Johnny: “Figure It Out started
at Karl Wallinger’s studio Seaview. He recorded me on acoustic and he played a
bass on Moog. Karl also suggested I tweak the lyric here and there. He was a
fabulous producer -arranger and a dear friend. My advice to young lovers would
be to try to stay in love and to love like you’ve never been hurt.”
Johnny: “Anniversary Bash is
an out take from Blockheads album ‘Where’s
The Party?’ I took a monitor mix at the end of the session .It’s good to
have a mix even if the song doesn’t make it on an album. I love the jam on the
outro. Gilad Atzmon plays beautiful Soprano lines and Dylan Howe on drums
mashed it up nicely. Mickey Gallagher on electric piano, Norman Watt-Roy on
Bass, Chaz Jankel on Moog. The lyric was originally about Eric Clapton. I
played at his Hall of Fame event in New York at the Armoury. I was in
Spiritual Cowboys with Dave Stewart. I spoke with Eric after sound check. He
was kind and very relaxed even though his life must have been complex and
tinged with sadness. The other influence was Ian Dury at the Palladium. His
last ever concert with The Blockheads and special guest singers.”
‘Little Ray of
Sunshine’ also started out at Karl Wallinger’s studio many years ago. I
had the tune and Karl was mumbling words including the title. We never finished
it sadly … When Karl died I decided to write more words .The night before his
funeral I finished it and sang it to his family. They approved so I tagged it
on the end of the new album. I may have borrowed a few Paul McCartney
chords for this one but I don’t think he would object. The last time I saw Paul
I told him I had bought all his records and he said thanks mate…I did meet all
the Beatles. Paul and Ringo were very kind and relaxed. Ringo let me play his
drum kit when I was recording Kai Olsen’s album at Tittenhurst studios. The
snare drum still had a piggy packet taped on the skin from years ago. I was
chuffed to bits... John Lennon asked me to help find his glasses late one night
at The Speakeasy club London. We found them and he was grateful a little bit
drunk at the time...Twas a late night lock in and most people had gone home….
George was always moody to me and I think I know why. We both fancied a
beautiful woman.. I don’t want to mention the girl’s name so we will leave it
at that. Bless him.”
“The Beatification of Saint Karl….We were recording ‘The Whole of The Night’ I was using my Gibson Melody Maker guitar which is easy to play but to Karl’s ears sounded a bit thin so he put it through his latest bit if trickery and got a fantastic sound which inspired me onto bendy tricky licks .We celebrated with a fat one and a cup of Tea. On my first solo record ‘Quantum Frolics’ Karl loved the song ‘Love and Magik’ so he stayed up for hours sorting out my vocals and did a wonderful mix.'
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