Tommy Steel - Hits And RaritiesWhen debating the birth of British rock 'n' roll, scholars will undoubtedly discuss the merits of Marty Wilde, Cliff Richard and Billy Fury Oft overlooked however is the huge contribution made by Sir Tommy Steele. Born Thomas Hicks in 1936, this humble Bermondsey boy went to sea in the Merchant Navy and, after sailing around the globe for five years, returned to the UK electrified by the raw power of rock 'n' roll. Spotted singing in a trendy London

After being bitten by the vampire Nazuna while wandering late at night

Lil B and Open Mike Eagle

and should

If there's a bone to pick

David Ford

electric dulcimer

comprising blues in the bawdy tradition

the overdubbed 'People

"Just A Little Bit South Of North Carolina"

Also features: "Smokes

is evident in the artistic endeavor of Gidon Kremer

Carlyle Hall