the perception of Vinegar Joe in most people's eyes you and Robert because you two were a pretty unique front line at the time? EB: I know, but it just kind of worked out that way but, really, behind the scenes there was a lot of argy-bargy going on.

We had a lot of different musicians come in and come out of the band that caused a lot friction between myself, Robert, Peter and Steve which was a great shame but you often find that don't you? People do it for the hell of it. There was one bloke one time and I won't mention his name and he was just telling so many stories and I turned round to Pete and I said that I'd much rather believe what Robert says than what this other guy said. I'd rather go with Robert, let's get rid of this other guy. JK: Vinegar Joe made three good albums and although I like the first two, my favourite is Six Star General which I think that is your best album in terms of material and production. Would you agree with that? EB: Well it's hard to know because I haven't heard the albums for a long, long time. I mean really a long time and I have to say I always liked Circles. I think that was on the first album and I actually recorded that again because I liked the song so much. I don't know what Robert thought of it but it was actually a couple of keys up but I always thought that was a great song.

I tell you what, to give you an honest opinion on that I'd have to re-listen to all the albums but I suppose in fairness we had all matured and got a bit older by then. JK: Well my first brush with Vinegar Joe was the second album Rock 'n' Roll Gypsies. Then Six Star General came out and I saw you on The Old Grey Whistle Test performing Proud to be a Honky Woman and Lady of the Rain and I thought, ooh they're good! EB: Yeah! I wrote that with the drummer. Lady of the Rain, it was one of the first songs I ever wrote. I always remember Palmer saying to me that I used to come out with all these mad lyrics after a couple of drinks and he said, "Write them down!" I never really had much confidence in myself as a writer but I thought maybe he had a point there, perhaps I ought to and actually after the band folded I started to write much, much more. I wrote very little while I was in the band because there was always so much competition with the other guys in the band so I never bothered. JK: Well, I think you should listen to the albums again because I think they stand up.

They're very of their time in terms of production values. Obviously in purely technical terms things have moved on an amazing amount but in terms of the performance and the song writing they stand the test of time. EB: Well, that's nice. We should have been a huge band really and if so, perhaps, Palmer would have still been alive, who knows? But he had to do all those wonderful albums that he did but maybe he would have taken a different turn, you never know. Things have to be the way they are. Culture 4 All: DADA - Dada (1970) DADA - Dada (1970) …./…1970 found singer Elkie Brooks, guitarist Pete Gage, and singer/guitarist Robert Palmer working together in the English horn rock band Dada. and write On ; Robert sang,(?!) but did not record with Dada, who also featured Elkie Brooks on vocals. Dada metamorphosed into Vinegar Joe who recorded 3 albums for Island records…/… ———————— BUT SERIOUSLY, PAUL KORDA IS THE SINGER ON THE DADA ALBUM… AND NOT ROBERT PALMER!!!!!

———————————————————————————— Review: In 1970 Pete Gage and Elkie Brooks (After she met Pete Gage, whom she would marry) formed the short-lived rock fusion band, Dada. The group worked well but changes were brought about with the arrival of another future star by the name of Robert Palmer and Dada transformed into Vinegar Joe. Island Records president Chris Blackwell subsequently suggested the three consider continuing their musical partnership leading to the formation of Vinegar Joe with the addition of former Robert Palmer, Jody Grind keyboardist Tim Hinkley , drummer Rob Tait, and bassist Steve York. The band managed to release one obscure album for ATCO (1970′s “Dada” catalog number 2400 030), before collapsing. Personel on Dada album is; Pete Gage (guitar & bass) Elkie Brooks on Manchesterbeat - the group and music scene of Manchester in the 60s Elkie Brooks Elaine Bookbinder aka Elkie Brooks was born in Salford on 25 February 1946. She began her career billed as "Manchester's answer to Brenda Lee".

She later toured the UK with drumming legend Eric Delaney and his Band in the early 60s. ln 1970 she joined jazz-rock group Dada alongside lead singer Robert Palmer. They later became Vinegar Joe - a successful Soul/Rock outfit recording three albums before splitting up in 1974. Elkie went solo and recorded "Pearl's a singer" and "Sunshine after the rain". ln the 1980's she recorded "Fool if you think its over", "Knights in white satin" and "No more the fool" which reached No 5 in the UK charts. Elkie. Warra gal! Fancied her from the off. Reckon I was about 16. When she was in Vinegar Joe, she was just the perfect soul/rock crossover voice, - and did she look the part! Got her latest album"Electric Lady",and it's great. Let's have some local gigs please. Terry Flynn 21/2/12 Elkie Brooks (b.

