How was the atmosphere?
[jj] Good fun. No egos, plenty of beer.
Page 1.
E-mail form Matthew Cohen
Interview with Steve Gee
Interview with Stu Nicholson
Interview with Martin Orford
Page 2.
Interview with Andy Edwards
Interview with John Jowitt
Interview with Steve Taylor
Interview with Nick Barrrett
Interview with Troy Donockley
Interview
With: Andy Edwards of Ezra.
Date: Feb Monday 07 2005.
Hello Andy,
How is life in cold wet Wales?
[ae]
Cold and wet but Wales have just beaten England at rugby so things are looking brighter.
Mmm David Robbinson mentioned it last Saturday, think he's happy too.
What was your first reaction when you heard the news about the Tsunami?
[ae]
I was shocked, I had recently visited the Maldives and Sri Lanka and was concerned about the people I had met threre.
Do you've friends made overthere? Are they oké?
[ae]
The people I met are in the Maldives and I believe the island I was on was undamaged by the tsunami.
Are you going back there? Think or do you now if it has changed? will it ever be the paradise again?
[ae]
I would love to go back there,but I'll have to save for a bit.
Is there a picture of the disaster that is burned in your head?
[ae]
The videos of the waves coming into the shore.
You've been involved with Ezra for a long time, Rob Reed did some producing for Ezra,
where did you actually met Rob Reed?
[ae]
We met Rob through the prog rock directory (compiled by Dave Robinson), we were looking for a keyboard player and saw that Rob
was local, so initially it was geography that drew us together, but we soon realised
what a huge talent he was and we did a few gigs playing Ezra and Cyan tracks and then
went into the Coach House studio in Bristol to record a demo which finally became our first album Shapes.
Did you know the other members of Magenta?
[ae]
Yes, Ive known Christina for many years through Robs other musical projects and have been introduced to the other members of the band over the years.
Did Rob asked you for the ProgAID project?
[ae]
Yes I've worked with Rob at Briar Bank studios before so it was easy to slip back into our old working habits.
Are you involved with other projects?
[ae]
As well as finishing the Ezra third album Songs From Pennsylvania I'm also working on an
animated feature film about a toy rabbit called Felix, it's doing well in Gemany at
the moment.
Felix is a feature length animated movie for kids we (myself and Colin) are currently
working on the second movie and tv series
Do you got a regular job too?
[ae]
I work full time as an engineer and composer at Briar Bank studios for Nutopia-Chang.
Nutopia-Chang, from Danny Chang?
[ae]
Danny Chang is the man in charge,we mostly work on cartoon music, but there are many other areas we work in such as recording bands,all types of tv and film music, composing for artists,film production and agents etc.
So you're one of the lucky that found a job with making music the whole day?
[ae]
I'm extremely lucky as my day job is music, so I can't lose, although it would be nice to dedicate the whole day to progressive rock.
Think you knew the song "All Arround The World", do you think it is going be a succes for all those victims of the Tsunami?
[ae]
I'm sure it will,the one thing that has become evident since the Tsunami is that people want to help people and will get behind charity projects with more passion than governments.
Was you pleased to see all the names who are involved?
[ae]
Yes, there were some people we've gigged with in the past and some real great musicians all of them great guys & gals.
How was it the recording weekend?
[ae]
It all ran smoothly and was very busy but everyone concentrated on doing the best job in the hectic time schedule.
Was there hanging a certain Spirit in the Studio?
[ae]
There was a great atmosphere everyone was friendly and there were no egos brought to the
studio, you couldn't hope for a better day's recording.
What are the members of Ezra doing at this moment?
[ae]
Ezra are currently rehearsing for live gigs and finishing off the new album, expect to hear the new stuff soon.
I assume that Colin, the keyboard player is family?
[ae]
No, everyone in Wales is either an Edwards,Evans or Jones.
How would you describe the new album "Songs from Pennsylvania"?
[ae]
The is definately more laid back than the other albums, my guitar heroes are
Alex Lifeson and Dave Gilmour so you might hear some influences on there.
When will the new album will be available?
[ae]
We have completed all the vocals there are a few bits to do but it should be finnished
at the end of the month,it's down to F2 to release it then.
Is there anything else you want to say to the people All Around The World?
