A GREAT NEW ALBUM RELEASE.

"RETRO REFLECTIONS"

Elwell, Kaye & Shenton.

***   Featuring  ***

       *BYRON ELWELL * DAVE KAYE * ROBB SHENTON *

               FIRST REVIEWS NOW IN. SEE FURTHER DOWN PAGE.

LATEST NEWS UPDATE.

"RETRO REFLECTIONS"

NOW AVAILABLE

                  COST............. £6.99 plus post and packing £1.50. Total £8.49.   

                   Please make cheques payable to BYRON ELWELL and send your order to;

Byron Elwell, Chestnut Bank House, Bobbin Mill Hill, Fritchley, Derbyshire, DE56 2HN.     

AUGUST 29TH 2010.

Robb Shenton is Dell Richardsons guest on Dell's "Good Rocking Tonight" Show on Radio Caroline on November 2nd 2010. See NEWS Page for details.

MAY 2nd. 2010.

More reviews received for the album have been added further down the page.

APRIL 19th. 2010.

Hi, have you ordered your copy of our album yet, we know you will enjoy listening to it - as much as we have enjoyed choosing and recording the Vocal and Instrumental tracks for you. The booklet that accompanies the album will give you more information about us, the album, plus the people who have kindly supported and endorsed our efforts on your behalf. We have each selected six tracks to contribute to the Eighteen Track album; which contains Instrumental tracks from 2004,2007 to early 2010. Some of the Vocal tracks from our recorded archives date back to the late 1960's whilst others date from the 1980's and 90's, with more recent additions recorded in 2009 and early 2010; {further details in the album booklet}.

The album has a good mixture of original earlier recordings, recently written and recorded songs and instrumentals; as well as cover versions of established material by other artistes.

As we have historic recording associations with the late record producer, Joe Meek; this is reflected in some of the Tracks on our album.

With our best wishes; Byron Elwell,Dave Kaye & Robb Shenton.

FEB 27TH 2010.

There are now six, 59 second sample tracks on the JUKE BOX PAGE on this site, they are as follows,  REFLECTIONS - NOW YOU'RE THE GIRL OF MY BEST FRIEND  - TELSTAR 2010 -  TORNADO  -  GALACTIC  -  LIFE ON VENUS.

FEB 20th 2010.

Final vocal tracks recorded and all 18 tracks mixed and mastered at Major London Recording Studio from Friday morning Feb 12th to Monday evening Feb 15th.

    Five UK based local radio stations want to book, Elwell, Kaye & Shenton to come in for an "On Air" chat and play a selection of tracks from the album. There will be a "Special" guest appearance for Byron, Dave and Robb on Dell Richardson's "Good Rockin' Tonight Show" on Radio Caroline on Tuesday, March 9th at 6 - 9pm. More dates to follow.

    Our promotion Team are following up enquiries from Radio stations in Germany, Holland, Belgium and Norway. We will give details and dates as they confirm. Clearly the Joe Meek connection has certain sections of the media very very interested in this project.

     Byron Elwell played keyboards on four of Robb Shenton's tracks with the exception of "First Love" which was produced by Clem Cattini and "The Folks Who Live On The Hill" when Paul Ricard played keyboards for Robb.

     Dave Kaye's great vocals on "Now Your The Girl Of My Best Friend" was a song specially written for Dave for the album by Robb Shenton. Byron Elwell provided the backing.

     Robb and Flip {of the Joe Meek band "Flip and the Dateliners" ] did the vocal backing in 1965 for Dave's recording of "In My Way", produced by Joe Meek. Robb was delighted to meet up with Dave at a Joe Meek event in Newent in April 2009, at which event Robb and Byron also met up.

     Dave Kaye is still doing great gigs with his band "The Dykons" and can be seen at selected venues in and around Derbyshire area. A great night of real Rock n' Roll. Don't take our word for it, look out for some dates.

     Psst.......... wanna know a secret, how Byron gets his authentic "Tornado's" sound...........

After an exhaustive search Byron purchased a Selmer Clavioline which was in need of some TLC and has now lovingly restored to pristine condition. You can hear this on a few of Byron's Instrumental tracks on the album, "Retro Reflections".

