David Jaymes


David Jaymes is an English musician and songwriter best known as the founder member of the Leyton Buzzards and the multi-hit salsa band Modern Romance. He now works in music management and consultancy.

The Leyton Buzzards (1976–1980)

Jaymes formed the punk rock/new wave band, the Leyton Buzzards, in 1976. He was the band's bass player and also provided vocals. Other members included Geoff Deane, Vernon Austin, Kevin Steptoe, and later, Tony Gainsborough. Milton Reame-James – formerly of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel played keyboards. In 1979 they won the Battle of the Bands competition organised by BBC Radio 1 and The Sun newspaper. This led to a record deal with Chrysalis Records and an appearance on Top of the Pops. Their first single with Chrysalis was a minor hit titled "Saturday Night ". The single "We Make A Noise" was produced by Chas Chandler, and the vinyl cover artwork designed by Terry Gilliam. Jaymes recorded four sessions with the band for BBC Radio One's John Peel between July 1978 and January 1980. After a run of singles – including a cover version of "Can't Get Used to Losing You" – and the album, Jellied Eels to Record Deals, the Buzzards disbanded.

Modern Romance (1980–1985)

Jaymes formed the band Modern Romance with Geoff Deane and Tony Gainsborough of The Leyton Buzzards, his brother Robbie Jaymes, and Paul Gendler. Later members included Michael J. Mullins, Andy Kyriacou and John Du Prez. Modern Romance were predominantly known for their Latin American music and salsa music sound; they produced a string of hits, including "Everybody Salsa", "Ay [Ay Ay Ay Moosey]", "Queen of the Rapping Scene ", a cover version of "Cherry Pink and [Apple Blossom White]", "Best Years of [Our Lives (1982 song)|Best Years of Our Lives]", "High Life", "Don't Stop That Crazy Rhythm", and "Walking in the Rain". Two successful albums in the UK – Trick of the Light and Party Tonight – and a host of TV and magazine appearances, made 1983 the band's watershed year.

Music manager and consultant

Jaymes has since moved into the management and consultancy side of the business. Over the years he has managed artists such as Sinéad O'Connor, Justin Adams, Miles Hunt aka The Wonder Stuff, Republica, and Drum Club. He has acted as consultant for the likes of Harry Nilsson, Jimmy Webb, George Fenton, and Chuck Mangione. He worked with a host of musicians on the Haiti earthquake disaster single, a cover version of "I Put a Spell on You" ; artists included Shane MacGowan, Nick Cave, Chrissie Hynde, and Johnny Depp. He has contributed as songwriter to the movie Shrek and as music supervisor on the film, Fascination.

Haiti earthquake disaster single (2010)

In 2010, Shane MacGowan and his wife, Victoria Clarke, rounded up a number of rock musicians to record a cover version of the Screamin' Jay Hawkins song, "I Put a Spell on You", the proceeds going to the 2010 earthquake disaster fund. However, at the last minute, the record label pulled out and that was when Jaymes and Tom Haxell of IRL Records jumped in. They immediately offered their studio in London and hooked up Johnny Depp – who was filming in Los Angeles at the time – to record his guitar solo and music video footage.
The musicians:
  • Vocals:
Shane MacGowan
Nick Cave
Bobby Gillespie
Glen Matlock
Chrissie Hynde
Paloma Faith
Eliza Doolittle
Laura White
  • Guitar:
James Walbourne
Mick Jones
Johnny Depp
  • Bass:
Cait O'Riordan
  • Hammond organ/piano:
Carwyn Ellis
  • Drums:
Rob Walbourne
  • Fire Hydrant:
Mick Jones

Discography

Singles

  • "19 and Mad" Small Wonder
  • "Saturday Night " Chrysalis
  • "I'm Hanging Around" Chrysalis b/w "No Dry Ice" or "Flying Pigs"
  • "We Make a Noise" Chrysalis
  • "Can't Get Used to Losing You" WEA

Albums

Singles (Jaymes / Deane era)

Singles (Jaymes / Mullins era)

Albums

Adventures in Clubland
† Adventures in Clubland Modern Romance Trick of the Light UK number 53Party Tonight UK number 45Juanita JapanBurn It! Back on Track Credited as SongwriterMoves 2 Fast Credited as Songwriter
  • ''Modern Romance: The Platinum Collection'''

Solo singles

  • "Everybody Salsa" / "Can You Move" b/w "Best Years of Our Lives Parts 1 & 2"
† President Records

Peel sessions

Soundtracks

Shrek writer "Best Years of Our Lives"

Filmography

Shrek writer Best Years of Our LivesFascination music supervisor: Spirit Music and Media

Videos

  • "Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey" – Official Video
  • "Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey" – Top of the Pops
  • "Best Years of Our Lives" – Top of the Pops
  • "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" – Top of the Pops
  • "Don't Stop That Crazy Rhythm" – Official Video
  • "Don't Stop That Crazy Rhythm" – Top of the Pops
  • "Everybody Salsa" – Top of the Pops
  • "Good Friday" – Supersonic Christmas Special
  • "High Life" – Unknown Venue
  • "Queen of the Rapping Scene" – Top of the Pops
  • "Walking in the Rain" – Top of the Pops
  • "Walking in the Rain" – Official Video
  • "Walking in the Rain" – Top of the Pops
  • David Jaymes – Tiswas
  • "I Put A Spell on You" – IRL Records, London