[ae]
Keep believing in peace and the beauty of music.
Thanks Andy for all the help and support, Nick Gielkens of the lovely South of the Netherlands.
[ae] Cheers Nick
Official site: www.ezra.co.uk.
Interview
With: John Jowitt of IQ, Jadis, Arena and... .
Date: Feb 07 2005.
Hello John,
How is life?
[jj]
Hi Nick,
Life is good, thank you. Looking forward to getting out with Jadis, IQ and Arena (and anyone else that will have me - gig with The Hens next week) and playing again.
What was your impression of the terrible Tsunami that hit Asia?
What was your feeling about it?
[jj]
I was amazed at the amount of destruction. Each day the numbers of people seemed to keep rising. There was a fantastic response from people all over, and it was nice ro be part of that in any way possible.
There are more projects for Tsunami, Roger Waters did some performing, Marillion did a charity gig, Rick Wakeman join force with an Steve Winwood and others, Spocks Beard has an wonderful cd (with IQ and others) planned and this one ProgAID. Is it important for you to support such an actions of solidarity?
[jj]
I'd normally turn up for the opening of an envelope. I love playing, as most people know, so the chance to do something worthwhile was double special.
How was the recording weekend? You live in the nabourhood?
[jj]
I live in England, and the recording was in Wales. Terrible place, locals terrorising people with their close harmony singing, etc. No, it was great to meet up with old friends and to make some new ones in response to such a good cause. The Magenta boys should be very proud, they did a great job.
How was the atmosphere?
[jj]
Good fun. No egos, plenty of beer.
I heard there was a funny incident with you and the beautifull Tracy Hitchings?
Tell us about it please.
[jj]
Yes, Tracey got her knob out. Tart.
Do you want to say something to the people All Around The World?
[jj]
Hello people. Be nice more often.
Thanks John!
[jj]
All the best, Nick.
Interview
With: Steve Taylor of Strangefish.
Date: Feb 14 2005.
Hello Steve,
How is life in cold wet England?
Where do you live, in the nabourhoud of Manchester?
[st]
I live in a small backwater of Salford called Cadishead which is always cold and wet due to the fact that it is always raining!
What was your occupation when you first heard the news about the Tsunami?
[st] Relaxing following a meal at my Mothers.
Is there a picture of the disaster that is burned in your head?
[st]
Our local newspaper carried a photo of people fleeing this huge wall of water.
Was was your feeling about it?
[st]
It's an image that will remain with me for very long time.
You're involved in this project, who did contact you, were did you
know him from, have you worked together?
[st]
A gentleman by the name of Danny Mayo from the Progressive website 'Hairless Heart Herald' contacted me asking if I would like to be involved.
Did you know the song 'All Arround The World", do you think it is going be a succes for all those victims of the Tsunami?
[st]
I had not heard the song before but it has a very instant and catchy melody. It success will lie in it's ability to remind everyone of the plight of the victims and the hope that there is for them.
Was you pleased to see all the names who are involved?
[st] Very pleased. It was a great effort from everyone involved in organising the whole event.
How was it the recording weekend?
[st] Very organised with a real sense of togetherness about the whole thing. I even had the chance to brush up on my Pool although I feel there will be several people seeking revenge on the Green Baize at some point ( sorry Jerry! ).
Did you know all the musicians, did you met them before?
[st]I travelled down with Dave our drummer and our good friend Rob Gould from Fula. I hadn't met up with the Magenta guys before so it was nice to meet like minded people and it's always a pleasure to catch up with IQ's Mr.Jowitt.
Did the session became a great success?
[st]
Judging by the reaction of the guys in the studio I would say so.
What are the members of Strangefish doing at this moment?
[st] We have recently completed the writing of the follow up to 'Full Scale' entitled 'Fortune telling' and are busy rehearsing the songs.
How is the new album getting shape? You're all are involved?
[st] We are due in the studio in April with a view to a Summer release.
Hope these answers meet your requirements and look forward to hearing from you
again soon Nick. Take care 'til then.
Steve.
Steve, thanks for spending some time on this project and answering my
questions.
Hope to hear more from you and Strangefish!
Interview
With: Nick Barrett
Date: March 12 2005.
