The Jazz Butcher

The Jazz Butcher

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1982 in Oxford, England
Founder	Pat Fish, Max Eider
Headquarters	Oxford , England
Products	Music albums, singles, live performances

The Jazz Butcher served as the stage name for British singer-songwriter Pat Fish (20 December 1957 – 5 October 2021) and also identified the band itself, which was frequently referred to under various names such as The Jazz Butcher Conspiracy (JBC), The Jazz Butcher Group, among others.

The ensemble's membership was in constant flux, with Fish remaining the only permanent figure. Notable contributors included co-founder Max Eider (Peter Millson), David J, Owen P. Jones, Rolo McGinty, Alice Thompson, Paul Mulreany, Alex Green, Richard Formby, Kizzy O'Callaghan, Curtis E. Johnson, and Peter Crouch.

Origins

Established in Oxford in 1982 by Pat Fish and Max Eider, the duo had previously collaborated in bands like the Institution and The Sonic Tonix. Following The Tonix's breakup, Fish moved to Northampton, a city he praised for its vibrant creative atmosphere and supportive local media. He began composing songs, with the inaugural advertised Jazz Butcher gig taking place at Merton College, Oxford on 20 February 1982—originally intended as a one-time event.

Fish reconnected with Eider, whose guitar playing had developed into a "rich, clean, country soul sound with just a touch of Wes Montgomery," complementing Fish’s songwriting style. During this period, Fish employed an Amstrad 7090 audio cassette recorder to produce rudimentary multi-track demos by layering parts over cassette tapes.

These early recordings caught the attention of David Barker from the newly formed Glass Records, who invited Fish to record an album for the label.

Glass Records era (1982–1987)

In late 1982, Fish and collaborators commenced recording the debut Jazz Butcher album at Starforce Studio in Clapham, co-produced by Fish and Barker (under the pseudonym Lionel Brando). Participants included Eider, McGinty, Silver, Alice Thompson, Ian Sturgess, Louis Leroi, and engineer Martin K. Daley.

On 1 November 1982, Fish supported Northampton band Bauhaus; however, the Jazz Butcher’s musical style contrasted sharply with Bauhaus’s goth audience. Fish initially believed Bauhaus drummer Kevin Haskins arranged this opportunity; it was actually Kevin’s brother David J. who expressed interest in the band.

In Bath of Bacon was released in March 1983. Fish described it as "the sound of a few mates failing to take seriously the fact they’ve got an LP to make." A review in The Scotsman characterized it as "quite good fun." Early 1984 saw Fish and Thompson record covers of Lou Reed, John Cale, and Kevin Ayers during the “Cak Bag” sessions; many of these tracks later appeared on compilations.

In summer 1983, Fish and Eider recorded "Southern Mark Smith" featuring McGinty, Thompson (then with The Woodentops), and Kevin Haskins on drums; this single received national exposure through John Peel’s radio show.

Glass Records issued two singles in 1984: "Marnie" and Jonathan Richman’s "Roadrunner," with the b-side "D.R.I.N.K." becoming a fan favorite.

David J.'s involvement led to talks about him producing their next album. After Bauhaus disbanded, David J. joined Fish, Eider, and Jones—forming the first official lineup from 1984 to 1985.

Produced by John A. Rivers, A Scandal in Bohemia was released in November 1984. With Rivers and David J.'s contributions enhancing studio techniques, Eider’s guitar became a defining feature of their sound. The album sold over 20,000 copies and featured cover art by Hunt Emerson. Fish described it as "cheap and cheerful" but instrumental in expanding their reach.

This stable lineup and Scandal's success allowed for more extensive touring in 1985. That year included singles like "Real Men" and "The Human Jungle," plus the live album Hamburg (credited to The Jazz Butcher and His Sikkorskis from Hell). Glass also released The Gift of Music, a compilation of singles and b-sides including a re-recorded "Partytime."

Sex and Travel, again produced by Rivers, was recorded quickly in 1985; Fish later cited it as his favorite Glass album.

In February 1985, David J departed to form Love and Rockets; Graham "Felix" Fudger took over bass duties. Touring expanded dramatically to 110 shows that year compared to 36 in 1984.

During 1986, singles such as "Hard," "Conspiracy," "Angels," along with fan club release "Christmas with the Pygmies" were issued alongside compilations like 50,000 Glass Fans Can't Be Wrong, which included solo tracks by David J. and Max Eider. The B-sides compilation Bloody Nonsense was distributed in North America and gained traction on college radio stations.

Released in May 1986, Distressed Gentlefolk, recorded with Rivers embracing digital production techniques, reflected fatigue from intense touring coupled with a limited pool of songs. Fish’s writing shifted towards a heavier tone while Eider maintained jazz influences.

