Rock Star Death Notices - March 2009
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Lux Interior pictured with wife and guitarist Poison Ivy
Lux Interior (Erick Lee Purkhiser) Died 2-4-2009 in Glendale, CA, U.S. - Heart condition (Psychobilly) Born 10-21-1946 in Stow, Ohio, U.S. - Singer - Was a founding member of The Cramps (They did, “Goo Goo Muck”, “Bikini Girls With Machine Guns” and “Human Fly”) - He was married to guitarist, Poison Ivy (Kristy Wallace).
Hank Crawford (Bennie Ross Crawford Jr.) - Died 1-29-2009 - Complications from a stroke (R&B - Jazz - Soul - Rock) Born 12-21-1934 in Memphis, TN, U.S. - Saxophonist - Led Little Hank And The Rhythm Kings - Worked with The Tennessee State Jazz Collegians, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Ike Turner, Ray Charles, Dr. John, Eric Clapton, B. B. King and Jimmy McGriff - He did arrangements for Etta James and Lou Rawls.
Chuck Bennett (Charles Wayne Avery) (aka Dirty Chuck) - Died 1-29-2009 in Falls Church, VA, U.S. - Emphysema and complications of cancer - He was 66 years old - Singer and bassist - Worked with Link Wray And The Raymen, Hillow Hammet, The Warlox and Willie And The Hand Jive.
Mike Francis (Francesco Puccioni) - Died 1-30-2009 in Rome, Italy - Lung cancer (Pop - Disco) Born 4-26-1961 in Florence, Italy - Singer, guitarist and pianist - (He did, “Let Me In” and “Survivor”).
Christine Gentry (Christine Lovelace Gentry) (Christine Lovelace Koonce) - Died 1-31-2009 in Florence, AL, U.S. - Complications after a fall - Born 7-28-1920 in Cloverdale, AL, U.S. - Pianist and organist - Worked with Liberace - Recorded for MCA Records - Cousin of Sun Records’, Sam Phillips and aunt of band leader, Ken Lovelace.
Dewey Martin (Walter Milton Dwayne Midkiff) - Died 1-31-2009 (Rock - Country) Born 9-30-1940 - Drummer and singer - Worked with The Jive Rockets, Bernie Early & The Early Birds, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich, Faron Young, The Everly Brothers, Lucky Lee & The Blue Diamonds, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Sir Raleigh & The Cupons (They did, “White Cliffs Of Dover” and “Tell Her Tonight”), The Standells, The Modern Folk Quartet, The Dillards, The Monkees, Buffalo Springfield (“They did, “For What It’s Worth” and “Good Time Boy”), Medicine Ball, Pink Slip and The Meisner-Roberts Band - Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.
Lance McCollum - Died 2-1-2009 - Aortal aneurysm - Born 3-1-19?? in Southern California, U.S. - Guitarist and guitar maker- (He did, “Summer Moon” and “Your Mind”) - His guitars have been used by Martin Barre, Dougie MacLean, Martin Simpson, Roger Hodgson, Luka Bloom, Peppino D’Agostino, Todd Hallwell, Laurence Juber, Mark Mancina and Ed Gerhard.
Cornelius Johnson - Found dead 2-1-2009 - Drummer - Worked with The Untouchables.
Ralph Ortiz (aka Thumper) (Rafael Ortiz Jr.) - Died 2-2-2009 - Cancer - Born 5-27-1956 in Newark, NY, U.S. - Bassist - Worked with Prime Time Funk, Cabo Frio, The Hot Sweets, The Shakes, Mother Freedom, Sherman Robertson, Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook, Chet Catallo & Cats, The Bandits, The Legendary Dukes, Kicks, Saratoga, The Believers, Francine Reed and Greg Walker & The Powerglide Blues Band.
Buster B Jones (Bradley F. Jones) (aka Machine Gun Hands) - Died 2-2-2009 (Country) Born 1959 in Ames, Iowa, U.S. - Played guitar - Worked with Brooks Robertson.
