"Music that inspires" is the opportunity for me to pay homage to the music that inspires me, the artists who I've revered and the songs that have driven me to write myself. These are a collection of covers I have done, merely to pay my respects to the songs and for the sheer joy of it. Some of these songs may hold a special place for some or may be new encounters. If the former, I hope I have done justice to the song and if the latter, please go and find the artists yourself. These are personal choices, music that inspires me and I hope you enjoy something here...
(All of these songs are available as free downloads through Soundcloud on the Links page.)
(All of these songs are available as free downloads through Soundcloud on the Links page.)
-4:05
Where Did You Sleep Last Night
(Leadbelly)
Although this song was probably more well known through the Nirvana version, I was first drawn to the original. I have always been a huge fan of Leadbelly's raw, gutteral delivery and powerful emotion. I have tried to give this song a new twist by using the rhodes as the main instrument whilst trying to retain the raw nerve of the song....
(Leadbelly)
Although this song was probably more well known through the Nirvana version, I was first drawn to the original. I have always been a huge fan of Leadbelly's raw, gutteral delivery and powerful emotion. I have tried to give this song a new twist by using the rhodes as the main instrument whilst trying to retain the raw nerve of the song....
-6:21
Wolves
(Phosphorescent)
There is a spate of bands like Phosphorescent that have been hugely influencial in the music I make. That wistful, thoughtful, almost dreamy americana sound that these, and acts such as Bon Iver, Iron & Wine and Bonnie Prince Billy create has an ability to transport you into other places and times. I chose to do this song because it's delicate beauty has always captivated me. The biggest challenge in covering this, was retaining the vunerability of that sound, but it was a really rewarding experience and has helped me with my own writing...
(Phosphorescent)
There is a spate of bands like Phosphorescent that have been hugely influencial in the music I make. That wistful, thoughtful, almost dreamy americana sound that these, and acts such as Bon Iver, Iron & Wine and Bonnie Prince Billy create has an ability to transport you into other places and times. I chose to do this song because it's delicate beauty has always captivated me. The biggest challenge in covering this, was retaining the vunerability of that sound, but it was a really rewarding experience and has helped me with my own writing...
-3:23
Polly
(Nirvana)
Nirvana were probably the first band that really struck a chord with me emotionally, being of the right age at the right time to be immersed in their angst. Polly has always been one of my favourites for it's delicate vunerability. Being such an iconic song, I was wary of producing a mere imitation, so I stripped it right down and built it up with home made percussion to produce something that would hopefully pay respects to the song, but give it a new angle...
(Nirvana)
Nirvana were probably the first band that really struck a chord with me emotionally, being of the right age at the right time to be immersed in their angst. Polly has always been one of my favourites for it's delicate vunerability. Being such an iconic song, I was wary of producing a mere imitation, so I stripped it right down and built it up with home made percussion to produce something that would hopefully pay respects to the song, but give it a new angle...
-3:19
St James Infirmary Blues
(Traditional)
I have always been a fan of jazz, and there's something raw and earthy about the traditional jazz of the deep south. This track is a brilliant infusion of this sound and the blues and I couldn't resist doing my interpretation of it. Lacking a full brass section in the house, I've made this a low key acoustic version with some sax and kazoo to imitate the that big brass sounds. Out of all the covers I have done, this was by far the most fun to record for the kazoo line alone!
(Traditional)
I have always been a fan of jazz, and there's something raw and earthy about the traditional jazz of the deep south. This track is a brilliant infusion of this sound and the blues and I couldn't resist doing my interpretation of it. Lacking a full brass section in the house, I've made this a low key acoustic version with some sax and kazoo to imitate the that big brass sounds. Out of all the covers I have done, this was by far the most fun to record for the kazoo line alone!
-3:07
I Hung My Head
(Sting/Johnny Cash)
It wasn't until I recorded this version, that I found out that this was a Sting original. I have always known it as a Cash song and from the dark lyrics and stark setting of this song, it's no surprise. There is something heart wrenching about this story and the way Cash delivers it, it becomes very believable. This has been a favourite of mine for many years and it was a toss up between this and Hurt.. Looking back, I'm glad I got involved in the story of this one and hope I did both Sting and Cash justice...
(Sting/Johnny Cash)
It wasn't until I recorded this version, that I found out that this was a Sting original. I have always known it as a Cash song and from the dark lyrics and stark setting of this song, it's no surprise. There is something heart wrenching about this story and the way Cash delivers it, it becomes very believable. This has been a favourite of mine for many years and it was a toss up between this and Hurt.. Looking back, I'm glad I got involved in the story of this one and hope I did both Sting and Cash justice...
