Post by: Mike Allgeier on November 15, 2007, 08:00:40 AM
Post by: compasspnt on November 15, 2007, 09:10:16 AM
One of our PSW members here now works with Pet. Maybe we'll hear from closer to the horse's mouth.
That was probably one bass drum that was not intended as a Sonic Boom
Post by: Mike Allgeier on November 15, 2007, 10:10:47 AM
Hey Terry - this is OT but it's my topic so I'm gonna ask it: What is Joe Hardy doing now? Where is he? I haven't heard anything about him in quite awhile. I think he went to France for awhile if I remember correctly. After that I completely lost track of him. Thanks!
Mike
Post by: compasspnt on November 15, 2007, 10:52:52 AM
Post by: Brian Kehew on November 15, 2007, 02:28:23 PM
But to venture a guess, there was a BIG group playing live in there, and the kick drum may not even have been mic'ed on its own (maybe). It's almost certainly some effect of leakage you "feel" there - gives the drums a roomy size and space. The same for "Downtown" which kills me, it sounds so cool!
Big room - some space to grow...
Post by: Bryson on November 15, 2007, 04:37:32 PM
| Brian Kehew wrote on Thu, 15 November 2007 11:28 |
The same for "Downtown" which kills me, it sounds so cool! |
That drum fill in the orchestra break rocks!
Post by: rankus on November 15, 2007, 04:47:04 PM
Is there anything that isn't on you tube?
Petula Clark "Downtown" :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GVE7lRZuFM&feature=relat ed
And then for comparison Emma Bunton's version: (Proving that things are much better with more bass drum!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENHMJC2o7kQ&feature=relat ed
Post by: PP on November 15, 2007, 05:23:37 PM
Post by: compasspnt on November 15, 2007, 05:35:55 PM
I assume you are referring to the infamous Mr. B. G., the man who, in actuality, TURNED DOWN the offer made to him to join an unknown band from Liverpool.
That job went later to Mr. Richard Starkey.
But B. G. did all right for himself, after all!
Post by: compasspnt on November 15, 2007, 05:40:47 PM
And let's not forget he was the drummer on "You Really Got Me" and "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place," amongst countless others.
I couldn't read music, and in those days, arrangers would write all the drum parts. I remember doing a session with Tony Hatch. Tony hadn't realised I wasn't a reader. I'm playing away, and he said 'I've been sitting up all night writing those bloody drum parts and you're not playing them'. I was too afraid to say in front of everyone 'I can't play them because I can't read them', so I said 'I thought I'd improvise'. He was very gracious and said 'It's working; you play what you want." And BG did.
Post by: PP on November 15, 2007, 05:54:22 PM
Post by: maxdimario on November 15, 2007, 06:04:40 PM
Post by: maxdimario on November 15, 2007, 06:12:02 PM
I wonder if that was him too.
Post by: Bryson on November 15, 2007, 09:27:50 PM
Post by: Hallams on November 15, 2007, 09:44:00 PM
Post by: jwhynot on November 15, 2007, 10:58:21 PM
Surprisingly nobody has mentioned this...
Tough out the sonorously anachronistic intro and check out the article after...
JW
Post by: PP on November 16, 2007, 08:13:48 AM
Post by: compasspnt on November 16, 2007, 08:44:31 AM
| PP wrote on Fri, 16 November 2007 08:13 |
I talked a bit about the importance of having a positive philosophy of life, overcoming difficulties and obstacles and rising above them, elevating the level of our vision, and aiming higher, and acheiving more. |
This is exactly what I prefer in a session, rather than the drinking and carousing and lowbrow banter so common (although levity is of course needed from time to time).
This is why we are here.
This is why we make music.
Post by: Mike Allgeier on November 16, 2007, 01:43:00 PM
I'm not sure why his name wasn't given but I did find out who it was. I'm a drummer (OK, I was) and I can honestly say that I had never heard of him. Heard many, many of the songs he played on but just never knew. What a discography! Thanks again for the information. That sheds some light on things.
Post by: jwhynot on November 16, 2007, 02:14:25 PM
Positive outlook. Aim higher. Achieve more.
This is why we are here.
This is why we make music.
Thanks, guys, from all of us.
JW
Post by: maxim on November 16, 2007, 09:58:21 PM
great sounds!
Post by: dcollins on November 17, 2007, 02:44:40 AM
| PP wrote on Fri, 16 November 2007 05:13 |
If Dave Collins is about, read this.... I looked into arranging a ‘Factory Visit’ for you personally, (Maybe with a movie made of it) after I noted your interest in particular products. Unfortunately, just at the moment there is a great deal of money being invested in creating new jobs in America, by heavily expanding the production capability currently available in a Southern State. This means that the nearest facility for you personally, is unfortunately closed for such 'happy jaunts' at the moment, because of the understandable necessary upheaval in the Plants normal routines. |
Yes, particular products like the 335i. Which I finally got to experience thanks to RH.
