Monday 29 October 2018

My Brother Jake

Image result for my brother jake free
When James rang the other day and said he'd really like us to do another round of recording, it was, quite literally, music to my ears. We've done a few sessions together over the years and he really has helped shape a lot of my songs. I may have provided the playground, but James was the one who put the swings and roundabouts in.

That's not my quote by the way - when Nigel Clark walked out on Dodgy 20 years ago I remember Matt their drummer saying it might be Clarks's name on the records, but they all know how the songs really got written and recorded. Ouch.

That said, I know this time around we'll be doing a couple of covers. James and I both love the Eiderdowns' version of From the Beginning by ELP. Bernard, who played fiddle on Pickering Place would certainly be my Number One choice for this along with Nat: Nathaniel plays sax with local shit kickers Slumb Party, but it's his banjo I want to hear on this:

The Eiderdowns - From the Beginning


And another one I'd like to have a crack at is My Brother Jake. Free had a huge hit with it in 1971, but, again, I want to do it more like the Eiderdowns; so chilled we may all end up getting hypothermia. Let me make a few phone calls and see if we can't fix this up for early in the New Year.

14 comments:

  1. As a general rule, when it comes to cover versions I like to see something interesting done with the original arrangement, to make the whole endeavour worthwhile. Having said all that, The Eiderdowns treat 'From the Beginning' with such care and attention to detail that I immediately chucked out that self-made rule. It's a very beautiful thing indeed. Thanks for bringing it to my attention John.
    (I'd like to hear their run at 'My Brother Jake' too, but the link isn't working).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm with you TS. Always bring something new to the table, indeed. Yet, and yet...as you say, From the Beginning is sublime, isn't it?

      Links - I'm gonna stop using box.com and switch apps. Who do you use? Feel free to take this off line; I've also asked Alyson who she uses over at her excellent blog.

      Delete
    2. Having said that, I've just tried to open it and it's got thru first time. It's a bit hit and miss, so will definitely change it over.

      Delete
    3. I use Box and (touch wood) have not had an issue thus far. Still can't get through to Jake btw.

      Delete
    4. Sorry - should have left my comment here.

      Box is an excellent product, but you have to remember to go into Settings, then click on the SHARE tab and check the "anyone with the link" option for each song you upload, otherwise you're the only one who will be able to access it (if you're signed in.)

      Delete
    5. Hi Marie,

      Could you do me a favour? Could you send me a screen grab of the correct settings I need. I thought I'd 'ticked the right boxes', but obviously not! (You've got my email address haven't you?)

      J

      Delete
    6. Hi John,

      I just sent you an email with the screenshots attached. Let me know if you need any clarification.

      Delete
  2. I'd like to hear My Brother Jake, too. No luck. Maybe later?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Right...I think I've cracked it! Give it a go now. I'm using a different platform - they go by the name of Mega and it seems to be behaving itself. Please let me know if you encounter further problems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Result! And well worth hearing. Thank you.

      Delete
    2. Great news Martin! I may go back and convert some old ones to the new format; not least Jinski's 'Tick Tock' from my last post.

      Delete
  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Finally got to it. Very good. Is there more stuff by these guys on the interweb?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you like it. I've got two of their albums and mighty fine they are too btw (covers & original compositions). I was in contact with Guy many moons ago, but couldn't tell you much more about 'web content'. They still had a Myspace(!) site last time I heard. Sorta dates them/me...

      Delete