Elaine Bookbinder, Sunday, February 25, 1945, 1 Castleton Road, Broughton, Salford, Lancashire, UK), was a famous 70's singer, who first made her name in Vinegar Joe (formed in Late 1971). Before that she released a number of singles, starting in 1964. Elkie Brooks was the daughter of Charlie Bookbinder (b. Kalmon Charles Bookbinder, Friday, May 14, 1915, Salford, Lancashire, UK) and Vi Bookbinder (b. Marjorie Violet Newton, Saturday, August 29, 1914, Salford, Lancashire, UK), a Catholic lady, who converted to Judaism and who both married in 1937. Her paternal grandparents Franklyn Boookbinder and Minni Wientroube were Jewish immigrants, both brought to the UK in the early 1900's from Gdansk in Russian Poland. They married in 1911. She was also the younger sister of Ray Brookbinder (b.

Raymond Bookbinder, Thursday, August 18, 1938, 1 Castleton Road, Broughton, Salford, Lancashire, UK) and drummer Tony Mansfield (b. Anthony Bookbinder, Friday, May 28, 1943, 1 Castleton Road, Broughton, Salford, Lancashire, UK), who made his name in Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas. Tony Mansfield trained to go into his fathers bakery business and had also been in a Dance Band for two years (1958 - 1960), before joining The Dakotas at 17 in September 1960. They were all raised at 119 Cavendish Road, Prestwich, Lancashire and Ellkie Brooks first school was Broughton Jewish Propriety School, which she went to from age 3 (1948). Later she went to Sedgley Park Country Primary School in Prestwich and then to North Salford Secondary School in Salford. Brooks also taught herself to play both piano and percussion.

Elkie Brook's first band was called The Black Cats, in which she sang and the group included Lionel X on piano (b. 1943 or 1944). At 13 in 1958 Elkie Brooks made her unofficial début at The Laronde Club in Cheetham Hill Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester 8. She first sang professionally at 15 in 1960 and also left school the same year. She moved to London and sang with The Eric Delaney Band and Humphey Lyttelton. For a while she used the stage name Elaine Mansfield, before she picked Elkie Brooks. After passing an audition with Don Arden (b. Harry Levy, Monday, January 4, 1926, Cheetham Hill, Manchester 8, Lancashire, UK d. Saturday, July 21, 2007, Los Angeles, California, USA) he became her manager. Brooks spent most of the 60's on the UK's cabaret circuit, which she did not enjoy. Before moving to London in Late 1963 Brooks had sang with various Manchester outfits like Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames.

She also sang with The Animals at The Scene Club in Ham Yard off Great Windmill Street, Soho, West London. It was here that she was spotted by songwriter and artists' manager Ian 'Sammy' Samwell (b. Ian Ralph Samwell, Tuesday, January 19, 1937, Lambeth, South East London, UK d. Sunday, April 13, 2003, Sacramento, California, USA), who had been guitarist in Cliff Richard and the Drifters in 1958 and had written Richard's first hit ''Move It'' in 1958. Samwell released she had vocal talent, which had considerable pop potential. Brooks was signed to the Decca Record Label in 1964 at 19-years old and one of the first things the bosses at Decca did was to send her off to Belgium to take part in The Knokke Cup, competing against other singers like Ria Bartok (b. Marie-Louise Pleiss, Thursday, January 28, 1943, Einbeck, Germany), Rita Hovink (b.

Hendriekje Jenny Finch, Friday, March 3, 1944, Beverwijk, Holland d. Friday, September 7, 1979, Hilversum, Holland) and Trea Dobbs (b. Trea van der Schoot, Friday, April 4, 1947, Eindhoven, Holland). On Friday, June 19, 1964 she released her first single ''Something's Got A Hold On Me'' / ''Hello Stranger'' on F 11928. This single was produced by Ian 'Sammy' Samwell. The musical director for the single was Earl Guest (b. Reginald Guest, 1930, Birmingham, Warwickshire, UK). It is reported that future Yardbird's and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page (b. James Patrick Page, Sunday, January 9, 1944, The Grove Nursing Home, Heston, Middlesex, UK) played guitar on the single. In Mid September 1964 Brooks released her second single ''Nothing Left To Do But Cry'' and ''Strange Though It Seems'' on F 11983.

This single was produced by Ian Samwell and the musical director was Earl Guest again, who also wrote the A-side. Between Thursday, December 24, 1964 and Saturday, January 16, 1965, Brooks joined The Beatles Christmas Show at The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London. The first date of the show was on December 24, 1964 and the last date of the show was on Saturday, January 16, 1965. Also in the show was The Mike Cotton Sound, Michael Haslam, The Yardbirds, DJ Jimmy Savile, Freddie and the Dreamers, Sounds Incorporated and Ray Fell (b. Liverpool, Lancashire, UK). In Late January 1965 Brooks released her third single ''The Way You Do The Things You Do'' and ''Blue Tonight'' on F 12061. This single was produced by Ian Samwell and the musical director was Earl Guest again. This was her last Decca single and Brook's moved to HMV. Later on Brooks helped the established act The Small Faces in their early career by introducing them at several venues.

