Loved reading this piece and being reminded of Joan’s music. It’s been a while since I’ve listened to her and I have several of her albums. A girlfriend in college turned me on to her.
Yes - she's great. Certainly one of those artists that I feel I've listened to more than I actually have. I really enjoyed dipping back into her catalogue. My introduction to her was rather different - 'Love and Affection' in a pub while sitting in front of a fire on a very nasty night with three friends after work. 'Who's this?' I asked. And they all shook their heads at the American.
You can't be expected to know who every musical artist is! I'll defend your ignorance...:) I take it she's much more famous outside the U.S. I can't remember where I found her. It was in college in the late '80s I think.
If there are any Wire fans here (THE Wire not the angular post punk bands), the actor that played Lester Freemon-Clarke-Peters sang back up on « Live and Affection »! I’m pretty sure that’s him singing the really baritone notes.
Thanks for writing about Joan Armatrading. She has written some stunning songs, and doesn't get the recognition she deserves. Her new classical piece has received mixed reviews and I'm looking forward to listening to it.
Plus, I believe Joan still subscribes to 'The Beano', even if the comic isn't what it once was (is anything?)
Glad you liked it - it really was the ITV interview that inspired the choice. She's amazing - and, now that I've dived a bit into her, she's all over my playlists. And 'Willow' - wow. I remember it, but it went the way so many brilliant songs do. It's top of the list now, though. As for the classical piece, only time will tell, I guess. I'm looking forward to sitting down in front of the fire and listening to it without interruption. Not sure when that will happen, though ....
Loved reading this piece and being reminded of Joan’s music. It’s been a while since I’ve listened to her and I have several of her albums. A girlfriend in college turned me on to her.
Yes - she's great. Certainly one of those artists that I feel I've listened to more than I actually have. I really enjoyed dipping back into her catalogue. My introduction to her was rather different - 'Love and Affection' in a pub while sitting in front of a fire on a very nasty night with three friends after work. 'Who's this?' I asked. And they all shook their heads at the American.
You can't be expected to know who every musical artist is! I'll defend your ignorance...:) I take it she's much more famous outside the U.S. I can't remember where I found her. It was in college in the late '80s I think.
If there are any Wire fans here (THE Wire not the angular post punk bands), the actor that played Lester Freemon-Clarke-Peters sang back up on « Live and Affection »! I’m pretty sure that’s him singing the really baritone notes.
A great connection - and I had no idea! Yes, it's definitely his 'honeyed baritone' (as I keep reading) in the backing. Thanks for this.
You can even hear him making doll furniture in the recoding!
Thanks for writing about Joan Armatrading. She has written some stunning songs, and doesn't get the recognition she deserves. Her new classical piece has received mixed reviews and I'm looking forward to listening to it.
Plus, I believe Joan still subscribes to 'The Beano', even if the comic isn't what it once was (is anything?)
Glad you liked it - it really was the ITV interview that inspired the choice. She's amazing - and, now that I've dived a bit into her, she's all over my playlists. And 'Willow' - wow. I remember it, but it went the way so many brilliant songs do. It's top of the list now, though. As for the classical piece, only time will tell, I guess. I'm looking forward to sitting down in front of the fire and listening to it without interruption. Not sure when that will happen, though ....
"Willow" is another great song from Joan. :).
It is - a great suggestion. Thanks.
'Willow', live, with audience singing the chorus, is virtually a spiritual experience.
I think I have a new favourite ...