I'll take one.
| Quote: |
When it’s finished (some of my good pals were responsible for designing the original Plant and others will design the extention to the facitilites) there will be some fantastic revolutionary new products manufactured, as well as the products you know, and as there is a Vintage Museum also on site, this too may be of interest to you. Perhaps this is something to bear in mind for when things settle down, a bit later on. |
Absolutely. Just let me know when things settle down.
| Quote: |
I had a funny experience yesterday Dave. ... I could tell I immediately hit it off with all the crews, and so when I started, with the mics in front of me, I did so by talking about mics, the ones they were using, and then went on to Vintage Neumann and AKG mics and Nagra Mastering Quality Recorders and lots of stuff that was not at all what they expected me to talk or know about. |
What were you expected to talk about?
Cars?
Music?
k-space formalism?
Paris Hilton?
It's all so confusing..........
| Quote: |
It was such a laugh. you should have seen their faces. A real hoot. Then the Producer offered me a job, replacing his existing sound man, who looked quite glum after that I thought. |
Those sound-guys are a morose bunch.
In need of a pick-up!
| Quote: |
I talked a bit about the importance of having a positive philosophy of life, overcoming difficulties and obstacles and rising above them, elevating the level of our vision, and aiming higher, and acheiving more. |
Controversial stuff!
| Quote: |
It was as if we all had connected personally at some profoundly deep level. |
Agreed.
Who is Peter Poyser?
DC
Post by: Bob Olhsson on November 17, 2007, 10:19:36 AM
| Bryson wrote on Thu, 15 November 2007 20:27 |
It's funny that they needed session cats even for early '60s raucous garage rock. |
Everybody needed session cats until the Linn drum and MIDI came along. We needed session singers until even more recently.
It has never really been about recording technology. It's just that the folks selling recording technology don't want people knowing that so they'll continue "upgrading" any time they aren't happy with the sound of their music.
Post by: J.J. Blair on November 19, 2007, 04:39:10 AM
Bobby Graham is the shizzle.
Post by: i dig music on November 19, 2007, 10:22:32 AM
i love Petula Clark and her recordings. they are always inspirational.
| Quote: |
Who is Peter Poyser? DC |
ahhh.. i've been waiting for someone to ask that question.
I may be wrong, but I believe PP is an alias for someone who is casually shy.......
or,
someone who is offering much information and opinion, while using an alias, to protect their anonymity for reasons they can't explain ... or don't care..... or feel the need .......
or,
he is peter poyser, a total behind the scenes mystery man {who knows alot about pianos} who nobody has heard of until now.
or,
he the wizard of oz..... a mega artist or producer hiding behind the curtain. some who seeks casual entertainment, and an association with the hoi poloi, with out any of the normal baggage that goes along with such associations.
or,
a ghost...someone who is just putting us all on.
either way, it makes one curious about the source and their information in more way then one way.
oh well, he knows who the rest of us are for the most part, where identities are concerned, so why would any of us need to know who he is. especially in a forum where anonymity is discouraged and against the rules.
my guess is pp, or anyone here who knows him, won't mention much about pp.
i also see pp addressing none of this.
pp once said, that you have to be careful about what you say in a
forum where your professional peers hang out. he said, that you never no who may be looking.... so watch what you say.
good advice to a large degree........ he is absolutely right.
but.... the was the whole point of this forum was........ you are not allowed to hide behind the curtain?
or...... do you have to be "special" to do so?
my point is,
if pp were to post here using his real name,
then we would know his real background,
this would provide us with some tremendous reference regarding his info and opinions,
wouldn't that be really cool?
so what was DC's question again, WHO is pp?
Post by: Brian Kehew on November 19, 2007, 03:37:58 PM
Post by: compasspnt on November 19, 2007, 04:25:25 PM
Then again, if you read between the lines, you might not be so surprised.
Post by: rankus on November 19, 2007, 10:49:27 PM
"Who is Peter Poyser?"
Well according to this Google search he is the inventor/ patent holder of this new "drywall square"
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20070089305.html
FWIW I think I have the true identity narrowed down to two suspects, (by reading between the lines) but I shall respect PP's wish to remain anonymous, and keep mum.
This is more fun than a good board game!
oh and to keep it On Topic: Petula Clark - Wow 260 records!
