The Kirkbys

• Genres: Rock

Biography

The Kirkbys were a Liverpool quintet originally called "the Tuxedos", formed and led by guitarist Jimmy Campbell, who was also one of Liverpool's better undiscovered songwriters of the period -- he, drummer Kenny Goodlass, guitarist John Lloyd, bassist Alby Power, and vocalist Gerry Savage (soon succeeded by Joe Morouth) were the core lineup of the original band, which had a very accessible pop/rock sound. Their harmonies were solid and Campbell and Morouth collaborated on some very pleasant originals together. What's more, they could grow into new sounds as they came along -- their 1965-vintage "Don't You Want Me No More" offers chiming guitars and Byrds-like harmonies in the best early folk-rock mold, while their slightly later "Dreaming" could pass for a Herman's Hermits outtake. Goodlass left the group to join the somewhat more successful band the Escorts (whose members included Terry Sylvester) and was succeeded by Mervyn Sharpe. He was back in the Kirkbys' lineup following Sharpe's exit, and the group endured until the early part of the psychedelic era. Their recorded legacy includes a 1966 RCA single, "It's a Crime" b/w "I've Never Been So Much in Love," and two songs on Unearthed Merseybeat. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide