The Jasmine Minks formed in Aberdeen in 1983, they signed to Alan McGee’s Creation Records after submitting a demo tape to Melody Maker magazine. They released a mini six track album in 1984 before releasing their self-titled debut in 1986. The band ceased activity for a few years following albums Another Age and Scratch the Surface but reunited in 2000 to release album Veritas. They signed to McGee’s Poptones label and released Popartglory in 2001. After a period of inactivity, The Jasmine Minks began to play live regularly and record new material in 2017. We Make Our Own History is their first album in 22 years and it is out now via Last Night From Glasgow. The actual line-iup of the band is Jim Shepherd (Vocals, Guitar), Martin Keena (Bass), Dave Musker (Organ, Synths, Theremin, Electric Piano), Tommy Reid (Vocals, Drums, Guitar), Wattie Duncan (Guitars) and Chris Narayan (Tambourine, Road Manager).
“The Jasmine Minks were the first real Creation band – their single ‘Think!’ was the fourth single we put out. An amazing unknown gem of a band. Working-class heroes – to me, anyway.” – Alan McGee

What Jim Says: “A Wattie-penned song. Wattie wrote this for our late roadie, Mark Allan (also known as Scars because of the logo inscribed on the back of his leather jacket). It’s a country soul classic even before it’s been properly released on our new album! It’s heart-rending for us every time we play it, the lyrics a mix of nostalgia for our dear friend and a call for positivity. Beautifully sung by Tom, at times soft, at others quite forceful, but always soulful. It’s the first Jasmine Minks recording to use the E-bow guitar effect, which creates soaring, sustaining notes.“

“This is a song from our new album. It captures us at our guitar-chugging best – guitar-pop music with powerful, tribal drums and glorious vocals by our drummer, Tom Reid. I would mix this up in a tape with bands like The Sunnyboys (see below) or some 70s power pop like Brinsley Schwarz.“

His Mixtape: “I am a member of The Jasmine Minks, best known for releases on Creation Records  from 1984-89. We have a new album, We Make Our Own History, coming out in November 2023 on Last Night From Glasgow and Spinout Nuggets, our first since 2001. I release occasional records on my own label, Oatcake Records, and have collaborated with others such as APB, Sleepyard and The Beat Hotel. I released my first solo LP last year on Spinout Nuggets. I do not have many of the CDs and vinyl records that I used to own but, funnily enough, I do still have a lot of the mixtapes made for me by friends. I still go back and play them regularly. These were a great way to hear new bands back in the times when you had to buy a record to hear it, a way to hear what your friends were into. I was inspired by many of these cassette tapes, buying much of what was on them. But somehow I was rarely as satisfied with the records when I got them as I was when listening to them in the mixes made specially for me. My mixtape isn’t my favourite songs of all time, rather a snapshot of what I’m pointed towards at this moment in time…

The Sunnyboys – My Only Friend

A glorious Australian guitar-pop band. This song has a sad, minor key feel to it. But it is a curiously uplifting lament. It seems to be about doing something for someone, being in love or just being there to help someone, I’m not sure. The guitar break is Ventures-like in its style, a classic riff within a pop song.

The Ventures – Walk Don’t Run

The thumping drums and melodic guitars, strummed and picked with such precision, plenty of rock n roll tremolo arms used too. All the things that tick the right boxes for me.

Sault – Together

Dancing together, funky, party time. Lots of funky grooves, something The Jasmine Minks might dance to when we next have a house party, and they usually last all night ‘til dawn! Ooh, and that wah-wah guitar is so good.

Darrell Banks – Open The Door To Your Heart

A beautiful song, great emotion, happy, positive. When I write an uplifting song I want it to be like this. Another song for The Jasmine Minks house party. I’ll be attempting my Northern Soul spins and kicks to this for sure.

Death – Politicians In My Eyes

I often like a bit of a political edge in songs, especially something sarcastic or rebellious. I grew up with punk rock so it’s kinda in my DNA. This is pre-punk but has most of the ingredients that I like, loud, groovy rock with a clear message.

The Jack Cades – Something New

I hear my younger self in this song, energetic with a good tempo, a definite toe-tapper by the wonderful English combo. I like both vocalists in the group, Mike and Elsa Whittaker, the guitars are very retro and fun but really cool, sixties sounding.

Style Council – Walls Come Tumbling Down

I love the fact that this song has a strong political message but is done in a style which is soulful. It is kinda angry but, somehow, joyous too, a great mix in my mind. Mick Talbot plays amazing Hammond organ on the record, it kinda holds the whole thing together like a soulful glue!

Beautify Junkyards – Verde Pino

This song (or the original 1970 version by Daphne) is the kind of vibe I wanted to get across during the recording of Skyward, a naturalistic, almost spiritual song on our new album. I love songs which praise nature or just let you know that you ought to be happy Goddammit!

Pharoah Sanders – The Creator Has A Master Plan

An even more laid back variation of the Verde Pino theme above. This time with the amazing, late Pharoah Sanders leading a full assault, using almost exotica sounds at times, evoking a jungle. But the words are far more overtly spiritual. I even love Leon Thomas’s unusual, guttural singing style, somehow it adds to the tribal feel of the whole piece. I often listen to this while out for a walk with the dogs, walking along a towpath by a canal or in a forest.

We Make Our Own History is out now via Last Night From Glasgow. Look HERE for more information on The Jasmine Minks.