29th April 2013 - Song Writing Workshop
My thanks to Tom and Barbara at the Shammick Music Club (Combe Martin) for arranging an amazing song writing workshop, hosted by Mike Silver (http://mikesilver.jigsy.com/gig-guide). It covered why write songs, where do we get inspiration from and song structure and performance. There was a lot of conversation between the attendees too. A real treat was to meet Dave Goulder (songwriter and performer), writer of one of my favourite songs that June Tabor sings. The Easter Tree.
Sunday 28 April 2013
Friday 12 April 2013
Playing in public for the first time
After mastering three or four chords and being able to put them together, I was ready to take on the world! I was in possession of a classical guitar and for my birthday I was fortunate to receive a 12 string guitar (I did choose it). I would have liked an EKO 12 string but these were way beyond my birthday budget. I had this 12 string for many years, and in that time it served me well. It was resprayed several times and had a pickup added, as well as being use as a 6 string on several occasions.
Just as I obtained this new instrument, the guitar group was asked to play a couple of songs in a concert at the school. This would have been in 1972. I can't remember the actual repertoire we performed, other than it included 'My Sweet Lord', by George Harrision. Ok, I know that he ripped it off from 'He's So Fine', but that is another story. To this day I cannot listen to this song without remembering the event and the chords! A minor to D, then G ro E minor. As we were all pretty shy nobody would get up and sing the lyrics, so three of us played the main rhythm and Steve, who happened to own a 'Galaxie' electric guitar, played the lead part. It went well and most of the time we were playing the correct chords in time with each other.
It would not be until high school that I would take to the stage again.
After the minor success of this performance, I was keen to learn more songs and expand my playing ability. I carried on having guitar lessons at school, but realised that I needed to play and study more at home. At this time I also got into playing drums. I was fortunate to have a basic drum set, purchased by my parents, to encourage me, consisting of a bass drum, snare, hi-hat, tom-tom and cymbal). The practicing must have really annoyed my parents. One thing I can tell you is that I am definately not a kit drummer. Hand drums yes, but kits, no.
So back to the nylon string and 12 string guitars. Even to this day I love the sound of a 12 string and a few years ago purchased a Vintage one. First thing I played... yes My Sweet Lord, then the opening to Hotel California. A bit of a cliche, but that sound!
Just as I obtained this new instrument, the guitar group was asked to play a couple of songs in a concert at the school. This would have been in 1972. I can't remember the actual repertoire we performed, other than it included 'My Sweet Lord', by George Harrision. Ok, I know that he ripped it off from 'He's So Fine', but that is another story. To this day I cannot listen to this song without remembering the event and the chords! A minor to D, then G ro E minor. As we were all pretty shy nobody would get up and sing the lyrics, so three of us played the main rhythm and Steve, who happened to own a 'Galaxie' electric guitar, played the lead part. It went well and most of the time we were playing the correct chords in time with each other.
It would not be until high school that I would take to the stage again.
After the minor success of this performance, I was keen to learn more songs and expand my playing ability. I carried on having guitar lessons at school, but realised that I needed to play and study more at home. At this time I also got into playing drums. I was fortunate to have a basic drum set, purchased by my parents, to encourage me, consisting of a bass drum, snare, hi-hat, tom-tom and cymbal). The practicing must have really annoyed my parents. One thing I can tell you is that I am definately not a kit drummer. Hand drums yes, but kits, no.
So back to the nylon string and 12 string guitars. Even to this day I love the sound of a 12 string and a few years ago purchased a Vintage one. First thing I played... yes My Sweet Lord, then the opening to Hotel California. A bit of a cliche, but that sound!
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