In today’s Coastrider ‘Letters to the Editor’ a correspondent John Currie scornfully dismisses local talented entertainers, Barrie Breton and Jackie Heath. All I had done was suggest that local entertainers be selected rather than fly fake performers (the Bootleg Bee Gees) in:
Dear Editor,
Is John Currie a jealous rival or just having a bad hair day? (Coastrider 11th August) When the Bootleg Bee Gees were flown to the Costa Blanca I wrote to Coastrider suggesting that local venues support local talent who struggle to make a living here; I mentioned Barrie and Jackie (Dynamic Touch?) as an example. My best wishes go to all quality performers.
World Class: Barrie Breton has accompanied Gerry and the Pacemakers, Bert Wheedon, Danny Williams, Jess Conrad and others similar. He played Liverpool?s Empire Theatre; the biggest stage in the UK. For nearly a decade he entertained discerning international audiences on the world?s cruise liners.
Jackie Heath: The following reviews: Coastrider. ?Very talented indeed. They brought the house down.? Leader: ?Absolutely wowed the audience.? RTN: ?One of the most outstanding jazz outfits on the Costa Blanca.?
The point I was making: Why fly fake (bootleg) bands in when we have such local talent?
Most interesting of all John says that at the end of the day it is ?real music, genuine music? that matters. Since when is bootleg music real music? It is plagiarising the talent of real musicians. Both Barrie and Jackie are professional musicians and music readers; Jackie is a highly qualified teacher of the keyboard.
Mike Walsh (not their manager).
