Lex Mesker: more on Vibes!

In touch with Mick Morphett, hopefully he will be coming to the Reunion at the Manly Jazz Festival


from Lex Mesker (roadie and DJ)

wipe this off by accident will redo  .. sorry Lex

Berry St, Vibes and the Sect

Mort and Phil
1967- 8 Phil  and Mort were regulars at Berry Street.

Errol Wood, Ross J Waters and Kelly, 'Little Sue', Frank Cayley, Christine Froebel,  Dave Miller and Jacquie McGarry, Judy Miller, Pete G, Gary Ross,  Big John McEwan aka 'Spottiswood Eklin', Bill  Tranchitella aka'Florence Lawrence', Tony  Robinson aka 'Merv Rabies'. Tony Fitzgerald aka 'Mort Fist' , Frank Cayley, Tony Bahles aka 'Zorba', Deidree McMasters aka Nita Mann,Twiggy, Sally Brokensha, Paul Seagraves, Leifus, Tessa and Richard, Carl, Bob Ritchie, Martin Walsh, Dutch Andy, Andy Palace, Greg 'Bear', Ned 'Nedrac' and Andy Carden, Teri Moodie, Neil Smith, Danny Groves, Michael McCormack, Mick Morphett, Vaughan Bros. Bob 'Newcastle' Hudson,  Bon Scott, Wynn Milsom, The Nutwood Rug, Warwick 'Wally Mudd' and Paul 'Doggie' Wyld, Karl Rooney.

Friday nights Sue, Di, Phil, Mort and I piled into Frank Cayley's car and took off across the bridge to Vibes. I have often wondered, just who were the young couple that arrived Friday nights and stayed behind? 

Sue  T, recollects arriving home from a gig and stepping over the floor The Nutwood Rug! 

An email arrived this week from Dave 'Sons' Miller, the male half of the 'stay at homes'! 

Little privacy was had in Berry Street, as, people tended to use the bedroom window as an egress, even though the front door was in perfectly good working order!

Lynne, Sue, Diane

Christine Froebel and Sally Brokensha

Dave Miller, Jacquie M, Judy Miller

Berry Street was a three bed-room duplex in North Sydney; bereft of carpets, minimal furniture and an empty fridge - the only thing of note was my granma's pianola. 'unaccountability' is the word that comes to mind when I recall Berry Street.

My Dad had secured the flat for me to share with my friends Sue and Diane .. 'our first real flat' .  Along with our new found freedom and rations of Vita-Weets and grated Kraft cheese came hoards of people who were 'chosen' for their particular talents and or quirks.

Frank Cayley the Beatnik was  older than us, and held a driver's license. He had been part of The Royal George crew in the olden days and played bass guitar.  Friday nights Frank provided the wheels to transport us into 'Vibes',  a dance venue in an abandoned office block near the Capital Theatre.

Occasionally, I  medicated a little too early and get side-tracked sorting through my old 45s and spent the night in the bathroom cleaning the tiles with a toothbrush! 

VIBES

Frank Martin was the doorman, peering at us from behind his cubicle, he graciously accepted our $2 entrance fee (or was it $1), and two by two we flew fly up three flights of stairs, by-passing the lounge and refreshment's room to a huge expanse of dance floor, an elevated stage stood at one end.

A Chicago blues style band  The Sect were the resident band.

Mick Lester (vocals and harp), several interchanging lead guitars, including Neil Smith, Paul Baker and Kim Humphries, Mick Morphett (bass), Ross Linton (rhythm), Vaughan Bros on organ and drummers Michael McCormack and Danny Groves.

Special guests included The Nutwood Rug (a wild looking bunch of guys from California), Dr. Kandy's Third Eye and Alison MacCallum.

The area was soon packed and the ear-shattering sound of The Sect blasted covers from Paul Butterfield, John Mayall, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.

Paul and Neil hammering out Clapton's "Stepping Out" was the highlight of the night.

