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MICHAEL
CHAPMAN
‘More than 50 Years On The Road’
‘This man is so laid back that he makes JJ Cale sound like he’s
on helium.’ – Q Magazine
2016
was a landmark year for Michael Chapman. As well as celebrating
his 75th birthday it was also 50 years since he first went on the road
professionally. We organised some special events to mark this important
milestone in his life and career - including a short residency in London,
a UK tour with BJ Cole on pedal steel and Sarah Smout on cello, and issues
of some new recordings, including
collections of guitar instrumentals ‘Fish’ and ‘ Homages’.
Never one to stand still for long, Chapman
continues touring in 2017 with more new projects including his new album
‘50’ on vinyl and some exciting
new collaborations are in the pipeline.
New recordings: Chapman’s new album ‘50’ was released in January 2017 on the Paradise of Bachelors label. Produced by & featuring Steve Gunn it features his first full band sound for some 20 years.
UK tour dates for 2017- www.michaelchapman.co.uk/concerts.htm for detailed listings.
Michael Chapman (born Leeds Yorkshire - 1941) first became known on the London and Cornish folk circuits in 1966. Playing a blend of atmospheric and autobiographical material he established a reputation for intensity and innovation. Signed to EMI's Harvest label he recorded a quartet of classic albums. LPs like 'Rainmaker' and 'Wrecked Again' defined the melancholic observer role Michael was to make his own, mixing intricate guitar instrumentals with a full band sound.
His influential album 'Fully Qualified Survivor', featuring the guitar of Mick Ronson (David Bowie) and Rick Kemp's bass (Steeleye Span), was John Peel's favourite album of 1970. 'Survivor' featured the Chapman 'hit', 'Postcards of Scarborough', a characteristically tenderly sour song recounting the feelings of nostalgia and regret. Chapman is known as one of the UK’s best finger picking style guitar players. As part of a continuing musical lineage that includes the likes of Ralph McTell, John Martyn, Davey Graham & Bert Jansch, Chapman is still active touring and recording and his playing is on top form. There are regular releases of new recordings, (Fish – 2015) archive recordings (Live at Folk Cottage -2013) and reissues of his classics. 'Rainmaker’, Fully Qualified Survivor', ‘Wrecked Again’, ‘Window’ & ‘Playing the Guitar The Easy Way’ have been reissued by USA label Light in The Attic on CD and vinyl format as a complete reissue series of his early work on EMI’s Harvest label.
Recent collaborations with Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) and the American 'primitive school' of guitar players including the late John Fahey & Jack Rose, opened up a whole new audience of US based admirers. Appearing on recordings with Hiss Golden Messenger and Steve Gunn has cemented Chapman’s position as pivotal figure in roots, folk and acoustic guitar playing over the last 50 years.
For more details and information, please contact:
Strada Music
Graham
Smout - http://www.stradamusic.com
- 07971 072938
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article on Fully Qualified Survivor Michael's Classic 1970 EMI album
Mr. Chapman is an expert folk player just as liable to veer off into jazz, progressive, ragtime, hard rock or experimental directions.
Wall Street Journal 2011
Wherever he goes Michael leaves his audience spellbound. With his guitar playing, his gravely voice and down to earth Yorkshire humour he builds an atmosphere that guarantees a brilliant evening of music and banter.
Norwich Assembly Room 2007
Mix two parts Alabama backwater with a few pints of Hull, some vintage wine and some rare herbs, and you have a swampy brew
Bournemouth Daily Echo
his slow burning soulful lyrics and virtuoso guitar work to delight all folk fans, established a reputation for intensity and innovation
The Wharf, Tavistockthis is the sound of a real songwriter who's lived a real life and all that entails
Q Magazinethe nicotine drawl is more mature and evocative than ever. Settle back with your Jack Daniels and enjoy
Record Collector
Web site: www.michaelchapman.co.uk
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com
For more details and information, please contact:
Strada Music
Graham Smout - http://www.stradamusic.com - 07971 072938
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