A JamminÕ Way to Drum Up Hospice Funds

A limited edition seven inch single with two newly recorded songs originally written by The Jam’s Paul Weller and Steve Brookes was launched at the 100 Club, Oxford Street, London on February 20th, followed by ‘Wake Up Woking’ in its sixth year on February 21st at the HG Wells Suite. 

Both events were to raise charity funds for Woking Hospice. The songs were written when Paul and Steve were both 15 years old, long before The Jam found fame and fortune.

The Weller track ‘Left, Right and Centre’ was recorded by ‘The Special Guests’, who are fronted by Surrey salon owner Enzo Esposito of Enzorosario Hair Design in Godalming. Enzo has always had a keen interest in the ‘Mod’ music scene and was in a band called ‘Squire’, enjoying reasonable success in the late 70s.

Enzo, Steve and Paul have been friends since school, and while their careers took different paths, the common interest in music has brought them together for this great cause. 

The single has been released in three editions costing from £15 to £30 - 200 pressed on black vinyl; 50 special editions on clear vinyl packaged with the original hand-scrawled lyrics on the cover; and 50 Deluxe copies that also include a CD of acoustic and live versions of the Weller track. Unfortunately, the deluxe edition is sold out and the 50 specials are almost gone, although plenty of the black discs remain. On being asked of his involvement Enzo said,

Music is a love of mine, and to both raise money for charity and work with Paul, it was an easy decision. I’m pleased it’s selling well.

Image by David Coombs