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News-September 2011
It's been a fair old while since I updated my news page. Truth is, although I have not exactly been working my fingers to the bone in my song writing, or recording, quest, there has been some activity going on quietly in the background.
Stonefield Tramp
Alas, I have been unable to get any idea when the new album ‘Full Circle’ may actually get released, although there are now two Youtube clips of songs from that album on view. Strangely enough there seems to be far more activity going on with regard to the reissue of their 1974 album ‘Dreaming Again’, and I recently came accross two rather lovely reviews of that album which you will be able to read in the Reviews page of this website.
Time for a Song
‘Time for a Song’ is the title of my current work in progress, which, I am pleased to say is coming along very nicely, and, if all proceeds according to plan, I expect to fully complete the project by the end of this year, or the early part of 2012 at the latest!
And that's it, for now, at least! Not much of a news page this time, but, so far, it has been a fairly quiet year for me. A rather good summer though, and we don't get many of those!
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News-March 2011
Texas
On the third of March, and just as darkness was descending, my plane landed in San Antonio, Texas. Where I was met by the newest (very soon to be!) member of the Alamo Society, my old buddy Rob Van Spyk from Stonefield Tramp. There followed a very busy schedule of Alamo events, thanks to my dear friend Joan, who was most helpful in allowing us the honour to attend the D.R.T. Ceremony, as well as that of the Alamo Defenders Descendants Association, in which we were seated in the V.I.P. area. Both of us suitably suited and booted for the occasion. We also attended the Alamo Society Symposium and spent many a joyful hour eating and drinking at our favourite watering hole, The Mad Dog's Pub on San Antonio's famed Riverwalk, where we were treated most admirably by Terry, the CEO, and his truly lovely assistants.
Stonefield Tramp
Upon my return to the U.K. on the 9th of March I was pleased to find my complimentary vinyl copies of the Guerssen re-issue of Stonefield Tramp's album 'Dreaming Again', waiting for me. They have done an amazing job, and these albums are a faultless copy of the 1974 original version. I wish them well on the marketing of this project.
Time for a song
Progress is steadily being made on my new studio project and I have just heard the positive news, from my old friend Pete Kiely, that he is in the finale stages of adding his guitar tracks. And, as things stand at the moment, I have every confidence in the project reaching a successful conclussion by the onset of Autumn this year.
And speaking of one of the seasons, it really has felt like Spring lately. Better things, weather wise, are surely now just around the corner. Farewell for now, and let us hope that the Summer proves to be a fair one.
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News-February 2011
Here we are again then, another bright new year is about to unfurl itself before us. And what will it hold, now isn't that just the million dollar question? As for myself, it will be a bit of a landmark, for it will be my last full year in employment. And you know what they say in Folk Music..........Don't give up the day job! Speaking for myself, I can't wait to give up the day job! But, enough of this wishful thinking, let's just get on with the News updates.
Stonefield Tramp
The Stonefield Tramp 1974 album ‘Dreaming Again’ will be on sale in this website for only £10, and that does also include postage and packing to anywhere in the world! Quite possibly the cheapest price that you will be able to obtain this, much respected, and sought after album. I shall only be stocking the CD version, should you desire the re-issued vinyl version you'll have to go to the Guerssen website for it. Riverman (Korea) have done a fantastic job with the remastering and original artwork reproduction on the CD, and there is no doubt in my mind at all, that we can expect the very same high standards for the vinyl version from Guerssen.
Imperial War Museum
 I had a meeting at the Imperial War Museum on January the 14th, where I was shown around the archive section, and was able to hand over two leather bound versions of my two biographies ‘The recollections of a fifties kid’ which recalled my Army brat childhood in Germany, and ‘With a pause of Two-Three’ which described my seven year Military service in the British Army. I also handed over two of my CD's, because of their ‘Northern Ireland conflict’ inspired songs. Those two CD's being ‘The Ulster Songbook’ and ‘Strange Journey-The Anthology-Part Two-The CD Years.’ It was pointed out to me, during my visit to the museum, that just because I wished to hand over material to them, didn't mean that it would be accepted! A statement that I was perfectly at ease with. I am very pleased to report that I received a letter from the Museum last saturday informing me that they would gladly accept my items. An outcome that leaves me feeling highly honoured, and proudly humbled all at the same time!
