Time Past And Time Passing - Sweet Powder - Wedding Band - And Then There Were Three - Trainsongs - West Coast 2011
Following the excitement around Michael's improvised noise album for Thurston Moore's Estatic Peace label in 2011, the Blast First Petite label are giving it a UK CD release. To launch the CD Michael is doing a showcase gig at The Lexington in London on the 29th January 2011. This will be a truly unique gig as Michael Chapman, Dean McPhee and Daniel Land will be recreating the Resurrection side of the LP live, obviously as this is essentially an improvised gig anything may happen |
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Keef Hartley 1944 - 2011 Drummer Bandleader and Undersea Explorer |
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Keef Hartley drummer with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, The Artwoods, John Mayall with his leaving of Mayall's band importalise on the Halfbreed track sacked. Keef played in Michaels live band during the 70s, immortalised on Pleasures of the Street and And Then There Three. Keith also played on Millstone Grit , Savage Amusement and The Man Who Hated Mornings. On Savage Amusement an accurately titled album, the sessions at Sawmills Studios in Cornwall were peppered with some heavy duty partying. Bored while Michael layered guitar parts in the studio Keef went for a walk by the river. Somewhat distracted he walked off the end of the jetty into the Foey. His undersea exploration was curtailed before he slept with the fishes by Rick Kemp who glancing out of the studio window saw him tumble in, effecting a brisk resue dragging him out by top of his jacket. Keef was, Michael once commented, a listening drummer a creative and lively player. Anyone needing proof should listen to the driving rythmns on Savage Amusement tracks like If Didnt Work Out or Stranger. Check out too his Keef Hartley big band albums, great slabs of 70s rock given a jazzy dimension. A legend . Goodnight Keef, another man done gone
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Songwriters Circle BBC4 11/11/11
Michael Chapman, Martin Simpson and Steve Tilston played an amazing an intense set at Bush Hall Shepherds Bush London. The three took it in turns to perform, Michael's songs included Memphis In Winter and Postcards of Scarborough, Martin's Never Any Good and Love Never Dies and Steve's The Reckoning. Michael Martin and Steve presented a compelling set that emphasised the common threads in their songwriting and inspirations. So Love Never Dies writteon around a conversation with a country guitarist in a truckstop was followed by Michael's Just Another Story written watching a waitress in a Memphis diner. What made the concert so unique was the interplay between three guitarists and writers, some songs were played by duos and what sticks in my memory is the three playing together on Just Another Story with Steve's guitar harmonics and Martin's distinctive slide building an atmosphere around Michael's acoustic and vocal. A memorable gig, one of the best of the 100 plus Chapman gigs I have seen, possibly one of the best gigs I have ever seen. Michael Martin and Steve's Songwriters' Circle is scheduled to be shown by BBC4 early in 2012 should be one hell of a show
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Bert Jansch 03/11/43 - 05/10/11 RIP
"I once did climb the mountainside, did swim the silvery sea, I once did court the moonbeams but now I have clipped my wings"
Bert Jansch, guitar player, songwriter, singer and legend died earlier today following a long battle with lung cancer. Bert will be remembered for his distinctive and influencial playing, his languid vocals and a wonderful legacy of songs - some like Needle Of Death are already folk standards. Solo or as a member of Pentangle with whom he played through the 60s, early 70, 80s, 90s and recently again, he was a stunning and maverick performer. After a period of mutual admiration Bert and Michael toured together in the mid 80s. Distinctive players, world weary vocals, anthemic songs and an undeserved reputation for being a bit grumpy, they had so much in common. Goodnight Bert you will be greatly missed
The Resurrection and Revenge of the Clayton Peacock on CD
Blastfirstpetite a UK label are set to give Resurrection and Revenge a UK CD release in Feb 2012. Also Michael is talking about a Peacock tour with himself and Dean McPhee an excellent experimental player on guitars and Alex Warnes on electronics.
Rainmaker and Plaindealer re-releases
Rainmaker is set for a February 2012 re-release on Light In The Attic, Michael has just heard a CD of the remastering and is very excited about how mush they have wrung out of the original tapes and how good the album sounds. He professes to never being a big fan of rainmaker but being very impressed with the sound of the vocals and the guitar. Plaindealer is coming out as a limited release on vinyl with a handcoloured silk screen cover more new of this when we get it
Michael Chapman & Paul Buckmaster Album
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Paul Buckmaster FQS sessions 1969 |
After a reconnection in the States this summer, the first since the Wrecked Again sessions in 1971 Michael and Paul are recording together again, Michael has just completed his guitars and vocal tracks of some classic songs and tunes. These sessions are now in the hands of Paul on the west coast of America who is going to write and record some string arrangements. Paul Buckmaster was the man behind the beautiful and yet often edgy strings on Fully Qualified Survivor and the fuller Memphis Brass and Strings on Wrecked Again. Michael is very excited to be working with Paul again, Buckmaster has just finished working with Burt Bacharach and although not usually a fan of strings (other than Stan Getz's string albums and Fully Qualified Survivor) I am very excited about the results
MH 2011
Michael Chapman’s latest foray across the pond. US Tour June 2011
This particular tour embarked in the Union Chapel in Islington on the 31st. May playing support to fan and fellow journeyman Thurston Moore, and docked finally three and a half weeks later in Seattle opening for Bill Callahan on the final west coast leg.