Hello dear Nick,
How is life in cold wet England?
[nb]:
Ok thank you.
Where do you live?
[nb]:
Mostly in a house in Wiltshire
Also in the lovely South?
[nb]:
er....yes.
What was your occupation when you first heard the news about the Tsunami?
[nb]:
I can't remember, probably in bed.
Is there a picture of the disaster that is burned in your head?
[nb]:
There are a few, I think the one of the film footage of people being swept
away from their families as they tried to hold onto some railings, that was
truly horrible.
You're involved in this project, who did contact you, were did you know him
from, have you worked together?
[nb]:
er...I think the guys from Magenta..in fact I sent the ma mail to see if
they wanted me to do anything, and they said yes so...
I have known Rob Reed for some years now.
Did you know the song 'All Arround The World", do you think it is going be a
succes for all those victims of the Tsunami?
[nb]:
I hadn't heard it before. Well it's sure to raise some money for the
victims, even if it only raises £5, it's a success because that's £5 more
than they had before!
Was you pleased to see all the names who are involved?
[nb]:
I don't know about 'pleased', but surprised to see so many were involved ,
but more pleased to see that the guys organising it like Dave Robinson and
the Magenta boys managed to co ordinate everyone and get the musicians
involved.
All we had to do was a bit of playing and singing, that's easy compared to
the nightmare of putting something like this together!
How was it the recording weekend?
[nb]:
It was great, a real good atmosphere in the studio, it was good to see a lot
of people I haven't seen for ages.
Yep..a real good vibe to the day!
Did you know all the musicians, did you met them before?
[nb]:
I knew some, Tracy Hitch of course, er...Rob Reed, John Jowitt , Stuart from
Galahad.
Did the seesion became a great success?
[nb]:
I dunno, ....judge for yourself!
What are the members of Pendragon doing at this moment?
[nb]:
Making a new album
How is that new album getting shape?
[nb]:
Yes it's going well
You're all are involved?
[nb]:
So far....
You got already a title?
[nb]:
It's called Believe.
Will it have again some excelent artwork of Simon Williams? I think we're going for a change this time.
Will there be some live gigs again?
[nb]:
Yes, we'll tour again early 06, and hope to get really active again on the
live circuit, and recording too.
Heard that you and Clive will do some
acoustic sessions?
[nb]:
Yes, in Poland, but it's been delayed
Is there anything else you want to say to the people All Around The World?
[nb]:
Yes, eat more fish!
Thanks Nick for all the help and support, Nick Gielkens of the lovely South of the Netherlands.
[nb]
cheers,
Nick Barrett.
This is what he wrote on his own website,
www.pendragon.mu:
"Well you've probably all heard what
the ProgAID thing is by now, word travels fast in Progworld! For
those who are thinking, wot dis? It is a charity Cd to raise some
funds for the Tsunami victims....all done by prog artists.
I think it was the guys from Magenta and Dave Robinson from F2 Records
that came up with the idea and put the whole thing together. Click
HERE for more
details.
It was great to be involved and the day I had in the studio in South
Wales was terrific. Firstly, I got there to be greeted by 'our T',
[Tracy Hitchings] and John Jowitt who had just done their bit and
were off to the pub, and as Alan Reed [Pallas vocalist and Chris
De Burgh of the prog rock world] was laying down some fine vocal
tracks I decided to join them.
So...... a wee bit oiled, I put down some slide guitar and then
sang a verse. We all sang the chorus Live Aid/football crowd style;
the whole day had a great sense of prog camaraderie, and we hope
that it will get some sales, it certainly caught the interest of
Total Rock internet radio who I understand will be giving it some
plays.
It was brilliant to see a lot of people I haven't seen for years
like Stuart from Galahad, 'Our T' etc.
And not an enormous ego in site!.......how unusual?"
Love
Nick B.