Sunny Skylar (Selig Sidney Shaftel) - Died 2-2-2009 in Las Vegas, NV, U.S. - Born 10-11-1913 in Brooklyn, New York, U.S. - Composer, singer and lyricist - (Co-wrote, “Gotta Be This Or That” and “I Love You In Six Eight Time”) - Worked with Vincent Lopez, Paul Whiteman, Ben Bernie and Abe Lyman.
Kurt Demmler - Died 2-3-2009 in Berlin - Hanged himself in prison (Rock) Born 9-12-1943 in Posen - Singer, guitarist and songwriter - He wrote songs for Nina Hagen, Rote Gitarren, Silly, Karat, Babylon, Frank Schobel, Puhdys and Berluc.
Max Neuhaus (Max Henry Neuhaus) - Died 2-3-2009 in Marina di Maratea, Italy - Cancer (Experimental) Born 8-9-1939 in Beaumont, TX, U.S. - Percussionist and sound artist - His sound works can be heard in Times Square in New York and at The Museum Of Contemporary Art in Chicago.
Tom Brumley (Thomas Rexton Brumley) - Died 2-3-2009 in San Antonio, TX, U.S. - Complications from a heart attack (Country) Born 12-11-1935 in Stella, MO, U.S. - Played steel guitar - Was a member of Buck Owens And The Buckaroos (They did, “Together Again” and “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail”) - Worked with Rick Nelson (“Garden Party”) and Chris Hillman’s The Desert Rose Band, Rod Stewart, Rose Maddox, Chris Isaak, Dwight Yoakam, Merle Haggard, Sara Evans, Waylon Jennings, Glen Campbell, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and Ray Price - Son of songwriter, Albert E. Brumley - Texas Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame Inductee and International Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame Inductee.
Harry Hammond (Harold Richard Hammond) - The father of pop photography - Died 2-4-2009 - Born 7-18-1920 in the East End of London, England - Photographer - He worked for the magazines, Melody Maker, Jazz Journal and The New Musical Express - He took pictures of Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, Bill Haley, Little Richard, Lonnie Donegan, The Everly Brothers, Billy Fury, Tommy Steele, Adam Faith, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
Steve Dullaghan (Steven Anthony Dullaghan) (aka Dulla) - Died 2-4-2009 in Cheylesmore (Rock) Born 12-18-1966 in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire - Bassist, guitarist and songwriter - Was a member of The Primitives (They did, “Crash” and “Really Stupid”) - Worked with Hate, Hungry i and The Nocturnal Babies.
Danny Young - Died 2-4-2009 - Complications of diabetes and heart disease (Blues Rock) Born 1951 - Guitarist - Was a member of Zoom, Bushrock and The Burnt River Band (They did, “Harley Ridin Man” and “Rollin And Tumblin”).
Piney Brown (Columbus S. Perry) - Died 2-5-2009 in Dayton, OH, U.S. (Blues - R&B) Born 1-20-1922 in Birmingham, Ala., U.S. - Singer and songwriter - (He did, “You Bring Out The Wolf In Me” and “Whispering Blue”) - Worked with The Blue Jay Singers - Wrote songs for James Brown, Roscoe Gordon and Little Milton.
David Barnett (David F. Barnett) - Died 2-6-2009 in Pine Beach (Big Band) He was 82 years old - Worked with The Hal Macintyre Band, The Mal Hallet Band, The Chan Chandler Band, Eddie Duchin, Fats Waller, The Murray Kay Band and The Blazers.
Blossom Dearie (Marguerite Blossom Dearie) - Died 2-7-2009 in Greenwich Village, NY, U.S. - Illness (Jazz) Born 4-29-1926 in East Durham, NY, U.S. - Singer and pianist - (She did, “The Riviera”) - Was a member of The Blue Stars (They did, “Lullaby Of Birdland”) and The Swingle Sisters - Worked with The Blue Flames, The Woody Herman Orchestra, The Blue Reys, Bob Dorough and Lyle Lovett - Collaborated with Cy Coleman and Johnny Mercer - Founder of Daffodil Records - She had been married to flutist and saxophonist, Bobby Jaspar.
