Zoot Money's Big Roll Band


Zoot Money's Big Roll Band was a British rhythm and blues and modern jazz group, with influence from rock and roll that was formed in England by Zoot Money, in the early autumn of 1961. The band has had a number of personnel changes over the years and was still performing in 2020. Money died in 2024, at the age of 82.
Cultural References
In Michael Moorcock's The Final Programme, the protagonist, Jeremiah 'Jerry' Cornelius, shows a great liking for Zoot Money's Big Roll Band. In the opening pages, "Zoot's Suite" is the very first piece of music referenced in the novel.

History

1961–1963

In autumn 1961 Zoot Money formed the first version of the Big Roll Band with himself as vocalist, Roger Collis on lead guitar, pianist Al Kirtley, bassist Mike "Monty" Montgomery and drummer Johnny Hammond. The name 'Big Roll Band' derived from Money mis-hearing the phrase "big old band" from the third verse of Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode". Their first public performance was on 12 November 1961 at Bournemouth's Downstairs Club (later Le Disque a Go! Go!)|Downstairs Club]. In 1962 drummer Pete Brookes replaced Hammond at the same time as bassist Johnny King replaced Montgomery and tenor sax player Kevin Drake joined the band. Kirtley left shortly afterwards, Money taking over on organ.
In late 1963/early 1964 Money established what became the best-known version of the band with bassist Paul Williams, guitarist Andy Summers, saxophonists Nick Newall and Clive Burrows, and Colin Allen on drums. Burrows left in autumn of 1965, going on to play with Geno Washington & the [Ram Jam Band] and the [Alan Price Set]. He was replaced by Johnny Almond.

1964–1965

In 1964 the Big Roll Band started playing regularly at The Flamingo Club in Soho, London. Their act featured Money's flamboyant frontman antics. The band signed to Decca Records and released a single that year before switching to EMI's Columbia label. In 1965 four more singles were released, and their first album, It Should Have Been Me, was issued in October of the same year.

1966–1969

At this time Money refused an offer to replace the Animals keyboardist Alan Price, preferring to remain as a vocalist. In July 1966 their single "Big Time Operator" became the group's most successful single, reaching number 25 in UK charts. Their album Zoot Live At Klooks Kleek, was released in October of that year promoting Money as an emerging solo artist and reached 23 in the UK charts. It was also released in the US by Epic Records label but lacked promotion.
During this period Money joined Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated for a short spell before returning to his Big Roll Band, but fashions were drifting from rhythm and blues towards more experimental sounds and an emphasis on songwriting. Although a popular fixture on the London club circuit in the first half of the 1960s, they had little commercial success. In July 1967 the Big Roll Band morphed into Dantalian's Chariot with a psychedelic direction. In 1968 Money accepted a second offer to join 'Eric Burdon and The New Animals'. Money revived the Big Roll Band under a new line-up in 2003 and the band performs regularly at The [Bull's Head, Barnes] and elsewhere.

Discography

Singles

  • 1964: "The Uncle Willie"/"Zoot's Suite" Decca F 11954
  • 1965: "Bring It On Home To Me"/"Good" Columbia DB 7518
  • June 1965: "Please Stay"/"You Know You'll Cry" Columbia DB 7600
  • September 1965: "Something Is Worrying Me"/"Stubborn Kind Of Fellow" Columbia DB 7697
  • November 1965: "The Many Faces Of Love"/"Jump Back" Columbia DB 7768
  • March 1966: "Let's Run For Cover"/"Self-Discipline" Columbia DB 7876
  • July 1966: "Big Time Operator"/"Zoot's Sermon" Columbia DB 7975 - UK No. 25
  • December 1966: "Star Of The Show"/"Mound Moves" Columbia DB 8090
  • April 1967: "Nick Nack" / "I Really Learnt How To Cry" Columbia DB 8172

Albums

  • October 1965: It Should've Been Me -
  • October 1966: Zoot! -
  • 2017: Zoot Money's Big Roll Band Box Set, Repertoire REP 5343: