Several of the tracks from the film can be found on the new charity LP called ‘50/50’ by the Leicester band Hopscotch Boulevard. Made up of the two-piece Lee Spreadbury, and John ‘Jelly’ Nixon, 50/50 is a retrospective of their sixties inspired work.
“Progressive, psychedelic and jazz…delving deep into the separate bags of Jimmy Smith, Blue Note-era jazz and late-1960s lounge-style freakbeat…this highly adept local duo are out to prove that drums and organ don’t always mean bingo and strippers.”
Al Needham
The Metro
The album has been produced posthumously on behalf of Jelly Nixon by Joe Nixon and Lee Spreadbury. All funds raised from this release will go to two charities, and in the spirit of ’50/50′ we’ve decided to donate 50% of proceeds to Pancreatic Cancer UK on behalf of Jelly, and 50% of proceeds to Soft Touch Arts on behalf of Lee Spreadbury and Jelly’s son Joe.
Buy nowThe cost of the album is £15 plus P&P.
Postage and packaging is £5 to the UK only.
Please allow between 7-10 days for delivery.
Albums are also available to collect locally in Leicester City Centre. Cash payment only. Please email joe@archcreative.co.uk to arrange.
“’50/50’ is a retrospective compilation of Hopscotch Boulevard’s finest moments from midnight attic studio sessions and spontaneous live onstage happenings.
I met Jel in a local music shop in 2006, and after a lengthy discussion about rock ‘n’ roll tales (involving hanging with Keith Moon) and the jazz music we both loved, we agreed to meet up for a jam. In a cold and dimly lit rehearsal room we set about playing something loosely based around a Jimmy Smith number. It soon became apparent within the first few bars that there was a unique chemistry, both musically and personally.
Having recently rediscovered these recordings, made during the years 2007-2015, we agreed that the music Hopscotch Boulevard made is simply too good to go unreleased, and after discussion we decided the only format for this release would be vinyl. ’50/50’ encapsulates the two sides to Hopscotch Boulevard. Jel would always use the phrase “50/50”, partly referring to the intended split of future money they’d make, partly referring to their two distinct musical styles: ‘Frenetic’ and ‘Diner’. Side A therefore reflects the ‘Frenetic’ and Side B reflects the ‘Diner’.
Tracks such as ‘Wild Side’, ‘Cantaloupe’, ‘All Blues’, ‘Chitlins’ and ‘Que Pasa’ are homages to the blue-note era which so inspired Jel and Lee, whilst ‘Butterfield’ (parts 1 & 2) is a far out nod to the Psychedelic Acid Rock period that played an important part of the HB sound, and which Jel experienced first hand.”
Lee Spreadbury
The film features six original tracks from Leicester’s legendary progressive rock band Family. All of the tracks selected are taken from their two successful 1960’s albums. Firstly, their psychedelic classic debut ‘Music in a Doll’s House’ and their critically acclaimed follow-up album ‘Family Entertainment.’
Family singer / songwriter Roger Chapman has been interviewed about his recollections of growing up in Leicester, his take on the sixties, and these two Family albums.
With thanks to Round Hill Music, Rock & Roll Stew Music and Cherry Red Records for providing licences to screen the film.
Find out more about Family here.
Alongside talented guitarist, singer/songwriter Kenny Wilson’s appearance in the film as an interviewee, Kenny has also kindly provided the use of several of his tracks from his excellent album ‘Chameleon Dreams.’
You can buy the tracks here
Mick Pini started playing guitar from a young age and formed his first band at just 15, performing around the country including Liverpool’s Cavern Club. A highly skilled blues guitarist, and renowned as Leicester’s first hippy, Pini has worked with legendary artists including BB King. Eric Clapton once stated that Pini was ‘a worthy successor to Peter Green.’
Mick is a big supporter of the project and has kindly allowed us to use two of his tracks in the film. With thanks to composers Mick Pini & Craig Marshall. Production, Arrangement, Mix and Master – Audio54.