Jorge Reyes - Died 2-7-2009 in his studio in C. de Mexico, Mexico - Heart attack (Rock - Progresive - Jazz) Born 1952 in Urapan, Michoacan, Mexico - Sang and played guitar, flute and mellotron - (He did, “Comala” and “Ek Tunkul”) - Led Chac Mool (They did, “Salamandra” and “En visitante”) - Worked with Antonio Zepeda (“A la izquierda del colibrí”), Suso Saiz (“Lunajero”) and Steve Roach - Husband of actress, Ariane Pellicer.
Molly Bee (Mollie Gene Beachboard) (aka Molly Muncy) - Died 2-7-2009 in Oceanside, CA, U.S. - Complications related to a stroke (Country) Born 8-18-1939 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. - Singer - (She did, “Young Romance” and “5 Points Of A Star”) - Worked with Tennessee Ernie Ford (“Don’t Start Courtin’ In A Hot Rod Ford”) - Was a regular on TV’s, Hometown Jamboree - At one time married to singer, Ira Allen.
Greg Woods - Died 2-8-2009 (Jazz) Was a house drummer for Jazz Central.
Cachaito Lopez (Orlando Lopez) - Died 2-9-2009 in Havana, Cuba - Complications from prostate surgery (Jazz) Born 1933 in Havana, Cuba - Double bassist - (He did, “Conversacion ” and “Redencion”) - Worked with Arcana y sus Maravillas, Orquesta Riverside, Irakere and The Buena Vista Social Club (“Dos Gardenias” and “Chan Chan”) - Nephew of bassist, Israel “Cachao” Lopez.
Freeman Hover (aka Free) - Died 2-9-2009 in Tucson, Arizona, U.S. - Illness - He was 79 years old - DJ - Interviewed Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison and Jimmy Bowen.
Vic Lewis - Died 2-9-2009 (Jazz) Born 7-29-1919 - Guitarist and bandleader - Worked with George Shearing, Buddy Featherstonhaugh, Stephane Grappelli, Bobby Hackett, Eddie Condon, Pee Wee Russell and Ted Heath.
Howard Kanovitz - Died 2-9-2009 in Manhattan, NY, U.S. - Bacterial infection after heart surgery (Jazz) Born 2-9-1929 in Fall River, MA, U.S. - Trombonist and artist - Was a member of The Earl Kay Quartet and The East 13th Street Band - As an artist he was a pioneer in the Photo Realism style of painting.
Scott Turner (Graham Turnbull) (Graham Morrison Turnbull) - Died 2-9-2009 in Cobleskill, New York, U.S. - He was 77 years old - Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada - Guitarist, singer and songwriter - (Wrote or co-wrote, Gene Vincent’s, “If You Want My Lovin’” and Tennessee Ernie Ford’s, “Hicktown”) - Was a member of Tommy Sands And The Raiders - Worked with Guy Mitchell and Eddie Fisher - Collaborated with Buddy Holly, Audie Murphy, Doc Pomus, Alex Harvey, Herb Alpert and John Marascalco - Produced Slim Whitman, Del Reeves and Jimmy Clanton.
David Godbey (Luther David Godbey) - Died 2-10-2009 - Born 5-28-1938 in Friend, Nebraska, U.S. - Singer, guitarist and fiddler - Was a member of The Brazos County Boys.
Gary Butler - Died 2-10-2009 in Florida, U.S. (Country) Pneumonia - Played keyboards and fiddle - Worked with Doug Stone, Webb Pierce, Billy Dean, Shenandoah, Tanya Tucker and The Forrester Sisters.
Franco Hodobo - Died 2-10-2009 in Chitungwiza - Illness - Born 2-8-1960 - Singer, drummer and guitarist - (He did, “Tinoda Socialism” and “Madhiri Mutown”) - Worked with The ZigZag Band and Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi.
Pavel Novak - Died 2-11-2009 in Prerov, Czech Republic - Prostate cancer (Pop - Country) Born 3-10-1944 in Prerov - Singer, songwriter, guitarist and composer - (He did, “Pihovata divka” and “Malinka”) - Led Synkopa (They did, “Vyznani”), VOX (They did, “Asi” and “Ton vet mi lal”), Proto (They did, “Morava”) and Family (They did, “Atletika”) - Worked with his son Pavel Riedl - He also composed music for children and wrote fairytales.