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There were some memorable “firsts” along the way- first gig in Nashville, first time to stand on the stage of the iconic Troubadour in LA in front of a sell out crowd, first trip down Tornado Alley, some sad events like when William (Tyler) had to bail out on the first leg of the tour due to a tragic family bereavement – there will be more chances for these two to get together again for sure, - some frustrating times like trying to beat the whole Chinese nation onto the China town bus down to Philly (and failing), some bemusing times like “why is Thurston roadie-ing for me but thank you all the same, it’s much appreciated”.
In addition to some great venues (the chicken coop in Louisville being just one) and some fantastic receptions and reactions, this from Matt at Light in the Attic who’d never seen Michael perform before: “Wow! Last night was incredible. I'm having a hard time putting it into words. I'm currently sober and feeling a very strong high from the memories of Michael's set last night. What a show!
I just dropped him off with Callahan's band so they're on their way to Santa Barbara. I read him the message from Lucinda as well.” (this was Lucinda Williams who unfortunately couldn’t make the night)
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There was the first meeting since 1971 between MC and Paul Buckmaster, who did those fabulous string arrangements on FQS and Wrecked Again. Paul has lived in LA for some time now and is still very active in the music business over there. Their meeting was recorded and will be available soon for download (keep an eye out for this) and also there may well be another musical collaboration in the offing if their thoughts about doing an album together come to fruition. Again, watch this space. The trek out to the west coast, unlike back in 1971 when MC aborted and flew back to the UK vowing that he was out of the music business for good but was coaxed back in the very next day when he was offered a tour with the Everley’s starting - the very next day, was his first time back there since 1981(these increments of decades seem important) when he did a mini tour with the late John Fahey which culminated in “Fahey’s Flag” and all that that entailed.
So to tour the whole length of the west coast and with such a stunning performer as Bill Callahan and his tow brilliant musicians , felt like real progress in the grand scheme to win the hearts and minds of the U.S.
He certainly made a whole wad of new friends and fans on this tour and with two record companies solidly behind him it almost certainly wont be long before he’s back.
There are several musicians who would like to tour with MC next time round but this reaction from Devendra Barnhart is probably one of the more extreme:
" are you kidding? im a HHUUUUGGGEEE FFFAAANNNNN of Michael Chapmans!!!!!! I LOOOOVE HIIIM SOOOOO MUUUCH! playing with him would be a dream cooome truueee of the highest order!!!!!!!! i dont have any shows planned other than festivals cause i have to make my record but when we tour the new one i will DEFINITELY BEG him to play with us! WWWOOWW!!! PLEASE keep me updated with what hes up to!!!!!! THANK YOU SOOO MUUUCH! wow...."
I think that’s a “yes” then? So Michael is back, minus guitar, which is still circling the globe as we speak and with four days to get his head on the right way round and hopefully be reunited with said guitar before he’s off on another UK leg. The FQS is having a bumper year for his 70 th birthday celebrations. Long may it last.
Light In The Attic Records Tour Blog
Collectables of the Future - Wrytree Drift
Wrytree Drift is now on its third cover. Michael went off the original 'homage' to Parchman Farm with him as a grizzled convict against a sun bleached wall, declaring that rather like 6.15 off Window with Gus Dudgeon's belch and the group vocals somethings seem like a good idea at the time. The second version of the cover, a shot of Michael with guitar in his front room looks like being the rarest, only surving for about two months. Version three is jus t Michael Chapman in an antique font with the Wrytree Drift sign Michael liberated from the mine and a super stereo tag that is reminisant of Atlantic Jazz Lps from the 60s.
Michaels improvised 'noise' album for Thurston Moore's Estactic Peace label is available now. The album comprises two tracks side one Resurrection and side two Revenge. The music is instrumental, loose and quite unlike anything else he has done before. The album is a limited edition release on vinyl with ony 500 copies. There are copies available via the internet in the US, but as yet no UK stockists - Michael has some copies and may be selling these at his UK Summer gigs.