     The title song of the album, "Reflections" was originally an instrumental written by Byron for his first album. Byron asked Robb to write lyrics to the song, Robb duly did and it ended up as the title track of the album, "Retro Reflections"  with Robb on vocals and Byron on piano/keyboards.

     One track proving a real favoutite with early reviewers of the album is "Business Man" with the powerful and emotive vocals of Dave Kaye. The song was written by Belgian song writer Etienne Steen and Ernie Twells from Groby, Leicester. Etienne also plays guitar on a number of tracks on the album [track notes on the album will give details].

     There will be a 16 page booklet to accompany the album including a personal profile of Elwell, Kaye & Shenton.

AS WE GET NEARER TO THE RELEASE DATE OF "RETRO REFLECTIONS" THERE WILL BE MORE NEWS AND INFO' ON THIS SITE. SO STAY TUNED.

Check out this site and also the Joe Meek sites to be sure of being in touch with the album - thats special.

TRACK LISTING.

Track 1.    "REFLECTIONS"   Robb Shenton/Byron Elwell.

Track 2.    "NOW YOUR THE GIRL OF MY BEST FRIEND"  Dave Kaye.

Track 3.    "TORNADO"   Byron Elwell/Space Babes.

Track 4.    "PLEASE STAY"   Robb Shenton.

Track 5.    "BUSINESS MAN"   Dave Kaye.

Track 6.    "TELSTAR 2010"   Byron Elwell/Space Babes. [updated version].

Track 7.    "LET IT BE ME"   Robb Shenton.

Track 8.    "LONG NIGHT BLUES"   Dave Kaye.

Track 9.    "HOLLOWAY GHOSTS"   Byron Elwell/Space Babes.

Track 10.  "WALK WITH ME MY ANGEL"   Robb Shenton.

Tracl 11.   "YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS YOUNG"   Dave Kaye.

Track 12.  "ODYSSEY"   Byron Elwell/Space Babes.

Track 13.  "THE FOLKS WHO LIVE ON THE HILL"   Robb Shenton.

Track 14.  "SAY YOU LOVE ME"   Dave Kaye.

Track 15.  "LIFE ON VENUS"   Byron Elwell/Space Babes.

Track 16.  "FIRST LOVE"   Robb Shenton.

Track 17.  "WONDERFUL WORLD"   Dave Kaye.

Track 18.  "GALACTIC"   Byron Elwell/Space Babes.  

HOW THE ALBUM WAS BORN.

 Way back in 1970, Byron played organ in Dave's band 'The Dykons', staying for several years. Dave and Byron still reside in neighboring locations in the beautiful Peak District of Derbyshire. They met with Preston born Robb when he was appearing at a Joe Meek Tribute Concert in Newent in April 2009.

  In 1965, Robb and Flip {Viv} of 'Flip and the Dateliners', provided the vocal backing for Dave's much acclaimed recording of 'In My Way' at the studios of the Legendary Record Producer, Joe Meek.

  Dave was not present when the studio session singers, Robb and Flip overdubbed the backing vocals; so Robb and Dave didn't meet until 2009, 44 years later.

  Following the gig in Newent, Robb met with Byron at his Derbyshire home, where they agreed to collaborate on writing some songs together; with Robb writing the lyrics to Byron's music - and that's how the Albums 'Title Song' "Reflections" came about.

  Some weeks later; Robb was delighted to meet with Dave at Byron's home, and it was from that meeting that all three artistes decided they would record and release an Album featuring six tracks each; with the working title; "RETRO REFLECTIONS" by Elwell, Kaye & Shenton.

  Robb who has always highly rated Dave's work, promised to write a song especially for Dave, which Robb did, titled - "Now You're The Girl Of My Best Friend".; which Dave duly recorded for the album.

  Byron has contributed six instrumentals; whilst Dave and Robb added six each of their chosen songs with Byron providing the backing on various tracks. The eighteen track album has a mixture of previously and newly recorded, covers and original material. We hope you will enjoy.