This was in a recent (September 2005) interview at DPRP:
Well, I don't know. It is very difficult for a radio station to sit there and say: "we have got another tsunami record" but I don't know. It doesn't really bother me. It is of course nice if it does well but it is important that people do some kind of effort towards contributing to it. It is obviously better if everyone went there with a spade and a shovel and literally build some houses. But you know people are thinking: "what can we do?". Well we can raise some money and then it does not really matter if it's 200 quid or 2 million quid, 200 quid at least you have done something. 2 million quid is made up of lot's of 200 quids. And it is a long way to go to get that, I don't know what they made on prog aid, but if they made say a few 1000 pounds that's virtually a house. If you turn around to all the people involved was it worth all the effort to do this, you have to turn around and say:"yes". We made some money that helped and if it's part of what helped then it has been worth it.
What I mean: if Britney Spears says something about it, it might become world news.
I hear what you're saying, but it is impossible to answer, I can't judge if someone that's really famous should or shouldn't do it. Of course it has impact if someone like that gets involved. Everyone does the bit he or she can do. I wasn't really disappointed it did not become a hit single, I never thought it would be. I just thought if it will do something it is fantastic. If we raise a couple of thousands quit: brilliant. It is more than I could raise on my own for it. And I know some of the other guys felt the same.
Interview
With: Troy Donockley.
Date: a lovely weekend in April.
Hello Troy,
Good to hear from you again, got good memories of you ;-) cheers!
How was the tour with Barbara Dickson?
[td]
It was a wonderful and very succesful tour. We played 19 shows all "sold out" and the music
was a joy to play. I am a BIG fan of Barbara's voice.....
Have you any new plans for touring with your friend David Bainbridge [Iona], friends of the Lake District
or someone else?
[td]
Me and Dave intend to do more live work. We have an album of "live and studio" material
due out early summer so we will hopefully do some shows to promote that. At the moment we
are directing our energy toward a new "Iona" album. We are doing some European Festivals this
Summer too which is a splendid way of test driving new material.
I will be playing with my Lakey friends Mostly Autumn at the Album Launch concert in London
which should be brilliant fun. NG: 4th of June, check out!
What were you thoughts when you first heard about the ProgAID Project?
[td]
I thought it was a wonderful idea and when Matt ( bass player from "Magenta" ) told me the
plan, it was clear he had a strong and heartfelt drive to get it off the ground so, I
agreed immeadiatley.
Did you knew David Robbinson and Magenta before?
[td]
I met "Magenta" at the Classic Rock awards night 2004, where I very happily presented them
with the best new band and best female vocalist awards.
We hear you on ullian pipes through out on the whole Definiteve Mix and the Instrumental track.
[td]
I played Uilleann Pipes and Low whistle on the track. There are a few mixes. One short for
"radio friendly"
audiences and one for the Prog Rock fanatics which
lasts for about 5:00mins.
Do you like it?
[td]
Aye, it sounds grand.
Could you describe it?
[td]
You will have to hear it yourself........!
Got already a few copies Troy ;-)
How was your reaction when you heard all the names who were involved?
[td]
Very pleased that everyone was ready and willing.
Would it be a good idea to repeat this collaboration next year for ... another goal that
still need support? We hope that it will not be another disaster.
[td]
I hope not. Yes, it would be nice to do more.
Do you think people will buy this single for the needs of the victims of the Tsunami?
[td]
If it gets enough exposure I see no reason why it should'nt sell very well. It is after all a very worthy cause.
You're busy with writing and recording a new album?
[td]
Yes, it is shaping itself nicely Nick. I reckon, if all goes well, it could be ready for next
spring.
Do you write music down and you play guitar or something else?
[td]
I like to get a clear and finished direction for a piece in my head first...it saves a lot
of time and the inside of the head is great for editing! I then start writing parts for
whoever ( strings, choir, piano etc.) and plan myself into the scheme with whatever instrument
needs to be included. It takes a Loooong time.....
Do you need a special mood?
[td]
Every different mood is great for me, and thankfully I don't suffer from mood-swings which
could be confusing.
What is important for you, the perfect sound or to set donw a certain feeling ?
[td]
Feeling... definitely. And more feeling.
All the tops
Thank you again Troy for your patients, help and time.
Nick.
Page 1.
E-mail form Matthew Cohen
Interview with Steve Gee
Interview with Stu Nicholson
Interview with Martin Orford
Page 2.
Interview with Andy Edwards
Interview with John Jowitt
Interview with Steve Taylor
Interview with Nick Barrrett
Interview with Troy Donockley
Recording session ProgAID + pictures.
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