Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

The Hazelletes: Shaz, Sal, James & Dixie

All rock bands need publicity photographs to show the world they are cool, talented and good looking. So here's ours - showing none of those things.

The next thing was to learn some instruments. It was decided that Shaz would play drums, Sal on guitar and James could puff away at the saxophone.

The result of that first lesson was not a total disaster, just a mild one.

So with homework in hand, and instruments at the ready, the team go away and learn what is to be the culmination of this experiment - Eddie Floyd's 'Knock On Wood'.

Session two gave us the opportunity to actually play the song - albeit a very small part of it. The excitement of actually playing a song appeared to pale into insignificance compared to the pink flowery plectrum that Sal was presented with.

Shaz continues to understand the nuances of the rhythm section and, to everyone's surprise, it was suggested that James had a go at lead vocals!

Session three.. the difficult third session! Shaz forgets how to play the drums - Sal gets a nasty case of guitarist's thumb cramp and James gets big-headed over his alleged vocal attributes.

After running through a verse of Knock On Wood we decided to have a go at the 'middle 8' - the usually instrumental mid part of a song. This took us way out of our 'verse' comfort zone and presented us with a whole different challenge.

Our fourth session was very exciting. Our bass player Will joined us and towards the end we really felt like a proper rendition of 'Knock On Wood' was within sight.

However, the session was not without its problems!

We needed to know just how to perform Knock On Wood. So we thought we had better find out from the man who would know.

Finally...

A finished version of Knock On Wood! With lots of help and support along the way from people such as guitar legend Robbie Gladwell, saxophonist Clive Lock and Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Suffolk's engineer Dave Butcher, we were able to present our finished song to John Mabb, the County Commissioner for the Scouts.

John Mabb with the Hazellettes

John was impressed enough to present us with our badges - and what a proud moment it was! Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Suffolk received a deluge of calls and texts offering kind words of support after hearing the final performance. Some people praised the Hazellettes, most just felt pity!

The Hazellettes LIVE!

Debut Performance - The Hazellettes Live

James and Sally were delighted to attend the wedding of our mentor Robbie to his beloved Julie. Little did we know what he had in store for us. In-front of the assembled congregation of proper musicians we were cajoled into performing Knock On Wood... Live.

Remembering the words of Eddie Floyd, James attempted to put some soul in his performance while Sally hung on to Robbie for dear life!

"Having never sung live whilst sober it was very scary,Μύ but we really enjoyed it... the crowd were very forgiving..."

Rumours of a Hazellettes live tour are completely without foundation. For now.

So... Knock On Wood is complete. What is next for the Hazellettes? Stay tuned to find out!