"Town of Tuxley Toymaker, Part One" is a song written by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb in Australia in 1966. It was recorded by Jon Blanchfield in 1966, Billy J. Kramer in 1967 and Shane (New Zealand) in 1968.
It was recorded first by Jon Blanchfield. His version was only released in Australia as a B-side of the A-side single "Upstairs, Downstairs", a song also written by Barry, Robin and Maurice. The song was recorded in November or December 1966 at St. Clair Studio, Hurstville in Australia. Blanchfield also adds that Barry wrote "Coalman" around the same time. The melody was inspired by "Matchmaker" from Fiddler on the Roof. It was released as a single in February 1967, when the Bee Gees were in England, and they recorded another version of the song with Billy J. Kramer. The Gibb brothers also participated on this song. The Blanchfield version was included on the various artists compilation called Assault The Vaults: Rare Australian Cover Versions Of The Brothers Gibb.Town of Tuxley Toymaker, Part 1 by Jon Blanchfield at Discogs
Billy J. Kramer version Kramer's version was recorded on 4 March 1967, the Gibb brothers with Colin Petersen. It was also the Bee Gees' first recording session, after they returned in England, the song was recorded at IBC Studios. and Kramer recalled:
Shane version New Zealand singer Shane Hales, using his stage name Shane, released a version on the Zodiac label in 1968. "Town of Tuxley Toymaker, Part 1": single by Shane, discographical listing at 45cat.com. The title is slightly altered, to The Town Of Tuxley Toymaker Part 1. Retrieved 20 December 2020 Three versions of "Town of Tuxley Toymaker, Part 1", at poparchives.com.au. Retrieved 20 December 2020
Personnel The musicians played on the Jon Blanchfield recording were: Jon Blanchfield — lead vocals Barry Gibb — guitar, background vocals Robin Gibb — background vocals Maurice Gibb — bass, piano, guitar (12-string) Uncredited — drums, horns Ossie Byrne — engineer Nat Kipner — producer The musicians played on the Billy J. Kramer recording were: Billy J. Kramer — lead vocals Barry Gibb — background vocals Robin Gibb — background vocals Maurice Gibb — background vocals Colin Petersen — drums Bill Shepherd — orchestral arrangement
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