The band embarked on their first tours across America and Canada. Personnel changes saw Richard Lohan replace Fudger on bass while Alex Green joined on saxophone. Following a concert in Zurich in November 1986, tensions culminated in a physical confrontation between Fish and Eider; shortly thereafter Eider left the group. The tour wrapped up on Fish's birthday in December before Jones also resigned.

Fish’s contract with Glass ended soon after but not before releasing another compilation titled Big Questions - The Gift of Music Volume 2.

Eider signed solo with Jazz Butcher’s US distributor Big Time Records, but its collapse shortly after his debut album hindered promotion efforts.

Fish toured Europe as a duo with Green amidst predominantly band-focused audiences; he described this period as “making the best of things.”

On 10 February 1987 in Paris, Alan McGee, head of Creation Records, attended a performance intending to sign Fish as his Glass contract neared expiration.

Creation Records era (1988–1998)

Alan McGee, co-founder of Creation Records, praised Fish as "one of the most brilliant incisive pop writers that Britain has produced since the glory days of Ray Davies and Pete Townshend."

Signing with Creation allowed Fish to reassemble the Jazz Butcher lineup. Guitarist Kizzy O’Callahan—formerly a guitar technician—returned alongside rhythm section members Dave Goulding (bass) and Dave Morgan (drums) from fellow Creation act the Weather Prophets. Saxophonist Alex Green completed the core studio ensemble; additional contributions came from artists such as Sonic Boom of Spacemen 3, bassist Laurence O'Keefe, and members of the Perfect Disaster. Although Fish contemplated retiring the "Jazz Butcher" name to distance himself from earlier works, McGee insisted on retaining it due to its established brand value.

Seeking a rawer sound after feeling that Distressed Gentlefolk was overproduced, Fish released Fishcotheque, named after a London fish & chip shop featured on its cover photo by longtime collaborator Mitch Jenkins. Despite favorable reviews overall, some US critics perceived it as continuing his prior jazz-inflected style. In 1988 he also released a single and video for "Spooky", a cover of Classics IV's hit song; this appeared on an EP featuring live recordings from Canadian radio show Brave New Waves.

In 1987 Fish married Barbara J Taylor in Northamptonshire.

Paul Mulreany joined the touring lineup during European, US, and Canadian tours throughout 1988.

For Big Planet Scarey Planet, Fish reunited with producer John A. Rivers aiming for a rock-oriented record incorporating influences such as hip-hop and proto-acid styles. The album showcased diverse tracks like "Line of Death", which fused Middle Eastern motifs with disco rhythms, heavy metal elements, plus an homage to composer Ennio Morricone’s ""The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"". Pascal Legras designed artwork for both this album and its single "New Invention", contributing extensively to Jazz Butcher visuals throughout the 1990s.

Before embarking on a nine-week US tour, O'Callahan was hospitalized due to a brain tumor; Richard Formby stepped in as his replacement.

While performing in Los Angeles, the band delivered an extended set on KCRW's alternative rock program SNAP!, recordings later included in the 2022 box set Dr. Cholmondley Repents.

The musicians behind Cult of the Basement had matured through rigorous touring; several tracks were road-tested or evolved through improvisation sessions. This album marked an expansion stylistically that captured their authentic sound. Singles like "She's on Drugs" found success on college radio; "Girl-Go" gained MTV airplay and was issued as a single release. Its B-side "Excellent" represented O'Callahan's final recording before his death in 1993.

In 1991 Black Eg issued an ambient dance record credited to fictional Von Dämmerung brothers; they debuted live performances in London during 1994.

Touring for Cult of the Basement encompassed European dates plus a US tour supporting the Blue Aeroplanes, alternating between opening act and headliner roles. Upon returning home Fish’s marriage ended in divorce—a development reflected through darker themes on Condition Blue. Despite critical praise for its candid lyricism, commercial success was limited.

Following post-tour lineup changes, Fish rebuilt his band featuring Mulreany (drums), Alex Lee (guitar), Joe Allen (bass), alongside contributors including Formby, O'Keefe, Green, former drummer Owen Jones, Peter Astor, Sumishta Brahm, and Peter Crouch. Singles such as "She's a Yo-Yo" and "Shirley Maclaine" emerged; notably US releases rearranged track orders emphasizing potential hits—a strategy criticized by Fish himself. The album's tone was less whimsical yet warmly received beyond core followers.

Further personnel shifts replaced guitarist Peter Crouch with Curtis E. Johnson while drummer Nick Burson departed replaced by Gabriel Turner; Dave Henderson joined in 1994 during sessions for their tenth album Illuminate. Produced by David J., this more grounded release contained politically charged content alongside cultural tributes; it debuted in April 1995 accompanied by one single: "Sixteen Years".

