The Next Move

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

ROCKHAPPENZ Public Collection
and Dennis Grant

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 ex-Raves bass guitarist Ross Taylor, and they first appeared regularly at Club Jamal, featuring an extensive repertoire of material from outside the top 40, as well as many of their own compositions.  Original members Pete Sidery (Rhythm Guitar) and Pete Challis (Drums) were replaced by Dennis Grant (Keyboards) and Gordon (Noddy) Huchinson (Drums).  After the demise of Club Jamal, a short stint at The Scene followed before 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.  They took part in The All-Swinging Show with the stars of C'Mon — Sandy Edmonds and Mr Lee Grant.  The All-Swinging Show was compèred by Tommy Adderley.  The band had their own Fan Club and ran a few suburban dances as well as playing out of town at Timaru and The Sunset Strip, Dunedin.

Newspaper pictures from an article announcing the formation of The Next Move in 1967
Doug Baker, Ross Taylor, Dennis Grant, Les Inwood and Gordon "Noddy" Hutchinson

The Next Move
Gordon "Noddy" Hutchinson, Les Inwood, Ross Taylor, Dennis Grant (top), Doug Baker

The Next Move on the C'Mon TV Show c 1968 - prior to the introduction of colour TV
Gordon "Noddy" Hutchinson, Les Inwood, Ross Taylor, Dennis Grant (top), Doug Baker

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

The Next Move - together again at Christchurch's Tannery (Thursday, November 20th, 2025)
Dennis Grant, Les Inwood, Doug Baker and Ross Taylor

The Next Move disbanded in 1969, with vocalist Les Inwood and lead guitarist Doug Baker moving to form Chapta.   Keyboardist Dennis Grant would move on to play in The Inspiration at The Heathcote Valley Tavern.  Gordon (Noddy) Hutchinson moved to Trinidad at The Blenheim Road Motor Inn and Ross to various Jazz Groups at Brevet Club, Leander Club, Kerrs Reach, Avon Motor Lodge, Warners Tavern, The Club Hotel etc.

A slide-show with audio tracks of The Next Move is available via the link below .....

The Next Move