General News

Guitarist magazine

The last but one issue of Guitarist Magazine featured my interview with David Mead on the Fylde Bert Jansch guitar that Roger Bucknall made for Bert in 1973 and which I had the privilege of delivering to the great man.

Whilst there he played a brand-new tune which turned out to be in my opinion one of his greatest masterpieces, the stunning Chambertin. If anyone is interested in obtaining a back copy, then just contact the magazine direct.

Gordon Giltrap on why Bert Jansch changed his life – and how he ended up with the folk icon’s ’70s acoustic

Gigs

I mentioned in last month's news about The Ropewalk concert on the 26th of October and the Temperance gig in Leamington Spa on November 1st. I'm delighted to report that both shows went well with the wonderful Carrie Martin joining me for 'Time after Time' at the Ropewalk show.

Julia Fordham gig

On the 25th of last month I opened for the wonderful Julia Fordham in Nantwich for the final date of her UK tour.

I played for about 30 minutes in the first half and then joined Julia halfway through her set to perform the song we co-wrote 'Chair on the Porch' which is a very emotionally charged song about loss and grief.

We ran through the song a couple times before the show prior to the band joining us for the song proper. As I mentioned before it's a very emotional song and means a lot to both of us, so much so that Julia was brought to tears during our guitar and voice only run through which meant a lot to me.

It has been a total privilege working with one of the world's great vocalists.

Also just visible in the rehearsal picture above is the great Spencer Cozens.

Leominster gig

My last proper gig of the year was the Leominster Social club concert mid-month. When writing my news page, one tries to focus on all the positives but in reality that's not always the case and life is life with all its challenges and twists and turns.

I recently came down with an awful gum infection that laid me low for a couple weeks to the point that I had to cancel a very important rehearsal with my friend Nick Hooper. We are preparing material for a recording project in the year, but I was feeling so tired and worn down by it I had to cancel!

The Leominster gig was looming and like the old showbiz trouper I am I battled on. On arriving at the venue, we were met by Ray a lovely man who had organised the concert. He helped me with my guitars etc and lead me through to the main room which had been set out superbly with rows of neat chairs and a room set aside for delicious food for the punters.

The main thing that was missing at this point was a sound system and when I inquired as to when the sound man was arriving I was told that they assumed I would be bringing my own!!!.. To cut a long story short a couple of powered monitors were borrowed at the last minute, and all was well.

When it came to showtime the adrenaline must have kicked in because I forgot about the pain and dare I say it played a blinder of a show, so it all went well and was a personal mini triumph all round.

Starfield EP

I don't want to pre-empt the release of this six track EP but am so excited about its early 2025 launch.

Here is the front cover image and the record will contain FIVE never before released brand new Giltrap compositions.

It could have come out just before Christmas, but it would have got lost midst all the usual Christmas stuff. Will tell more in detail on its release and believe me there is much to tell!

Fairport Convention

On the 2nd of last month Sue and I attended a Fairport Convention concert at one of my favourite venues The Countess of Huntingdon Hall in Worcester. A venue that I have long been associated with.

I of course have fairly strong links with the band through my work with their fiddle player Ric Sanders.

The reason I'm writing this is because of all the years I have had that association I haven't been that close up to the band to truly observe how brilliant they are. The lineup has changed many times throughout the years and this one is the most consistent with its founder member Simon Nicol on vocals and guitar, that brilliant bass player and all-round great musician Dave Pegg, Chris Lesley on virtually everything from fiddle, mandolin, whistles and vocals and finally the demon fiddler himself Ric Sanders.

They are travelling as a four piece at the moment but of course the great drummer Dave Mattacks has returned to fold since Jerry Conway passed away recently.

The gig was part of their current tour, and they truly delivered the goods and deservedly have earned their place as probably the kings of folk rock. Their history stretches way back to late 60s and I remember seeing the first incarnation of the band at The Round House in Chalk Farm in probably 1968.

Long may they continue.

Carrie Martin new guitar

Here is a lovely photo of the lovely Carrie Martin photographed holding a new guitar that she found in a local tip shop for a silly price, and I thought I should have it in my collection.

I have yet to take ownership of it and it might be a nice gift for someone, but it just couldn't be left behind.

Either way it made a stunning image for our Carrie.

Chris Kimsey

Chris Kimsey is a world famous record producer famous for producing two Rolling Stones albums and Marillion’s ‘Misplaced Childhood’ album along with numerous other artists.

I met Chris at the Pete Townshend studio launch mentioned last month. Chris has recently purchased the legendary Olympic Studios in Barnes where numerous Stones recordings along with the Who took place.

I’m meeting with the great man this month for a chat. Let’s see what emerges from that meeting!

A new guitar in progress

A wonderful new guitar maker Nathan Ball is currently building a beautiful flamenco guitar for me. This is a new direction for me because I have always loved the sound of flamenco guitars and in many ways I think some of my pieces have that sort of Flamenco spirit.

I'm sure it will inspire me in a completely new direction. Nathan is an astonishing craftsman as this selection of photographs bear witness. His guitars are works of art as well as sonically amazing creations.

I look forward to seeing the final thing.

Christmas Message

For many years Christmas has been a rather bittersweet experience with precious loved ones no longer with us but all that aside we cherish what is here now and I send you all my heartfelt wish for a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Thank you for still keeping the faith in all my endeavours.

G.