The Jug Trust
A BRIEF HISTORY OF JUG TRUST *
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North Harrow, Middlesex Early Sixties:
John Reed and Tony Knight lived opposite each other in the North West London suburb of Harrow. John was dabbling with the blues, old time country music and British Folk Music, going every Monday to the Herga Folk Club in nearby Wealdstone. Tony, meanwhile was attending the Shoreditch College Of Furniture Design and had started to design and make stringed instruments. They jointly ran a Sunday night folk club at the Black Horse, Sudbury Hill. One Monday while waiting the bus to the Herga Folk Club (with guitars, banjos, dulcimers etc. hanging all over them) they were joined by a tall, gangly, enthusiastic fifteen year old, Brian Cookman, who they immediately christened “Length”. After his Kingston Trio-like performance at the Herga club that evening, and being super-cool 17 & 19 year olds, they decided to avoid/ignore him. This proved to be, as anyone whoever met Brian will know, impossible! and as always his charm soon won them over.
After mentioning to them that he knew a fiddle player called Dick Morgan it was decided to form an Old Timey Band called The Fruit Jar Drinkers. Much to the parents and neighbours relief, loads of bedroom rehearsals ended when Dick left Harrow for University.
About this time the Herga booked a band called “The Levee Breakers” (line up at that time Beverley – the future Mrs John Martyn, Mack McGann and a youthful Ralph McTell). They were “IT” and they were sold. Tony made a copy of Mack’s Tiple plus a Mandolin and they were now The Jug Trust, ready to shake the world.
There followed, a less than world shattering, run of gigs in folk clubs and colleges. Tony blew a pretty mean Jug, later adding washboard and handled the bookings. John carried on strumming while Brian blossomed into truly charismatic “front man”. These years were a fantastic training ground for the “Fame and Fortune” they knew were “just around the corner” and after an appearance on BBC TV’s “Blue Peter” they were all set.
Brian by this time (1967-1969) was writing songs at an alarming rate and they were ready to record, but had no means to do this. Ron Geesin came to the rescue and they recorded a demo of Ralph McTell’s “Spiral Staircase”, in Ron’s home studio. This was backed by “Shelved” a Brian penned composition. This led to their first, and only single as Jug Trust, “Goodbye Train” backed by “Cat and Mouse” both Cookman/Reed songs. Released on EMI it sank without trace.
Unabashed they continued to play the rounds. During this time John was reunited with Chas Johnston, a friend from Harrow Art School days. Chas was inducted into Jug Trust as pianist/keyboard player. The name was changed to Bronx Cheer releasing their first single (1969), “Drive My Car” backed by “Foxtrot” two Cookman compositions, again on EMI. Another sinking without trace!.
Moving to Dawn Records in 1970 they recorded a “Maxi Single” “Barrelhouse Player”, an album “Bronx Cheer’s Greatest Hits Volume 3” and a single “Hold On To Me”. The band also recorded an unreleased “Second” album. Disillusioned, Tony left to start his own company, making beautiful clocks. John started his own graphics company and is still involved with music through various recording and performing projects.
Brian kept the Jug Band/Blues flame alive for the rest of his, too short life and will be remembered by all who knew him with admiration and above all, deep affection.
The last performance of the original Jug Trust was at John’s 60th Birthday Party in November 2003 a very memorable and joyful performance.
John Reed
Jan 2006