Post by: Tomas Danko on November 20, 2007, 07:29:13 AM
| J.J. Blair wrote on Mon, 19 November 2007 09:39 |
I had a fling with her daughter years ago. Yeah, I know. Who haven't I flung? Bobby Graham is the shizzle. |
You and Bobby?
Wow. Way to come out, dude!
Post by: Mike Allgeier on November 20, 2007, 10:07:32 AM
Thanks Guys!
Mike
Post by: Larrchild on November 21, 2007, 04:54:01 AM
CKLW in Windsor, across the river from Detroit, was my Top 40 lullabye back then.
AM,
mmmm
The muted trumpet at the end borders on wacky, in hindsight, actually.
Other than that, it's glorious! Rich Sound!
Post by: maxim on November 21, 2007, 05:07:14 AM
"Our first treat was to be shown around the Coal Mining area. Snibston had been an important part of the Leicestershire coalfield, and although we didn't get underground, much to the dismay of some of the ladies, we were entertained by Peter Poyser, an ex-pit deputy, who, having spotted a couple of likely lasses, proceeded to scare the life out of them with resuscitated dead canaries, loud bangs in the POWDER STORE, amputated fingers and other interesting things."
food for thought...
Post by: compasspnt on November 21, 2007, 08:19:25 AM
| Mike Allgeier wrote on Tue, 20 November 2007 10:07 |
Wow. I made a STICKY. I'm honored. |
Enjoy it, Mike.
It won't be a Sticky forever.
Post by: Ashermusic on November 21, 2007, 12:40:09 PM
Post by: PP on November 21, 2007, 04:40:15 PM
Post by: PP on November 21, 2007, 05:00:39 PM
Post by: PP on November 21, 2007, 05:11:11 PM
Post by: PP on November 21, 2007, 05:13:56 PM
Post by: PP on November 21, 2007, 05:16:02 PM
Post by: PP on November 21, 2007, 05:18:08 PM
Post by: jetbase on November 21, 2007, 05:22:29 PM
Post by: PP on November 21, 2007, 05:34:08 PM
Post by: PP on November 21, 2007, 05:45:07 PM
Post by: PP on November 21, 2007, 05:58:24 PM
Post by: PP on November 21, 2007, 06:01:10 PM
Post by: PP on November 21, 2007, 06:05:52 PM
Post by: compasspnt on November 21, 2007, 11:20:11 PM
| PP wrote on Wed, 21 November 2007 18:05 |
During the session I looked across and Jimmy was thundering away. At the end of the session I said 'you looked alright Jim'. He said, 'I turned my amp off".' |
A pro does whatever he must to get through the session with grace.
Post by: Larrchild on November 21, 2007, 11:26:20 PM
Post by: i dig music on November 21, 2007, 11:42:55 PM
p
WOW.
my head is spinning.
terry........i can't even find the lines now.......
but,
to stay OT, i would like to add that i saw pet in a theater production a few years back. striking and amazing is all i can say.
the odd thing is, i do not remember the production, but i certainly remember petula clarks voice. hearing a recording is one thing, but hearing her live was at the very least......... incredible.
sometimes in my line of work, i am looking for a vx like that, to try to recapture the whole essence of pet. it's hard to find. that in itself is a true tribute to her sound and the vibe she puts out.
Post by: compasspnt on November 21, 2007, 11:52:12 PM
Pet did that.
Dusty did that.
Post by: Larrchild on November 22, 2007, 11:52:28 AM
Dusty was cool in any language. Even sign language.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Xb9pORFRk
But Pet Clark had that studio orchestra! British Wrecking Crew indeed!
Post by: compasspnt on November 22, 2007, 12:29:47 PM
| Larrchild wrote on Thu, 22 November 2007 11:52 |
But Pet Clark had that studio orchestra! British Wrecking Crew indeed! |
Dusty had it as well, for instance, "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me."
Post by: KB_S1 on November 22, 2007, 12:54:38 PM
Makes it (even) harder to feel respect for some of the contemporary 'pop stars' that are in the press every day here complaining that they are not rewarded fairly for their work.
Downtown is possibly the first song I can remember hearing. I would have been 4 years old and for some reason was sleeping in the spare room of the house we were in at the time. My Mum must had the radio on. Still love it, such a shame we have ad a couple of iffy covers here over the years.
pp, I am glad you cleared up the 335i scenario, I had dismissed it earlier as my geeky love of cars when I saw the numbers appear and thought there was no way that was what was being discussed.
Post by: Brian Kehew on November 22, 2007, 03:24:28 PM
Post by: maxim on November 22, 2007, 05:31:58 PM
Post by: ktownson on November 23, 2007, 11:38:04 AM
My memory's a bit foggy, but I seem to remember her pronouncing her name "Peh-chew-lah," with somewhat equal emphasis on the syllables.
