Sun Shining Golden

The Locomotion - One Fine Day - Will You Love Me Tomorrow; I had no idea these iconic songs were all written by the legendary Carole King.

She wrote her first number 1 hit (with Gerry Goffin) at the super young age of 17, can you believe it?! And before then, conducted her first orchestra at just age 15. 🤯

Well if that's not enough for you to close the lid of your upright, I dunno what is?!

Not having the slightest bit of confidence in my voice, I've always felt I should probably take a step back from the mic - leave it to the sweet songbirds of this world. I've occasionally dabbled with the idea of writing songs for other people to sing instead of me, just like Carole, but after spending hours crafting a tune, I think to myself, sod giving it away - I'm having this one!

It's no surprise I barely sell any clothes in my vintage shop with that business model in tow!

Learning Tapestry has been a huge musical challenge for me. The hardest part has been trying to sing with a nod to Carole's vocal style. Her voice - so full of soul, warmth and depth, is the total opposite to how I usually sing. Shrill, piercing and sharp as fuck! It's like Yoko attempting to sing in the style of Janis Joplin. I'm getting there, slowly, and I definitely owe my neighbours a bottle of wine.

🙉🙉🙉

Another reason this project has been so different for me is because of how many people are involved in it. Being a two piece, I'm used to sharing the stage with just Dave alone, but this time I have the pleasure of having 6 other musicians on the floor with me.

We've often spoken about doing a one-off Bunters gig, with a full band behind us - this is a good taster for that big wall of sound.

I've really enjoyed digesting Carole's songs for the last 6 months. You'd think I'd be bored shittless of Tapestry by now, but every time I play the album at home, I hear something else in those songs that I didn't notice before. The surprises are endless!

What I love most about Carole's songs is that they're not only hooky, full of lush chords and beautifully and tastefully produced, but so many of her songs are identifiable. That's what makes them such glorious hits, I guess. To reach out to a person and make them feel like that song is speaking to them indirectly makes for an amazing songwriter, in my opinion - one I can only ever dream of coming close to being.

I can't wait to bring Carole's beautiful songs to life and with my friends by side; as the legendary Daryl Elasea would say - "what a scene!"

If you haven't yet got your ticket, do come along and join me and the gang on the 16th Feb at St Mark's Church performing Tapestry in its entirety. We'll just be doing this the once. X

https://wegottickets.com/event/633106/