All this, and the snows gone, and it's not quite so cold! And I am off to Texas in March, where I know it will be very warm! Cant wait! Farewell then, untill the next time!
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It's that time of year again, isn't it? When I almost wish I was born a Bear, for they don't mess about, do they? No! They don't struggle with it like we do. Sensible creatures, they hibernate and sleep through it all. I refer, naturally, to our very early, and very hostile winter. Would someone please do us all a favour and drop some napalm on that current waste of time known as a ‘Global Warming’ conference! Now, if you please, read on for some incredible Stonefield Tramp news!
Imperial War Museum
I am pleased to report the successful conclusion of my recording sessions with the lovely Dr Cathy Fitzgerald, the last 2 hour session taking place in my house on the 24th of August. Thank you Cathy for considering me for your project, and it was a real pleasure to share time with you.
FFG Recording Session
Once again I met up with Brian, at the FFG studio in Bredon, for a two day recording session, on the 11th and 12 of October. Brian and David, our producer and owner of the studio, worked their socks off for me. I am so lucky to be able to put my songs in the hands of such gifted people. This new album is developing nicely, and has already taken on a different flavour to the other ones that I have recorded there. If all goes well, and I see no reason why it shouldn't, the project should be completed by the end of next summer.
Stonefield Tramp
And now for the most important news of all! Rob Van Spyk and I were contacted, earlier this year, by a Spanish label (Guerssen) which specialises in re-issuing vintage albums from a certain era. Rob and I signed the contract on the 1st of November, and the 1974 album ‘Dreaming Again’ by ‘Stonefield Tramp’ will be re-issued in both vinyl and re-mastered cd format. And I shall be stocking the cd version in this website. As a songwriter, it's all very well to think that you write good songs, but when someone else confirms it by handing you a contract, it is indeed ‘the icing on the cake!’ Please keep your eye on this website for further details of the actual release date. And special thanks to our good friend, and fellow ‘Stonefield Tramper’, Pete Kiely for his assistance on this project.
All in all, it has been another interesting and rewarding year. May I wish you all a very, Merry Christmas, and a Happy new Year.
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News-August 2010
Studio Session
I returned to David's FFG studio in Bredon on April the 26th for a two day recording session, in which I was joined by Brian
Balster, in order for him to lay down some 12 string guitar, and harmonica tracks. David also kept him pretty busy with backing
vocals as well. An impressive, and very useful, two days worth of work for the new Contemporary album. Which, if all goes well,
is intended for release about this time next year. And will be entitled 'Time for a Song.' Brian did all of the work on the
first day, and I laid down keeper vocal and acoustic guitar tracks for five new songs on the second day.
Mastering Session
May the 17th found me at the SRT Mastering studio in St Ives, near Cambridge. Where, once again, their Engineer Simon pulled
out all the stops for me on this years album release. 'Strange Journey-The Anthology-Part Three-The Archive.' As its title
suggests, it is the sister album to Anthology One, (2004) and contains early vinyl recordings from the seventies and eighties,
including two very rare 'Stonefield Tramp' tracks, in CD format for the first time. It also includes several tracks from the
1988 CD 'Whispers in the Wind' by 'New Morning' and they do sound far better for having been remastered again!
Imperial War Museum
I was asked, in March of this year, if I would like to participate in an Audio Archive recording, of the Northern Ireland
conflict, for the Imperial War Museum. After giving the matter some thought, I readily gave my consent. I was expecting to
be interviewed by a Dr Cathy Fitzgerald on the 17th of May, whom I fully expected to be some grey haired, rather crusty old
academic, of my age group, or possibly even older! Imagine my delight to be met at my door by a rather attractive young lady
from New Zealand! My first surprise was that she wanted my entire Army experience, and not just the Northern Ireland bit,
including my ten years as an Army 'Brat' in Germany in the fifties! And she is also going to assist me in having my CD
'The Ulster Songbook', and my two biographies archived also. There will be another recording session with her on the
24th of this month.