American DJs and emcees usually pronounced it "Peh-tool-luh" with more emphasis on the final syllable.
Anyone want to clear this up?
Post by: PP on November 23, 2007, 05:23:03 PM
Post by: compasspnt on November 23, 2007, 05:48:40 PM
Your photographs are most welcome.
T
Post by: maxim on November 23, 2007, 09:20:27 PM
"She was an Actress, turned Singer turned Actress"
ime, the singing actor is the best possible interpreter of a song
it's just hard to find someone who can do both well...
Post by: i dig music on November 23, 2007, 09:48:01 PM
| PP wrote on Fri, 23 November 2007 16:23 |
“A pro does whatever he must to get through the session with grace.” Indeed! Precisely so. He did exactly the right thing under the extraordinary circumstances. As a final footnote, I later heard that a military drummer was elsewhere, in another similarly named studio owned by the label, being presented with the distinction of being required to play a 12 bar boogie shuffle. “my head is spinning.” I believe Peter Gabriel suffers from a similar malady. “It is rare, especially today, for a singer to really be the focus...to take over everything and provide the emotion, either with or without the musical accompaniment. Pet did that. Dusty did that.” And they were both so very beautiful, and both sang brilliantly. Perfect vocal performance teamed with tremendous passionate delivery. “Dusty was cool in any language.” She once threw a cup of coffee right over my Session Drumming pal Bob. He played on 10 tracks of Dusty’s recorded during the Sixties. I would always have good fun in conversation with Bobby. A sort of repartee. I would say “Why is she called ‘Dusty’”. He would say “Because she’s been of the shelf for so long”. And so it would go on...... I would write things to make him laugh in my Score’s. He was always sniggering over them when presented with them. Copping me, knowing glances, gently taking the rise out of me. “But Pet Clark had that studio orchestra! British Wrecking Crew indeed!” ‘Dusty had it as well, for instance, "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me."’ Cilla Black also had some very big backup of certain of her Recordings. Bob played on Cilla’s “Anyone who had a Heart” A big arrangement with a forever changing time signature. As well as on Dusty’s wonderful "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me." And of course, don't forget dramatic Shirley Bassey, another great singer he backed. Here’s a little more about Dusty. 'Graham has special memories of Dusty Springfield: "She threw a cup of coffee at me. She had this thing about Drummers, We all had our little moment with Dusty. We did some stuff at Olympic, some at Phillips Studios. 'I Only Want To Be With You' had Vic Flick on guitar. (Note from P.P. Vic was the Guitarist that played lead on the Original James Bond Theme, another player from The John Barry Seven, it was a rare Semi Acoustic although you usually see Vic with a Strat). Dusty didn't like the sound at Phillips, she couldn't get the warm American sound over here. Dusty occasionally used to go and use the toilets in Phillips to record in. They'd sling a mike up, she didn't like the dead sound in the studio".' “pp, I am glad you cleared up the 335i scenario, I had dismissed it earlier as my geeky love of cars when I saw the numbers appear and thought there was no way that was what was being discussed.” “I like the comment toward "Let's keep this on topic of Petula Clark" and then we get PAGES of BMW details in the same post!” I’m delighted you both felt so very positive about it and have expressly written to say so. Jerry Bosun told me that ‘brevity is the sign of a brilliant mind’. I replied to him, that as he was patently unable to even write the name of The State he comes from properly. That I had every reason, to doubt the truth, of his hypothesis. This afternoon spent with Shakespeare, confirmed to me the truth of that matter. (Shakespeare would stay in Oxford every time he travelled between Stratford upon Avon and London). Unfortunately for Jerry, where I live, they take brevity, as a clear sign of complete ignorance. I have always believed in delivering content rich material. Which I think is what we like about Petula, and Tony Hatch as opposed to the flotsam and jetsam which is the hallmark of others. Frankly, I was in something of a quandary as to where best to post the reply to Dave Collins about the Car he seems to want to buy. He has mentioned the vehicle concerned several times. As the thread will be deleted soon, adding the simple P.S. to the post seemed the easiest solution. Keith of SSL is extremely interested in Cars and If Ross owns this same model, he will surely value the opportunity to see video footage of its manufacture, from raw sheet steel right through to the finished vehicle. Seeing the engines pieced together is pure gravy for a true engineer. And I know lots and lots of truly great engineers. “And now important stuff. Pronunciation.” The important issue to focus on where pronunciation is concerned in regard to Petula is this. Making records from an early age, there came a point where she began to enter a transitional stage in development. She came under the influence of elocutionists that honed her natural voice into something so far removed from the Petula we know and love, that were I to play those recordings to you from that very short period in her career, I am convinced you that