General News

New Wuthering Heights Film

I was delighted to be asked to contribute my memories to the Feb 15th edition of the Daily Telegraph which had a fantastic article about the new Wuthering Heights movie and a look back at Sir Cliff's amazing Heathcliff.

His performance at the 1995 Royal Variety show was truly outstanding and reminded me of how wonderful this music was and what an emotional memory for me of the 7 months I was privileged to have been a part of it.

The article is behind a paywall however you can read it for free by following the link below and signing up for a free 7 day trial.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/heathcliff-musical-cliff-richard/

New Water Rats album

I recently contributed a track to a fund-raising album created by The Grand Order of the Water Rats the world's oldest showbusiness charity. I became a member in 2000 but haven't been involved for some time due to personal reasons.

The charity has many prestigious members including Brian May and Rick Wakeman as well as Nico McBrain, Iron Maiden's drummer, along with the late John Lodge of the Moody Blues.

The above names aren't on the album, but Adam Wakeman, Rick's son is on there. There is a wonderful cross section on the album and it's for a great cause.

Press Release

Newly released… THE WATER RATS ALBUM on CD, with all profits being donated to the Orders theatrical charities fund.

This special collector’s edition features 21 members of the Grand Order of Water Rats performing 19 original compositions, showcasing the huge diversity of talent within this long established show business charity brotherhood.

Country, blues, rock & roll, jazz, ballads, quirky songs, a hint of classical, even a smidgen of punk; there is something for just about everyone!

The performer/composers include names such as Mike Read, Chas McDevitt, Dec Cluskey (of The Bachelors). Kirk Brandon (Spear of Destiny), Cliff Hall (keyboardist from The Shadows), Gordon Giltrap and Ross Lee (of TV’s The Pranker), as well as the sons of Water Rat legends Lonnie Donegan, Rick Wakeman, Jim Marshall and George Martin.

All these artistes have kindly donated their tracks totally free of publishing restrictions so that all proceeds can be used for numerous charitable purposes. Available from www.gowr.co.uk for £12.95p or £17 incl. P&P.

If you wish to purchase a copy go to: www.gowr.co.uk/contact-form

Memories of Sandy Denny

I thought it would be nice to share a few memories of my few encounters with the lovely late Sandy Denny written from a request from the people who are putting together a biography of her life.

I think the year was 1967.The location was the first site of the Livingston Recording Studio in Barnet. It was the first day of recording for my first ever album for Transatlantic Records and the producer was the legendary Bill Leader who produced Bert Jansch, John Renbourn and many more besides.

I arrived early and was raring to go but time was being spent looking for a lost recording. It was Dave Swarbrick with his very pretty girlfriend who was of course Sandy Denny. All I remember was being taken by her quiet and almost shy presence.

The second time I encountered Sandy was at the legendary Les Cousins whilst attending a John Martyn gig. John was giving various name checks to friends in the audience but hadn't mention Sandy. I was standing next to her when she announced in a loud voice "and Sandy Denny." I can remember thinking that here was a strong lady making her presence felt.

Many years later I had met up with her then husband the lovely Trevor Lucas. I had support his band Eclection at a university gig. It was a great band, and I was told that one of its members, Michael Rosen was leaving and there might be a vacancy for a guitarist.

I was so taken with the band and had a strong desire to be a part of it. Anyway, we exchanged numbers and I was invited to attend a rehearsal in the back room of a pub in Ealing. I turned up with my trusty John Bailey acoustic along with a tiny Gibson amp.

I plugged in and thought to jam along with the piece they were rehearsing. Their keyboard player was a guy called Poli Palmer. Anyway, there I was merrily jamming along when Mr Palmer asked me in no uncertain terms to stop playing because they were trying to rehearse!

Needless to say, I felt devastated! I quietly packed my stuff and departed. By this time, I was almost out the door when Trevor came up full of sincere apologies and asked me to call him in a few days.

On May the 27th the day of my son's birthday I rang his home and Sandy answered the phone. She was an absolute delight to talk to. She told me that Trev was out. She then went on to ask me what I was doing for the day. I told her it was my little boys’ birthday, and we were preparing a little tea party for his friends. Sandy then asked if there was going to be cakes and jelly, I said of course and she said, "I wish I could be there with you because I just love birthday parties and cakes and jellies."

She was so lovely and innocent and even childlike with her enthusiasm. The chat was utterly delightful, and I shall never forget that this amazing songstress could be so joyful about a child’s birthday party.

The last time I saw Sandy was at a fund-raising concert in London for two amazing guys who ran the famous Troubadour Club, Red Sullivan and Martin Windsor. The were great characters and always found time to give me gigs there whenever I needed one.

I was part of the bill that included Noel Murphy and Davy Johnson an astonishing musician who became Elton John's guitarist right up until the present day! I can't remember who else was on but it was quite a line up.

Anyway, I digress....

Word had got round that Fairport Convention might turn up and a ripple of excitement ran through the proceedings at the prospect of this amazing band turning up. Sure enough, midway through the evening the stage door burst open and like a whirlwind the band came in ready to rock.

There was Sandy, cigarette in hand and wearing a fringed jacket looking very rock and roll. I don't remember chatting with her as there was so much going on.

Trevor was now a full-time member, and I think the lineup was the classic one. Conway, Swarbrick, Peggy, Nicol, Thompson, Sandy and Trevor. I think Trevor wore a very smart three-piece suit at the time and was playing a beautiful Gibson J 50. All the above memories were quite fleeting but very special to me.

Footnote:

Whilst in London celebrating Sue's Birthday recently we visited The National Portrait Gallery.

Here I am looking pensive with the photo that David Bailey took of Sandy Denny just behind my head.