The Dae-b-Four

By Don Hughes, Hounslow Records

During the mid-1960’s the Dae-b-Four had established themselves as one of west London’s premier mod groups.

Coming hard on the heels of the Kinks and the Who there was serious talk of a recording contract and a tour of America. Fame beckoned! A demo was decided upon which the three tracks here were finally chosen. A favourite with mods in the summer of 65 was Alvin Robinson’s “Down Home Girl”, popularised in the UK by the Rolling Stones. Two further self- penned songs were chosen in an effort to showcase the Dae-b-Four’s song writing abilities.

After the “one off takes” were recorded at Chiswick Studios, a single 10” acetate was produced. Sadly the recording contract never materialised and the tour of the States called off simply because guitarist Bryan Brayley was under age. His dismayed brother Rex Brayley applied for a job with Love Affair. Soon after supporting Jimi Hendrix at the Ricky Tick in Hounslow, Rex discovered his application was successful so the Dae-b-Four called it a day in early 67. So after nearly half a century of lying in the vault former lead vocalist Iain Pitwell has agreed to release those “one take” demo recordings of the Dae-b-Four.

A limited edition of 250 copies are available for sale. For more information email: donhughes345@btinternet.com