She also went on tour to the USA, with several bands including The Animals. In Early June 1965 she released her only HMV single ''He's Gotta Love Me'' and ''When You Appear'' on POP 1431. In Early 1969 Brooks joined Brian Epstein's NEMS Label. In Late March 1969 Brooks released her last 60's single with ''Come September'' and ''If I Should Go'' on 56-4136. At some point Brooks approached guitarist Pete Gage (b. Peter Gage, Sunday, August 31, 1947, Lewisham, South East London, UK) to use his backing group The Ram Jam Band as her backing band. Gage declined, but they became an item and later married. Sadly Gage's first wife Pauline had died in a car crash returning from The Twisted Wheel Club in Manchester. A few months later The Ram Jam Band broke up in Late 1969. Gage then formed Dada a Stax influenced twelve-piece Jazz fusion band in 1970, which included Elkie Brooks.

The band released one eponymous album in 1970. The group was later joined by singer Robert Palmer (b. Robert Allen Palmer, Wednesday, January 19, 1949, Batley, South Yorkshire, UK d. Wednesday, September 23, 2003, Paris, France) (ex-The Mandrakes from 1964, The Alan Bown Set from 1969). In Late 1971 the band became Vinegar Joe.

Discography UK 45's Friday, June 19, 1964 Something's Got A Hold On Me (Woods, Kirkland, James)/Hello Stranger (Lewis) Decca F 11928 Friday, September 18, 1964 Nothing Left To Do But Cry (Earl Guest)/Strange Though It Seems (Price, Brooks) Decca F 11983 Friday, January 22, 1965 The Way You Do The Things You Do/Blue Tonight Decca F 12061 Friday, June 4, 1965 He's Gotta Love Me/When You Appear HMV POP 1431 Friday, October 8, 1965 All My Life/Can't Stop Thinking About You HMV POP 1480 Friday, February 25, 1966 Baby Let Me Love You/Stop The Music HMV POP 1512 Friday, March 28, 1969 Come September/If I Should Go NEMS 56-4136 Some Elkie Brook concerts: Thursday, December 24 - Saturday, January 

16, 1965: Another Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK, Freddie and the Dreamers opened the show, with The Mike Cotton Sound, Michael Haslam, Sounds Incorporated, Jimmy Savile, Ray Fell.

This Christmas Show, with breaks, carried on until Saturday, January 16, 1965.

Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 1964: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK, first date of the show Boxing Day, Saturday, December 26, 1964: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Monday, December 28, 1964: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Tuesday, December 29, 1964: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Wednesday, December 30, 1964: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK New Years Eve, Thursday, December 31, 1964: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Friday, January 1, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen

 Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Saturday, January 2, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Sunday, January 3, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Monday, January 4, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Tuesday, January 5, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Wednesday, January 6, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Thursday, January 7, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Friday, January 8, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK

 Saturday, January 9, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Sunday, January 10, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Monday, January 11, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Tuesday, January 12, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Wednesday, January 13, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Thursday, January 14, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Friday, January 15, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK Saturday, January 1

6, 1965: The Beatles Christmas Show, The Odeon Cinema, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, West London, UK, last date of show John H.

Warburg Singer Elkie Brooks on career, love and taxes | Life | Life & Style | Daily Express PUBLISHED: 00:01, Sat, Feb 8, 2014 Elkie Brooks, now 68 continues to tour and record [GETTY] I spent most of the 1960s on Britain’s cabaret scene, even supporting The Beatles at the height of their fame Elkie Brooks Now 68, she continues to tour and record. Lancashire-born Elkie lives in Devon with her second husband, Trevor Jordan, and their sons Jay, 34, and Joey, 28. “I was born Elaine Bookbinder in Salford and raised in Prestwich. My father Charlie was a baker and confectioner with five shops. From when I was a little girl, I sang at bar mitzvahs and weddings. I’ve always had a naturally low singing voice and my headmistress said I sounded like a boy. “I was 13 when I did my first professional show in Manchester.