Cream's slightly upbeat “Steppin Out” from the BBC 1966

End of the set, I scarpered down the stairs to loll and chat on the sofas that Frank had kindly put there for my convenience .. , Lex Mesker the roadie treated us to  'underground' music over the PA: Janis Joplin's Big Brother and the Holding Company, Frank Zappa and the Mother's of Invention ("Suzie Creamcheese"), Jimi Hendrix 'Experience', John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Fleetwood Mac and Grace Slick & Jefferson Airplane. Lex took great pride in his record collection.

Straggling off to The Greenwood Tree to watch Peter Anson was our next port of call,  arriving there well after midnight we caught the last set and then headed home to Berry Street dragging half of Sydney with us. Granma's pianola, that Dad had kindly given me, was centre stage with performances by Doggie or the odd concerto by Margot. Phil, Merv and Mort often entertained us with their skits from Monty Python or The Goons, the night culminating in a free for all jam.

Saturday arvos various bands practised in the lounge room, by late afternoon we  prepared for a return trip to Vibes.  On Sundays we hosed out the flat then  lazed in the sun (until the floor dried),   in various yoga positions  .. "Hey Jude", "Light my Fire" and "MacAuthur Park" drifted from the radio.

Pete, Frank and Phil headed off to England, Sue and Danny took off for the Snowy and I moved to a flat in Bardsley Gardens with Diane and Ned. Diane later headed over to England to meet up with the boys and my grandma's pianola disappeared, those were the hazy days.

.

This is an early photo taken of the MNJ Sect at the Lindfield Stomp

Danny Groves-drums, Ross Linton-bass, Neil Smith-lead, Mick Lester-vocals, Liam-harp

The Valentines

Alison McCallum

"Hi Lynne, I've just checked out the new photos of The Sect and the associated blogs. The venue at Lindfield looks like the famous 'Lindfield Stomp', the first dance venue I ever went to, aged about 15. Billy Thorpe and The Aztecs was one of the first bands I saw there. To avoid confusion, the Dave Miller of the Dave Miller Set referred to here (the band Mick McCormack from The Sect joined) is not me. Regards Dave"

This week has been very eventful beginning with an email from my school pal, Sue .. we shared several flats together: Neutral Bay, Mosman, North Sydney, Paddington and Ultimo. Sue teamed up with Danny G and they took off for a gig in the Snowy I haven't seen them for over 40 years!

The M'n'J Sect at the Blue Note Unknown, Jim McCormack, Mick Lester, Mick Morphett, Mick McCormack

"Hi Lynne, Danny G is alive and well and living in Melbourne. Haven't heard about Mick Morphett or Mick Lester for years. I have attached some great photos of The Sect with Dan. After leaving The Sect, Danny played with The Climax (line-up included Nick Dunn, Dave Fookes and Frank Galea) .. they made a recording and spent quite a bit of time at the Manly Pacific .. Dan followed up with a stint in the original Jesus Christ Superstar and toured with the production .. then, some time in the Jon English Band and various others. cheers Susie."

"Hi Lynne, I haven't caught up with Mick Morphett yet but I will soon. I don't recall a lot about Jim Carter except for the period which started with Rhubarbs Cnr Barry St and Military Rd, Neutral Bay. I think it would have been 1965. It looked like a great venue when we auditioned for him, it had an upstairs area with the centre of the floor cut out so youcould see the band. I think I remember seeing Jeff St. John & the Id there. Jim loved our playing but said we looked too young, however he was opening a new Rhubarbs in about a year and to get in touch then. 

That was the Rhubarbs near the corner of Sussex and Liverpool Sts, down a little lane called Douglass St.

At the time the M 'n' J Sect consisted of Mike Lester (vocals, harm), Mick Morphett (bass), Mick McCormack (drums), Jim McCormack (guitar) and Neil Smith (guitar). We found this little 'disco' in a double garage in Brookvale, in the Waringah Mall car par, it was called The Blue Note, run by a guy called Jerry Voermans. He had about 2 people drinking coffee there at peak time so we offered him a deal .. we'd play there for half the door. Jerry looked at his 2 customers, smiled and we all shook hands. 