no-one here would be able to identify the person singing. Thankfully, she dispended with the vocal plastic surgeons, and retained, developed and matured, her natural God given talent. When she went to America, rather than being dragged into the vocal Trans-Atlantic drawl common to so many, she retained her perfectly formed, crystal clear voice. With the beauty, grace and elegance of a true English Rose, and all the Chic grooming of Paris, she sang with a true English voice, looked strikingly alluring and stunningly delivered all the passion we would attribute to the greatest Female Vocalist’s. She was an Actress, turned Singer turned Actress. And her youthful looks belied a voice of maturity that convicted and convinced, because it penetrated into character in the manner of an actress, and thus exhibited the excess’s of passion and drama that we would historically associate with French and Spanish singers. But she was true to her own voice in a world were so very many try to make themselves like somebody else. She also wrote a great many songs under various pseudonyms, and of course delivered these with all the full conviction that the original Composer is supremely capable of. Her songs by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent (Tony’ wife) (Petula was married to Claude Wolff a Frenchman) were often threaded with a strong emotive appeal, a story or message that we could all readily identify with, and her ability to act, entering into character as she sang, actuated an explosive Vocal performance, full of heart rending drama and passion that engaged and enthralled the listener. “To thine own self be true.” William Shakespeare. “It is incredible to read about the sheer volume of work that the top people were doing then. Then consider the high standard of it all and the sustained period that it was conducted over. Makes it (even) harder to feel respect for some of the contemporary 'pop stars' that are in the press every day here complaining that they are not rewarded fairly for their work.” Great Comment. Oasis are on there 7th Album I believe. I’m afraid that a No 1 hit in the U.K. today would probably have not even made the top 50 then in terms of sales. The Singers, the Songs, Musicians, and Production Values, were such that they commanded extremely wide appeal. Keith. I note you are from Scotland. The word Glasgow actually means "A green and pleasant place". The last time I was with Bob in Scotland performing was at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh, and the Concert Hall management told us that the popular demand was such that had had to open the third balcony there, for the first time in over 25 years. They had been using it for storage....... 'Session men were expected to cope with every style of pop. "One of the sessions I did with a fairly big orchestra was for Petula Clark. I remember walking in to the studio and thinking - 'oh my god there are all these guys I've looked at for years'. People from the Heath Orchestra, big names. I was terrified. I was half their age. I couldn't read, and in those days,arrangers would write all the drum parts. I remember doing a session with Tony Hatch. Tony hadn't realised I wasn't a reader, I'm playing away, and he said 'I've been sitting up all night writing those bloody drum parts and you're not playing them'. I was too afraid to say in front of everyone 'I can't play them because I can't read them', so I said 'I thought I'd improvise'. He was very gracious and said 'It's working, you play what you want"’ “Les Reed OBE - Composer/Arranger/Musical Director. I first met Bobby Graham when as Musical Director for Pye records sister label, Piccadilly Records, I was asked to oversee the recording of Joe Brown and The Bruvver's single 'A Picture of You'. On that session I was very impressed with Joe Brown's Drummer, Bobby Graham who had all the aspects of a good solid sideman, and, indeed, I felt would make an excellent session drummer, he had a technique and feel that was really quite remarkable for his young age. From that day forward, I booked Bobby on many Sessions for the likes of P.J.Proby, Tom Jones, The Dave Clark 5 and many other star names of the day and, on every recording, his work was just superb. His expertise as a drummer soon reached the ears of other Musical Directors and, within a very short time he ended up as THE top session drummer and appeared on literally thousands of successful recordings. He is a most sensitive musician, a good friend and indeed, a wonderful family man.” I know many people of this Forum are interested in Jimmy Page. This is why when the original poster asked about Drumming on Pet Clarks Records, and I shared a little about that, I also included some information of the both of them. I hope that is O.K. People might be interested in Jimmy’s Debut Single which Bob also played Drums on. Jimmy Page - She Just Satisfies / Keep Moving (Fontana TF 533, I965) Fontana released Graham's first solo single in January I965. "Skin Deep" was a drum work-out famous from Louis Belson's recording with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Graham's version was recorded at Phillips Studios with Jimmy Page, bassist Alan Weighel, organist Kenny Salmon, Arthur Greenslade on piano and a brass section of Duncan Campbell, Ray Davies (the Button Down Brass guy, not the Kinks and Bert Ezard from The Ted Heath Band. The same line up appeared on Jimmy