Don Arden [music manager and father of Sharon Osbourne] thought Bookbinder was too long and Jewish sounding, so he named me Elaine Mansfield, which I hated, so after a few years I called myself Elkie which is Yiddish for Elaine, and shortened my surname to Brooks. “I spent most of the 1960s on Britain’s cabaret scene, even supporting The Beatles at the height of their fame, but that decade was not the nicest time for me. I found my musical direction in the 1970s. I formed the band Vinegar Joe with my first husband, Pete Gage, and Robert Palmer, who often encouraged me to write songs. I loved being in Vinegar Joe but we split in 1974 and Robert and I pursued solo careers. She was one of the most popular singers of the 70s and 80s [GETTY] “For my first solo album in 1975, Rich Man’s Woman, I posed for a controversial cover picture (Elkie was naked but for a feather boa) but it seemed like a good idea at the time.

“I never thought I’d have records in the charts, but my career took off in 1977 when I made the album Two Days Away, which contained the hit single Pearl’s A Singer. To think that I’m about to make my 22nd studio album… I still enjoy performing my old hits live. “In 2003, I took part in the ITV reality show Reborn In The USA in which British acts from the 70s and 80s tried to relaunch their careers in America. I thought it’d be far better than it was, but it did introduce me to youngsters who’ve since formed part of my ‘Elkaholic’ audience. “I met my husband Trevor when he was sound engineer for Diana Ross, and he’s done my sound ever since. We’ve been together 37 years; our eldest son Jay now manages and produces me and Joey is a ski and paragliding instructor. “For a long time now we’ve lived in north Devon, but we had to sell our home of 22 years after suffering tax problems. Having rented since then, we are hoping to build a new house of our own.

If I had all the royalties I’m due from the record companies I’ve recorded with over the years, I’d probably be a very wealthy woman. I’ve tried to pursue them, but you get so far and it’s so expensive that you just throw your arms up in the air. “I’m fortunate enough that in the last 20-odd years we’ve managed to get a lot of my albums back, because my husband did a sort of deal with the record companies that they could only have the album for so long. “The important thing is I’ve got my health and a great family around me. I do aikido [a Japanese martial art] every day. I can’t see myself retiring for quite a few years; I’ve still got lots to do and I’m singing well. When I lose my fitness level and start warbling that’ll be the time to hang up my microphone. I have so many interests other than music that I’ll simply carry on doing them instead.” Elkie’s autobiography Finding My Voice is published by Biteback.

For her concert dates, visit Related articles B Price: $15.00 With the extensive musical pedigrees the various members brought to Vinegar Joe, you would couldn't be blamed for expecting some interesting material. For the most part it just didn't happen. 1970 found singer Elkie Brooks, guitarist Pete Gage, and singer/guitarist Robert Palmer working together in the English horn rock band Dada. The band managed to release one obscure album for ATCO (1970's "Dada" catalog number 2400 030), before collapsing. Island Records president Chris Blackwell subsequently suggested the three consider continuing their musical partnership leading to the formation of Vinegar Joe with the addition of former Jody Grind keyboardist Tim Hinkley, drummer Rob Tait, and bassist Steve York. Blackwell promptly signed the band to Island Records with ATCO acquiring US distribution rights. Co-produced by Gage and Vic Smith, 1972's cleverly-titled "Vinegar Joe" featured all original material (largely penned by Gage and Palmer). Most of the ten tracks offered up predictable blues-rock moves.

Nothing wrong with blues rock, but the album also showcased two of music's most irritating lead singers in the form of a young Robert Palmer who simply didn't have much of a voice and Elkie Brooks who had a big voice, but during this phase of her career was one of rock's most irritating performers. Think that was a snarky comment? Just try sitting through her performance on 'Early Monday Morning' where she mistakes Janis Joplin styled screeching for vocal power. Giving credit where due, there were a couple of interesting moments, but they were atypical offerings. 'See the World' offered up a nifty pop-psych melody unlike anything else on the album. 'Never Met a Dog' and 'Leg Up' were nice rockesr with some commercial potential. Unfortunately those were the exceptions to the rule. - Written by Palmer, 'Rusty Red Armour' offered up a weird mix of bar band moves and snotty glam attitude, with a bit of Dylan thrown in the mix. To be honest the song was largely forgettable with Palmer's weird Dylan-esque vocal being the lone thing that might attract someone's attention.

rating: ** stars - Opening up with some discordant keyboards, 'Early Monday Morning' suddenly shifted gears, revealing itself as a plodding blues number made even worse by Brooks shrill and barely in-tune vocals. Painful and hard to sit through ... rating: * star - Yeah, another blues number featuring Brooks ... I'm being totally cynical here. 'Ride Me Easy, Rider' was certainly better than the previous track, but the combination of Brooks bleating voice and a thoroughly dull and plodding song made you wish they'd move on to the next song. The only thing worth hearing on this one was Pete Gage acoustic slide guitar, though I'm not sure it was worth having to hear Brooks. rating: ** stars - 'Circles' was an okay mid-tempo ballad sporting a modestly memorable ballad and served as side one's most commercial offering, Palmer's lead vocal sounded somewhat strained (and having Brooks shrieking in the background didn't exactly help things along). That said, this was probably the one song I'd actually be willing to listen to again. rating: *** stars - 'Leg Up' was interesting as the first song that bore any comparison to Palmer's forthcoming solo career.