Collectables of the Future - The Resurrection and Revenge of the Clayton Peacock
June 6th 2011 Update - looking at how these were being snapped up by vinyl fans at the Thurston Moore gig in London this seems set to be one of the collectables of the future. Apparently the label in America is sold out of copies. It was a limited edition of 500 individually numbered copies so there are no plans to repress or do a 2nd edition. Michael apparently has the option of doing a CD release in the UK more of this later
Michael Chapman and William Tyler
After the Bob Harris session in December 2010, Michael went into the Maida Vale Studios in April during his tour with American guitar player William Tyler to put down some duo tracks for Late Junction the award winning and genre straddling Radio Three music show. Late Junction had been big fans of Michaels Americana 2 album, with presenter Verity Sharp playing tracks like La Madrugada. This session is available as a listen again via the BBC Iplayer and will be available as a podcast download all via the Late Junction page on the BBC website
March 2011 Press Release
Follow this link to open or download March 2011's Press Release
Follow this link to open or download a PDF flyer that collects together all of Michaels dates for 2011
Fully Qualified Survivor USA reissue update
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West coast reissue label Light in The Attic Records have reissued a beautifully packaged version of Fully Qualified Survivor. The classic album is available on vinyl and CD both in a great silver version of the sleeve that Michael himself is very chuffed with. The booklet notes are great and include some otherwise unseen session photos. Spectacularly HMV in the UK are doing it for £8.99 with free postage which is a steal for a LP. Interestingly the vinyl version features the Harvest logo like the original issue - bound to course problems for collectors in the future
Trainsong 1967 - 2010
Added to the CD review pages are the first impressions of Michael's Trainsong album. Impressions seem to confirm what we have known along that Michael is a distinctive guitar player who writes and records fine tunes. CD reviews
25th January is the release date for Trainsong 1967-2010 on Tompkins Square the New York label famous for its promotion of inspirational music. The album features solo guitar recordings of classic Chapman instrumentals like Thank You PK 1944, Sunday Morning, Little Molly's Dream, Theme From The Movie Of The Same Name, Naked Ladies and Electric Ragtime and La Madrugada. The album is lavishly packaged with great photos and sleeve notes by Charles Shaar Murray and annotation and tuning notes from Michael himself.
Tompkins Square Label website - amazon.co.uk - HMV
24th Jan 2011 is Michael's 70th birthday a fact found remarkable not least of all by Michael himself
Sat 29th Jan is his "official" party and if you'd like to wish him Happy Birthday in person then all you need is a bottle of something decent
"course then you'll still have to find our place" Happy New Year Andru C
The Resurrection and Revenge of The Clayton Peacock
Michaels improvised 'noise' album for Thurston Moore's Estactic Peace label is recorded and will be released early in 2011. The album comprises two tracks side one Resurrection and side two Revenge. The music is instrumental, loose and quite unlike anything else he has done before. The album is a limited edition release on vinyl - more information when we have it.
weblink - no news on the site yet about a release date though
Veritie Alexandra Sings Michael Chapman
Veritie who sang on Navigation is part way through recording an album of Michael Chapman songs. Backed by Michael himself and Alex Warnes the album features some of Veritie's favourites with some superb playing and interesting arrangements. Album will be available from Michaels website in spring 2011. Album now released and available via webshop
Acoustic Magazine Article
Friday 17th December: Acoustic Magazine published, major article on Michael Chapman http://www.acousticmagazine.com
Bob Harris Sunday Morning Show 12am -3am 7th December 2010
Michael & I traveled to London in horrendous weather on Tuesday afternoon to record a live session for The Bob Harris show for transmission next Sunday morning. Despite the cold and the snow and a canceled train, we arrived at BBC R2 studios at Western House on time at 5.30 pm The recording began at 6pm and lasted and hour.
Bob's producer Mark Simpson, his engineer George and production assistant were totally amazed at Michael's musical skill and his guitar playing. At one point George stood up and looked through the glass into the studio and remarked that he had never seen anyone tune up while playing. They were all surprised & just could not understand that Michael wasn't being double tracked on guitar & wasn't using any effects. Mark expressed regret that he was not more familiar with Michael's music and asked me which albums he should buy straightaway. Michael played 3 very long and totally perfect versions of three of his songs ,
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Memphis in winter
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After all This Time
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In The Valley
So you are really in for a treat on Sunday morning if you can find the time to listen, which I urge you do, or listen on line using listen again; or even on your digital radio on PVR if you have one .
MC & I then went for bite to eat before getting on a train at 9.30. Little did we know what was in store.