Note: The two people Neil referred to were none other than my cousin Cheryle & myself who happened by the gig perchance.. lynk!

The McCormacks and other partners in crime got together a poster and plastered it around all the local girls' schools and soon the place was full. The Double garage space quickly doubled again so we filled it by throwing a 'pyjama' party and leaking this to the Sunday Mirror. Next Sunday photos appeared all over Pages 1, 2 and 3 of the outrageous scene. Now you couldn't get into the Blue Note and of course Jerry wanted to re-negotiate our deal. In the end we decided to hold a band competition to decide who would replace us in the revised deal. I think Jim Kelly may have been in the replacement band and we met a guy called Steve Kipner who had a band call Steve and the Board. His father was Nat Kipner and he ran the St Clare recording studio in Hurstville. We recorded there later with Danny Groves, but without the McCormacks.

Mick Lester was Trade Commissioner to India in the mid 1980s. Cheers Neil."

NEW MANAGER FOR LWA, SOCIAL & INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAM  "LWA recently welcomed its new People Arena Manager for the Social & Institutional Research Program, Michael Lester.

Michael can be contacted on michaellester@lwa.gov.au Michael is a senior executive with skills and experience across the public and private sectors, in Australia and internationally. He has worked for the World Bank and lawyers Blake Dawson Waldron. He also held a number of positions in the NSW Government during the '90s, including in Premiers and in State Development and was a Senior Executive and Trade Commissioner in the Australian Trade Commission. This breadth of experience gives Michael a great perspective from which to manage the challenges of the program."

"Wally's Song" is teriffic! Camaraderie? is the theme for sure. The Sect were my fav. band of the time and we regularly saw them at Rhubarbs and Vibes.I even played at Vibes once. Heady stuff...I'd love to meet Danny Groves and show him my "new" drum setups. I pinched some chops from him back then, so it's only fair. If Lynne wants to pass on my number maybe it can happen. I'd do whatever it takes to help reform The Sect ...amps, gear etc...My other current muso mates who missed them would be astonished, I'd say. Regards, Keith Herbert"  

"Hello Lynne, it was Mike Lester who prompted me to look on line when he asked me about how we met and how did he meet Neil Smith. He is writing his musical memoirs at the moment and time does distort one's view. Yes, I was the Vibes DJ that played all the music in the breaks. when the Sect were on, I used to sing harmony with Mike from the back room LOL. I tried to bring new sounds and hard to get music into Vibes. It was a great place. I was introduced to Mike by Neil who I had met at a Matriculation Course. Mike and I had been best friends ever since then (1966). They were playing the Blue Note at Brookvale at the time and I did the roadie work (as I had a ute).Throughout the years, the Sect had lots of different lineups and when the McCormack brother left, Danny Groves came in on drums. I remember a 3 member horn section as well as the addition of a keyboard player. There was a rhythm guitar player in there somewhere too, other than Paul Baker and Neil Smith .. but not at the same time. I'd lit to catch up with Danny if possible .. we lost contact when the band folded. I think that he was a friend of Rodney Phillips as well and I think that they worked for the PMG or Telstra now as telephone exchange technicians. If Danny is cool to hook up, feel free to give him my email address. Mike Lester got married in 1970 and finished an engineering degree. He had lost interest in the band, from memory, and headed to Darwin to work in Water Resources. Even though Mike and I have been friends for all these years, we did go for some time without seeing each other (working overseas), but were always in contact. About 15 years ago, Mike moved back to Sydney with his family and I invited him to join a band in which I was playing guitar. That band has been together and playing as a unit and playing since then ... giggling whenever and whenever and wherever. Mike still has a BIG boice and gets a glorios harp sound as well.18 months ago, Mike and his wife relocated to New York. He often sings with a band call Small Time Leroy and they play the BB King Club in NY. We, the remaining band members have continued as a trio but, whenever Mike comes back to Sydney, however briefly, we get together and play .. gig if possible. I got an email from him last night telling me that he and his wife were flying back to Sydney and arriving Friday. Yeah, he asked could we get together again while he is here. I dont know if you remember me but I was/am very tall 6'6" and had wavy dark hair (sometimes an afro) and moustache, as we all did them. Hair now grey. Most of my friends called me Lex but I go as Alex now. If you want some pics, let me know. I have some current band pics as well regards Alex."