His voice remained painfully thin, but the song's rock base served as a baseline for solo work (and Brooks was relegated to isolated background vocals). rating: ** stars - The one track where Palmer and Brooks actually sounded good together, 'See the World' opened up with some nice Gage lead guitar and Hinkley organ moves and then morphed into a cool pop song with a pseudo-psychedelic feel. The song was so good that the horn arrangement couldn't even detract from the performance. Give ATCO credit for tapping this one as the US single, though it disappeared in an instant. rating: **** stars - Kicked along by some nice Gage slide guitar, 'Never Met a Dog' was a straight out rocker that actually sounded quite good in comparison to the rest of the set. That's probably why it was tapped as the album's UK and European single. rating: *** stars - 'Avinu Malkenu' was a pretty acoustic blues tinged ballad (though I have no idea what the foreign lyric section was about). Unfortunately it also served to underscore Bell's weird quivering delivery.

rating: ** stars - Another relative commercial number with one of Palmer's better vocals, 'Gettin' Out' showcased Hinkley's keyboards. rating: ** stars - I'm not sure why, but the jazzy, opening section of 'Live a Little, Get Somewhere' has always reminded me a little but of Swing Out Sister; well until Brooks started her waivery vocals. Actually, she managed to keep it fairly under control throughout most of this one. rating: ** stars. Different singles were released In the UK and the States: - 1972's 'Never Met a Dog' b/w 'Speed Queen of Ventura' (Island catalog number WIP 6125) - 1972's 'See the World' b/w 'Circles' (ATCO catalog number 45-6912) Okay, I'll admit that John Padley's clay figures were kind of cool. Come to think of it they were probably the best thing on the album. For anyone curious to see them live, YouTube has a 1972 performance of 'Rusty Red Armour' on the BBC's Old Grey Whistle television show. Brooks was entertaining for her hat.

Palmer was interesting for his David Bowie wannabe wardrobe and performance mannerisms: Living Legends Tribute - Robert Palmer Living Legends Tribute - Robert Palmer >> Living Legends Tribute - Robert Palmer Robert Allen Palmer (January 19, 1949 � September 26, 2003), born in Batley, Yorkshire, was an English singer. Known for his soulful voice, he combined an eclectic mix of musical styles on his albums � soul, jazz, rock, reggae, and blues. The son of a British serviceman stationed in Malta, Palmer moved with his family to Scarborough, Yorkshire in 1959. Influenced as a child by blues, soul, and jazz music on American Forces Radio, Robert Palmer joined his first band, The Mandrakes, at the age of fifteen while still at Scarborough Boy�s High School. His first major break came with the departure of singer Jess Roden from The Alan Bown Set in 1969, after which Palmer was invited to London to sing on their single �Gypsy Girl�. The vocals for the album, The Alan Bown!, originally recorded by Roden (and released in the U.S.

that way), were re-recorded by Palmer after the success of the single. In 1970, Palmer joined the twelve-piece jazz-rock fusion band Dada, which featured singer Elkie Brooks. The band lasted a year, after which Brooks and Palmer formed the critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful rhythm and blues group, Vinegar Joe; Palmer sang and played rhythm guitar. Signed to the Island Records label, they released three albums: Vinegar Joe (1972), Rock �n� Roll Gypsies (1972), and Six Star General (1973). On the basis of his youthful looks, strong stage presence, and soulful voice, Island Records signed Palmer to a solo deal. His first solo album, Sneakin� Sally Through the Alley, recorded in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1974, was heavily influenced by the music of Little Feat and the funk fusion of The Meters, who acted as backing band along with producer/guitarist Lowell George of Little Feat. His first single was a cover of Little Feat�s �Sailin� Shoes.� Although moderately successful in the UK, both the album and single reached the Top 100 in the U.S..

Notably, �Sailin� Shoes� (the album�s first track), Palmer�s own �Hey Julia� and the Allen Toussaint-penned title track carry virtually the same rhythm, and are packaged on the CD as a �trilogy� without a pause between them. After relocating from London to New York City with his wife, Palmer released Pressure Drop in 1975 (featuring famed Motown bassist James Jamerson). An album infused with his interests in reggae and rock music, it was noted for its cover art of a nude girl on a balcony rather than any commercially successful songs. (The lead single �Give Me An Inch� did win critical plaudits for Palmer�s note-perfect delivery and its chord changes, which surprised George during the recording process.) He toured with Little Feat to promote that album. However, with the failure of the follow-up Some People Can Do What They Like, Palmer decided to move to the Bahamas; after that, his �expatriate lifestyle� was likely to receive more coverage than his music in British newspapers.