Estelle Bennett (Estelle Dong) - Found dead 2-11-2009 in Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. (R&B - Rock) Born 7-22-1941 in New York, NY, U.S. - Singer - (She did, “The Year 2000” and “The Naked Boy”) - Was a member of The Darling Sisters renamed, Ronnie & The Relatives (They did, “I Want a Boy”) and finally renamed, The Ronettes (They did, “Be My Baby” and “Baby, I Love You”) - Worked with Bobby Rydell, Del Shannon and Joey Dee - Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee.
Gerry Niewood - Died 2-12-2009 in Buffalo, New York, U.S. - Plane crash (Jazz) Born 4-6-1943 in Rochester, NY, U.S. - Played saxophone and flute - (He did, “Share My Dreams” and “Warm Inside”) - Led The Sunday Morning Jazz Band - Worked with Chuck Mangione, Dave Samuels, Joe Beck and Simon And Garfunkel.
Coleman Mellett - Died 2-12-2009 in Buffalo, New York, U.S. - Plane crash (Jazz) Played guitar - (He did, “Lummi Island” and “Alone Together”) - Worked with his wife, Jeanie Bryson and also worked with Chuck Mangione, Joe Williams, James Spaulding, Frank Wess, Doug Lawrence, Etta Jones, Christian McBride, Adam Scone and Ben Dixon.
Susan Wehle - Died 2-12-2009 in Buffalo, New York, U.S. - Plane crash (Spiritual) She was 55 years old - Singer - She recorded the CD, “Songs Of Healing And Hope” with guitarist, Gunilla Theander Kester.
Clay Yarber - Died 2-12-2009 in Buffalo, New York, U.S. - Plane crash (R&B) He was 62 years old - Guitarist and singer - Was a member of Power Play and Taxi.
Edward Vanek (Edward E. Vanek) - Died 2-12-2009 in Wahoo (Polka) Born 3-3-1922 - Played bass horn - Was a member of Tthe Polkateers Band.
Al Kirkcaldy - Died 2-12-2009 - Cancer - He was 55 years old - DJ and blues promoter - Co-founder of Gopher Broke Blues Productions - He hosted radio’s, Blue In The Face and was a blues writer for The Peterborough Examiner.
Jeff Spencer - Died 2-12-2009 - Heart attack (Rockabilly) He was 63 years old - Singer and songwriter - Was a member of The Memphis Rockabilly Band (They did, “Ducktails” and “Roll, Rock & Rhythm”).
Mat Mathews (Mathieu Schwartz) - Died 2-12-2009 (Jazz) Born 6-18-1924 in The Hague - Accordionist - Worked with The Millers, Herbie Mann, Art Farmer, Julius Watkins, Joe Puma, Dick Katz, Percy Heath, Kenny Clarke, Oscar Pettiford, Gigi Gryce, Carmen McRae and The 4 Most.
Louie Bellson (Luigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni) - Died 2-14-2009 in Los Angeles, CA, U.S. (Jazz) Born 7-6-1924 in Rock Falls, Illinois, U.S. - Drummer - Worked with his wife, singer Pearl Bailey and with Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Woody Herman, Mel Torme, Joe Williams, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Lionel Hampton, James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr., Dizzy Gillespie, Louie Armstrong, Tony Bennett and Wayne Newton - ASCAP Jazz Wall Of Fame Inductee.
Ciro Sebastianelli - Died 2-14-2009 in Milan, Italy (Pop) Born 9-?-1950 in Naples, Italy - Singer, songwriter and guitarist - (He did “Il buio e tu” and “Marta, Marta”) - He wrote songs for Loredana Berte and Cristiano Malgioglio.
John McGlinn (John Alexander McGlinn III) - Found dead 2-14-2009 in New York, NY, U.S. - Heart attack - Born 9-18-1953 in Bryn Mawr, PA., U.S. - Pianist, conductor and musical editor - He made recordings for the scores of the musicals, Show Boat, Anything Goes and Annie Get Your Gun.