2009 July. Received an email from Lex Mesker (Sect's roadie)

2009 Sept. Contacted Mick Morphett/ Mick Lester/ Kim Humphries/ Danny Groves/ Neil Smith
2010 Received phone calls from Diane Williard and Frank Cayley

2011 Wayne Smith

RHUBARBS

Pommy Rob and one of his creations

In September 1966 I moved into a boarding house in Military Road, Mosman Junction with Sue Toohey, Diane Willard and Denise Tsolarkis. Other tenants I recall were Little Sandy, Zorba, Elaine and Brian. Life was very gloomy after Graham's death and the doctor prescribed me blue heart-shaped pills. I remained curled up in a corner at social functions.

Pommy Rob the artist, said 'take this'. I took the little white pill and within a short space of time I felt part of my surroundings; I was able to think clearly and began to talk, and talk and talk ...

Rob's brother, Pommy Alan wore hipster checkered flares and a tailored leather jacket (it was nearing the end of the mod era). Alan's undying devotion to my girlfriend Diane was not reciprocated and during the night Alan grabbed a kitchen knife and threatened to kill himself if she didn't return his affections. The usually composed Diane was distressed, was I concerned? I vaguely remember telling her not to take any notice of him as I guided her in the direction of our awaiting taxi.

The Criterion, a hotel in Liverpool Street was frequented by white collar workers in the daytime. By night it was crawling with groovers, who hung around waiting the opening of Rhubarb's doors. I did not partake in the consumption of alcohol, I had taken up the habit of 'scoring' these amazing 'little white pills'..(one hundred methedrine tablets sold on the black market for $10). Heads were scanned and noted looking to see who was present and who was not, clothes were studied to see any change in fashion.

One night, Steve alerted us to a bashing in George Street ...'Its Ray', he announced, leaning on the pub door for support. 'Some sharpies got him', he continued. Pleased with the attention, he continued breathlessly. 'Ya know, Ray, Ray with the long hair, 'es been bashed in George Street, I think he's dead.'

We were a shallow lot, prattling on, never thinking to run up and see if Ray was alright. If you knew a short story associated with him you were in great demand. The drama petered out, seems no-one really knew Ray. It helped to pass the time until nine, then chattered as we straggled across Liverpool Street and down Douglass Lane. The guys we attracted weren't nice types, they kindly accepted our offer to pay their way into the disco

Definition: Sharpies were anti anti anti, they were anti long hairs, anti social (not politically inclined). They hung in groups or gangs. Their hair was closely cropped, their uniform consisted of boots (?), tight very high-waisted jeans and chest hugging tops. Well-dressed thugs; purported to be from the suburbs. Though, there were 'sharpies' from the 'Loo as early as '63, they had their corner of Surf City, Some worked as bouncers at the local strip clubs. They would arrive very late, with a girl on their arm, as if a handbag. They contact dancing, we 'surfies' stomped around in usually solo.

'Nah Na-Na Na Nah Na-Na Nah Na Na-Na Nah Na-Na Nah 

Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa

Um Um Um Um Um

6 3 4 - 5 7 8 9

Da da-da da da da da da da a da da da...in the midnight hour

R -E- S- P- E- C- T'

Reverberated through the dingy, dark cavern-like venue. The brass section dominated and was skillfully played,  the driving sound of soul music. Rhubarbs was quivering with a volume unheard of around town, louder than Beatle Village, Beach House and Surf City put together. Drugs featured very heavily in this underground maze of pillars, couches, nooks and crannies, people packed tightly together. This was 'the scene'!

Descending into the darkness Horse (Horst Leopold) was waiting there, greeting with a hand out for our dollar. I thought he was just some old guy doing a casual job for a couple of quid. Completely ignorant as to his heritage and prestige, totally unaware that he was hugely responsible for promoting jazz in Australia!

