JET HARRIS AND TONY MEEHAN – "Diamonds"

What movie from 1963 did “Diamonds” feature in?

See, Tom, this is what you get for giving records good reviews.

Among the supporting cast on the record: John McLaughlin, John Paul Jones, John Surman and sundry other future Brit improv gods.

I can’t agree with Tom. Clearly not a mess. very extreme comment. Meehan’s drumming was good probably some of his best. Much tighter than when with the shads and Harris excellent as ever and he still is.

First heard Diamonds in 1963 and thought it was easily the best guitar instrumental ever – nothing before or since has changed my mind although Jack Bruce of the great Cream is fantastic but a different style.
Every note is perfect and the tone and timing is brilliant.I saw Jet recently in Worcester and he still sounds great.
Everybody to their own taste – I bet you like Boy bands hey Tom ???

From what I understand Jimi Page played the guitar when Diamonds
was recored.

I recently saw Jet at Shadowmania 2008 and got to talk to him in the interval and get his autograph. He is a bloody nice bloke and very funny yet he came across very modest.

I first heard “Diamonds” when i was a little’un in the 70’s when my dad used to play it and it is a tune that has always stuck in my mind. hearing him play it live was absolutely brilliant as were the other tunes he played like “Scarlet o Hara” and “Applejack” he is very talented and If I had one ounce of the talent he has i’d be very happy 🙂

The drums in this track are amazing and just fit so well, alas Tony is no longer with us but he still shines.

Personaly I would give the track 10 out of 10 but then I love this sort of music and it rightfully deserves more than 6 but each to their own opinion 🙂

“Among the supporting cast on the record: John McLaughlin, John Paul Jones, John Surman and sundry other future Brit improv gods.”

John McLaughlin only came into the act after Jet pulled out following a car accident. JPJ joined once Diamonds had been recorded and the stage group was put together for touring.
I think I may have been the only member of that group that was on the recording, playing saxophone.

The stage personnel was Tony, Jet, Joe Moretti, John Baldwin (JPJ), Glenn Hughes and me.

“From what I understand Jimi Page played the guitar when Diamonds
was recored.”

No — that is Jet on Diamonds.

Chris Hughes, 15/06/09

Hello Chris,

did any of that mentioned state personnel also play on the Song
of Mexico single by Tony Meehan?

Johann

This, to quote the Bee Gees on their last hit, is where I came in.

Didn’t know the song for years, though.

Yes, sad news, this. I would suspect that his funeral will be well attended. RIP.

I just wrote about the follow-up here: http://musicsoundsbetterwithtwo.blogspot.com/2011/06/woman-in-the-background-jet-harris-and-tony.html

this is far more lively and enjoyable to my ears than the previous Shadows hit. There is far more sense of youthful energy rather than dutiful precision and the tune bounds along engagingly.

Appealingly atmospheric in my view. 7/10.