THE SHAKERS from their rivals hailing from different towns and cities . It is no wonder that Liverpool and Hamburg enjoyed such a close relationship , as they shared a similar outlook and location . Many beat musicians claim to have been born in Liverpool but grew up in Hamburg , and it was there that their hard-rocking sound reached perfection . As the Mersey Sound gained popularity and spread nationally , the hit groups of the day had to undergo a certain amount of " smoothing out " to be more acceptable to the wider British public and the showbiz world they now inhabited .
Liverpool , 1961 : A city immersed in a monochromatic world . The Liver Building , tainted by soot , stands tall under the gloomy grey skies . The majestic Liver Birds gaze out over the murky Mersey , where ferries crisscross from the Pier Head , creating patterns on the water . In the distance , the faint rumbling of beat music can be heard , emanating from a smelly and dank cellar in the heart of the city . Mathew St , a small , cobbled street lined with fruit and vegetable warehouses , connects the bustling thoroughfares of North John St and Stanley St . This street pulsates with the new sound , as manual workers intermingle with young office workers on their lunch break , immersing themselves in the intoxicating atmosphere of this underground venue .
This was the birth of a genre of music that would ultimately change the world , all thanks to four lads from Liverpool and a group of other talented individuals . While there are numerous Beatles tribute bands worldwide dedicated to preserving their legacy , only a few truly capture the raw and sweaty essence that made the Beatles and the Cavern Club legendary . Personally , I have a deep passion for that era and the unique sound known as the Mersey Sound , which was later named after Bill Harry ' s local music paper , Mersey Beat . There is something primal and fierce about the music that resonated in the beat clubs of Liverpool during that time . It was a quality that other cities never quite managed to capture , and it played a significant role in the success of the Beatles and other local beat groups . Liverpool itself , with its tough and uncompromising attitude , coupled with a sentimental underbelly derived from its rich maritime heritage , lent an unparalleled uniqueness to the music of the period . It provided the edge that set them apart
As the years passed , music evolved , as it inevitably does in the name of progress . Technology gradually took over , almost overshadowing the human element in music creation . Even the musicians who were present during those early years embraced these new techniques and adapted to the changing times . They upgraded their sound , giving their old material a fresh sheen and a more contemporary feel . However , in my opinion , this is where the magic ceased . It was the earthy and raw sound of the early sixties that made the music so thrilling to listen to and , more importantly , to feel . The clanking guitars , booming bass , and thinly clattered drums , accompanied by hoarse vocals teetering at the top of their range , belted out Scouse-tinged , rough-hewn R & B and rock ' n ' roll as if their lives depended on it – which , in a way , they did !
The Shakers bring this sound back to the best of cellars – The Cavern Club . Though it may be a reconstruction , it occupies the same location and bears the same address as the original venue . Most importantly , it still exudes the sweaty atmosphere that was once legendary on Beat Street , when the conditions were just right . Playing at the Cavern Club has become a " home away from home ," for The Shakers and they consider themselves fortunate to perform there every week for an international clientele . Occasionally , they even have the opportunity to visit their fans in their home countries too ! The Shakers residency at the Cavern Club has allowed them to play numerous international gigs , reaching as far as the USA , the Middle East , and various European countries . The beat truly goes on , and it is a testament to the influence of those early sixties beat pioneers who paved the way for groups like them and laid the foundations for the modern music we know today . The Beatles and the Merseybeat scene sparked a revolution that changed the world and transformed the way we live .
The Shaker ’ s regular " Swingin ' Saturday " lunchtime session and " Shakin ' Sunday " evening beat show have become beloved fixtures on the beat calendar , attracting those who seek to experience the Mersey Sound just as it used to be : up close and personal , raw , sweaty , and fierce ! So , raise the collar on your leather jacket , polish those winklepickers , and venture down to the Cavern !
ASWAD
After fifteen albums and two decades on the music scene , Aswad remains one of Britain ’ s best-loved reggae bands . Originally led by the trio of Brinsley “ Dan ” Forde ( on vocals and rhythm guitar ), Angus “ Drummie Zeb ” Gaye ( on vocals and drums ), and Tony “ Gad ” Robinson ( on bass ), Aswad is renowned among reggae fans for their rich melodies and compelling harmonies , woven over hard rhythm tracks and inspired horn riffs .
Aswad have the distinction of being the first Reggae Band in the UK to be signed to an international label i . e . Island Records in the 1970s .
Their album ‘ LIVE & DIRECT ’ – is one of the NME ’ s critically acclaimed albums of the 20th century . They crossed over from being Reggae royalty to a member of the pop dynasty with their smash hit album ‘ DISTANT THUNDER ’ which spawned the number 1
International hits ‘ Don ’ t Turn Around ’ & ‘ Give a Little Love ’ but still kept their political edge at the time with the chart hit ‘ Set Them Free ’ – which was part of the Free Nelson Mandela campaign . Aswad ’ s many hits include Shine , On and ON , Smoky Blues , Best of My Love & many more .
Aswad are still very relevant in the 21st century as can be seen by the many festivals they appear on both in the UK and around the world . Sit back & look forward to a night of nice enjoyable pop reggae ONE LOVE .
Aswad , after more than 25 years , are still the purveyors of the UK reggae scene and will continue to be way into the next millennium .
Aswad with special guest Don Letts play Liverpool – Furnace on Sunday 31st March 2024 . Tickets from seetickets . com wirrallife . com 59