Got My Mojo Working - The Spinning Wheels, Melbourne Australia 1965
The Spinning Wheels were Australia's first Chicago/Stones-style blues band. Formed in 1964, they recorded for HMV and had a #3 hit with this song in 1965. For two years they were a popular blues outfit on the burgeoning beat music scene in Melbourne and Sydney. Destined for greater things, they were broken up by the Australian Govt. when two members got drafted. The group were; Rod Turnbull, lead vocal/harmonica, Don Hirst, guitar/vocal, Glen Sievers, bass, Mike Perrin, guitar/vocal, Tom Cowburn, guitar/vocal/harmonica, Graeme Lord, drums. This cut is from their CD, "The Spinning Wheels' Complete Sessions, 1964-1966", available through PARK FRASER RECORDS (parkfraser@hotmail.com)
About This Footage
This 1965 footage of The Spinning Wheels performing "Got My Mojo Working" in Melbourne, Australia, is a rare and significant find for blues enthusiasts and music historians. As one of the first Chicago/Stones-style blues bands to emerge from Australia, their story is an intriguing footnote in the development of rock 'n' roll.
The band's formation in 1964 marked the beginning of a brief but promising career. With their unique blend of Chicago blues influences and Australian beat music sensibilities, they quickly gained popularity on the Melbourne and Sydney scenes. Their #3 hit with "Got My Mojo Working" is a testament to their ability to connect with audiences and capture the essence of the emerging blues-rock sound.
This particular performance, captured in 1965, showcases the band's energy and chemistry on stage. The Spinning Wheels' music was characterized by the harmonica-driven vocals of Rod Turnbull, the guitar work of Don Hirst and Mike Perrin, and the driving rhythms of Graeme Lord on drums. Glen Sievers' bass lines provided a solid foundation for the band's sound.
The fact that this footage is tagged as "Rare" underscores its significance to music historians and enthusiasts. The Spinning Wheels were an important part of Australia's musical landscape in the mid-1960s, and their story serves as a reminder of the country's contributions to the global rock 'n' roll movement.
Their music was not only influenced by American blues legends but also reflected the Australian beat scene's unique flavor. This blend of styles helped shape the sound of Australian rock music in the 1960s and beyond. The Spinning Wheels' Complete Sessions, 1964-1966 CD, which includes this performance, offers a valuable insight into their musical evolution and legacy.
The Australian Government's decision to break up the band due to conscription is a poignant footnote to their story. This event not only highlights the impact of external circumstances on artistic careers but also underscores the importance of preserving music history.
This 1965 footage of The Spinning Wheels performing "Got My Mojo Working" in Melbourne, Australia, is a rare and fascinating glimpse into the country's musical past. As such, it deserves attention from music enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in the development of rock 'n' roll.
Curated from public records and music databases.
About L.A.B.
L.A.B. is a New Zealand reggae band formed in Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty in 2016. Its founding members are Brad Kora and Stuart Kora of the band Kora. They soon engaged Joel Shadbolt on lead vocals and guitar, Ara Adams-Tamatea, formerly of Katchafire, as bassist, and Miharo Gregory as keyboardist. The band mostly composes reggae music, with a mix of electronic, blues, rock and funk music.
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