Phelge's Stones, by James Phelge (Buncha Asshole Books, 1998)
P.33...On Thursdays at the Marquee they [The Rolling Stones] were the support group to the Cyril Davies All Star R&B Group. Cyril's band blended blues and rock 'n' roll rhythm featuring Carlo Little and Ricky Brown on drums and bass. Both ex-members of the Screaming Lord Sutch band, they could put down a solid beat all night. Nicky Hopkins played some amazing piano and a guy named Bernie Watson would sometimes totally ignore the audience, turning his back upon them as his guitar played like magic. Whenever he did this it came across that he was trying to hide the secret of his ability [Watson actually did this because he was embaressed of playing rock'n'roll. He was a classically trained gutairist - Ed.]. The highlight of Cyril's set was a tune they later recorded called 'Country Line Special'. Cyril blew his harmonica and the crowd to a frenzy every time with that one. One or two people used to guest with the All Stars, notably Long John Baldry, a good vocalist also doing the blues curcuit at this time whose three-piece suit contrasted sharply with other artists and made him look like a blues version of Frank Sinatra. Perhaps inevitably, the Stones proved to be more popular than Cyril's All Star band, or at least they recieved a stronger reaction. I thought it was several factors: Mick [Jagger] was younger than Cyril and a bit more trendy and the Stones also came across as anti-establishment. Also they were more a guitar band with just a harmonica here and there and some occasional piano. The two different lead sounds of Brian [Jones] and Keith [Richard] formed a more versatile arrangement. As good as Cyril was, having harmonica as virtual lead on every number could get tedious. The other factor was that the Stones followers came to see the Stones, not Cyril. Although they started as second billing to the All Stars, after three weeks they attained equal status and seemed to breed discontent all round. The Stones wanted extra money as their section of the crowd was beginning to appear fairly full, but their request was refused. Maybe it was Cyril's way of maintaining his advantage, but whatever the cause the Stones left the Marquee after four weeks at the end of January...
P.132...Everyone had more or less forgotten about Brian [Jones]'s letter to the BBC. A couple of follow-up calls had been fobbed off, then out of the blue a reply arrived inviting the band to come to an audition. The main problem was that Charlie [Watts] and Bill [Wyman] were working and neither of them could take time away from their jobs. Brian, Mick and Keith made last-minute arrangements for Ricky Brown and Carlo Little from Cyril Davies's group to deputise as their rhythm section. When the band returned from the audition they had some hopes of getting a booking on the BBC's 'Jazz Club' programme, although they had the feeling the people at the studio hadn't cared for them very much...
P.254...the first gig after the band's short holiday. Meeting up again at Andrew [Loog Oldham]'s office, the boy's discovered that Charlie had not yet returned from his holiday abroad with Shirley [Watts]. With a gig to do, a last-minute search took place to find a competent stand-in. After several names were mentioned they finally agreed that the experienced Mickey Waller would be an apt replacement if he was available. Another option was Carlo Little. Both had played with several well-known bands, including Cyril Davies, whose recent death had shocked those who knew him. Either of the two would have been an adequate deputy as they both had familiarity with R&B. Mickey was currently on tour with rock star Marty Wilde but he was free that evening so he got the job...[In fact, Mick Jagger and Brian Jones(?) visited Carlo Little's house, to ask him about standing in for Charlie, while Carlo was away gigging. When he returned his mother told him that Mick Jagger had knocked for him! Mickey Waller later told Carlo that they wanted him first and had to make do with Mickey Waller because Carlo was away - Ed.]
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