David John and the Mood

There are many good artists out there who are unknown. There are those who had middling success and perhaps are known by hardcore fans of a certain genre. Others still were local heroes who’s major success might have been touring with a top flight band or perhaps backing a well known singer. I have gotten great enjoyment out of finding these musicians and their music and sharing them with a wider audience. These were men and women who were musical lifers, and others did it for a few years for kicks and then turned to other occupations.

Many of these songs were average and there were others who were above average but just feel between the cracks for a number of reasons. Bad breaks, no radio airplay, corrupt or incompetent management are just a few of the myriad reasons why musicians are not heard. But just like in any history, most of it is written by the winners—the ones who are known entities. Liked or disliked, they find their way into oral and written tradition. For everyone who “makes it,” there are dozens or even hundreds who don’t, many of whom are quite good.

This is the story of David John and The Mood. A band from Preston, Lancashire featuring the following musicians during their lifespan 1963-1966.

David John “Miffy” Smith (voc)
Malcolm Fred Isherwood (dr)
John Brierley (b)
Peter Illingworth (lead-g, harmonica)
Peter Atkinson (g)

The band was formed from The Fabulous Falcons, consisting of Illingworth (lead guitar/vocals), Isherwood (drums), Rob Dekka (electric piano), and Rick Greenwood (bass). In 1963, the band was approached by promoter Paddy Jones to do a regular Friday night set if his guy could sing lead. The guy was David Smith.

John had previously been with the local Preston group The Bobcats, who later became The Puppets. There is a story that John became friends with Paul McCartney, who in fact gave him his stage name of David John instead of his local nickname, "Miffy." The story was found on the internet; however, I couldn’t verify this with certainty, although it’s a great story.

Smith/John brought with him a powerful blues voice and a love for Bo Diddley. Dekka was soon replaced by Peter Adkinson on rhythm guitar and John Brierley on bass.

The band released three singles,

Pretty Thing (1964) on the Vocalion Pop label (Diddley cover). Have heard that Jagger played maracas on this recording, which is possible given that the band opened for the Stones a time or two, but nothing really here to give real substance to the claim. While a great harmonica line, nothing special about this until the Peter Illingworth guitar solo in the break which elevates it.

Diggin’ For Gold (1965) on Parlophone. Written by Phil Dake and Steve Ross. For me the best of the three singles and an effort that show the band developing a sound that is more independent of their sources.

Bring it To Jerome (1965) also on Parlophone. Another Diddley cover.

The group disbanded in 1966. The link below was vital in my finding information about David John and the Mood including info into what has happened to the members after breaking up.

https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2022/12/david-john-the-mood-interview.html