Page's debut single "She Just Satisfies". During I965 Graham continued playing sessions, but began to put more effort into production work. In February Eddie Barclay, the millionaire playboy owner of Eddy Mitchell's label, asked Graham to produce an album for the French market. (Note from P.P. Bob told me when he went over to France, welcoming him on his first day there, this guy arranged a Champagne evening out to the movies to celebrate. He hired the entire Cinema with just this Guy, Bob and a whole load of dolly girls, to look after them properly. They were waited on and served a brought in Cordon Bleu meal as they watched the film in the otherwise completely empty Cinema). Credited to Le London All Star, "British Percussion", released in September I965, was a stereo showcase, with ping-pong percussion effects. Graham used his session colleagues - guitarist John McLaughlin, bassist Alan Weighell. Drummers Andy White and Ronnie Verrall. Jimmy Page's contribution was significant. He played lead on every track and co-wrote three with Graham. The stand-out is "Lord Byron's Blues" a bluesey fuzz/slide guitar work out. Before the album's release, Barclay offered Graham a job. "I was taken on as the head of Barclay Records UK. I didn't speak much French, I had an interpreter with me all the time. My job was to produce English artists for the French market. When I joined Barclay I began to stop playing, I just got so tired from the work load. I was tired of playing music I didn't like. Clem Cattini took on a lot of the drumming when I moved from session work". Perhaps sometime, I will tell you a funny story about Clem Cattini. It’s just a shame that I am unable to post the pictures to accompany all this. I have so many great ones as you will appreciate but no matter. I’m sure, the Moderators always know best. They won't upload. Far too many Bytes I'm afraid! For Jerry........ P |
well then pp,
i think i need to have a sit down with PG to compare notes.
at the very least
{if your info is accurate}
i am in good company.
oh...one more thing,
sorry for quoting the larger portion of p. poysers post. i just felt it warranted a repeat by someone other then himself to add clarity to the mix.
sometimes a second listen {or read} clears things up, so have at it.
anyways, back to pet.
Post by: PP on November 26, 2007, 06:42:12 AM
Post by: PP on November 26, 2007, 07:20:20 AM
Post by: PP on November 26, 2007, 09:01:10 AM
Post by: jzombie on November 26, 2007, 10:00:55 AM
Thanks PP for all the great information. Chiming in a bit late on this thread but I'm also a big fan of Pet's - of the big hits, I've always been partial to "Happy Heart" and "Don't Sleep In the Subway" (anyone remember Michael Palin as Cardinal Richeleu's version?).
The Chips Moman-produced "Memphis" album that PP mentioned way back in the thread is also definitely worth checking out.
On a side note, the CD I have of Petula's greatest hits is easily the quietest one I own!
Post by: i dig music on November 26, 2007, 10:25:38 AM
thanks for those links.
i stumbled upon a this while looking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSNm9RqJm4k&feature=relat ed
and.
what could you tell us about Fran
Post by: Earth Terminal Studios on November 28, 2007, 09:04:14 PM
I'll admit to being quite unaware of Petula's credentials before the session - something I've glad of because othewise i'd have been a lot more nervous, and unfazed than I probably was.
What I remember clearly was that the moment she opened her mouth the basic signal chain I had set up before she arrived instantly sounded like it was worth x 10 it's value. I couldn't get over how she made notes work that in anyone else's delivery would have been re-takes and how classy her vibe was. One meets musicians 'on the way up' and they often have attitudes and treat every one around them so badly. It's those that have had true success and posess natural talent that are, in my experience, the easiest to work with and the least demanding.
We did need to get the candles out though:)
Lewis
Earth Terminal
www.earthterminal.co.uk
Post by: ssltech on November 30, 2007, 09:25:07 AM
I read this thread a few times when it was less than a page long, and haven't checked back on it since...
Gawrsh!!!
I don't really have much to contribute directly to the subject of Petula, (My wife and I did see her in Blood Brothers however) though I notice that Peter has invoked my name a few times since last I looked...
Yes, I'd likely be most interested in something like a visit, if anything does get arranged... -The company of others with like interests would be a most pleasant further diversion, I've no doubt!
-Assuming that I'm the Keith you were saying was Scottish PP, I should point out that the family line is of a "malt, kilt and Haggis" persuasion, but I was actually born in England (while my father was working at Rolls-Royce Aero division in fact...)
Speaking of 'Blood Brothers', the original run of that musical was at the Liverpool Playhouse, in 1981 or so... At that time, I was working at the nearest place with a 24-track (a few miles outside of Liverpool) and Barbara Dickson (who was the original actress) had some work to do, so I did get to work with her. -I thought she was an absolute gem, and she too has a lovely voice... -in fact even her speaking voice is rather dreamy... a lovely soft rolling East-Scottish brogue, which just melts me without fail!