In 1978, he released Double Fun, a collection of Caribbean-influenced rock, including a down-tempo and syncopated cover of �You Really Got Me�. The album reached the Top 50 on the U.S. Billboard charts and scored a Top 20 single with the Andy Fraser-penned �Every Kinda People�. With its blend of Caribbean steel pan, violins and moving lyrics, �Every Kinda People� has become one of Palmer�s best-loved songs, covered multiple times by other artists (including Chaka Demus and Pliers, Randy Crawford and Amy Grant) and cited by music fans and spiritual groups for its positive message. Palmer�s next album was an artistic departure, concentrating on a rockier direction. Secrets (1979) produced his second Top 20 single with Moon Martin�s �Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)�, which like �Every Kinda People� became one of his signature tunes. The 1980s saw Palmer find an increasing amount of commercial success.

The album, Clues, produced by Palmer and featuring Chris Franz and Gary Numan, generated hits on both sides of the Atlantic, first with the radio-friendly single �Johnny and Mary� and then �Looking for Clues�. Catchy music videos matching the synth pop stylings of New Wave gave him much needed exposure to a younger audience. The success was repeated with the 1982 EP release of Some Guys Have All the Luck. In 1983 Palmer blended techno beats, early sampling and more of the island music of his adopted Bahamas (including steel pan) into the adventurous Pride album. Though the album wasn�t the smash Clues was, it did feature standout tracks in the title song and Palmer�s cover of The System�s �You Are In My System�, with The System�s David Frank contributing keyboard tracks to the latter song. �You Are In My System� was an example of Palmer�s passion for R & B covers. He squeezed the song onto the Pride album after the other tracks were finished. Hearing the track in a Paris club, Palmer rushed back to his Bahamas hometown, where the reconvened band (co-composer Frank included) put together the number.

Esquire magazine recounted the tale of the last-minute addition later that year. Palmer did the same in liner notes for his 1992 Addictions Volume 2 CD, which included his re-voiced version of �You Are In My System.� Palmer�s milestone year was 1985. After Duran Duran went on hiatus, guitarist Andy Taylor and bassist John Taylor joined drummer Tony Thompson and Palmer to form the band Power Station. Their eponymous album, recorded mostly at the New York studio for which the band was named, reached the Top 20 in the UK and the U.S. It spawned two hit singles with �Some Like It Hot� and a cover of the T. Rex song �Get It On�. Palmer performed live with the band only once that year, on Saturday Night Live. The band toured, and even played Live Aid, with singer Michael Des Barres after Palmer bowed out at the last moment to go back into the studio to further his newly revitalized solo career. It proved to be a good choice for Palmer.

Palmer recorded the album Riptide in 1985, recruiting Thompson and Andy Taylor to play on some tracks and Power Station producer Bernard Edwards, who worked with Thompson in the group CHIC, to helm the production. Riptide featured the Number One single �Addicted to Love�. The single was accompanied by a memorable and much parodied music video, directed by Terence Donovan, in which Palmer is surrounded by a bevy of near-identically clad, heavily made-up female �musicians�. The singles �Hyperactive� and his cover of Cherrelle�s �I Didn�t Mean to Turn You On� also performed well. Another song, �Trick Bag� was written by one of his major influences, New Orleans jazz artist Earl King. In 1987, he won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for his song �Addicted to Love�. Palmer had offered to replace Lowell George in Little Feat as they prepared their 1987 reunion, but they declined his offer. In 1987, Palmer moved to Lugano, Switzerland and set up his own recording studio.

Producing Heavy Nova in 1988, Palmer again returned to experimenting, this time with bossa nova rhythms, heavy rock, and white soul ballads. He repeated his previous success with �Addicted to Love� with the video of �Simply Irresistible�, again Palmer with a troupe of female �musicians�. The ballad, �She Makes My Day�, also proved to be a hit. In 1989, he won a second Grammy for �Simply Irresistible�, which would later be featured in the Tony Award-winning musical Contact. Rolling Stone magazine voted Palmer the best-dressed rock star for 1990. Palmer collaborated with UB40 for his next album, Don�t Explain. Released in 1990, it featured the Bob Dylan-penned Top Ten single, �I�ll Be Your Baby Tonight�, and the Top 20 Marvin Gaye cover, �Mercy Mercy Me�. Throughout the 1990s, Palmer ventured further into diverse material. Ridin� High (1992) was a tribute to the Tin Pan Alley era.

