Denny McCaffrey

The Lost Soul Album…

In 1976 the Viking 1 probe landed on Mars, Liverpool FC won the league for record 9th time and Denny McCaffrey recorded ‘Come On In’. Denny was at that time a well-established soul singer with an enviable track record of gigs and recording work, but contractual problems left ‘Come On In’ undeservedly unreleased.

Years later (2004) a chance conversation with Pete Wingfield - 18 With A Bullet and session keyboard player for the likes of Van Morrison and Paul McCartney - revived interest in the project. Pete had written some of the tracks on the album and was keen to hear it. After listening to a cassette tape (remember them?) that Denny had kept, he pronounced it ‘the lost soul album of the 70’s’ and fired Denny up with the enthusiasm to revive the album.

With the help of some old musician mates, the original tapes were tracked down in a friend’s garage! and, with the help of some technical wizardry and a bake in the oven, the tapes were successfully re-mastered and transferred to CD.

The album contains twenty great tracks written by respected 70’s writers including the previously mentioned Mr. Wingfield, Ken Golde & Michael Denne and Eddy Grant and musical contributions from players such as guitarist Ray Russell (Tina Turner, Phil Collins), Simon Phillips on drums (Toto & The Who) and bassist Mo Foster (Cliff Richard & Phil Collins).

The album (and the full story) are available on Denny’s web site - www.dennymccaffrey.co.uk - where it is currently attracting sales from as far a field as the USA, Europe and Japan. Get a taste of classic seventies soul now, courtesy of Denny McCaffrey and a rediscovered jewel…

About Denny

In the early 70’s, a band with no name was formed, and began rehearsing…. Dave King on guitar, with Denny on lead vocals. A contact with Ian Southern of ATV resulted in a recording session, and a record deal ensued. The band was (hastily) named Baby Ruth and a single (Rupert’s Magic Feather!) was cut. Denny’s comment on this single: “It was based on the trad tune Bobby Shaftoe! The best thing about it was Dave King’s ‘Flood’ on the B-Side!”

“McCaffrey” was Den’s next project, with the recording of a single (Bridges, Motorways & Dams) for Jam Records. This was played extensively on radio 1.

A band named “Chopyn” was next, with Anne Odell (Blue Mink), Ray Russell, and Simon Phillips (Now Toto), co-managed by Don Arden. A record deal with Jet Records ensued, and the album Grand Slam was released. A single (In the Midnight Hour) was also produced. The band toured extensively around GB and Europe, supporting The Electric Light Orchestra. The band was formed in 1974 by Ann and Ray and they split eventually after experiencing management problems, Simon Phillips then going on to become one of the best drummers on the world music scene.

After the split of Chopyn session work for Capital Radio and Station idents/jingles kept the wolf from the door for a while.

In early 1976 Denny was introduced to Bruce Baxter and a number of tracks for Hallmarks’s Top Of The Pops albums were put down. Denny continued to work as a session vocalist on these albums whilst gathering material for his own project.
Denny’s album, Come On In was recorded in the summer of 1976, but after contract difficulties Denny made a few tape copies for his friends, took another deep breath, put the album to the back of his mind and launched into the next musical adventure.

Amazing how twists of fate change things… Denny was rehearsing with a new line up of Quantum Jump, including: Big Jim Sullivan (Tom Jones), Jeffrey Richardson (Caravan), Trevor Morais (The Peddlars) and Alan Spenner (Kokomo)… when Kenny Everett’s TV show took off, big-time! The theme (The Lone Ranger – by the original Quantum Jump) was hastily re-released and entered the chart on 2nd June 1979, rising to #5 and staying on the chart for 10 weeks. Who could ever forget that catchy line:Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanata hu ? (That’s easy for you to say)!!!!

The problem was that Trevor had been the drummer on the original number and was therefore in immediate demand, the old Quantum Jump reformed, and **BANG** went the burgeoning band! (Ooh! That was close)!

Ray Russell cut an album (late 70’s – Ready or not”) and the track “Slave” co written by Denny and Ray was included with Denny on vocals.