'Hello Horse.' We chorused as we trooped past, handing him our dollar and one for someone else - if we were 'lucky' enough to have some one who found us important enough to bludge off! Jenny, the very fast coat-check chick, traded us a ticket for our coats and/or bags, we then continued through into the sweaty, smoky vibration, which was Rhubarbs. The roof was low, held up by half a dozen pylons, these were handy to lean on and spy around. It must have been some old warehouse under an office block. The acoustics were unbelievable. 'Horse' had placed couches and armchairs around the wall and in clusters, the stage was ever so tiny, with toilets either side.

Jenny also doubled as drink waitress, a juice could be purchased for 20 cents, it was handy for spreading over the floor so that we could *James Brown our way from left to right. Alan Reagan was the best 'scooterer'. She was Pommy Rob's girl, she was very good at her job, stacking and restacking and stacking and restacking bags and coats like a little mechanical doll, she looked very strange. I was not yet 'savy' to a speed freak's behaviour .. Clutching the coat ticket made it very unrecognisable and we soon learned to put it down our bras, along with our keys, money, cigarettes and such. Bags were a nuisance and tended to walk or be forgotten.

 'Python Lee Jackson'.. I edged my way up front to glimpse the Apollo-like Malcolm McGhee (ex Wild Cherries), He was lead vocalist for the band, The stage was at audience level with up to six musos packed into this tiny space at any one time. Seasoned musicians like, Dave Bentley-keyboard, Bob Welsh also keyboards, Dave Montgomery-drums (ex Jeff St John & the Id), lead guitarist Mick Leiber, Lloyd Hardy on bass. Members came and went, the band remained hypnotic. Oh, and Bernie McGann on sax.

Their repertoire included:- Sam and Dave, Major Lance, Otis Redding, James Brown and Wilson Pickett covers - "Who Do You Love?", "Mm-Um-um-Um-Um-Um", "Hold On, I’m Coming", "Your Mother Should Have Warned You", "Papas Got a Brand New Bag", "Respect", "Mustang Sally", "Midnight Hour", "I Keep Forgetting". I've just been watching the Soul doco and methinks maybe Mal did "Knock on Wood" also.

Hello Eric Clapton, Mayall and Butterfield! One night, to our surprise - out in the back room was a much younger group. The group was in fact the Sect, consisting of Mick Lester-vocals (President Sydney Uni Blues Club), Michael McCormack & Danny Groves on drums, Mick Morphett-bass. Lead guitarists included original Neil Smith, Paul Baker and Kim Humphries.  Being a Clapton fan, The Sect immediately appealed to me. Eric Clapton aka 'slow-hand' or 'god' was well-known to the music scene from his stint with the Yardbirds, and he was revered by many. I found his style distinctive. I downed a few more white tablets and memorized every note and introduced myself to the band.

After an ear-shattering night we headed over the Harbour Bridge to Mosman Junction, with Rhubarbs clientele followed in toe. The remainder of the night was spent listening to the quieter sounds of Dylan and Donovan.

The Starving Wild Dogs also featured in the back-room and jug band music certainly was a treat for me. Headed by a little guy with a mop of curly hair and playing the harp, Dylan style - a quick chat revealed they were Wheezing Walter T Mudd, his brother Paul Wyld, (keyboard) and Terry Wilkins (bass). I'm not sure who the other members were at the time... Wally and I remained firm friends for many, many years.

'Lyn, you may wish to check this out. Regards David McDermott'

Python Lee Jackson

Python Lee Jackson 

1967 ABC TV "Be Our guest". 

Unknown song. 

Recorded in Australia before going to England to record with Rod Stewart

Mick Lieber-guitar, (spelling)

Dave Montgomery-drums, David Bentley-keyboards

Mal McGhee-vocals, Lloyd Hardy-bass

'Hi Lynne, I'd never seen that one before. Is that you standing at the back? :-) They may be the worst at miming, but they were a true 'soul' band and were all very good players. Probably still are! Keep 'em coming please. Regards, Keith Herbert'