Jamie Wednesday

Jamie Wednesday was a British 1980's jangle pop band, formed in Streatham, South London in 1983 (possibly sooner),Strong, Martin C.: "The Great Alternative & Indie Discography", 1999, Canongate, ISBN 0-86241-913-1] that released eight songs on two records between 1985 and 1986. At first they were called The Ballpoints and then Dead Clergy and finally settled on Jamie Wednesday.

The band consisted of:
*James Morrison - acoustic guitar, lead vocals
*Leslie Carter - bass guitar, backing vocals
*Dean Leggett - Drums and percussion
*Lindsey Lowe - Trumpet
*Simon Henry - Saxophone

Ray Buckley may also have played drums for Jamie Wednesday, prior to joining British soul band Buddy Curtess and the Grasshoppers.

Jamie Wednesday were in touch with their early fans and used to send out regular newsletters about what the band were up to. Just like the clever lyrics these newsletters were very tongue in cheek, had great artwork and seemed at times surreal, the content was always very funny.

The band used to drink in 'The Leigham Arms' in Wellfield Road, Streatham and were friends with Gerry Shephard, the singer/lead guitarist of The Glitter Band who also lived locally. The band had initially asked him to be their manager, but Mr Shephard refused, although he had great faith in their talent and ability.

Jamie Wednesday recorded and released two EPs and contributed to two compilations on the Pink Records label but they never sold well and the band remained virtually unknown. In an interesting sidenote, Jamie Wednesday are responsible for the name of the band Pop Will Eat Itself when an article about Jamie Wednesday in the NME, written by David Quantick mentioned that pop music is ever-recycling its ideas and that eventually, pop will eat itself.

Jamie Wednesday split up in 1987 just before a scheduled appearance at an opening gig. James Morrison and Leslie Carter stuck together and filled in for that gig. Thus was Carter USM born. James and Leslie became Jim Bob and Fruitbat respectively. Drummer Leggett subsequently joined BOB.

Discography

*"Vote For Love" (12" EP, 1985, Pink) (UK Indie #46)cite book |last=Lazell |first=Barry |title=Indie Hits 1980-1999 |year= 1997 |publisher=Cherry Red Books |isbn=0-9517206-9-4 ] The B side of the Vote For Love track passionately covered the theme tune from the children's black and white TV show "White Horses"
*"We Three Kings Of Orient Aren't" (12" EP, 1986, Pink)

They also contributed two tracks to the Pink Label compilation LP "Beauty".

There are many tracks unrecorded and unreleased from the band as 'Jamie Wednesday',which were recorded on a portastudio and sold to a friend of the band ('Aqua Maria Monday') who also photographed the cover of 'Vote For Love'. The rights to these remain hers as signed for by Leslie Carter in the receipt, but they have never seen the light of day.

A classic track is Les (Fruitbat) singing the Andy Williams song "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You".

'Aqua Maria Monday' also retains an acoustic guitar given to her by Jim Bob that was used in the early JW gigs.

References