Worthing, Sussex (UK) musician MICKEY JUPP (mostly associated with the Southend pub rock scene of the 1970s) played in Southend R&B bands during the 1960s (including the English Orioles, 1963 -1965) and formed the pop, rockabilly and blues rock outfit Legend in 1968.
During the pub-rock evolution, Jupp wrote Down at the Doctors (1978) for Canvey Island’s Dr. Feelgood (later on Private Practice) and, himself, signed to Stiff Records in 1978. Jupp recorded a two-part album “Juppanese” , the first half produced by Nick Lowe, and offered in a simple raw style that harkened back to his Legend days, with a slicker second half, produced by Gary Brooker of Procol Harum.
His follow-up Long Distance Romancer (1979), was produced by Godley and Creme.
Over the years, Jupp’s songs have been covered by artists as diversified as Rick Nelson, Elkie Brooks, the Judds, Chris Farlowe, Delbert McClinton, Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, Gary Brooker, the Hamsters, Roger Chapman, and the Searchers.
Jupp’s first album of new recordings in almost forty years ‘Up Snakes, Down Ladders’ is due via Conquest Music, on 5th August 2022. The song collection is sure to delight lovers of blues, rock & roll and quality song-writing everywhere.
‘Up Snakes, Down Ladders’ will be available on all digital platforms and as a Special Limited Edition Digipak CD, accompanied by a 16-page booklet. The album is preceded by the I’d Love To Boogie EP, a 5 track sampler from the album, available now on all digital platforms.
“I’d Love To Boogie” (music video shared below) is an effective and consistent rock ‘n’ roll bouncer, with solid rhythms, responsive musicianship, and an almost intuitive sense of celebration.
Photo credit: Alan Bambrough
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