The return train journey was quite an exciting and entertaining one: leaving Kings X We travelled quickly through the arctic waste that now stands either side of the east coast line and arrived in just under an hour at Peterborough where we were told the train would be delayed due to the carriage doors having frozen up and being impossible to open. After a 15 minute delay we proceeded to Grantham where the problem was even worse and a man with an axe was seen using it to free the doors from their icy grip. Unfortunately the doors then froze open and we endured another delay. The snow was coming down thick and fast and the train announcer told passengers for Newark and Lincoln and Hull that no onward transport of any kind, train, bus or any kind of road vehicle, would be available for them from Newark and that they might be better off going back to London. In any case they were asked to get off there and then and get on another train that was approaching the station as ours would be delayed until the doors were fixed. They were offered a hotel in Newark. No mention was made of Leeds, but in order to keep calm MC was compelled to go to the bar and purchase a bottle of "Vin Rouge Despicable ". The axe man did his job and we carried on, now 40 minutes or so late via Newark & Doncaster and some very deep snow. Outside Wakefield there was another 30 mins delay while two goods trains were removed from the mainline, they could not move due to frozen points. A team of men with flame throwers did their job and 30 mins later we arrived in Leeds at 1.30 am. The entire train was completely sheathed in a coating of solid ice. No wonder the doors were frozen shut.
In an exciting turn up Michael is to the featured studio artist on the Bob Harris show on 7th December. Michael will be chatting with Bob, reflecting on his long career and sharing stories. Excitingly Michael will be taking his acoustic and playing three numbers live. Michael will also have his record box along, playing a couple of tracks by artists who influenced him. This will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2. International fans will be able to listen online via the BBC website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2) the whole show will be available after the event for 7 days via the BBC iplayer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/)
Releases updates
Here at cyber Chapman central we have seen proofs of the booklets for the American reissue of Fully Qualified Survivor and the expanded instrumental album 'Trainsong : Guitar Compositions 1967 - 2010' both contain excellent thoughtful and extensive booklet notes. Charles Shaar Murray offers a personal insight into the Chapman canon in the notes for the Trainsong album. Both albums booklets contain a wealth of contempory photos from Michael's personal collection including studio shots from the Survior sessions.
Train Song Instrumental Album, Improvised Album and Live Album
Tompkins Square Records of NYC are putting out a solo guitar instrumental album 'Trainsong : Guitar Compositions 1967 - 2010' this will be out in January 2011 to build on Michaels profile and aclaim in the states. Also Michael is going into the studios to record an improvised instrumental album for Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace label. With two dates with The Hellfire Preachers his backing band of choice this September Michael is hoping to put out a live album. Anyone who has heard them play together will know what an essential purchase this will be.
Fully Qualified Survivor USA reissue
West coast reissue label Light in The Attic Records (click here to visit) are reissuing Fully Qualified Survivor on CD and on vinyl. More information when we have it.
Michael Chapman Songs
Verite Alexandra who did some of the vocals on Navigation is working on an album of Michael Chapman songs. Michael has apparently laid down some guide guitars on tracks which Verite and Alex Warnes are going to work up into finished tracks
Wrytree Drift 2010
Wrytree Drift named after the mine (now closed) halfway down the drive to the Chapman's farm, the same workings that inspired Michaels song Prospector from 1979. Michael alternates between electric and acoustic guitars with plenty of 'hows he doing that' moments. The music shifts and drifts from folk ballads to languid dub, dark electric blues and solo guitar work outs. The album opens with a wonderful observational song 'Another Song'. A classic Chapman track in the making. The album showcases a studio version of So Young a track recorded on Michaels live album with Alamo Leal, a dark revist of Soulfull Lady, and a great take on Mose Allison's Parchman Farm (inspiring the sleeve photo of Michael captured as if in a deep south jail sewing mailbags) and a beautiful acoustic folk rock version of Blue Season from Life On The Ceiling. Elements of the experimental music from Sweet Powder, the playing on Time Past and Time Passing and the textures of Plaindealer combine to make a highly recommended listen.
Memories and Farewells Diz Disley 1931 - 2010
Memories and Farewells - Lesley Duncan 1943 - 2010
Memories of NY Feb 2010
Memories of Michael and Andru's dates and time in NY click here to read more
And Then There Were Three Live in Nottingham 1977
These are now available via the secure shop page priced £9.99 plus postage with usual rates to UK, Europe and the Rest Of The World. click here
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In The Valley
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Rock ’N Roll Jigley/Party Pieces
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Kodak Ghosts
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The Hero Returns
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Among The Trees
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Dog’s Got More Sense
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How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live?
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Sea Of Wine
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It Didn’t Work Out
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Time Is Tight
Recorded at Nottingham’s Playhouse Theatre on July 23rd 1977 by Michael and a power house rhythm section in Lindisfarne bassist Rod Clements and former John Mayall drummer Keef Hartley, it includes some of his best-loved songs in “And There Were Three” (MSMCD151) - a jocular reference to Chapman’s shrinking band, described nonetheless by note writer Marc Higgins as a ‘beast with three heads’.
