The Next Move

Tracks 11 and 19 of this compilation CD feature The Next Move

The Next Move
Dennis Grant (Keyboards), Doug Baker (Guitar), Les Inwood (Vocals), Gordon "Noddy" Hutchinson (Drums) and Ross Taylor (Bass)

The Next Move was formed in Christchurch by bass guitarist Ross Taylor, who was an ex member of The Raves and they first appeared regularly at Club Jamal, latterly with Pete Sidery on bass guitar replacing Ross Taylor — they would also appear at the Mecca Nitespot.  Subsequently the band was approached by Prestige Promotions to take up a residency at The Monaco in Cathedral Square.  They went on to win Benny Levin's South Island Battle of the Bands and also to provide backing for The Real Thing at the Civic Theatre.  During August 1968 the band travelled to Auckland to appear live on the popular TV show of the time C'Mon - the first South Island band to do so.  The group also appeared at The Plainsman, where they continued to feature an extensive repertoire of material from outside the top 40, as well as many of their own compositions.  They took part in The All-Swinging Show with the stars of C'Mon — Sandy Edmonds, Mr Lee Grant.  The All-Swinging Show was compèred by Tommy Adderley.

Ross Taylor, Gordon "Noddy" Hutchinson (obscured)
Doug Baker, Les Inwood and Dennis Grant

Ross Taylor, Les Inwood and Doug Baker
Gordon Hutchinson and Dennis Grant not shown

The Next Move disbanded in 1969, with vocalist Les Inwood and lead guitarist Doug Baker going on to form Chapta.  Doug Baker was originally from England where he had played extensively in groups over many years.  Keyboardist Dennis Grant would move on to play in The Inspiration at the Heathcote Valley Tavern.