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| Paul Haywood | Signed on: Mon 15 Sep 2008 22:22:55 BST
After many years, I was reacquainted with Jake after one of my son's friends lent him a Jake CD which he had come across by accident. Thinking he had made the find of the century, he was gobsmacked when I told him I bought the "Last Will" LP when it first came out in 1965(?). Although I saw him from time to time in the 60s (living in Leeds and being an old pupil of Intake school where Jake taught after my time), the only time I spoke to him properly was after a fund raising event we were holding to "Help Build Leeds Playhouse" (1967ish). At this time, he sang the theme song for a weekly public transport programme on Granada called "Which Way" - hosted by Bill Grundy. From memory it went...."Which Way, Which Way should I come to see you, it's no use coming in my motor car..." Thrilled by the fact that there was anything on public transport on the TV and having a theme song sung by our local hero, I made a point of telling him how much I enjoyed the song. To my surprise, but of course typically in retrospect, he replied "That song's a load of crap!" even though he wrote and performed it! God Bless Him, there never be another.... |
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Liam Ryan
from Dublin - Ireland | Signed on: Tue 02 Sep 2008 14:23:56 BST
Jake's songs, by and large, bring a smile. |
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Dave Knibb
from Warrington, Cheshire | Signed on: Sun 24 Aug 2008 16:58:05 BST
I know we all think of Jake Thackray as a genius or we wouldn't be on this site, but I have been listening to his songs since he was "On The Braden Beat" and "Braden's Week" and entertained myself and my younger brother to the extent that he, my brother, devised a connection from the TV sound system into his (new) cassette recorder just to illegally record all Jake's spots. I often wonder what became of those tapes. It is only since I started, in my very limited way, to introduce some of his songs to a group of singers that I realised just how much went into them  |
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Tony Lark
from Neung sur Beuvron, France | Signed on: Fri 04 Jul 2008 12:23:46 BST
Lovely site - many thanks
I never had the pleasure of seeing Jake live but loved every minute on TV & radio.
I especially treasure the 'Camera & the Song' which featured Country Bus & the Brigadier.
One lovely little detail : 23 years old I left UK & have been here in France for over 30 years. Obviously I fell in love with Brassens' work - who wouldn't ! But what a pleasure to read about the fellow feeling between them !
Cheers |
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Charles Temple
from Formby | Signed on: Fri 04 Jul 2008 12:23:27 BST
I was fortunate enough to organise an "Evening with Jake Thackray" in Cardiff sometime in the mid-eighties. What a treat to meet the great man! He was just as others have described him - modest and down to earth. He hated any fuss or adulation, and was even embarrassed when I asked him to sign an album. He gave a brilliant performance to an audience of only around 50 people and was reluctant to accept his full fee! I now realise that he preferred small venues, but at the time I was disappointed that so few came along. Its nice to know that I'm not alone in regarding Jake as a genius and national treasure. His music has, and will be, an integral part of my life. Thanks for a great website. |
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| Ian Williams | Signed on: Mon 30 Jun 2008 13:04:02 BST
I remember my mother being fascinated with Jake when he played on - erm - That's Life or one of these programmes. Even at a tender age I appreciated his laconic style, although I was too young properly to appreciate the songs. Out of interest I acquired a couple of CD's and became instantly hooked; obsessed, even. I'll say that if Kirsty Young forced me now onto a desert island with eight discs, I believe all eight would be Thackray songs. Sadly, or maybe fortunately, there is so much in the lyrics and harmonies that will appeal only those with genuine musical appreciation that the late Jake will never make the main stream. But I'm ever so glad I rediscovered him. I don't play guitar; shame there are no piano scores available. (Hint!) Ian |
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Carol Anne Jones
from Leeds | Signed on: Mon 30 Jun 2008 12:55:53 BST
I was a pupil of Jake's in the 60's not only was he a brilliant teacher, he was kind,funny and very caring to all of us, even if lessons did resort back to him playing his guitar and trying out his songs with us! He was always making sure that we made use of our imaginations and brought out the best of us in class and I have had contact with Mr Tickler (a large ruler). Even though I was punished by him it was still a privilege. |
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| Keith Farmer | Signed on: Sat 17 May 2008 15:27:48 BST
I first took notice of Jake when he appeared on TV back in the late 1960s or seventies on Bernard Bradens TV programme. I instantly liked his work and of course I bought his records. I enjoy still those recordings even to this day. In the 1970's we went to see him perform in Bury St Edmunds, near where we lived. He was delayed by traffic problems and he had a full theatre waiting for him to arrive. We were beginning to wonder if he would arrive but at last the curtain went up and he performed for probably a couple of hours. He was obviously quite stressed by the difficult journey to the theatre but he gave an absolutely perfect performance. I have always had a great liking for Jake's work and the lyrics he penned for his songs. I did't realise he had departed this world until I looked at this web site today. It is with great regret that I now know I will never hear any more original work from a great performer other than that which he has left us.
As far as I am concerned it is a case of "Gone but definitely not forgotten!" |
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| john gordon | Signed on: Mon 05 May 2008 21:05:57 BST
I first saw Jake Thackray at a folk festival in the Crucible Sheffield in the late 70's or early 80's, I never missed a chance to see Jake whenever he played locally at the Rockingham arms, Eckinton Hall or any other venue he popped up at. Always considered Jake the best on the circuit and was always amazed by his self effacing personality and unbelievable guitar style. I had seen him regularly on That's Life and I believe on Bradens Week, I was probably in my early teens at that time but the style of Jake's humour appealed immediately. I can see Jake on stage everytime I listen to him on a recording, who could forget the incredible expessions on his face as he related his stories.
Unique and unforgettable is how I think of hime, good to see so many new fans have found Jake through the recordings, and I hope a dvd of his performances is available soon. |
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Andy Sayers
from Angus | Signed on: Mon 05 May 2008 21:05:37 BST
I first listened to Jake on TV, buying a few lps to listen to during my late teens and esarly twenties. By chance in 1979 (I think) I saw an advert for his performance at Elgin (Morayshire) townhall. Few turned up in a vast auditorium. I was embarrased for him and was sure that it was poor advertising matched with lack of exposure north of the border. Jake just got off the stage and stood in an aisle. He made everyone move forward and sit near him. He than began a wonderful and memorable evening. I am so sorry it was unique and I never saw him perform live again. |
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