At the same studio several years later, I also got to engineer a session for Dusty Springfield. This was when she was working with a rather different "British Wrecking crew": -specifically the Pet shop boys. -The movie "Scandal" was out, and she was enjoying a chart hit with "Nothing has been Proved". -At the time, there were several bands with whom I worked who were doing fairly well, and there was a rather odd Musician's Union requirement for "Top Of The Pops" and similar shows:
Basically, the MU had the agreement with the BBC (and presumably other broadcasting companies) which was designed to prevent bands from miming/lip-syncing to tunes which had used session players, thereby avoiding the session players from being 'cheated' out of an appearance/performance fee. -Bands didn't really WANT to have to play live; and in some cases COULDN'T play live, so a deal was reached where the bands could pay the players a SECOND time to record the same tune YET AGAIN, then use THAT tape for lip-syncing/miming to.
In fact, the "MU sessions" -while usually attended by an MU delegate, who usually wasn't keen to forgo the fee which he would earn for attending/supervising these events- were often shams. -The MU really only really cared that the musicians were paid, therefore not being cheated out of their due. -Oftentimes, the session musicians wouldn't even assemble, -everyone would just be paid, the MU guy would sign-off, and then they'd just substitute a copy of the ORIGINAL master in the box. -The MU didn't care, since all the musicians were getting paid, and the band got to sound like the record, which by the late 1970s was something that you couldn't always guarantee they could ever replicate anyway.
This "Top-Of-The-Pops tape-swapping" had become such standard practice that it was quite a surprise when the Hall
Post by: Jim Williams on December 01, 2007, 12:56:33 PM
She was British corn when I first heard her stuff in '65. As a pop singer, well.... I just keep refering to Stevie Wonder at the same era. He had it going on even back then.
My fav Petula story is when she was hosting a British pops show on BBC. Jimi Hendrix was the week's "performer". She had asked him to play "Hey Joe" when you know he had other material in mind.
So Jimi just does Jimi. He played that 3 minute explosive opening you may have caught on some of his live shows, feedback and all. It took so long that they cut off the song to commercial as he was just about to begin the lyrics.
Petula was real pissed about it. She didn't want that guy back on "her show".
Gotta love Hendrix!
Post by: PP on December 02, 2007, 10:52:27 AM
Post by: Barkley McKay on December 02, 2007, 12:34:30 PM
| Jim Williams wrote on Sat, 01 December 2007 17:56 |
My fav Petula story is when she was hosting a British pops show on BBC. Jimi Hendrix was the week's "performer". She had asked him to play "Hey Joe" when you know he had other material in mind. So Jimi just does Jimi. He played that 3 minute explosive opening you may have caught on some of his live shows, feedback and all. It took so long that they cut off the song to commercial as he was just about to begin the lyrics. Petula was real pissed about it. She didn't want that guy back on "her show". Gotta love Hendrix! |
Hi Jim,
I think you are referring to The Lulu Show. He played Voodoo Chile then started Hey Joe before stopping and playing Sunshine Of Your Love as a dedication to Cream. It supposedly got him a ban from the BBC. Heres the clip via The Old Grey Whistle Test:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj-9gkl7n9g&feature=relat ed
best
barks
Post by: i dig music on December 02, 2007, 11:12:33 PM
| PP wrote on Sun, 02 December 2007 09:52 |
Hi Keith. I didn’t ever think you were Scottish, there’s also a Keith from Glasgow on PSW, and if I referred to ‘Scotland’ and ‘Keith’ anywhere, it would have probably been for him. I’m very glad you responded, because after I had confirmed that Dave Collin’s had seen the thread, I did intend to remove all the BMW details completely, post editing to leave the thread purely all about Petula Clark. It was purely a convenient place to catch Dave Collin’s eye and to try and help him if I could. Basically, Dave Collins has brought up the matter of a BMW 355i Model several times in various threads, and I got the impression that he’s definitely thinking of getting one. If I could supply him with a free sample, of the new vehicle I would, but unfortunately I cannot. That got me wondering about what I might be able to do for him, and I thought that it might be good if he could hear the actual vehicles designer talking and watch some videos that reveal the evolution of the 3 Series product line from its origins up to the present day. However... There is a BMW American plant in North Carolina, much of which, was originally designed by friend’s of mine (some now retired) whom I admire very much indeed. Some of my pals have been over there, over the years, and the last one that went, had made ‘a movie’ made about it. I wondered if Dave might like to go for a visit? But it’s a long way to go isn’t it? America is a big Country. And I’m not sure if Dave is interested in going quite that far? However, because the Plant host’s some significant events at certain times of the year, I thought it might be a great way for Dave and anyone else that might be interested, (presuming someone was) to have a get together, with like minded Professional Audio folks that