In 1994, Palmer released the tropical album, Honey, to mixed reviews and commercial success. While the album failed to spawn any hit singles in the United States, he did find success in Britain with the release of three hit singles: �Girl U Want�, �Know By Now� and �You Blow Me Away�. In 1995, Palmer reunited with other members of Power Station to record a second album. Bassist John Taylor eventually backed out of the project (because of personal problems), to be replaced by old colleague Bernard Edwards. Palmer and the rest of the band completed the album Living in Fear (released in 1996), and had just begun touring when Edwards died of pneumonia. The next few years saw more touring and more compilations; the next release of new material, Rhythm and Blues (1999) contained a mixture of Little Feat influenced songs, rock, and pop. Palmer released �True Love�, a single from the album Rhythm and Blues; the song was a minor hit in Britain. His final release, Drive (2003), was critically hailed as the grittiest and most heartfelt album of his career.

Inspired by a previous collaboration with Carl Carlton on a Robert Johnson tribute album (Hellbound on My Trail), Robert Palmer featured covers of fifteen blues standards on Drive, in addition to the original track, �Lucky�. Drive is a musical love affair as conducted by a man who seems to channel the blues rather than merely sing them - and one of the most surprisingly sound albums of Palmer�s long career. Elkie Brooks Remembers Singing With Robert Palmer - Robert Palmer : Music & Style Robert Palmer : Music & Style Elkie Brooks Remembers Singing With Robert Palmer Publié le 12 Avril 2010 Vinegar Joe, 1972 This was taken at Reading Festival, three months after we released the first Vinegar Joe album with Island Records. In the three years that the band existed, between 1971 and 1974, we released three albums. We were never huge, but we were very popular with students and played a lot on the university circuit. Playing at a festival was always a real high point for the band and I remember this time vividly. Status Quo, whom we used to support quite often, were also on the line-up.

Robert Palmer and I were very competitive; I suppose that was understandable because we were both lead singers in Vinegar Joe. But outside the band we used to get on very well. When we were on the road we would often go off on our own, find a bistro and enjoy a nice bottle of wine and a meal together (although mostly we lived on food from motorway services because we weren't paid much). Robert was a very good-looking guy, and so girls that we met used to be well pleased when they found out that we were not an item. I used to buy a lot of my outfits for the stage from secondhand shops and the antique market on King's Road in London. I lived around the corner in Fulham. I remember this bikini-type top very well. I embroidered my name on it with diamanté, just in case you didn't know who it was. And a fan gave me the skirt, which came with a matching top. I really found myself when I was in Vinegar Joe, and became very outgoing and uninhibited. I had released my first record, Something's Got A Hold On Me, in 1964.

It didn't do very well and, despite touring with the Animals and supporting the Beatles for three weeks, I lacked confidence. Then, after Vinegar Joe, in 1977, when I had given up thinking I was ever going to get anything in the pop charts, my single Pearl's A Singer reached number eight. It was released on my birthday, February 25. I think Island Records always saw Vinegar Joe as something of a rehearsal band for Robert, and when we split up, the whole band was definitely smarting for a few months. Robert felt I was very pissed off, and although I really never held a grudge we didn't keep in touch and our paths never crossed, which was a huge shame (Palmer died in 2003). I kept in touch with his parents and his brother and they have been to my shows over the years. I admired Robert so much and I recorded his song Circles for my album of the same name in 1995. And if that isn't a tribute to his great ability, then what is?

Interview by Georgia Dehn (Telegraph Magazine - 2010) Rédigé par olivier Meet Robert Palmer [PHOTOS, VIDEOS] Meet Robert Palmer [PHOTOS, VIDEOS] By Craig Allen August 3, 2013 3:01 PM Share on Twitter “Simply Irresistible” Radio-Only Vinyl Promo Single, 1988 (Craig Allen photo) Robert Allen Palmer was born in England on January 19, 1949. He was a singer-songwriter/musician, known for a diverse mix of musical styles on his albums, as he combined soul, jazz, rock, pop, reggae and blues. He found success both in his solo career and with the “Power Station.” Influenced as a child by blues, soul and jazz music on American Forces Radio, 15 year old Robert Palmer joined his first band, “The Mandrakes,” while still at Scarborough Boys’ High School.

(amazon.com) His first major break came in 1969, when Palmer was invited to London to sing on the single “Gypsy Girl,” by “The Alan Bown Set.” In 1970, Palmer joined the 12-piece jazz-rock fusion band “Dada,” featuring singer Elkie Brooks. This band lasted a year. Brooks and Palmer then formed the critically acclaimed (but commercially unsuccessful) R&B group “Vinegar Joe.” (amazon.com) Palmer sang and played rhythm guitar. Signed by Island Records, they released three albums: Vinegar Joe (1972), Rock ‘n’ Roll Gypsies (1972) and Six Star General (1973). The band broke up in 1974. Robert Palmer signed a solo recording deal with Island Records in 1974. His first solo album “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley” was recorded in New Orleans. (amazon.com) Both the album and single reached the Top 100 in the U.S. Relocating from London to New York with his wife, Palmer released “Pressure Drop” in November 1975.

