Mike Engles recorded radio sessions at the BBC for almost 40 years. He’s picked his top 10 favourite sessions and, amaziningly James Summerfield’s old Band ‘Buick 6′, later ‘The Toques) made it into the list!
The band were: Anna Russell, Campbell Docherty, Phil Robinson, and Craig Hamilton (all now Friends of the Stars). We had help from Jez Ince, Simon J Alpin (Willard Grant Conspiricy) and Julian Wilson (Grand Drive) , and the session was recorded on 18/08/2002.
Engles said; “This was one of the last Peel sessions I recorded. It was a good way to ‘go out’ as I really enjoyed the session. They did four songs, all of them quite different. They had drums, bass, acoustic steel guitar, keyboards and a string section. It certainly was not the usual drums bass guitar thrash. They did a country style version of the Black Crowes song Jealous Again. I like the Black Crowes. Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed is an arrangement of an old Blues Gospel song, again not a bad thing to my mind”.
I am very very sad to hear the news that Mark Linkous has died 6th March 2010.
I grew up on his music and have watched him perform 5 or 6 times, and each time he has left me close to tears.
I don’t usually get that sad when musicians pass away, but in my opinion, he was one of a few artists who had the ability and bravery to successfully produce and perform music which was totally unique . I listen to Vivadixie all the time, and every listen unravels a new sound previously hidden away somewhere, making every listen interesting.
Judging by his subdued nature during live shows and interviews, and previous addictions to drugs/alcohol, he was obviously someone who struggled to deal with life’s pressures which makes this news even more heartbreaking.
For those of you who either like to feel nostalgic or haven’t heard James old band, The Toques (previously Buick 6), we have selected some memories for sharing via Myspace.
15th October
Colour presents a Commercially Inviable extravaganza: The Victoria, Birmingham with James Summerfield,Simon Fox, Richard Burke, Friends of the Stars. A Commercially Inviable wing-ding featuring all the label’s current acts on one bill. <
We are pleased to say that James will be touring again with Scott Matthews, although sadly, James has lots on during November so he can only make the back end of the tour. We hope to see you at the following shows:
A big thank you for those people who listened and/or bought my album. However, in general, most people talked through my set which was pretty rude, and only one person put money in the NAS charity box.
Dublin- 28/05/09
These people are hard. They love their music and drink. I got to the hotel at 2am and had to get up at 4am for the flight home. I was a little hungover too which didn’t help. 10 euro for a double JD!
Liverpool- 29/05/09
Enjoyed this. I was very tired from the day before but this was fun. Quite liked the swanky grafitti on the boarded up houses too.
Glasgow- 30/05/09
Played pretty well and the people of Glasgow were very generous with the National Autistic Society donations. Good gig, lovely city.
Leeds- 31/05/09
Great crowd- reminded me of Henman Hill. I think most of them were students as they were very young. Also, the promoter happened to go to the same school as me and was in the same year. What are the chances?
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