Maxwell Plumm had existed as a band since 1970 under the name of the Topliners. Vocalist Alan Humber and bass player Richard McGowan formed the core of the group and they gradually gathered together a bunch of like-minded musicians, soon becoming a big attraction on the cabaret circuit with a blend of serious music and comedy interludes, touring the clubs up and down the nation throughout the early part of the decade. A residency at Pontins holiday camp at Camber Sands was secured in 1972, where they would play to packed houses of up to one thousand holidaymakers. The change of moniker to Maxwell Plumm - named after a New York restaurant - was made on the suggestion of their booking agent for their appearance at the prestigious Television Arts Ball, held in the hallowed confines of The Albert Hall - broadcast by London's Capitol Radio on New Years Eve 1973. Over the next few years, Maxwell Plumm continued their Camber Sands residency and like many artists, looked to commit their act to vinyl for sale to the punters. |
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Their association with the photographer Malcolm Ransom lead to the recording of their first, self-titled LP; financed by Ransom, recorded in a converted garage over a two-day period and manufactured at the Raven Records pressing plant in Kent. The endeavour proved worthwhile and sales could exceed one hundred copies on a good night at Camber Sands. In preparation for the summer season of 1975, the band enjoyed the luxury of a full five days in Gooseberry Studios in London to record their second album "We Can Work It Out". A selection of pop cover versions were augmented by a few original numbers, as the band found their feet as writers. While waiting for the full group to assemble one morning in the studio, drummer Dave Chandler launched into "Flyin Hi", a muscular drum work-out that he'd been developing in the act for some time; a single take was all that was required. A big fan of Ginger Baker, this was to be his very own "Toad", on occasions stretching to all of twenty minutes when the spirits took a hold at Camber Sands. Again, the LP was pressed up by Raven Records, and at least 5000 copies were sold before the band recorded their third album a couple of years later. This event also coincided with perhaps the career highlight for the group, with their 1977 appearance on the ITV talent show New Faces. Alas, their rendition of "All By Myself" failed to suitably impress a panel that included Lionel Blair, Geoff Love and Shaw Taylor, and they were only placed third behind a fellow doing a Jim Reeves number. This did nothing to dishearten Maxwell Plumm however, and in one form or another, the group has existed ever since. As various members passed through the line up, the emphasis slowly shifted towards comedy, with the core of Alan Humber and Dave Chandler the only constants in a changing group. Although equally often assisted by Dave Chandler, Alan Humber now regularly appears on cruise liners as Maxwell Plumm with his solo comedy act. |