REVIEWS

Former RGM singers, Dave Kaye, Robb Shenton and keyboard maestro, Byron Elwell, do not disappoint on this splendid CD with it's eclectic mixture of original compositions and innovative cover versions. I can only select personal highlights - two apiece from messers, Elwell (TORNADO & HOLLOWAY GHOSTS). Kaye (BUSINESS MAN & YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS YOUNG) and Shenton (PLEASE STAY & WALK WITH ME MY ANGEL). An excellent tribute to the Joe Meek era and those halcyon 60's days.

I think you have done yourselves proud. Both Robb and Dave are in fine voice and Byron's keyboards are as outstanding as ever. I can honestly say that all the instrumental tracks were fabulous (yet more compositions too! Robb has transformed the splendid "Reflections" with Byron on piano, into a lovely vocal. So much to admire. Very well performed and excellant production work. Definitely a CD to recommend - which I shall be doing.

ROB BRADFORD.  "RECORD COLLECTOR" / JMS. For membership details please contact Andrew Knott, 89 Hardy Cresent, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 2AR.

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   This collection of 18 songs by Byron Elwell, Dave Kaye and Robb Shenton- the guys get six apiece - nudges retro right back into the new millennium with great musicianship and elan.

   I truly rate this CD very highly and I respect all the hard work which went into it. When it arrived at Telstar Towers in promo form I played it between my other records for days. The CD is a blend of Byron Elwell's versatile tunes and keyboard wizardry for the instrumental freaks, Dave Kaye for that classic USA big voice sound and Robb Shenton's sweet Libran moods in an environment between smoky lounge vocals and a mix of easy listening svelte reminiscent of a more innocent era when life was simply less complicated. Byron provides most of the music throughout. So guys, well done and I seriously recommend this release, it's for anyone who ever had a heart.

STUART FREED. RGM APPRECIATION SOCIETY. April 5th 2010.

   (In the latest RGMAS Original Thunderbolt magazine, No 40, Stuart has written around two and a half pages giving a full review on many tracks and the artists. )    Details of membership please contact aubtimms@hotmail.co.uk       

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SOME OF THE SLEEVE REVIEWS THAT HAVE BEEN SENT TO US.

CLEM CATTINI : {Joe Meek Artiste}. Leader of The Tornado's - Drummer on Telstar; Top Recording Session Player; and Hon President of the Joe Meek Society.

"I found the CD "Retro Reflections" very interesting and differant, well done; I hope it is successful for you".

KEN LEDRAN: - Chairman of the Joe Meek Society.

"Retro Reflections contains all the necessary elements for an enjoyable listening experience. Very fine singing with subtle musical touches; and some terrific instrumentals. It is also relaxing to listen to - and has an overall 'feel good factor'. "

MARK NEWSON: - Editor of the Joe Meek Society 'Thunderbolt' Magazine.

"Dave Kaye and Robb Shenton - two powerhouse voices from RGM Sound, are complemented by Byron Elwell's outstanding instrumentals".

ROB BRADFORD: - Editor of Joe Meek Society - Newsletter.

"Former RGM singers, Dave Kaye and Robb Shenton - plus keyboard maestro, Byron Elwell, do not disappoint on this splendid CD - with its eclectic mixture of original compositions and innovative cover versions. An excellent tribute to the Joe Meek era, and those halcyon 60's days. Rob Bradford 'Record Collector/JMS".

STUART FREED: - Music Journalist and editor of RGMAS - Thunderbolt.

"For anyone who had a heart - this album is a magic carpet ride to a more innocent age of early Brit Rock 'n' Roll. Elwell, Kaye & Shenton deliver 18 tracks in which they re-light fires in the true spirit of an age - not yet ready to move over. I loved it".

ALAN 'Tapeman' Blackburn: Former Chairman RGM Appreciation Group.

"An excellent album, with particular vocal tracks by Robb and Dave,well worthy of a'Singles' release. On this album Byron has shown what an outstanding keyboard player/ arranger and composer he is. All three artistes deliver an expected high standard of performance - in an enjoyable album - in which certain tracks - show more than a passing influence of the late Joe Meek".

ROB HUMPHREYS: - Webmaster - Joe Meek Society web site.

"The overall theme is suggested by the title - looking back at old favourites; but also featuring new numbers to become favourites. A gentle timeless album with three talented people - all contributing to make it an enjoyable listening experience".

