Brian Locking Plays with the Denbigh Male Voice Choir

Brian Locking enjoyed a successful musical career. A member of the bestselling group, The Shadows, for eighteen months, joining in 1962.

Brian Locking replaced Jet Harris on bass guitar. During this time The Shadows  twice topped the Pop Charts with  ‘Dance On’ and ‘Foot Tapper.’

They almost made it with ‘Atlantis’ which got to No. 2 in the charts.

Brian Locking also appeared in the film ‘Summer Holiday.’  Released in 1963, starring Cliff Richard and The Shadows, and a stellar cast.

Now into his seventies and, reflecting back on his career. Did he feel  there is still something to achieve?

Is there a musical aspiration to achieve?

You bet!  Brian Locking wants to play and appear in concert with a Male Voice Choir. If possible, a Welsh one.

Believe me, I am not making this up.

With the passage of time Brian moves to the beauty and tranquillity of north Wales.

Brian attends the Denbigh Folk Club on a regular basis.  There the affable and talented muti-instrumentalist would perform on guitar and harmonica. Always ready to offer advice.

Brian Locking and The Shadows

Brian Locking’s pop career started when he played double bass with Vince Eager. Later switching to bass guitar. He then joined  ‘The Wildcats,’ the backing group for Marty Wilde.

‘The Wildcats’ drummer at the time was Brian Bennett. He became, of course,  the long serving drummer of The Shadows.

Bennett was instrumental (pun much intended) in suggesting that Brian Locking join The Shadows.

Furthermore, Brian Locking also played the clarinet.  This instrument is sometimes called the ‘licorice stick.’

Of course, you have now got ahead of me. You now know how Brian ‘Licorice’ Locking got his ‘middle’ name.

In addition, the harmonica, of which he has several different types, is a thing of real beauty in Brian’s hands. He featured on harmonica in The Shadows live shows. It’s well worth listening to ‘Dakota’ again.

Brian Locking and ‘Myfanwy’

The all time favourite song in the Male Voice Choir repertoire has to be Joseph Parry’s  Myfanwy.

A mournful, yet melodious, story of unrequited love. Loved by  audiences for well over a hundred years. Of course, it’s in the repertoire of every Male Voice Choir in Wales and beyond.

Furthermore Brian Locking knew this song and loved its beauty and structure.  Moreover, Brian could play it on the harmonica and turned up on our Practice Night.

His plaintive and haunting interpretation utterly enthralling.  He played the first verse as a harmonica solo. The full choir joined in for the second verse.

The chemistry worked.  We needed an audience.

Brian then appeared with us at our next three concerts. On each occasion ‘Myfanwy’ was a resounding hit.

Brian also enjoyed the whole experience.  I swear I saw him wipe a tear from his eye.  Music creates that emotional effect.

Brian Locking on Bass Guitar

Unfortunately, we never got to record Myfanwy with Brian Locking at any of the concerts.  We did enjoy his musicianship and friendly disposition so much.

Additionally an invitation accepted to be our guest artiste at the choir’s annual dinner.

He played the harmonica and bass guitar for well over an hour.  Classic hits again from his Shadows days which we can share with you here.

Brian Locking Entertains

Of course, Brian is still involved with his music. He is in demand to appear in Shadows fan clubs, both at home and abroad.
Thanks for casting a shadow with us Brian.

Myfanwy is featured on our CD ‘Music from the Vale,’ available on sale in our website shop.
Footnote: Brian Locking passed away on October 8, 2020 aged 82.