The south Manchester group The Rainmakers were augmented by a brass section (trumpet and trombone initially and then a French horn) to form The Big City Roll Band, but as everyone got the name wrong and they were soon gigging as The Big City Soul Band.

They gigged mainly  around the Manchester area – south, north and city centre, working through the Alan Arnison agency playing their blend of ‘Manchester Soul’ with Manchester’s ‘Top of the Town’ being a regular haunt, playing their version of many soul classics.

After a year or so the group decided on a change of format. The trombone was dropped (John became one of 2 ‘roadies’) and Norman Findlay joined on Hammond organ. They continued gigging extensively but signed then with an agency based in Nottigham leading to many gigs over that side of the country. At times they found themselves supporting bands such as The Who, Amen Corner,  Jethro Tull, Long John Baldry (with a funny little chap on keyboards called Reg Dwight). A demo disc (I need a Woman) was recorded at Stockport’s Strawberry Studios produced by Eric Stewart (10CC) but came to nothing.

One infamous gig almost ended in disaster. Having moved into a more progressive style they'd decided that the stage show needed some fireworks - literally. So to augment the smoke effect they chose a gig at Belle Vue to add 'explosions'. Unfortunately not enough research was carried out and midway through a storming version of 'Paint it Black' the explosion was ignited blowing the lid off the tin box across the top of the stunned audience, narrowly missing heads in the room. We didn't take that any further. But many bands (on stage following the sets had to put up with the smoke and smell of the remaining pyrotechnics. At this stage the band were playing under the name of Baker Street Limited and had started writing their own material.

After the (almost compulsory) tour to Germany the band returned and decided to go professional. After some ‘negotiation’ the current management signed them over to the infamous Don Arden Agency (Small Faces, The Move and many others) in London, where the band moved to, now under the name ‘Samson’.

After gigs around the country at places such as The Marquee etc., an album was written and released, ‘Are You Samson’, featuring their more progressive self-written material. The album was a casualty of the money problems of the owners (Instant and Immediate labels) and didn’t receive the cover and support needed. Paul had left and had been replaced as the band continued gigging and eventually opened a major UK tour featuring David Bowie and Emerson, Lake and Palmer amongst others.

They eventually disbanded with Ian moving onto other bands.

Paul Ford
2/8/10

Memories

I met Ian in London in the 70s and we became good friends.

Samson were: Les Jones (Guitar), Norman Findley (Organ), Paul Ford (Trumpet), Les Olbinson (Percussion), Mike Delaney (Drums), Ian Kewley.

In '77 we cut an LP for RCA, under band name' Limey', which was released to great critical acclaim.

Brian Engel (vocals, later New Seekers), I played bass, Ian Kewley had mastered piano and organ by then - other band members were members were  Robin Le Mesurier (Guitar) , (later with Rod Stewart, and son of John Le Mesurier and Hattie Jaques  the actors), Pat McInerney (Drums, now with Nancy Griffiths  since the 80's,  after spending 9 or so years with Don Willams the Country singer.   

Back to Ian ..  Ian went on to form The Q'tips with singer Paul Young .. the OTHER Paul Young. He then went on to play on all of Paul's hits in the 80's, writing much of his material.

Last I heard he was living in France."

Courtesy David Bowker
(Big City Blues, Gin House, Ivan's Meads, Richard Kent Style)