Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band was a British rhythm and blues group, influenced by jazz and soul, formed by Zoot Money in the early autumn of 1961. The initial lineup featured Money as the vocalist, Roger Collis on lead guitar, Al Kirtley on piano, Mike “Monty” Montgomery on bass, and Johnny Hammond on drums. The name “Big Roll Band” came from Money mishearing the phrase “big old band” in Chuck Berry’s song Johnny B. Goode. Their first public performance took place on November 12, 1961, at Bournemouth’s Downstairs Club.
By 1962, the band began to evolve with personnel changes. Drummer Pete Brookes replaced Hammond, Johnny King took over on bass, and Kevin Drake joined on tenor sax. When Kirtley left, Money transitioned to playing the organ, which became a defining element of the band’s sound.
Rise to Prominence (1963–1965)
The lineup that gained the most recognition was formed in late 1963 or early 1964. It included bassist and vocalist Paul Williams, guitarist Andy Summers (who later gained fame with The Police), saxophonists Nick Newall and Clive Burrows, and Colin Allen on drums. Burrows and Williams had previously played together in the Wes Minster Five, contributing to the band’s cohesive rhythm section.
Burrows left in autumn 1965, moving on to play with Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band and The Alan Price Set. His replacement was Johnny Almond, a key player in the band’s continued success.
1964–1965: Rise to Fame
In 1964, Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band became a regular fixture at The Flamingo Club in Soho, London, known for its cutting-edge rhythm and blues scene. Money’s flamboyant stage presence, marked by energetic performances and charismatic antics, helped the band gain a loyal following. They signed with Decca Records and released a single that same year, before switching to EMI’s Columbia label.
By 1965, the band had released four more singles and their first album, It Should Have Been Me, which came out in October. While the group’s unique blend of rhythm and blues was popular in live performances, commercial success remained elusive during this time.
1966–1969: Peak and Evolution
In 1966, Zoot Money refused an offer to replace Alan Price as the keyboardist for The Animals, choosing to focus on his role as frontman for the Big Roll Band. That same year, they scored their most significant hit with the single “Big Time Operator,” which reached number 25 on the UK charts. Their live album Zoot Live at Klooks Kleek, recorded at a popular London club, was released in October 1966, establishing Money as a rising solo artist and achieving number 23 on the UK album charts. However, despite the album’s success in the UK, it failed to gain traction in the U.S. due to poor promotion.
During this period, Money briefly joined Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated but soon returned to his own band. However, the music scene was shifting towards more experimental sounds and a greater focus on songwriting. While the Big Roll Band remained a staple of the London club circuit, their commercial success was limited.
In July 1967, reflecting the changing musical trends, the Big Roll Band transitioned into Dantalian’s Chariot, a band with a psychedelic focus. By 1969, Money accepted a second offer to join Eric Burdon and The New Animals.
Later Years and Legacy
The band saw several personnel changes over the years, but Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band continued to perform into the 2020s. Despite the shifting lineup, the band maintained its reputation as a pioneering rhythm and blues group with a distinct jazz influence.
On 8 September 2024, Zoot Money passed away at the age of 82, marking the end of an era for the influential British band.
