When I was a kid I remember walking to school along the top of the stone wall in Braid Road, singing Kinks songs. I loved the sharp guitar sound, and the strong lyrics with their eccentric humour and social commentary. Loved it then and still do. Which is probably why I write in this style. And decades spent battling the system on behalf of the disadvantaged and dispossessed may also have something to do with it.
I started recording with Craig Pilkington about 10 years ago. He's a quality musician with his own recording studio, and great to work with. At first I did it just for a bit of fun, but one thing led to another and I ended up putting out an album, Nevermore, in 2005. The songs were a mixture of different styles, experimentations – just mucking around and seeing what I could come up with. Also featured on the album are Dave Folley on drums, and Matt Habben on tenor sax and clarinet.
In 2006 I got down to serious business with You Are Here, an EP released the following year. Working with Craig and Dave, we recorded 5 angular, lyric-based rock songs with a bit of a punk edge. Intensely enjoyable. This time I made a real effort to promote the album, and it received extensive airplay on over 100 community and internet radio stations around the world, particularly on American College Radio where it made the charts at 5 stations.
Spinning, is my latest release, with a lyric-based rock/punk/groove/rap/flamenco sound (have I got that right?). This time round I was joined by Craig, Dave Folley, and Dave Evans on piano. So lucky to have the support of such wonderful musicians who are also just plain nice people. Needless to say, a good time was had by all, and I'm hoping the music will be enjoyed by many.
'You Are Here is an example of what music can be – modern rock with a pinch of nostalgia. You Are Here is the music of the future.'
(Deb Carlson, Music Director, 90.5 WERG, Erie, PA)
'…a special, unique type of straight-up rock and roll…full of intriguing lyrics and odd twists and turns…the rating is a solid seven out of 10…very enjoyable music.'
(DJ Elizabeth, WMTS, Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
‘You have a hell of a voice. I go through hundreds of artists and to say the least you are refreshing. I dig your style. If you get the right manager you truly have a HUGE chance in this industry.’
(Todd Jacobs, All Indie Radio, San Diego, California) (note: where's that bloody manager?)