(amazon.com) An album combining his interests in reggae and rock, it was noticed more for its cover art of a naked girl on a balcony, than any commercially successful songs. With the failure of the follow-up album “Some People Can Do What They Like,” (amazon.com) Palmer moved to Nassau, Bahamas. Double Fun, cover art. (Craig Allen photo) In 1978, Robert Palmer released “Double Fun,” a collection of Caribbean-influenced rock. Double Fun, back cover art. Double the “headshot” fun! (Craig Allen photo) The single “Every Kinda People” went to #16 on the Billboard charts. (amazon.com) Palmer’s next album concentrated on rock! “Secrets” produced his second Top 20 single (and one of Jersey’s Favorite Hits): “Bad Case Of Loving You” (#14/1979). Subscribe to New Jersey 101.5 FM on The early 1980’s brought several albums, and catchy videos…but only the song “You Are In My System” would chart (#78/1983).

In 1985, the band “Duran Duran” went on hiatus…and guitarist Andy Taylor and bassist John Taylor joined up with former “Chic” drummer Tony Thompson, and Robert Palmer, to form “Power Station.” Power Station, 1985 (Craig Allen photo) The album, recorded mainly at New York City’s “Power Station” recording studio, reached the Top 10 in the US. It spun off two hit singles (both becoming Jersey’s Favorite Hits): …and a cover version of the T. Rex song “Get It On (Bang A Gong),” landing at #9 on the charts in 1985. Power Station, back cover art. (Craig Allen photo) Robert Palmer performed live with the band only once, on “Saturday Night Live.” The band toured, and played “Live Aid” with singer Michael Des Barres, after Palmer bowed out to return to the recording studio, to further his solo career. Some critics called Palmer’s actions unprofessional. Later, some would say that his solo hits sounded like Power Station songs. Palmer responded in the press saying: “Listen, I gave The Power Station that sound.

They took it from me, not the other way around.” Riptide, 1985. (Craig Allen photo) Palmer recorded the “Riptide” album in 1985. Subscribe to New Jersey 101.5 FM on The followup single, “I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On,” went to #9 on the charts. Bothered by a rising crime rate in Nassau, Palmer moved to Switzerland in 1987, and set up his own recording studio. (amazon.com) Subscribe to New Jersey 101.5 FM on “Simply Irresistible” went to #2 (for 2 weeks) in 1988. The song would win Palmer a second Grammy Award, and it would be his last Top 10 record in America. Addictions 1, “Best Of” released in 1989. (Craig Allen photo) Rolling Stone Magazine magazine voted Palmer the best-dressed rock star of 1990!

That year, Palmer would release a cover version of Marvin Gaye’s 1970’s hit “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).” It went to #16 in the spring of 1991. Radio-Only Promo CD, 1990. Contains US & UK Edits, and Album version! (Craig Allen photo) Throughout the 1990’s, Robert Palmer experimented with different “sounds.” (amazon.com) For example, the 1992 album “Ridin’ High” ended up being a tribute to the music of the “Tin Pan Alley” era! Remember…VHS Video Tapes?? (amazon.com) 1992 brought sustained interest Palmer’s solo career…with the release of … The followup to the 1989 “Addictions” CD. (Craig Allen photo) “Addictions, Volume 2.” A new “Power Station” album, “Living In Fear” was released in 1996. “Very Best,” January 1997.

(amazon.com) 1997 brought the first of many “Greatest Hits” albums… In his personal life, Robert Palmer was married in 1974 to Shelly Putman. They had three children together: Anthony, Anna and Martin, and divorced in 1978. The following year, Palmer married Susan Eileen Thatcher. They had two children together: James and Jane, before divorcing in 1989. In 1993 Palmer permanently relocated from the Bahamas to a Lugano, Switzerland, after the islands had become overrun with drugs and guns, and were no longer safe. He became a naturalized citizen of Switzerland in 1993, and lived there until his death. On September 26, 2003, Robert Palmer died in Paris at the Hôtel Warwick Champs-Elysees rue de Berri, from a heart attack. He was 54. Among those who paid tribute were “Duran Duran,” saying: “He was a very dear friend and a great artist. This is a tragic loss to the British music industry.” 2008 “Best Of Robert Palmer”…his music lives on! (amazon.com)

Question: Elkie Brooks and Robert Palmer sang together in which band?
Answer: Vinegar Joe