| Site last updated Dec 2009 | |
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Influences People often ask me ‘who do you sound like?’ or ‘what’s your style?’ and it’s not easy to respond. There aren’t any straightforward answers. It might be best then to look at some musicians and songwriters who have influenced and shaped my own song writing and who have left an indelible mark on the development of my musical vocabulary and expression. ‘Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts’ Paul Simon sang. And heroes exist for me not just for their sound, but for their vision and the spirit of their songs. It takes time to develop an original style and musical heroes and visionaries play their part in helping us find our path to the sound, spirit and essence this is uniquely our own.  Without a doubt, my first song writing heroes were The Beatles. I just responded to their melodies and intelligent arrangements. However more than John and Paul, the real source of inspiration was George Harrison. George was the first Beatle to look outside of the narrow confines and trappings of fame and look for a deeper spiritual quality and message in music. I loved the simplicity of ‘The Inner light’ based on Lao Tzu’s Taoist verses and the innovative ‘Within or Without you’. Above all, I loved George’s first solo album ‘All things must Pass’ (featuring ‘My Sweet Lord’). A masterpiece from a man whose quiet quest to find spiritual fulfilment was reflected in his songs and who was not afraid to sing about his inner beliefs. ‘Living in the Material World’ too contained songs of unparalleled spirit and vision for the time. If ever there was a template for my early inspiration it was George Harrison and he is the first of the two truly great influences on my musical development. The other one I shall leave till the end. I had an early introduction to the song writing genius of Paul Simon. His unique melodies, rhythms and lyrical turn had a profound impact on me in my teens and still do today. The piano style and songs of Elton John and deft touch and superb musicianship of Eric Clapton were other formative influences. Singer song writers The subtlety and depth of singer songwriters such as Bert Jansch, John Martyn and Peter Hammill deeply affected my song writing. As did the plaintive and spiritual quality of Leonard Cohen. I have always felt Phil Collins a greatly under valued songwriter and his early solo work bears some similarities to mine. Peter Gabriel’s depth of creativity and inspired song writing coupled with his great passion for World music make him a true hero of mine. Finally a late discovery who really struck me is the composer Craig Armstrong. He has written some really great soundtracks, orchestral arrangements and melodies. I love his piano works above all, and his style in some ways resembles my own. Piano inspiration Bands Pink Floyd’s melodic arrangements influenced me deeply too, as did those of Queen and REM. However of all the bands I grew up with, it was the passion and music of U2 which affected me the most. Their songs and vision are as part of me as much now as they were when I first heard ‘New Year’s Day’. The depth and simplicity of their songs is second to none. Radiohead and Coldplay it goes without saying are part of my musical DNA too! A later great influence  And here lies the essence to a great song. It is the ability to make time stand still with a spirit that seems to come from nowhere and returns there after casting its spell. A timeless quality removed and separate from any ‘style’ or wave. Musical influences are a bit like old friends. Sat on the CD shelf together ‘like bookends’ (to paraphrase Paul Simon again). As we grow older these heroes and friends continue to comfort and inspire us. They accompany us on life’s journey and seem to stay evergreen. Just like their songs. Links |
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