Buck Griffin (Albert C. Griffin) - Died 2-14-2009 in Sayre, Oklahoma, U.S. - Heart failure and emphysema (Country - Rockabilly) Born 2-23-1923 in Corsicana, TX, U.S. - Singer, guitarist and songwriter - (He did, “It Don’t Make No Nevermind” and “One Day After Payday”) - Worked with Red Foley and Marty Robbins - He also was a DJ known as Chuck Wyman.
Jaime Daly (aka Jimmy Daly) - Died 2-14-2009 in Caracas, Venezuela - Heart condition - He was 57 years old - Producer - Worked with Soto Blues Band.
Warren Hastings (aka Spider) - Died 2-14-2009 - Natural causes - Born 1939 - Promoter - Founder of Punkfest.
Joe Cuba (Gilberto Miguel Calderon) - The Father of Latin Boogaloo - Died 2-15-2009 in New York, NY, U.S. - Complications of a bacterial infection (Salsa) Born 1931 in New York, U.S. - Band leader and conga player - Led The Jose Calderon Sextet and The Joe Cuba Sextet (They did, “El Pito (I Never Go Back To Georgia)” and “Bang Bang”) - Worked with J. Panama and La Alfarona X - International Latin Music Hall Of Fame Inductee.
Eric Blau - Died 2-17-2009 in Manhattan, NY, U.S. - Pneumonia after a stroke - Born 6-1-1921 - Created and produced the off-Broadway musical tribute, “Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris” and other musicals - He also was a poet and a children’s television producer.
Snooks Eaglin (Fird Eaglin Jr.) (aka the human jukebox) - Died 2-18-2009 - After prostate cancer treatment (R&B - Blues - Jazz) Born 1-21-1936 in New Orleans, LA, U.S. - Guitarist and singer - (He did, “Funky Malaguena”) - Worked with James “Sugar Boy” Crawford, The Flamingoes, The Wild Magnolias, James Booker, Henry Butler, Earl King, Tommy Ridgley, Ellis Marsalis, Professor Longhair and Smokey Johnson.
Lee Gordon (Walter Leroy Gordon) - Died 2-18-2009 - Heart disease (R&B) He was 71 years old - Born in Baltimore, MD, U.S. - Singer - Was a member of The Bleu Lights (They did, “Yes, I Do” and “A Lonely Man’s Prayer”).
Anna Watt - Died 2-19-2009 in Coatbridge - She was 85 years old - Singer and entertainer - Was half of the duo, The Price Sisters who became known as Fran And Anna who were regulars on TV’s, Thingummyjig.
Miika Tenkula - Died 2-19-2009 (Metal) Born 3-6-1974 in Muhos, Finland - Guitarist, singer and songwriter - Was a member of Sentenced (They did, “Beyond The Wall Of Sleep” and “Awaiting The Winter Frost”).
Kelly Groucutt (Michael William Groucutt) - Died 2-19-2009 in Worcester, England - Heart attack (Rock) Born 9-8-1945 in Coseley, Staffordshire - Bassist and singer - Was a member of Sight And Sound - Worked with Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) (They did, “Nightrider” and “Sweet Is The Night”).
Harrison Ridley Jr. - Died 2-19-2009 - Illness - He was 70 years old - DJ, educator and musicologist - Hosted radio’s jazz show, “The Historical Approach To The Positive Music” for 32 years.
Fats Sadi (Sadi Lallemand) - Died 2-20-2009 in Huy, Belgium (Jazz) Born 10-23-1927 in Andenne, Belgium - Vibraphonist, singer, drummer and composer - Worked with Bobby Jaspar, Don Byas, Jack Dieval, Django Reinhardt, Andre Hodeir, Lucky Thompson Platten, Kurt Edelhagen, Klaus Doldinger and Le Jazz Groupe De Paris - Hosted TV’s, Swing A Little.
Dr. Euclid M. Hanbury Jr. - Died 2-20-2009 in Orange County (Folk) He was 82 years old - Singer - Worked with Gordon Bok.
