JEFF ST. JOHN AND THE ID

This powerhouse band formed in 1966 quickly became a leading attraction in Sydney with a long-term residency at the Here Disco in North Sydney, and also made inroads in the Melbourne scene, playing at the famous Thumpin' Tum in the inner city with its powerful, brass-augmented repertoire and Jeff's rich and soulful vocals. Jeff St John & the Id's reputation as one of the country's top R&B bands also earned them a well-received support gig on the 1967 Yardbirds, Roy Orbison and Walker Brothers package tour of Australia.

On record, Jeff and The Id are probably best remembered for their scorching, brass-laden smash single, "Big Time Operator", which featured Aussie sax legend Bob Bertles heading the horn section. The single reached #7 in Sydney and a respectable #12 in Melbourne in January 1967, and the recording sessions at Festival in Sydney were even photographed for a special feature in Go-Set. The band disbanded at the end of 67 when Jeff formed Yama. In 2014 Aztec Music re-released the album 'Big Time Operators' with bonus tracks. Peter Anson died in 2015. Jeff St. John died in 2018. Ian Walsh died in 2024.

Members

Jeff St. John (vocals), Peter Anson (guitar), Bob Bertles (sax), King Fisher (trumpet), John Helman (bass), Bruce Johnson (sax, flute), Dave Montgomery (drums), Don McCormack (drums), Ian Walsh (organ), Dieter Vogt (trumpet)

SINGLES

''The Jerk / Take This Hurt Off Me'' 1966 Spin
''Black Girl / Eastern Dream'' 1966 Spin

''Big Time Operator (#11) / Sister's Got A Boyfriend'' 1966 Spin
''You Got Me Hummin' (#53) / Watch Out'' 1967 Spin

EPs

'Big Time Operator' 1966 Spin
'Watch Out - You Got Me Hummin'1967 Spin

ALBUMS

'Big Time Operators' 1967 Spin

References

http://www.milesago.com/artists/jeffstjohn.htm

http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/