And finally, Anthology Three was launched about two weeks ago. And what a long, warm and gloriously sunny summer we are
all enjoying, long may it last! Farewell for now. There are two more days booked into the FFG studio in October. Well,
you know what they say! You've got to make hay while the sun shines!
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News-March-2010
Well then, what a tough, hard, and very long winter that one was! And I think the less said about it the better, don't you? One last word, perhaps, I hope we don't see another one like it for a very long time to come! Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty! Since my last recording session, at the end of last year, the creative juices have been flowing, so much so, that another recording session has been booked in Bredon for April the 26th and 27th. And there's no need for me to explain just how much I am looking forward to that, is there?
Texas
Having enjoyed the experience of attending last years Alamo Society Symposium in San Antonio so much, I just couldn't resist going along this year to re-engage with all of my new found friends again! My plane landed about three in the afternoon, on the 4th of March, and I was very soon happily established in my room at the Crockett Hotel in dear old San Antone'. This was ideal, as this establishment is located right next door to the Alamo, where most of the events I would attend were taking place.
The first event to attend, on the evening of the 5th of March, was Joan's Alamo themed party. She has been holding these parties for 13 years now, and they are now a second home to many people, like myself, who have a passionate interest in the Alamo story. And it was Joan who enabled me to attend the private ceremonies at the Shrine itself, on March the 6th, of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and later on in the evening, the ceremony for the Alamo Descendents Association. Both services were extremely moving and it was both an honour, and a privilege, to attend them.
The day began with myself attending the dawn ceremony at the Shrine, which, as the name suggests, does take place at 06.00 hours in the morning. Followed by the full day of activities, described above, as well as this years Alamo Symposium. Interesting, as always, but most rewarding too, for I sold 25 of my Alamo song cd's, and two copies of the limited edition of the Alamo print. And, as I am sure you can imagine, my five days in San Antonio, went by far to quickly for my liking, and I am already counting the days untill I can return next year!
Mad Dog Pub
This English themed Pub, on the Riverwalk, which is run by an Englishman, Terry Corless from Cambridge, has been my chosen watering hole in San Antone' ever since I discovered it on my very first visit here in 2001. Not only does it sell good food, reasonably priced, but those delightful young ladies that Terry employs, are very, very easy on the eye indeed! If you don't believe me, just go and check out my photo Gallery!
New Album Release
I am very pleased to announce that I have booked a Mastering Session with my production team at S.R.T. in May. This will be followed by the release of my third album in the Anthology series soon afterwards. And the new album that I am presently engaged upon recording, will be due for release next summer. And with that I shall bid you all farewell for now. Upon my return from Texas, I thought I was going to die of the cold! However, it felt a lot warmer today! Spring, and Easter, are just around the corner. Better days are coming!
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Recording Session
My two days in the FFG recording studio in Bredon on the 12th and 13th of October were most
fruitful and satisfactory. In all nine keeper vocals and acoustic guitar tracks were laid down.
A good start to this new recording project. Sometimes, when intoducing a new song to the studio,
the tempo may often alter pace due to which particular drum pattern is used to lay down the template.
I was pleased to note that most of them kept pretty much true to their original conception.
Although, on David's advice, the key was altered in several of them, stretching me a little!
But well worth doing, as I believe it led to better quality vocals on my part. Most essential
to a story telling songwriter such as myself!