Meanwhile Creation Records earned acclaim yet struggled commercially until signing Oasis whose breakthrough redirected label priorities toward their success. Fish observed diminishing support as resources focused increasingly on Oasis-related projects.

During mid-1990s reconciliations occurred between Fish and Max Eider; Eider opened for JBC shows in 1995 and occasionally performed duo sets with Fish.

Pursuing artistic avenues beyond Jazz Butcher’s stylistic constraints led Fish to form Sumosonic—a dance/techno outfit utilizing samplers and sequencers. Despite releasing single "Come Friendly Spacemen" (1996) along with album This is Sumo (1998), sales were disappointing. Alan McGee noted Sony's corporate influence adversely affected less commercial artists like Fish; he recommended an amicable parting of ways. By March 1998 Fish exited Creation Records which folded entirely by 1999. Sumosonic played their final concert that September.

Rotten Soul period (1999–2000)

In 1999 Pat Fish accepted Vinyl Japan’s invitation to record an album under budget constraints approximately one-tenth that allocated for Cult of the Basement. Former guitarist Peter Crouch employed digital multi-track recording techniques for demos which Fish adopted due to financial limitations despite drawbacks such as reliance on MIDI drum programming—a choice he later criticized strongly. This home-recorded project titled Rotten Soul received mixed production critiques but was embraced warmly by fans.

On 9 September 1999 at Los Angeles’ Troubadour venue original members—Fish, Eider, Owen Jones, David J., and Kevin Haskins—reunited for their first performance together since 1985. In 2000 Fish toured US markets alongside Eider and Jones supported by Steven D. Valentine on bass promoting Rotten Soul.

Wilson era (2001–2011)

Seeking fresh creative directions Fish assembled Wilson in 2001 comprising members from Sumosonic alongside musicians from other Northampton groups expanding upon Sumosonic’s sonic palette. The Jazz Butcher marked its twentieth anniversary during select shows across Germany and Belgium held throughout 2002.

Wilson disbanded following their final concert in late-2009 which was filmed then released as DVD titled No Known Predators. A one-off reunion occurred in 2012 promoting this DVD while serving as Wilson’s conclusive performance.

Last of the Gentleman Adventurers phase (2012–2013)

Celebrating three decades since inception in 2012 Pat Fish partnered again with Max Eider launching a PledgeMusic campaign financing their first studio album after over ten years hiatus. Though initially uncertain about success funding goals were swiftly surpassed.

Recorded at Richard Formby’s Leeds studio sessions produced Last of the Gentleman Adventurers featuring Tim Harries alongside Jonny Mattock forming rhythm section plus Formby contributing guitar work; additional performances came from Owen Jones and Sonic Boom while liner notes were penned by author Alan Moore.

An initial pressing limited to five hundred copies sold out rapidly prompting Fire Records acquisition rights encompassing this release plus extensive back catalogue once control reverted back to Fish from prior labels. Concurrently he established Jazz Butcher Quartet featuring Steve New (guitar), Steve Garofalo (drums), Simon Taylor (trumpet). Eider made occasional live appearances before retiring after final show August 2014.

Drummer Steve Garofalo passed away January 2016 resulting fewer Quartet gigs supplemented by Dave Morgan among others filling drum duties.

Fire Records reissues & Live From Fishy Mansions series (2017–2021)

In 2017 Fire Records issued four-disc box set titled The Wasted Years compiling albums: Bath of Bacon, A Scandal in Bohemia, Sex & Travel, plus Distressed Gentlefolk, each also reissued individually on vinyl format.

2018 witnessed release of compilation called The Violent Years gathering first four albums from Creation era: Fishcotheque, Big Planet Scarey Planet, Cult of the Basement, along with Condition Blue.

Diagnosed with cancer November 2018 Pat Fish underwent radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy achieving remission June 2020 amid pandemic conditions restricting live appearances leading him to present worldwide audience series of live-streamed solo concerts dubbed “Live From Fishy Mansions” broadcast directly from home studio setup.

Final recordings & passing: The Highest in the Land (2021–2022)

On June 26th 2021 Pat Fish recorded final album titled The Highest in the Land collaborating alongside Max Eider, Dave Morgan, Tim Harries plus producer Lee Russell.

Fatigue forced cancellation of scheduled “Fishy Mansions” performance October third followed two days later by sudden fatal heart attack at home residence leading to burial November fourth same year.

Tapete Records released single “Time” October ninth shortly followed November by box set compilation titled Dr Cholmondley Repents; A-Sides B-Sides And Seasides, encompassing singles plus B-sides alongside previously unreleased live-in-studio broadcast from year nineteen eighty-nine while full-length album ‘’The Highest In The Land’’ arrived February twenty-second twenty-two.

