 Detail of cover of "Secret Life" (1988) Photograph © Dave Peabody |
"Juice On The Loose was formed in 1978 as a loose conglomeration of musicians to provide London with its own house-band, primarily for backing any visiting American rhythm & blues singers. Gradually, however, the band grew in popularity, the line-up crystalised and Juice On The Loose became one of the most consistently in-demand acts on the London R&B scene." Says the band's promo sheet from 1986. |
"Juice were one of the best bands to play the pub and club circuit in the 80s. They were formed by Ron Kavana (vocals and guitar), and the early line up also featured on Diz Watson (vocals and piano - Diz and the Doormen) and sometimes Geraint Watkins (vocals and piano - Southside, Balham Alligators). However the version I remember most was fronted by my old friend Les Walker (vocals - Warm Dust, Big Jim Sullivan Band)."Drummer Paul Atkinson (often spelled Aitkenson!?) has previously seen action with Bees Make Honey, the Mickey Jupp Band and Little Sister" says the band's promo sheet from '86.
Bam King (guitar, vcls - Action, Mighty Baby, Ace) and Ace drummer Fran Byrne also joined Juice on the Loose. Other members were Andy Winfield (guitar, vocals), Charlie Hart (bass - Kilburn and the High Roads, Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance) and Frank Mead (sax and harmonica - Mickey Jupp, sessions). Frank often plays with the Big Town Playboys now.
Ron Kavana went on to form a band called Alias Ron Kavana. After leaving Juice, Les Walker formed a band called Cooking Tonite, with myself: Pete Farrugia (guitar and vocals), Adrian 'BW' Wallis (Southside Dynamos, bass), Tony Tuohy (drums - he went on to play with Samson) and John 'Charlie' Whitney, the excellent guitarist who had previously been in Family and Streetwalkers."
| Album 1981 | Oct. 1986 | Album 1988 |
|---|---|---|
| Ron Kavana: lead guitar, lead vcls Bam King: rhythm guitar, vocals Charlie Hart: bass, vcls, accordion, piano Fran Byrne: drums Nick Pentelow: saxophones Among album guests: Geraint Watkins: piano Ed Deane: slide guitar |
Les Walker: vocals Andy Winfield: guitar, vocals Bam King: guitar, vocals Charlie Hart: bass, accordion Paul Atkinson: drums Frank Mead: saxophones |
Andy Winfield: guitar, lead vocals Bam King: guitar, vocals Richard Simmons: keyboards Charlie Hart: bass Paul Atkinson: drums, vocals Frank Mead: saxophones, harmonica |
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"Six Pack" (1985): an amazing cassette! Six soul tinged songs, produced by Paul Carrack, for sale at their gigs. Great stuff! "Lonely Teardrops" (Gordy/Carlo/Gordy), "Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday" (Bell/Jones), "Pouring Water On A Drowning Man" (Baker/McCormick), "Careless With Our Love" (Davis/Johnson), "748 Texas" (Jerry McCain), "Morning Glory" (MacGayden). |