On ‘In The Valley’, Michael’s guitar, dexterous and assured, instantly recognizable, and new and strange, shimmers around the snapping beat. Chapman called them a nods ‘n winks band and telepathy is evident in the tempo shift from the frenetic ‘Rock ‘n Roll Jigley’ into ‘Party Pieces’ as his effected vocal and a treacherous rhythm evoke inebriation.
The anthems continue with ‘Kodak Ghosts’ and ‘Among The Trees’ as Chapman picks apart his regrets to find small crumbs of comfort. From ‘The Man Who Hated Mornings’, the album they were touring, comes ‘Dogs Got More Sense’, another exercise in simple truth through excess. This track sees Michael’s guitar solo and Clements’ on a very ‘lead’ sounding bass, blow apart any vestiges of folk.
‘How Can A Poor Man’, an oldie even then, documents the US dust bowl depression. Michael makes it relevant in the power starved, strike ridden ‘70s and it’s cuttingly current now.
The concert opener ‘In The Valley’ appears as a glorious flowing acoustic version on 2009’s “Time Past And Time Passing”
‘Sea of Wine’ charted waters that Chapman, living the romantic ‘road weary musician’ lifestyle, knew like the back of his hand. Unfazed by the audience, the band push the song almost to breaking point, with a real sense in the middle, that even they haven’t decided where they’re going next.
Michael recalls concerts when he and Keef vacated the stand for the bar, leaving Rod to solo to the edge and beyond, just to see what would happen. Clements would, Chapman somewhat surreally claims, end up filling time by playing hymns.
‘It Didn’t Work Out’, a tight roaring tale of a failure to write a song, rises from the shards via a drum solo and some solo bass that stops just short of being ecclesiastical.
The set ends with Booker T’s ‘Time Is Tight’ and Chapman, rapping with the audience in Duke Ellington mode, an MC in every sense.
release date March 22nd 2010
First ever commercial release of a great live performance with band including Rod Clements (Lindisfarne) and Keef Hartley (John Mayall, Keef Hartley Band) Collectable 6-panel digipack with previously unpublished period photographs in a limited pressing of 1000 units
more information - www.marketsquarerecords.co.uk
MH 01/10
Journeyman Workshop
click here to visit a report on the Journeyman Guitar Workshop that took place in Sheffield in November
Tim Hart 1948 - 2009
Tim Hart who as part of a duo with Maddy Prior was one of the original founders of Steeleye Span in 1969. Tim was a talented singer and instrumentalist. His distinctive vocals were part of Steeleye until his retirement from music in 1983. Apart from an appearance at a historic Span gig in 1995 and a turn with Maddy at the Electric Proms in 2008 Tim spent his time on the Canary Isles persuing an interest in photography.
MH 12/09
Jack Rose 1971 - 2009
Michael met Jack a few years ago and they clicked as people and as players. Kindered spirts in the way that they straddled genres and refused to be classified. Anyone what wants to hear cutting edge acoustic music and an inventive player should seek out his recordings. Michael and Andru, tonight in the Borders and Dublin respectively will be raising a glass to Jack who died earlier today following a heart attack
MH 05/12/0
215
Including new songs and a storming instrumental guitar workout 'Two Trains' that closed the show in Redbourn last week, Michael has a new album mostly recorded. As yet untitled but likely to be called 215 after the antique Gibson 215 electric guitar he recorded with. After the thick textures of Sweet Powder and the acoustic mastery of Time Past And Time Passing this promises to be an album of electric guitar with the jazzy ambience of the Gibson that has featured in live sets this year.
MH 11/09
In The Can
Michael has a number of projects on the go at the moment. He is putting together a limited edition 3 album set including a live album. The set in a metal box will be called In The Can and limited to 200 copies, more information when content and a release date is finalised.
In Concert Live Album "And Then There Were Three"
Market Square Records are releasing a live in concert cd of Michael Chapmans live trio that included Keef Hartley and Rod Clements. The set taped for Radio in Nottingham in the mid 70s includes band versions of In The Valley, It Didnt Work Out, Kodak Ghosts, Party Pieces, Among The Trees and others. CD will be released late 2009 early 2010 more information when we have it.
MH 09 09
“Journeyman” Develop your songwriting (explore origins of Michaels songs and inspiration) and your playing skills
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John Martyn 1948 - 2009
Life go easy on me....love don't pass me by
It was with great sadness and personal memories of sitting on the floor in the concert hall at Leeds Uni while that huge guitar sound crashed and echoed around us, that we heard this morning of the passing of John Martyn. John was a unique vocalist, a guitar master a writer of future folk standards and just like Michael the king of surreal between song banter. May you never indeed
Front Room Masters Fairview Studios
Available now is a double cd of tracks recorded at the legendary Fairview Studios where Michael recorded his first tracks and later recorded material for albums like Looking For Eleven. The CD features tracks by The Rats, Basil Kirchin, Mandy And The Girlfriends and others. Great sleeve notes and two exclusive Chapman tracks. There are no session dates on the CD, but I would date the versions of On My Way Again (only otherwise available as a session outtake from the1970 Window sessions on the German reissue of Rainmaker) and Goodbye To Monday Night from 1966-67. On My Way Again is a solo performance, Monday Night features backing from Fairview session players that I would guess include Rick Kemp.
