King James and the Royal Jesters.

[Hicksville Hogwash]

Had a few schools come into our Music Hall of Fame for trips recently. One teacher was telling me that his older brother still drags around a Leslie speaker for gigs and was in a band in the 60s. "What was his band called," I asked.

"King James and the Royal Jesters."

"I know of them" I replied "I've got them on my play list here" he was a little surprised an English guy knew his brothers band. "Does he have a spare 45 lying around I can have."

Today I met with Mike Carlisle - Farfisa organ player from King James and the Royal Jesters. And writer on both sides of their 45. He was such a sweet guy happy to talk about his time in the band.

Wish I could have chatted longer and ask some more interesting questions than the dumb shit I asked.

Anyway. Here is Mike's Royal Jesters Nerhu Jacket he donated to us. Along with a reprint copy of the photo that is on garagehangover.com.

His brother gave me his copy of the 45. (The museum already had a copy.) Mike said he never had a copy ever as the drummer hoarded them finally moving away.

 

[Hicksville Hogwash]

Mike said when he went to buy his organ the salesperson talked him into getting a Farfisa Compact and a Leslie speaker. Which is what you hear on the 45.

They played a lot of Motown and soul, Beatles, Louie Louie, 96 Tears. They had some tv appearances on a show out of Huntington WV. He said they were taped on a Thursday and they watched themselves on Saturday. He couldn't remember the name of the show though. I doubt very much the tapes still exist? I'll do some research and see if I can at least find the name of the show.

Mike still plays in a band and he still uses a Leslie speaker. He loves the whirly sound.

 

[chas_kit]

What a great 45, one of the first 'garage' 45s I had. It's too bad the drummer hoarded them at the time, quite a number of copies turned up years later.