The story of Ivy in London from previously unheard sources. The sartorial equivalent of the enemy within...
http://www.filmnoirbuff.com/article/ivy-in-london
That photo of Alistair Findlay is priceless, respect and thanks to all concerned.
It's awesome indeed!
It is a very powerful image indeed, for those who are able to recognise it anyway. Same goes for the other pics really, but especially this one. I could have chosen several other pics that Alistair had provided me with, but one has to make up their mind at some point. The essay would be nowhere as good without it, that's for sure...
Alistair's (published!) article on London Jazz shops is also well worth a read, not sure if it exists in digital form though. A scan up here would be good if we could get it organised?
My great thanks to Alex for the article above. It makes me want to rewind to those pre-internet days and the phenomenon of the US shopping trips that English Ivy enthusiasts used to go in for (and Chris_H still does)...
I want to read it again & then there a few nice talking points that are worth kicking around - 'The scene that isn't a scene' and stuff like that.
Best -
There has to be a part II!
Otherwise it's kind of a "prequel" to your last essay, Alex ...
I'm also curious about the other aljazz pics....
Last edited by Hard Bop Hank (2009-12-29 12:29:42)
In due course, if Alex agrees, I might put up some of the rough source material from Paddy etc if it would be of interest.
I don't get this.
If the people who the picture's are of agree, then just post them.
Stop the "oh I've got a pic you might like, but I'm holding it back". Alex, i'm suprised at you.
Elitism????
Alistair, the demand is there.....do you want your pics posted?
Don't worry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLA4noGDa-M&feature=related
GENE ALLISON Everything Will Be Alright 1958
-------
Seersucker sack suits sounds just so sharp
John Gall and John Cheever both will tell you
blow your horn blow your harp to get rid of the blues
At Brooks and at Austins, in London just like Boston
A seersucker suit in the summer is smart
A seersucker suit just like John Simons would sell you
jazz fashion art and I'm said about the news
At Brooks and at Austins, in London just like Boston
............
Here of all places, anonymous faces are telling a story
in all its glory about Ivy in London, Ivy in London for you...
jazz fashion art and I'm said about the news
Oh so said about the news, yet slowly getting in the groove
The old tradition we'll keep on going
for Ivy for sure it is gonna survive
the real thing is tough and is going
to stay here for sure, it's alive
...
Seersucker sack suits- you got it sussed
John Gall and John Cheever both will tell you
usually flat front, maybe cuffed, sure you're getting the clues
At Brooks and at Austins, in London just like Boston
A seersucker suit in the summer is smart
A seersucker suit just like John Simons would sell you
jazz fashion art and I'm said about the news
At Brooks and at Austins, in London just like Boston
....
J.Simons was the place and John Simons is the face
If nights are getting longer, and days are getting colder
we know a place that's forever natural shoulder
Ken Lovegrove and Jeff Garrett, Ian Strachan and John Lally
JS is where it's at, where it's at
Cecil Gee- John Simons
Austin's- John Simons
Clothesville - John Simons
Ivy Shop- John Simons
Squire Shop- John Simons
Village Gate - John Simons
J.Simons - John Simons
Where there's a will, there will be a beat
there's no shop in the Smoke that might try to compete
with
Richmond Hill,
with
Russell Street
If Ivy's your thrill you know no one will beat
the original style
with the modern receipt....
bad attempt at "Creative Writing" in the morning, I guess.... sorry, for spoiling an otherwise serious and sound thread