Three New Songs
 Since my return to Letchworth, three new songs have been written, and I am now planning to return
to the studio in April next year. Where I shall be accompanied by Brian Balster and Pete Kiely from
Stonefield Tramp. Twelve new songs in all for this new project, but I do intend to add two bonus tracks,
which will be two of my favourite Stonefield Tramp songs from the 1974 album 'Dreaming Again.'
Those songs being 'Doing things Naturally' and 'Factory.' Lyrics by myself and music by Rob Van Spyk.
Seasons Greetings To You All
2009 is now drawing to a close, and how fast it has seemed to fly by! I can but wish you all a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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News-October 2009
The Soldiers Story -Northern Ireland
I am pleased to announce that the documentary film that I was invited to take part in this year,
The soldiers Story-Northern Ireland, will be shown on Monday the 26th of October
at 9pm - 11pm. It will be on Sky, The History Channel.
Recording Session
I shall be travelling down to the lovely village of Bredon in Gloucestershire
on the 12th of this month, for a two day recording session at David's FFG studio. All being well I shall be laying the
templates down for eight new songs. There's really no need for me to tell you all just how much I am looking forward
to that, is there?
Afghanistan
 I hope you will all join me in wishing my daughter Sarah God speed, and a safe journey,
as she embarks on her first tour of duty in Afghanistan as a young, recently commissioned, officer in the REME.
And finally, and I guess I'm showing my age here, but, don't those recently remastered Beatle CD's sound superb?
It's like revisiting them all over again! Not a large news item this time, but nice to finish it on a high note!
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News-August 2009
Since my return from Texas, things have been fairly quiet on the musical front.
Not, however, that quiet so that things have dried up and died! Far from it in fact,
for I am working on some new songs and may well find myself heading for David's FFG
studio in Bredon later on this year. At the moment I have no radio gigs lined up,
but I have had my first TV interview. And that has been brought about, I believe,
by my connection to Ken's two published books on the British Soldier's viewpoint of
the Northern Ireland experience.
 Povprod are an independant TV production company based in Plymouth, a pure coincidence
of course! But that is also the home base of my former Military unit, 29 Commando Regiment,
Royal Artillery. I was interviewed by them at my home for four hours on June the 9th,
although when their film is completed, I'm quite sure that my part will only be a small one!
The film in question has been commissioned for Sky, The History Channel, and is to be aired
sometime this Autumn. As details emerge I shall post them on this website.
But they did film me performing one of my new 'Northern Ireland' related songs that didn't
make it onto my 'The Ulster Songbook' charity CD. I found the whole experience most worthwhile
and highly rewarding, despite the awakening of old ghosts from a highly intense period of my
life that might, perhaps, had been better left undisturbed! But one cannot deny ones past,
and I certainly do not intend to deny mine!
And for those of you that follow these things, my album 'Red Sky Descending' has not made
the Mercury prize short list. Not that I ever thought that it would. But I did see the whole
exercise as a PR opportunity that was not to be missed. And besides, I at least managed to get
a distribution deal with Code 7 through this little idea of mine, and that was most definitely
worth doing!
And that is all for now from myself, except for one more thing! All of you out there hoping
for the release of the new Stonefield Tramp album 'Full Circle.' At this moment in time I have
no idea if, or when, this event may occur! June was nice, July was awful. Better not put those
umbrellas away just yet!
And there is a new on/off member of the household. She is rather adorable, or she is when
she isn't sinking her teeth into me! And her name is Poppy.
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News-April 2009
March was a most interesting month for me on several fronts, so, without more ado I shall enlighten you all.
