This is a resolutely incomplete, non-definitive guide to British (and Irish) country music, or at least the small sliver of it visible to me, here in the distant American colonies. There have been an awful lot of UK (and Irish) twangbands, dating back many decades, and many remain quite obscure, even on the isles. But I will keep banging away and tracking down as many artists as I can find. As always, any helpful comments, corrections and suggestions are welcome.
This page covers the Letter "G"
Gambler "Loser Always Pays" (Gambler Records, 19--?) (LP)
(Produced by James Hunter)
A Scottish band that had been around for a year before cutting this album, this band from from Morayshire included Douglas Sims (lead vocals and bass), Allan Thompson (pedal steel), Neil Hay (lead guitar) and David McLeod (drums). Their repertoire included a bunch of cover tunes, although the "title" track, "The Loser," written by K. D. McDonald, may have been original to this album.
Jimmy Gates "Crossover Country" (Emerald Gem Records, 197-?) (LP)
George "Just For You: Country Favorites" (Avon Studios, 1979) (LP)
(Produced by Terry Davies & Huw Rowland)
A mononymic performer from, I think, Wales. Recording at a studio in tiny, idyllic Resolven (near Swansea) "George" is backed the album's producer, Terry Davies on guitar, along with Frank Jenkins (drums) and Gwyn Edwards (bass). The set is packed with cover tunes, some dating back to the Hank Williams days, and others of more recent vintage, such as his versions of "Funny Face" and "Help Me Make It Through The Night." It's possible there are a couple of originals, though there are no songwriter credits, so I couldn't say for sure. George doesn't give his last name, though the album's catalog number -- GDW-1001 -- may be based on his initials.
Geronimo's Cadillac "Geronimo's Cadillac" (Flying Haggis Records, 1979) (LP)
Gerry & The Ohio "Country And Western Time" (Emerald Records, 1970) (LP)
An Irish showband from Galway, with singles dating back to at least the mid-1960s, The Ohio featured lead singer Gerry Cronin, who bore more than a passing similarity to Johnny Cash. This album includes covers of country oldies such as "Deck Of Cards," "Letter Edged In Black," and "The Hanging Tree."
Brian Golbey "Virginia Waters" (Phoenix Records, 1972) (LP)
Brian Golbey "The Old And The New" (Lucky Records, 197-?) (LP)
Tony Goodacre "Roaming Round In Nashville" (Outlet Records, 1974) (LP)
(Produced by Bill McBurney & Keith Murray)
Originally hailing from Leeds, singer-guitarist Tony Goodacre started out in a an early 'Fifties skiffle band, later gravitating towards straight-up American-style country music by decade's end. In the late '60s he formed a band with steel guitarist Arthur Leyfield, who plays on here... Apparently Cliff Ledger & His Country Boys also back them on this album. Like many European country artists, Goodacre started out covering American country classics, but once he established himself as a national artist, be became known for championing homegrown UK songwriters.
Tony Goodacre "Mr. Country Music" (Outlet Records, 1974) (LP)
Tony Goodacre "Grandma's Featherbed" (Outlet Records, 1975) (LP)
Tony Goodacre "Mr. Country Music" (Outlet Records, 1974) (LP)
Tony Goodacre "Live In Ilkley" (Sylvantone Records, 1980) (LP)
Tony Goodacre/Various Artists "THE SYLVANTONE SHOWCASE" (Sylvantone Records, 198-?) (LP)
A collection of original material recorded for Goodacre's own Sylvantone label. Artists include Tony Goodacre and his wife, Sylvia, Stu Page, Geoff Ashford and the Jeannie Dee Trio.
Ken Goodman "The Country Stile" (Solent Records, 1977) (LP)
(Produced by Dave Woodbury)
Carole Gordon "My Songs Are Yours" (Tank Records, 1979-?) (EP)
(Produced by Dave Sheriff)
A four-song EP, including "Blanket On The Ground," "Stand By Your Man," "Your Good Girl Is Gonna Go Bad" and "Help Me Make It Through The Night." Carole is backed by Dave Sheriff (keyboards and vocals), Bob Newman (acoustic guitar and mandolin), Derek Thurley (bass, dobro and steel guitar), and Viv Cummings on drums.
Joe Gordon & Sally Logan "Favourites" (Lismor Records, 1975) (LP)
Joe Gordon & Sally Logan "Favourites" (Sigus Records, 1981) (LP)
Manson Grant "On The Country Trail With..." (Ross Records, 19--) (LP)
Dale Green & The Country Ramblers "Country Green" (Tank Records, 197--?) (LP)
(Produced by Monty Bird & Bob Young)
This UK band hailed from England's short-lived Humberside County, which was adjacent to Yorkshire in the North. The group included Dale Green (lead vocals and guitar), Barry Schiech (rhythm guitar), Ken Wood (bass), Mick Edwards (drums) and Dave Wheelhouse (pedal steel) and had been together for two years before recording this album... The set list was packed with American cover songs, with material by Buck Owens, Freddy Fender, Kris Kristofferson, et. al.
Dale Green "Country Legend" (Tank Records, 197-?) (LP)
(Produced by Dave Sheriff & John Boyle)
John Greer "Two Loves" (Homespun Records) (LP)
Not to be confused with the postwar R&B saxophonist "Big John" Greer, this Irish country crooner from County Down had albums distributed on both sides of the border, by Homespun Records in Dublin, and Outlet Records in Belfast. John Greer made numerous country and gospel albums and also hosted a show on Downtown Radio right up until his death (onstage!) in 1997, at the age of 52.
John Greer "Country Requests" (Homespun Records) (LP)
John Greer "Old Country Church" (Homespun Records, 1975) (LP)
John Greer "Country Hall Of Fame" (Outlet Records, 197-?) (LP)
John Greer "Countryside Of John Greer" (Outlet Records, 1974) (LP)
