General News

Hi Folks

Last month’s news was somewhat of a bumper edition but this month there has been nothing really major to report being a quiet summer.

My tour with John Etheridge is looming so please do check out the date sheet and if there's a show near you it would be great to see you.

There is a great online interview with John HERE where he mentions our tour.

I shall be taking some merch this time and anyone interested in purchasing the new 2 Parts Guitar CD only available at the concerts then here's your chance.

I shall also be taking some vinyl and copies of my Biography.

See you all a little down the road.

Danny Thompson R.I.P

I was sad to hear of the passing of double bass player Danny Thompson who was without doubt a legend. I had met Danny a few times over the years and when I was a director of a small film company Starnite. We produced a video of the great man talking about his life and adventures. The stories of his time with John Martyn abound and much of them true and very amusing.

I loved his no-nonsense approach to life and respected his spirituality.

He will be greatly missed.

Thoughts on my news page

I often wonder if all the work that Sue my beloved webmaster and I put in each month on our news page is really worth all the effort.

Well, I received a lovely message from one of the world's finest guitarists and creative forces, a certain legendary Mr Bill Nelson who told me how much he enjoyed reading my news. This alone is worth it when musicians I admire and respect enjoy reading its contents. Thank you Bill it truly means a lot.

For those who don't know Bill’s history he was the founding member of BE BOP DELUXE. An amazing band fronted by an amazing singer and guitarist the aforementioned....

Chris Herring

Here is a stunning version of an ancient GG piece ‘Quest for Nonsuch’ from my Troubadour album, superbly played by Chris Herring a brilliant guitarist and guitar maker.

https://youtu.be/OUwfLpQ0fbE?si=C8Csd7w6W3-ralIA&sfnsn=scwspmo

It’s hard enough to play on 6 strings let alone 12. You may remember a while back that Chris recorded a whole album of my tunes.

New Guitars

I very rarely buy something unseen from eBay, but I liked the look of this, and it wasn't a lot of money.

It’s a handmade lap steel guitar. I had one years ago, and they can be very effective for interesting textures on a recording.

I shall report back next month as to its quality.

Yes, yet another new guitar I hear you cry!

Whilst attending the Cropredy festival this summer I saw Simon Nicol playing a Danelectro 12 string similar to this one. He made it sound stunning with its wonderful chiming sound so inherent in 12 guitars, a sound I have loved from the very beginning of my career.

I already have a 6 string version of this and have always loved their sound and the very basic construction of them, but they have a unique sound all of their own.

Anyway after witnessing the sound of Simon’s, I just had the urge to get one. That lovely JHS company that distributes them let me have one at a generous artist discount. Since its arrival I just can't put it down and have already started writing a piece inspired by it.

I had the chance of chatting with Simon on the Sunday after the festival and asked him his thoughts on his one and he said that it was gifted to him by a family whose owner had passed away and they wanted to find a new home for it. Simon said he wasn't keen on the colour so had it sprayed a gorgeous red similar to mine.

In the past he had used a high-end Rickenbacker 12 for years but once compared to the Dano the Dano left it standing!

So, there you are it's not the name on the headstock or the price tag that matters it's the sound. I hope to one day feature this beast on album so watch this space.

Banjo

This beautiful Clifford Essex banjo was donated to my friend the Reverend Martin Green by one of his parishioners.

It wasn't being played but has now found the perfect home with my dear friend Nicholas Hooper who absolutely loves it and says it suits his style of music perfectly.

Nick, apart from being an outstanding guitarist is an excellent banjo player.