TOM HAMMOND: - Creator of www.the-tornados.com

"Byron recorded two previous instrumental albums under the guise of 'Space Babes' and these instrumentals are on a par with the Tornado's. An outstanding musician. Then there is Robb Shenton, {remember his great "Lonely Joe" tribute to Joe Meek]. He is a super professional with a long and productive C.V in the music business. As for Dave Kaye, what a great talent. Very few singers can give a 'live' show like him. His vocals on this record are superlative.

PENNY SWANNELL: {Personal Secretary to Joe Meek - 1964/65}

"Very much a Retro Recording, I liked the instrumentals which seem to me like 'Telstar' lives again, and I really enjoyed Dave and Robb's vocals. Many songs were reminiscent of Joe's type of recording".

BILLY PITT-JONES: {Joe Meek Artiste}.

Guitarist with North London Band, The Blue Rondos; recorders of 'Little Baby' - 'Don't Want Your Lovin' No More; featuring the fabulous vocals of the late,great Mickey Stubbs.

"This album should be re-named 'Quality' Retro Reflections, it creates the impression of actually being there in the studio - while three quality artistes of genuine talent take 'turns' to give quality performances of quality songs and instrumentals".

GRAHAM SHARP: {Joe Meek Artiste}.

Lead guitarist; of North London Band; Flip and the Dateliners, 'My Johnny Doesn't Come Around'.

"This is a great mix of imaginatively updated 'pop' classics and tuneful originals, with modern production values and authentic sounds, including many'Meek' clues. Among the tracks is the best song in the world - 'Let It Be Me' ".

DELL RICHARDSON - {Radio Caroline - SKY Channel 0199 and also via the Internet}.

"We had the pleasure of recently interviewing Robb, Dave and Byron on my Tuesday evening " GOOD ROCKIN' TONIGHT SHOW" on Radio Caroline. They were well received by our listeners, and we played a selection of songs from this great album. The boys all have their own differant styles - which makes the album more interesting. A copy is now in the Radio Caroline Library, and I'm sure it will get many plays from other D.J's on the Station. We would like to wish the guys every success with this new album - which is highly recommended by us".

PETER ILLINGWORTH: {Joe Meek Artiste}. Lead guitarist of Joe Meek 1960's 'Rhythm and Blues' Recording Band - "Proud Preston's" - 'David John and the Mood'.

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, just about sums up the "Retro Reflections" package.

This is a fine mix of Meektastic influences from three talented people. Well done on this excellant album guys!, (Can I place an order for the next one)".

DES O' REILLY: {Joe Meek Artiste}. Drummer/Vocalist of Joe Meeks 1960's band - "Proud Preston's" The Puppets. {Remembering the late Dave 'Ginner Millen - Guitarist Supreme}.

"Three distinct styles of the early sixties music in England. Robb Shenton captures the British Rock Balladeer Genre, Dave Kaye captures the Elvis influence; and Byron Elwell captures the Joe Meek Sound exceptionally well. This C.D is very well performed and presented, and is perfect to add to your collection". (Des O' Reilly - Aldinga Beach, Australia).

MARK NEWSON : Editor of Joe Meek Society "Thunderbolt Magazine"

"Dave Kaye and Robb Shenton - two powerhouse voices from the RGM Sound, are complemented by Byron Elwell's outstanding instrumental".

DAVID 'Detective' Peters.  Joe Meek Archivist/Historian.

"Good music is still alive, thanks to this excellent C.D by these "Three Wise Men"; Listen to it, and enjoy 'real music' again".

SANDRA MEEK-WILLIAMS:   Niece of Joe Meek.

"It's really intersting to listen to artistes like Robb and Dave who worked with Joe; and their selection of material for this album, with Robb covering some of Joe's work, and Byron who is a great keyboard player. With Dave's special vocal talents - he should have been an Elvis impersonator".

HINTON SHERYN:  Former Vice Chairman - RGM Appreciation Group.

"A fabulous C.D; Joe must have popped down to put his expertise on this one. More than one track on this album would serve as a 'single'. I just can't find the off-button to my stereo, it really is brilliant".