Happy New Year 2009
Happy 2009 from Michael and Andru
Just when you thought you had it all figured out, along comes another release. Its title is a quote from Postcards Of Scarborough, the album is a stripped back guitar led showcase of new recordings of classic material. There are some new combinations and a new tune. Released on the Electric Ragtime label in the USA, this is a manifesto or a shop window to re-introduce Michael to a wider public in America. Currently only available in the US, or from Michael at gigs, we are looking at UK distribution. Michael has been very excited by the profile the release gave him there during his recent tour, being interviewed by and playing with Thurston Moore and going into CD shops and seeing a Michael Chapman section 'first time since I cant remember when'.
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"Chapman is an old-school hero of the British folk movement, right up there with John Martyn, Bert Jansch and Nick Drake. But unlike those guys the mind-blowing guitarist has always sounded as if he could've been born and raised in Texas or even Tennessee. With its Western-inspired soundscapes, Time Past & Time Passing is pure Americana. Chapman even has a raspy, time-worn drawl that would sound right at home in a campfire jam session with gritty dudes like Guy Clark and Kris Kristofferson."
Justin Farrar Rhapsody
A rather underrated figure here in the U.S., Michael Chapman is to my mind one of the essential figures to come out of the early seventies British folk rock scene, whose best work is easily on par with that of Bert Jansch, Roy Harper, John Martyn, Bill Fay, etc. His gruff and laconic singing style is instantly recognizable, and his skill on the guitar has only gotten better with age. He made a rare trip to the states a couple years back and recorded a session with former Other Music employee Rob Hatch-Miller for his WFMU program that totally bowled me over; I just could not get over how freaking great he still was, and a burn of that show ended up being one of the things I listened to most that year. I'm happy to report that he has an excellent new album of mostly solo acoustic guitar tracks, and I'll be frank, he can play circles around most of the current crop of fingerpickers. He's really become as good as Fahey was in his prime, and that's not just hyperbole.
Michael Klausman (October 10, 2008)
Michael Chapman was, in the late 60s and early 70s, a well-established figure in the Brit folk nobility along with a number of even larger figures like Roy Harper, Bert Jansch, and John Martyn. Chapman attracted the attention of high-level players along the lines of Mick Ronson (Bowie & Spiders), Paul Buckmaster (better known for arranging), Gus Dudgeon (big time producer), Rick Kemp (Steeleye Span), Rod Clements & Ray Laidlaw (Lindisfarne), and so on. For three major labels, he put out eight well-regarded LPs that slowly wended their way to a more rock-ish sound, Afterwards came a fade into the alt market where he returned to folk and composed much more instrumentally, which this CD emphasizes beautifully…to the surprise of cats like me who have his early output and hadn't expected it at all.
Chapman has a marvelous fingerpicking style that slips in between Jansch, Ralph McTell, Al Stewart, Peter Lang, John Fahey, and the more prosaic players favoring slowly evolving patterns and sonic stories rather than lightning riffs and bizarre tempi. The guy's now 67 and has developed a very masterful hand, confident, lithe, measuring itself by the richness and expressiveness of lines put through often trance-ily fascinating changes. There are, however, several vocal cuts, mostly in a sprechestimmish tone, redolent not only of worldliness but weariness as well, always a good combination in folk and blues.
Speaking of blues, a couple of times Chapman demonstrates the same raw and rootsy immediacy of a Bernie Pearl, especially when playing slide, though most of the album is serene, sometimes jazzily fractured, folk and quasi-classically chamberish, modern instrumentation with elder values. Since 1969, the guy has put out 32 releases, no small feat. On this one, as I also suspect is the case in much of his recenter output, you get just him and his guitars along with an effects pedal or two, and the result couldn't be more pleasing.
Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange Mark S. Tucker
Michael Chapman is one of those musicians I’ve long heard of but never actually heard. Wow, that’s been my loss, but also now a great discovery. Courtesy of my friend Howard Wuelfing comes Chapman’s newest album, Time Past & Time Passing. It’s a stripped-down affair, with just Chapman on acoustic guitar and singing. The recording is intimate and warm with a sparkle of reverb here and there.
