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Let's Take it From the Top: A Musical Life Odyssey by Peter Jansen spans an amazing career, from childhood performances in the British Jazz and Skiffle scene of the '50s, through the colourful Swinging London of the '60s. A first pro band, which later had a young David Bowie as lead singer, plus tours in Europe, sometimes backing big names, followed by years in Bermuda, where Peter joined with partner and future wife Mary Kingsley for a stellar career. Cruising was next, then extensive residencies at Canada's premier resorts, before heading into theatre and cabaret venues across Canada, the U.S., and U.K., now with comedy, ventriloquism and often magic as part of the show. Many thousands of events, for young and old, including running Canada's largest Earth Day Festival, organizing concerts in aid of the Canadian Hunger Foundation's overseas work, and performing in character for Living History parks; this is a remarkable story which continues to this day. Evocative, witty, and revealing, this memoir will appeal not only to musicians of many genres, but also to those normally in front of the stage curtains, who would like a peek at life on the other side. A great read for musicians or other performers, containing timeless advice and more than a few laughs, gleaned from living in a truly magical era of show business. This version contains black and white photographs.

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9781773544359

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Peter's first professional band was a 7-piece rock, rhythm & blues combo that drew rave reviews for its groundbreaking sound as they toured throughout the U.K. A singer-saxophonist by the name of Davey Jones (later to become David Bowie) fronted the group. Peter went on to tour with the N.A.T.O. forces in Europe, performing with stars such as Bob Hope, Allan Sherman, Dakota Staton, the Supremes and the Shirelles. He formed a number of groups over the years, from country bands featuring six-part vocal harmonies to folk duos, jazz ensembles, and more. His many credits include a stint writing and performing jingles for the 'pirate' Radio Caroline, transmitted from a ship anchored off the U.K. coast. He has recorded multiple sessions as a solo artist and as leader of various groups.

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