Jet Harris & Tony Meehan - Diamonds And Other Gems (1962-64/1989)

Finally , more have been repressed! A reissue for this complete collection of all the recordings that survive from 1962-1964 made for Decca by former Shadows bassist Jet Harris and drummer Tony Meehan. Solo and duo hits followed their departure from the Shadows as the pair were for a time as lauded as their previous employers.Jet Harris in particular was a pin up and in 1962 for his first solo disc, Besame Mucho, Decca took out a full page ad on the front of the NME. A UK no.1 came with Diamonds, plus Scarlett O’Hara and Applejack making the top 5 for the duo, with Besame Mucho and Theme From Man With The Golden Arm making the top 20 for Jet Harris solo. After the hits Meehan moved into sessions and the producer’s chair.Harris suffered a major accident in ’64 and subsequently was never able to find his way back to the NME front page again. Happily Harris is these days fully recovered and plays regular live tours, usually on a bill with another RPM artist, Billie Davis. A new essay from the rock’n’roll detective Roger Dopson, plus plentiful pics and memorabilia images make this an indispensable item for all Shadows and 60s guitar instrumental fans.