A Lethal Dose

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Back in the 70s and 80s Roaring Jelly (Derek, Clive and bass player Mick Hennessy) worked their socks off and carved a niche, on the folk scene and beyond, proving you could make a living specialising in utterly bizarre songs (and long sentences). The Guinness Who's Who of Folk Music described them as :"pioneers of alternative comedy before the term became fashionable".

They had steady work and something of a cult following which grew from the mid-70s but, sadly, not enough to make them either famous or rich.

Clive and Derek met at Nottingham Art College - about to be swallowed up by Trent Polytechnic - in 1970. The college then had a thriving folk club, packed to the rafters every week. Clive and Derek were regular solo performers but got on well and soon teamed up as a duo, to good response. They specialised in lively instrumentals, music hall songs and anything else they fancied (Me And My Teddy Bear was a favourite!). The college also ran regular talent contests which Derek had won several times. The duo entered - and won. Money. Something like seven quid each. In those days seven pounds would feed a student for at least a fortnight. So they entered again, and won again. Good game! To cut a long story short, they won the talent contest so often they got banned by the social sec, but in the same conversation he sweetened the pill by offering them a paid gig. “What are you going to call yourselves?” he asked. Derek replied off the top of his head “Roaring Jelly” - the title of the Irish jig he was currently learning to play. “Good name,” thought Clive. So Roaring Jelly it was.

For that first paid gig in 71 Derek suggested drafting in a mate of his, Mick Hennessy. He was double bass player with Derby folk band The Druids, who had a strong following - and a record contract with Argo (a subsidiary of major label Decca - this was a big deal!). Derek had played a bit with them and guested on one of their albums. The expansion to a trio was intended as a temporary arrangement, a one-off for that first gig. The line-up lasted for 16 years and an estimated 1500 gigs.

Recent Update:

Derek & Clive say ta-ra to Da. Da'aboth, polisher of souls, has departed to play rock'n'roll (and polish more souls), but not before completing his contribution to the brand new CD Essential Batty Acids. Into his place, promoted from session banjoist/vocalist and co-recording engineer on that very album, steps none other than the legendary Graeme Taylor. Many of you will be familiar with Graeme's distinguished work with Gryphon, the Albion Band, Home Service and the Rolf Harris Band, to name but some. He also has wide experience of playing a variety of instruments in West End shows. In fact – let's face it – he's a right tart. Strangely, he chose for his audition with The Omega 3 a medley from Fiddler On The Roof on mandolin and piano. But he got the job anyway.