An extremely versatile player, Chapman is adept at “British-style” finger picking as well as Delta blues and slide, and his voice has a weathered, oak-y quality like a well-aged single malt whisky. That quality comes across markedly on the terrific “Sometimes,“ a visceral examination of life’s ups and downs with some nifty fretwork. Chapman can also get down and dirty on the axe, such as on the tribute to fellow fingerpicker and seminal acoustic guitarist John Fahey on “Fahey’s Flag,” a gut-bucket, slide blues workout. “Ponchatoula,” by contrast, is a peaceful, lullaby-ish interlude.
Chapman has the rare ability to write not just great songs but great instrumentals. Case in point is the phenomenal “Caddo Lake,” a heartbreakingly gorgeous guitar tune - one of my favorites ever. “Silver King/Dust Devils” is a joyous ragtime-like romp that recalls Piedmont pickers like the Reverend Gary Davis. “Vanity & Pride” is another instrumental that brings the album to a shimmering end, sounding something like Pat Metheny.
If, like me, you’ve never heard Chapman previously, this album is a great place to start. Then, you can go back to a substantial catalog, including celebrated albums such as 1970’s Fully Qualified Survivor, voted by legendary British DJ John Peel as his favorite record of the year. I’m looking forward to more discoveries.
classicrockmusicblog.com
Veteran British guitarist Michael Chapman produces a beautifully moving and harmonic little gem with his simply lovely latest album. Chapman’s wonderfully hoarse and weary voice conveys a wealth of hard-won wisdom and ragged emotion while his sharp, fluid and skillful guitar playing never hits a single false or flat note. Moreover, his songwriting has a maturity and thoughtfulness that’s a real pleasure to hear. The slowly trudging tempos and subdued, yet steady beats keep things laid-back, yet still tuneful throughout. Better still, such songs as “Sometimes,” “That Time of Night,” and “Memphis in Winter” have a serenely reflective and straightforward quality that’s downright sublime in its eloquent simplicity and delicate melodicism. A sparkling jewel of an album.
Sweet Powder
So History became history. Not wanting to make 'just another' Michael Chapman album Michael wanted to involve another producer. Alex Warnes owner of Phoenix Michael's prefered studios spent a night hunched over a hot studio desk, pouring on uniqueness to prove that he should be the another producer, strenghtening a working relationship that goes back 20 years. The concept of the history / simple stream of recording remains with revists of classic Chapman material and some covers of influencial material, but the sound on Sweet Powder is startling and contempory. It may devide listeners, it may turn out to be a classic it may appeal to a whole new set of new fans
click to visit secure online sales page - vist Sweet Powder page
The Wedding Band CD
Michael Chapman playing a funky electric with Roy Whyke and Jeff Betsworth (Drums and Pedal Steel) from his Americana and Plaindealer albums with Dave Lewis on Bass recorded live straight to DAT so digital all the way at The Maze in Nottingham Autumn 2006 Superb recordings of a live gig. Great playing with a great small band, superb interplay between the pedal steel and Michae'ls guitar. CD is brand new released on Michaels own Rural Retreat Records click to visit secure online sales page 05/07
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How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times As These That Time Of Night Sometimes The Prospector Sea Of Wine Bon Ton Roolay Twisted Road Ramon And Durango Shuffleboat River Farewell Soulful Lady Geordies Down The Road Blue For You (Instrumental) |
History CD
Michael's ongoing studio work has now become two albums. History is a studio album and Michael is so pleased with the live recordings from Nottingham that they are going to be their own as yet untitled album. Michael played with a trio (Bass Drums and Pedal Steel) and loud shirt and played an excellent set, so this should be well worth a listen.
Myspace - Fullyqualifiedsurvivor
Michael now has his own Myspace http://www.myspace.com/fullyqualifiedsurvivor. Couldn't have michaelchapman apparently that is already taken, as alternative fqs seemed to have the right resonance. We have a regularly changing selection of Chapman album tracks, live tracks and rarities to listen to.
Imaginational Anthem Volume Two Tompkins Square Records
| 1. James Blackshaw - River of Heaven 2. Peter Lang - Future Shot at the Rainbow 3. Jose Gonzalez - Suggestions 4. Jesse Sparhawk - Light Cycle/Tetrahedra 5. Michael Chapman - Leaving The Apple 6. Sean Smith - What Blooms in Summer Dies in Winter 7. Fred Gerlach - Devil's Brew 8. Christina Carter - Ascend Mem 9. Jack Rose - Cross The North Fork II 10. Billy Faier - New World Coming 11. Sharron Kraus - Looking For The Hermit's Cave 12. Robbie Basho - Kowaka D'Amour |
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Michael has contributed a typically atmospheric instrumental playing acoustic and electric lead to the 2nd volume of the cult US compilation Imaginational Anthem. The track leaving the apple was inspired by leaving New York.
