I just came across this recording of Leonard Cohen’s Famous Blue Raincoat from a music night at the Roxy Art House way back in 2005. I remember it being a spontaneous decision on stage to finish my set with this and not one of my own songs. The Roxy Art House was a huge former … Read more
In the early 1970s, inspired by the success of CBS’s The Rock Machine and The Rock Machine Turns You On, many record companies started putting out budget-price samplers. Island Records made some of the most popular samplers, and the Island samplers are still regarded with affection and listened to today. Fairport Convention, Jethro Tull, Traffic, … Read more
Lyric videos seem to be a thing nowadays, presumably so that something shows when you’re looking at them on Facebook during a meeting with the sound off, pretending it’s an important email. This song was on All The Time In Heaven. I’d written it years earlier of course, and at first I was a little … Read more
I was sixteen and in fifth year at school. My girlfriend at the time was in sixth year, her eye on the end of school and the beginning of ‘real life’. One evening at her house she brought out a white album with an obscure, burned out photo on the front. Songs from a Room. … Read more
I’ve been unable to post to WordPress for a while, so I’m glad to have got it fixed today. Tonight’s the night for the third Tip of the Hat to Leonard Cohen. We’re at the Village, Fort Street, Leith. We’ve got so many singers we need to start prompt! Besides, Leonard would like it that … Read more
Edinburgh singer-songwriters line up to sing the songs of the Grocer of Despair. Captain’s Bar, Saturday night 8:30