David McPhie
David Mcphie tells the story of the Chesterfield music scene in the 1960s (in which he was heavily involved) in the book: ‘Sounds in the Shadow of the Crooked Spire’. This includes the securing of Joe Cocker’s record contract for ‘With a Little Help From My Friends,’ his ‘Some Kinda Mushroom’ record store, the clubs ‘Velvet Underground’ and ‘Smokestack’; and the various groups he promoted in Chesterfield, including Fairport Convention, Free, Bill Haley, Jethro Tull, Little Richard, Yes, Family, Pink Floyd and many more. He also later opened ‘Country Bookstore’ at Hassop Station, ‘Derbyshire Craft Centre’ in Calver Bridge, ‘Wildlife Books & Gifts’ in Bakewell and ‘High Peak Bookstore & Cafe’ near Buxton.
Jonathan Rowlands
Two days after leaving home – a pub near Abergavenny – Jonathan Rowlands found himself as prop-man at the famous Windmill Revue Theatre, Soho in charge of eight naked girls. Next he worked the orange juice machine at the Two II’s Coffee Bar – the home of English Rock’n’Roll. A Stage Management course at RADA was followed by acting roles in the BBC series ‘Compact’, film extra work (‘Guns of Navarone’, etc). Along the way he found Jeff Beck while compering at the ‘Whisky a Go Go’, then started managing the 17-year-old Rod Stewart. This was followed by PR-ing for Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Nancy Wilson, Nina Simone, Dakota Staton and more. America beckoned and – not long after arriving on the last sailing of the original Queen Elizabeth – so did Hollywood. Successes include a no. 2 chart hit ‘Take a Letter Maria’ with his artist R.B. Greaves, managing Tim Rose, more song hits in the USA and France; Captain Beaky Albums, and TV shows with Jeremy Lloyd (ending up at the Albert Hall). Also touring Boney M, Julio Iglesias etc.
Curtis Bollington
Curtis Bollington is a writer, artist and all-round creative – allegedly retired, from his career as a successful journalist, magazine editor, PR and copywriter. He has taken over the running of what was ‘Jazz ‘n’ Blues at the Junction’, now that it has moved to the Old Club House and become ‘Buxton Jazz’, adding a necessary level of organisation behind the scenes using his entrepreneurial experience. He helped David and Jonathan with the design and production of the promotional material, and provided technical support for last year’s events. As well as being a novelist (his first novel ‘Hidden Gems’ is available to buy on Amazon and to order from all good bookstores), Curtis is a book designer and publisher, covering genres from fiction to illustrated books for artists. He started the Buxton Life Drawing group 10 years ago, which is still running every Wednesday(-now at the United Reform Church).
An abstract painter, he is currently working towards an exhibition later this year. His second novel is overdue out next year. Curtis has lived in Buxton for 15 years.