MUSIC / SOUND DESIGN
the sapphires
Participating members:
Earl Wilson: lead singer, leader
Tommy Merg: lead guitar and vocal
Nils Erik Bjørnes: guitar and vocal
Svein “Maco” Hansen: el. bass
Arild Wikstrøm: organ, vibraphone and vocal
Tom Karlsen: drums, vocal
Carl Magnus “Calle” Neuman: alto sax
Alf Kjellman: tenor sax
Knut Riisnæs: tenor sax
Hans Knudsen: baritone sax
Jarl Johansen: trumpet
Paticipating guest artists:
Christian Reim: organ B3
Arild Boman: organ B3
Ole Jacob Hansen: Drums
The Sapphires
In the Sixties the R'n'B scene in Oslo was growing fast; R'n'B bands were formed,
R'n'B singles from the States were re-recorded by popular Norwegian artists.
The Sapphires started in 1965 and released 4 singles on Polydor, all produced by Svein Erik Børja. The band was a household name at Club 7, and was the first R´n´B band to tour Norway and Germany, where their singles were also released.
They where used as studio-musicians for several other recording artists, and participated in TV shows in Norway and Germany.
The Sapphires did mostly do cover tunes, but the single from ´66 including: “I can`t believe it” is written and sung by Earl Wilson) and “Night Tripper’s Jerk” is written and sung by their now deceased drummer and active songwriter, Tom Karlsen.
Svein Hansen, Tommy Merg, Tom Karlsen og Nils Erik Bjørness in Rias Saloon, Dortmund, Germany, 1967
From NRK TV Popcorn
Sentralteatret 1965
Fashion Show in
Flensburg, Germany
1967
Center Page from PopExpressen. Photo from a backyard in Teatergata, Oslo 1966.
Tom Karlsen, Carl Magnus Neuman, Tommy Merg, Earl Wilson, Knut Riisnæs, Hans Knudsen, Svein Hansen og Nils Erik Bjørnes.
Svein "Maco" Hansen in Roger Arnhof studio
© Ola Narr Studio
Love a' Gogo — Wencke Myhre & The Sapphires
Recorded in Roger Arnhof Studio, Oslo, 1967. Arranged by Knut Riisnæs
Night Tripper's Jerk
- The Sapphires
Recorded in Roger Arnhof Studio, Oslo.
Don't Play That Song
- The Sapphires
Recorded in Roger Arnhof Studio, Oslo.
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag -The Sapphires
Recorded in Roger Arnhof Studio, Oslo.
1967
Ever since I Met You
-Three Hits & The Sapphires
Recorded in Roger Arnhof Studio, Oslo.
1967
The Sapphires, Club7 in Edderkoppen Teater 1965.
Tom Karlsen: drums, Arild Wikstrøm: vocal and organ, Earl Wilson: vokal,
Tommy Merg: guitar and vocal, Nils E. Bjørnes: vocal and guitar,
Svein Hansen: Bass.
Konsertplakat fra 1966 i Nordstrandshallen
(The Sapphires er galt stavet på plakaten).
Anonse fra Pop revyen 26. Oktober 1966.