Texas
Those of you familiar with my website will have by now discovered my lifelong passion for the story of the Alamo. For the last four years I have belonged to a rather exclusive group of people, from all walks of life, who belong to The Alamo Society. Every year they hold a Symposium, mostly in San Antonio, but not always! This year I made the effort to attend, for the subject of this year's Symposium was to be on the music of the Alamo and a book launch on the same subject. The book was written by Bill Chemerka and Allen Wiener. It is a very interesting book and I was so pleased to see that three of my CD's got a mention and my Alamo song CD's front cover got a full page colour spread. Those two gentlemen have done me proud, even giving me, and my song, a mention from the podium in the opening address about their book launch. Now that I did not expect! Thanks Allen and Bill, it was a real pleasure to be able to meet you guys, and I certainly hope to return again to Texas sometime in the future.
Riverwalk, San Antonio
 There is, on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, a rather delightful English themed pub run by a guy called Terry Corless (originally from Cambridge) named 'The Mad Dog.' After I had informed him that his pub, and one of his waitress's, were mentioned in one of my recorded songs (In Texas, from The Anthology-Part Two CD) the ice was well and truly broken. He was most beneficial in giving me a good contact for my Alamo products. Prior to us leaving (Myself, Rob and Dave) he arranged for a photo shoot with some of his lovely girls. A most unexpected delight and surprise, the act of which brought the entire pub to an astonished halt! Thanks Terry, we all had a great time at your establishment and certainly do intend to come back for more! And yes! We do love those lovely girls of yours!
Brackettville
This is the home of The Alamo Village and the original movie set for John Wayne's 1960 film 'The Alamo.' It is a permanent film lot and is constantly in use for films, both wide screen and T.V. When we arrived it was almost deserted and so had the place to ourselves. Which just suited me down to the ground, and I was just like a little kid, running all over the place with my camera! I am also pleased to say that they will be stocking my Alamo CD in their shop. Most appropriate, as the artwork for the CD was based on their film set Alamo church, rather than the Shrine itself in San Antonio.
Phil Collins
 I must say, it was both a pleasure, and a privilege, to have been able to meet Phil Collins. First at Joan's Alamo themed party, and then on the following day at the Symposium. He is a fellow lifelong Alamo buff, and when introduced told me that he had heard of me! A statement that did take me by surprise, although I suspect it was through Bill and Allen's book, and my Alamo song where he would have first heard of me. My first impression was of a very nice, down to earth type of person.
Mercury Prize
And last of all, but by no means least! I am very happy to inform you all that due to my having got a recent distribution deal for my CD 'Red Sky Descending' with Zone 7 this album is now one of this years Mercury Prize Nominees! So please! Fingers crossed everybody!
Ken Wharton's second Northern Ireland Book
Ken's second book is due for publication this month and, once again, I have been privileged to have some of my writing in it. Please keep your eye on this website for further details. It's been a tough winter, but have no fear, for Spring is upon us and Summer cannot be far behind. It's been a while now, so lets all hope for a good one this year! And on that positive thought I will say farewell for now.
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News-January 2009
The good ship 'Britannia' seems to be charting choppy seas these days! So let me start off the year by wishing you all well, credit crunch and recession notwithstanding! Hanging on to an income may well be the best that we can all hope for. And speaking of hanging, the notion of introducing a few stout yards of good old English hemp to our witless politicians seems a very tempting prospect! But enough of this wishful thinking, let's talk of songs instead.
Red Sky Descending
 My new album, Red Sky Descending, was released just prior to Christmas and is now featured on this website, Expertly engineered and produced by David Pick at his FFG studio in Bredon, and once again I was privileged to be joined on four of the tracks by Phil Beer from Show of Hands. Others taking part were Pete and Brian from Stonefield Tramp, a special guest spot by Kevin Brown from Bath, and not forgetting Maurice Hipkiss and newcomers Jimmy Flanders and Lexie Stobie. My warmest thanks to you all for your contributions to this project.
Stonefield Tramp
I have recently been informed by Rob, over there in Texas, that the new Stonefield Tramp album 'Full Circle' is being released as a download. A link to the relevant website will appear soon in a banner on my home page.
Sandhurst
 And finally, let us all congratulate my daughter Sarah, on her recent achievement in obtaining a commission in her chosen Military career.
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