I have been lucky to have collaborated with a number of artists over the years and many of these how inspired me to create some of my favorite material. Here are some of the many brilliant individuals who have inspired me in the own writing.
Agi
I’ve been working with Agi for eight years on a weekly basis at the time of writing this post. She’s been my vocal teacher as well as a brilliant harmony arranger, and the queen vocals. We first started recording together on “Tales of Dark and Light” with The Caravan of Dreams. Following that her vocals were used extensively on the Code-E1 project and then on the new album “This is Love and Heartache” She has been a total gamechanger in my creative writing and I am grateful for all her brilliant advice and support.
Jessica Bowie
Jessica was my original ukulele teacher a decade ago and a founding member of my first band, “The Small Change Diaries.” Our third formal gig was playing the main stage at the Lagoa Guitar Festival in Portugal! This was a baptism of fire, and it’s fair to say that without Jessica’s encouragement, I’d never have embarked on singing and writing material.
Laurent Zeller
I first met Laurent at the Lagoa Guitar Festival, where The Small Change Diaries supported his jazz trio. Laurent is a spectacular player and was kind enough to play on many of my tracks over the years. He was front and centre on The Caravan of Dreams album and Carl, my producer and I used to laugh when he was in the studio, as every take was pure magic. He lives in France and is a frequent performer in various ensembles.
Towse
Towse aka Grace Fellows is another artist who has inspired me in my writing a performing. She is a unique and exceptional artist who writes terrific songs and is a brilliant session player. We first started working together on ‘All is Fine Til the world goes pop” and then recorded ‘Covering these tracks” volumes 1 and 2. I could listen to her singing all day long and we’ve become good friends. Whenever she is in the UK with her partner Corwin, I book them to play live in Leeds.
Rich Ferdi
Rich is a brilliant percussionist and has been with me throughout my entire musical journey. We’ve layed many gigs together and he’s literally the heartbeat of many of my bands. I always feel very reassured when I glance over and see him. He’s like “the Charlie Watts” ingredient in the sonic mix, a really nice guy and an outstanding musician.
Liz Hanks
I first made contact with Liz Hanks after hosting her and Martin Simpson as a duo at The Old Woollen in Leeds, and was blown away by her playing. I was delighted when she agreed to contribute to a series of new tracks that will appear across two EPs. Her playing is pure magic and she brings a new sonic dimension to my tracks. She has also realeased an exceptional album of her own work, that is quite wonderful.
Dave Bowie
The wonderfully named “Dave Bowie” is a great friend and terrific bass player who has saved my bacon many times over the years. He was central to the “Tales of Dark and Light” album with The Caravan of Dreams. He is known for a dry wit and is the perfect example of a professional artist that always gives his all whether in the studio or in a live setting.
Michael Ross
I’ve known Michael for many years since we first met in San Francisco. He introduced me to many artists that have inspired my own writing, including Ani DiFranco, Steve Earle and CC Adcock, among many others. He is also a superb musician and I am delighted to have him playing on some of my tracks.
Listen to his brilliant playing on “Can’t Stop”
Corwin Zekley
I met Corwin Zekley through Towse aka Grace Fellows and I was happy to be invited to and to attend their wedding in California. Corwin is a mind blowing musician and played on the “Covering These Tracks” albums. He has a brilliant ear for arrengements and my producer Carl and myself are always amazed at his work
Jon Burr
Jon Burr is an outstanding harmonica player, and we’ve been fortunate enough to have him perform live with various ensembles over the years, as well as contribute session work. I take great joy in letting him let rip live and unleash some terrific solos which the audience loves!
Adrian Knowles
Adrian was the bassist for “The Small Change Diaries” and musical director for the group. He is an outstanding musician and one of the ensemble that played at the Lagoa Guitar Festival in Portugal.
Howard Taylor and Carl Rosamond
Howard Taylor and Carl Rosamond have been invaluable in helpong me write and release material. Carl has been my producer for every album and is greatly respected in the music business. He introduced me to the brilliant Austrian Audio OC818 mics that have been a gamechanger in my recording process.
Howard Taylor has contributed some amazing bass to “This is Love & Heartache” as well as providing amazing advice on arrangements and track sequences. Both Carl and I always take his advice onboard as he has a unique ability to spot what nobody else can see or hear. I am massively grateful for their support.
Special Thanks
Aside from the many superb artists who I have recorded and played live with, there are a number of artists and professionals who have both inspiredand supported me over the years. These include Martin Simpson, Jon Gomm, Jim Glennie, Chris Catalyst, Mal Williamson for video, Karen Turner for photos and Sarah Patrick for illustrations.