Homages

On November twenty-seventh twenty twenty-one tribute concert convened at London’s Dublin Castle showcasing performances from artists including Joe Turner, Tim Keegan, Pete Astor, Rolo McGinty, Bid (the Monochrome Set), Peter Crouch, Sumishta Brahm along with Dave Morgan honoring Pat Fish’s legacy.

May twenty twenty-two saw publication of book titled ‘’Miracles And Wonders: A Meandering Cacophonous Concordance Of The Jazz Butcher Songbook’’ co-authored by Pat Fish together with Philip Snow chronicling nearly four decades spanning career completed shortly before Pat’s passing.

Glass Modern issued alternate rendition of “Never Give Up” October twenty twenty-two further preserving artist’s musical heritage.

Themes within lyrics

Pat Fish's profound literary interests heavily influenced much of The Jazz Butcher's songwriting drawing inspiration from authors such as Arthur Conan Doyle, Christopher Isherwood, John Keats, and Thomas Pynchon. His lyrics often incorporate animal motifs—particularly cats—reflecting personal fascinations. Pop culture references permeate his work spanning television series like The Human Jungle, films including Blood From the Mummy's Tomb, celebrities (Shirley MacLaine, Peter Lorre, Edie Sedgwick), musicians (Alice Cooper, David Bowie, Prince), along with political figures (Margaret Thatcher, Dan Quayle). Additionally his affinity for monster/horror genres—likely influenced by family connection to Hammer director Terence Fisher—is evident within tracks such as “Zombie Love” and “The Jazz Butcher Meets Count Dracula.”

Discography

Studio albums

• In Bath of Bacon (1983), Glass
• A Scandal in Bohemia (1984), Glass
• Sex and Travel (1985), Glass – UK Indie No.25
• Distressed Gentlefolk (1986), Glass – UK Indie No.15
• Fishcotheque (1988), Creation
• Big Planet Scarey Planet (1989), Creation
• Cult Of The Basement (1990), Creation
• Black Eg (1991), Creation (as Black Eg)
• Condition Blue (1992), Creation
• Waiting for the Love Bus (1993), Creation
• Illuminate (1995), Creation
• Rotten Soul (2000), Vinyl Japan
• Last of the Gentleman Adventurers (2012), self-released
• The Highest in the Land (2022), Tapete

Singles

• "Partytime" (1983), Glass
• "Southern Mark Smith" (1983), Glass
• "Marnie" (1984), Glass
• "Roadrunner" (1984), Glass – UK Indie No.50
• "Zombie Love" (1984)
• "Affection" (1984)
• "Real Men" (1985), Glass – UK Indie No.34
• "The Human Jungle" (1985), Glass – UK Indie No.27
• "Christmas with the Pygmies" (1985)
• "Leaving It Up To You" (1985)
• "Hard" (1986), Glass – UK Indie No.24
• "Angels" (1986), Glass
• "The Devil Is My Friend" (1986), Big Time
• "Peter Lorre" (1986)
• "Spooky" (1988), Creation – UK Indie No.19
• "New Invention" (1989), Creation
• "Girl Go" (1990), Creation
• "We Love You" (1990), Creation
• "She's a Yo-Yo" (1991), Skyclad
• "Shirley Maclaine" (1991)
• "Sweetwater" (1993)
• "Vodka Girls" (1994)
• "Sixteen Years" (1995), Creation
• "All The Saints" (2016), Fire
• "Never Give Up" (2022), Glass Modern

EPs

• Conspiracy(1986), Glass – UK Indie No.42
• ‘’May I’’(1987)

Live recordings

• ‘’Hamburg’’(1985), Rebel
• ‘’Western Family’’(1993), Creation
• ‘’Glorious And Idiotic’’(2000), ROIR

Compilation albums

• ‘’The Gift Of Music’’(1985), Glass
• ‘’Bloody Nonsense’’(1986), Big Time
• ‘’Big Questions(Gift Of Music Vol II)’’(1987), Glass
• Spooky(1988) Creation/Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
• ‘’Edward’s Closet’’(1991) Creation
• ‘’Unconditional’’(1992)
• ‘’Draining The Glass’’(1996) Nectar
• ‘’!Excellent! The Violent Years’’(1997)
• ‘’Cake City’’(2001) Vinyl Japan
• ‘’The Jazz Butcher’s Free Lunch’’(2003)
• ‘’The Wasted Years’’(2017) Fire Records
• ‘’The Violent Years’’(2018) Fire Records
• ’’Dr Cholmondley Repents: A-Sides B-Sides And Seasides’’(2021) Fire Records