Sebastian Hackert (aka Sebi Hackert) - Died 2-21-2009 in Hamburg, Germany - Heart attack (Techno - Hip Hop) He was 32 years old - Musician and producer - Was a member of Deichkind.
Paul Skelton - Died 2-22-2009 - Lung cancer (Country) Born 9-28-1953 in El Paso TX, U.S. - Guitarist - Worked with Cornell Hurd And The Mondo Hot Pants Orchestra, The Cornell Hurd Band, Wayne Hancock, Libby Bosworth and The Texana Dames - Was a guitar builder for Collings Guitar.
Kim Risburg (Kimberly Risburg) - Died 2-23-2009 in Franklin County, TN, U.S. - Hypothermia (Rock) She was 41 years old - Percussionist and freelance writer - Worked with Charles Alexander (“Twisted”).
Freda Pritchard (Freda Hedrick) - Died 2-23-2009 in Henderson (Bluegrass) Born 3-10-1929 in Reeds Spring, Missouri, U.S. - Multi-instrumentalist - Was a member of The Pistol Hill Pickers Blue Grass Band.
Vince Bilardo - Died 2-23-2009 (Jazz) Drummer - He was 80 years old - Worked with The Bilardo Brothers Band, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, The Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra, Marilyn Maye and Jim Snyder.
Rizal Dondi Ledesma - Died 2-24-2009 - Heart failure (Rock) He was 50 years old - Bassist - (He did, “Down Under And Way Out” and “Catchy Stuff”) - Worked with Wally Gonzalez, Joey “Pepe” Smith, Jun Lopito, Anakbayan, Chris Messer and Asin.
Lyman Woodard (Lyman Elnathan Woodard III) - Died 2-24-2009 in Owosso, MI, U.S. (Jazz - Funk - Soul) Born 3-3-1942 in Owosso, MI, U.S. - Organist - Led The Lyman Woodard Organization - Worked with The 8th Day, Martha Reeves, The Originals, James Jameson, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Mary Wells, Martha And The Vandellas and The Undisputed Truth.
Ian Carr - Died 2-25-2009 (Jazz - Fusion) Born 4-21-1933 in Dumfries, Scotland - Played trumpet and flugelhorn - Was a member of The EmCee Five, The Rendell-Carr Quintet, Nucleus and The New Jazz Orchestra - Worked with The George Russell Orchestra, Michael Gibbs, The United Jazz Rock Ensemble, John McLaughlin, Nico, No-Man, Faultline, Alan Price and Eric Burdon - He wrote the book, Music Outside and co-wrote, The Rough Guide To Jazz - Brother of keyboardist, Mike Carr.
Randy Bewley (Randall Bewley) - Died 2-25-2009 - After a heart attack (Rock) Born 1955 or 1956 in Sarasota, Florida, U.S. - Guitarist - Was a member of Pylon (They did, “Cool” and “Beep”), Supercluster and Sound Houses who became The New Sound Of Numbers.
Mark Sallings - Died 2-25-2009 in Crittenden County - Car accident (Blues) Born 4-11-1952 in Searcy, Arkansas, U.S. - Played harmonica, saxophone and clarinet and sang - Led The Famous Unknowns (They did, “Up Close And Personal” and “Mojo Hoodoo”).
Wendy Richard (Wendy Emerton) - Died 2-26-2009 - Breast cancer - Born 7-20-1943 - Actress - (She sang on Mike Sarne’s, “Come Outside”) - She portrayed Miss Brahms on TV’s, Are You Being Served? and Pauline Fowler on EastEnders.
Philani Mkhanyawo (aka Amen) - Died 2-26-2009 in Umlazi, Durban, South Africa - Shot during a home invasion (Gospel) He was 32 or 35 years old - Singer - Was a member of Ithemba.
Kasa Jahn (Karel Jahn) - Died 2-26-2009 in Prague, Czech Republic - Heart, kidney and liver failure (Rock - Jazz) Born 8-8-1949 in Prague - Drummer - Was a member of The Rebels (They did, “Sipkova Ruzenka” and “Creeque Alley”) - Worked with Revival Jazzmen Prague, The Crown and Katapult.