Date:

Summer of 1978

Venue:

“The Dickens Bar”   Excelsior Hotel,  Hong Kong

Earnest Potts and Tony Dowd

Regular Sunday lunch-time sessions at The Dickens Bar

with the

Tony Carpio Big Band/Jazz Combo

We used to jam with these guys, and I believe you had a session one afternoon

I remember you and the guys were out in Hong Kong, as part of your far eastern tour

And I’m sure I heard a rumor that Slaughter Incorporated were the first black American group to conquer Hong Kong

You also made an album out there “Slaughter Inc”

You presented me with a signed cassette copy of some of the album tracks, which also included

you and the guys having some fun with a hotel room interview with the band members

…. a new word entered into the dictionary that year - “sophistafunk”  remember..?

That word has always stuck in my mind, and it certainly described the unique sound you guys were producing at the time

…and what a fabulous rendition of “Wishing On A Star” by “Tootie”

Inscribed on the inside of the cassette cover

I also recall Pauline (my wife) and I threw a party before you took off to Singapore, and if my memory serves me right…

did you not have an accident and break a few bones in your foot/leg..? which meant all the guys fussing over you

and not able to turn up for the party – apart from Dewell – who came along and represented you all

With regards to your update on the band members (your email reply) it was such a shock to hear that Byron, Cynthia and Dewell had passed away

God has certainly gained some nice people there!

With me..?

We left Hong Kong in May 1980 and returned to the UK

(30 years ago my friend - how quickly the time has passed)

July 1982 – and you will probably recall this from the News – the Irish terrorist group - the IRA - decided to plant a bomb under the bandstand

at Regents Park, London and blew the Band up – I was sat on the bandstand

We lost 7 guys instantly – every one else was injured, some more than others – hearing damage hit all survivors pretty bad

Due to the injuries I sustained in the bombing – unfortunately I left the Army on a medical discharge (and my musical career of 20 years) in 1984

 and settled down in ‘civvy-street’. I did eventually get some of my hearing back and took up a Musical Directorship along with the position of head of music

at a local High School for about 4 years

Eventually got my “lip” back in, and partial hearing, and went back to performing with a Concert Orchestra as principle trumpet

I don't blow any more now – too much pressure and discomfort on the ears

Currently looking after my youngest sons Contracting Business – and consider myself semi-retired

I turned 60 in November last year, so the pace has slowed down a bit for me

I get down to see the guys from my Army years once a year at the annual reunion we've held since 1984

I can see from the website that you have established yourself at the Houston percussion centre –

...and I also note the distinct loss of hair in your photograph

It’s so nice to be in contact with you my friend, and I hope you didn’t mind me emailing you out-of-the-blue like I did

One thing I certainly enjoy in life these days - and that is contacting long lost friends to say hello

Kindest regards

Tony Dowd