Volume One brought together guitar players like Jack Rose, the incredibly dexterous Kaki KIng and veterans like John Fahey. Volume One had a later UK release, but vol 2 is currently only available in the US, but can be purchased on the internet. Got mine via ebay. The lavishly packaged collection (nice photo of Michael tending the cows, doing his best to look as unlike a legendary acoustic guitarist as possible) brings together expansive instrumentals that range from pastoral to decidedly avant gaude.
More Reissues - Millstone Grit - Lost
I have just completed collaborative sleeve notes with John Tobler for BGO's reissue of Millstone Grit following on from their excellent reissues of Rainmaker, Fully Qualified Survivor, Window and Wrecked Again. BGO Records.
Michael is also releasing via his own Rural Retreat Records a set of lost recordings from the early 90s. These include big production band versions of Geordies Down The Road, Elinkine, Falling From Grace, Fool In The Night and others. The recordings feature some stinging electric lead playing from Michael in what he called Carlos Santana mode and beautiful acoustic as always.
The version of Geordie is unique, with samples, programming and evil guitar, sounding like it was recorded in a foundry. Titled Lost after its current state this unique document is available now
MH 07 06
40 Years On The Road Tour
To celebrate 40 years of playing live professionally Michael is doing what he is calling the 40 Years On The Road tour. Michael is practicing some of the material he played on his first dates and is threatening to revisit some obscure material. Keep checking the concerts page as dates are still being added.
Tour T Shirts from The Bus Pass Mini Tour are available via the online sales page. See you at The Half Moon Putney
Michael Chapman's Albums of the Year
On the stereo this at the Farm recently have been Bill Frisell's East West (an amazing live cd recorded on the east and west coasts of the USA, mix of Frisells own originals and some surprising covers - great deconstructed version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine). Mary Gauthier, Filth And Fire ( fine vocalist and songwriter, Christmas In Paradise is a great festive song), Bobby Charles, Last Train To Memphis, Arvo Part, Fratres, Buddy Miller, Universal House Of Prayer, Jimmy Giuffre, The Easy Way, Dwight Yoakam, Dwight Live, Charlie Christian, The Genius Of The Electric Guitar. How does this compare to your list
Words Fail Me
Following his dates in the US, playing a set of slightly avant garde instrumental dates Michael has recorded a double album of his instrumental pieces, revisiting his material as far back as Thank You PK 1944. The recordings are solo guitar recordings with no over dubs. Michael notes that fired up from a runs of American gigs his playing was top notch, the tracks were laid down quickly and included many first takes. The album is to be called Words Fail Me.
We are now also selling the Live At The White Swan cd of Michael live with Alamo Leal on second guitar. This is available on the online sales page.
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Bus Pass Tour
Michael is already putting together a few dates around his 65th Birthday (24 01 41) for what he is calling the bus pass tour
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CD Re-releases
The rights for Navigation (1995) and The Twisted Road (1999) have just reverted to Michael. Both are excellent albums and both will be available here via the online sales page from late August. Michael is currently ammending the sleeve art and working on the masters. Also in the pipeline is a live cd of solo Michael Chapman taken from a very rare double live cd he did with Alamo Leal the blues guitarist and singer. There were only a handful of copies of the cd made up by Fairview Studios with three being auctioned for charity last summer. These recordings will feature just the tracks where Michael is playing solo and should be available again via the secure sales page later this summer
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Chapman rarities of the future.
Alex at Phoenix Studios, where Michael records, has added the website address to the already reworked sleeves of The Black And White Album, Plaindealer and Live And Unhinged. This means that there are about 20-30 copies of Black and White in existance with the picture of Michael in the Jimmie Rogers Museum on gatefold sleeve but without the web address at the base of the sleeve. OK so a bit anoraky, but it does make you think.
mh 02 08 05
Online Sales Summer 2005
www.michaelchapman.co.uk is now set up for secure online sales. At the moment the Plaindealer Michael Chapman Shop (no prizes for guessing where I borrowed the graphic from) is stocked with Plaindealer, Michael Chapman The Black And White Album, Live And Unhinged and some unplayed signed vinyl copies of Heartbeat on the Coda label. The CDs are £12 with different rates of postage for UK, Europe and ROW (rest of world). Secure payment is through paypal and you will need to be set up with them to send payment (70 million worldwide users they say). We are also selling copies through ebay if you are set up with them but do not wish to use paypal then you can pay via cheque, postal orders or cash.
visit our pages on ebay - search on ebay for michael chapman (UK) - search on ebay for michael chapman (international)
Plaindealer
Michael''s latest is now titled Plaindealer after an American newspaper he found and is released through his own Rural Retreat Records. The album is available at gigs and is available here with secure online payment
click here for a track by track review
MH
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