David Jaymes

The Leyton Buzzards (1976–1980)

Jaymes formed the punk rock/new wave band, the Leyton Buzzards, in 1976. He was the band's bass player and also provided vocals. Other members included Geoff Deane (lead vocals), Vernon Austin (guitar and vocals), Kevin Steptoe (drums), and later, Tony Gainsborough (drums). Milton Reame-James – formerly of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel played keyboards. In 1979 they won the Battle of the Bands competition organised by BBC Radio 1 and The Sun newspaper. This led to a major deal with Chrysalis Records and an appearance on Top of the Pops. Their first single with Chrysalis was a minor hit titled "Saturday Night (Beneath the Plastic Palm Trees"). The single "We Make A Noise" is produced by Chas Chandler of The Animals and the vinyl cover artwork designed by Terry Gilliam. Jaymes recorded four sessions with the band for BBC Radio One's John Peel between July 1978 and January 1980. After a run of singles – including a cover version of "Can't Get Used to Losing You" – and the album, Jellied Eels to Record Deals, the Buzzards disbanded.

Modern Romance (1980–1985)

Jaymes formed the band Modern Romance with Geoff Deane (lead vocals) and Tony Gainsborough (drums) of The Leyton Buzzards, his brother Robbie Jaymes (keyboards), and Paul Gendler (guitars). Later members included Michael J. Mullins (lead vocals), Andy Kyriacou (drums) and John Du Prez (trumpets). Modern Romance were predominantly known for their Latin American music and salsa music sound; they produced a string of hits, including "Everybody Salsa" (1981), "Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey" (1981), "Queen of the Rapping Scene / Nothing Ever Goes the Way You Plan" (1982), a cover version of "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" (1982), "Best Years of Our Lives" (1982), "High Life" (1983), "Don't Stop That Crazy Rhythm" (1983), and "Walking in the Rain" (1983). Two successful albums in the UK – Trick of the Light and Party Tonight – and a host of TV and magazine appearances, made 1983 the band's watershed year.

Music manager and consultant

Jaymes has since moved into the management and consultancy side of the business. Over the years he has managed artists such as Sinéad O'Connor, Justin Adams, Miles Hunt aka The Wonder Stuff, Republica, and Drum Club. He has acted as consultant for the likes of Harry Nilsson, Jimmy Webb, George Fenton, and Chuck Mangione. He recently worked with a host of musicians on the Haiti earthquake disaster single, a cover version of I Put a Spell on You (2010); artists included Shane MacGowan, Nick Cave, Chrissie Hynde, and Johnny Depp. He has contributed as songwriter to the movie Shrek (2001) and as Music Supervisor on the film Fascination (2004) starring Jacqueline Bisset and James Naughton.

The Haiti Earthquake Disaster single (2010)

In 2010 Shane MacGowan and his wife, Victoria Clarke, rounded up a number of rock musicians to record a cover version of the Screamin' Jay Hawkins song, "I Put a Spell on You", the proceeds going to the 2010 earthquake disaster fund. However, at the last minute, the record label pulled out and that was when Jaymes and Tom Haxell of IRL Records jumped in. They immediately offered their studio in London and hooked up Johnny Depp – who was filming in Los Angeles at the time – to record his guitar solo and music video footage.

The musicians:

Singles

Albums

Singles (Jaymes / Deane era)

† Can You Move / Can You Dance (US Dance Chart #2)

Singles (Jaymes / Mullins era)

† Walking in the Rain (Thailand #1)

Albums

† Adventures in Clubland (Venezuela #1) [Certified Gold]

Solo Singles

† (as David Jaymes) President Records

Peel Sessions

Soundtracks

Filmography

Videos