Kenny Bernard

The Acid Jazz Rare Mod series continues with Live ’65 from Kenny Bernard & The Wranglers,  an extraordinary historical document found at a car boot sale.

The story goes that the AJ office phone rang one afternoon. On the line was broadcaster Mark Lamarr,  TV and Radio personality, record collector and R&B fan. “I’ve dug up an extremely rare acetate… a white label of Kenny Bernard at The Ad Lib Club.”   

Kenny was tracked down, living up in East Anglia, who revealed an amazing tale, and one that certainly needs repeating.

Childhood friend of Bill Wyman, bandleader to a young David Bowie (he played sax for the Wranglers at half a dozen mid sixties gigs) and one of a handful of black-British soul singers working the mod circuit.

Trinidad born but South London raised, Kenny was amazed and joyful that the acetate had been uncovered. An early manager stole the recordings and was never seen again. He gladly gave his consent to release this timeless gem.

Recorded at The Ad Lib in Leicester Square some time in late 1965 the album captures Kenny's vibrant performance, his incredible voice and the excellent group of backing musicians that called themselves The Wranglers.

The set mainly consists of cover versions, the staple sixties set for jobbing groups, including a couple of instrumentals that feature the considerable skills of organist Alan Reeves.

In the shops on the 22nd August.

Recommended !