combined a very interesting Factory Tour, attendance of the nearby BMW Museum (The Zentrum) and something like The Euro Auto Festival linked below. If that were possible..... http://www.euroautofestival.com/pastevents.aspx As I looked into the matter more deeply, it occurred to me that something like this would be also right up your street Keith... I think you would love it! I can't promise as to what events will be put on at Spartenburg in the future, but I think its the sort of thing that's worth highlighting to you, making you aware of, and suggesting that you watch out for in the future. “BMW Manufacturing is more than an automotive factory, it's a destination for visitors and a venue for events and meetings. BMW Manufacturing and the Zentrum, the factory's museum and visitors center, is the location for a roadster homecoming for owners and enthusiasts of the sporty automobile. Homecoming is a celebration of the roadster and the people who drive them. BMW Manufacturing and the Zentrum are ideal for hosting community meetings, receptions, and other events. One weekend every year, the plant hosts the Red Cross Rally where motorcyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts gather to take part in entertaining activities. The facility also hosts a celebration of European automotive history with the EURO Auto Festival, featuring a collection of vintage, classic and antique vehicles.” They certainly seem to welcome visitors there, and it occurred to me that if some people wanted to go from PSW it might make a really enjoyable get together. They will have P.R. specialists whose job it is to make sure you have a great visit at the BMW Plant. If you explore the links you will see a great atmosphere and community of enthusiast’s. This is THE point! Over the years I have got to meet executives and workers from most of the great Automotive Manufacturers. You get a feel from all of them about their Company. This particular Company is full of development engineers who are what I would call ‘Petrol Heads’, real ‘Auto Enthusiast’s’ with a Capital ‘E’. You don’t actually need me to organise this for you, (it would be hard to do anyway from the other side of the Atlantic), as if you want to go, it is perfectly possible for you to arrange the details for this yourselves, singly or as a group at a time in the future to suit your convenience. But you have to plan it well in advance. http://www.bmwusfactory.com/build/ If and when you and others do it, you need to thoroughly check and make sure that your visit coincides with a time that enables you to do as much as possible i.e. visit the Factory, Museum, and the Euro Festival ‘IF’ that is possible, it may not be as large numbers will attend. And Factory Visit numbers are usually much more limited. But maybe you could plan it so that you attended the Factory one day and the Festival the next, or something like that, I don’t know, but that to me would make a great weekend for you all, if something like that were possible. The thing is... Because the Plant is currently benefiting from substantial new inward investment, the addition of a widened model range manufactured there, and extended employment opportunities at every level, as you can imagine, it is very much in the throw of major change. Therefore just at this current moment in time, Factory Visits are temporarily suspended. However, this being a short term necessity, they will certainly resume the Factory Visits when things have settled down, and happily, because the extended model range will feature highly innovative products incorporating exciting new technologies, the Visits will be rather more interesting as a result. So to me this is something to keep in mind and plan for the future. It’s just an idea sparked off by Dave Collins interest, but I think it could have the makings of a very interesting and great fun time for anyone who wants to go. BMW have a wonderful Public Relations Department and I think they would work hard to make sure you all have a very enjoyable time. Basically I have placed before Dave, yourself and anyone else that would like to go, (you don’t need be thinking of buying a BMW or anything like that at all) a possibility and a forthcoming opportunity for the future. All the links are there, copy and paste them, and wait till the Visits resume. Best Wishes P |
Post by: PP on December 03, 2007, 04:32:43 AM
Post by: Rader Ranch on December 03, 2007, 08:21:22 AM
Post by: i dig music on December 03, 2007, 08:34:18 AM
| PP wrote on Mon, 03 December 2007 03:32 |
I have lots more to share about Petula, and her musicians. But only, if and when, I feel I want to do so. Irregardless. My intial response to the thread included the following.... "I hope this helps a bit. if not please just delete it. It really doesn't matter at all." As you R. Steel have presumed to express an uncharacteristically clear opinion here. Do you think the post should be removed...? P |
pp.....the info you have shared has been very nice,
but don't threaten to "not" share any further information when somebody asks to keep it on topic. that begins to border on puerile.
this may help:
have you ever heard of the "private messaging" feature this forum has?
when you feel the need, that is an easy way to communicate with members outside of forum threads.
you could have contacted DC this way to inform him about the bmw 355i. which sounds wonderful by the way, it's just that this may not be the appropriate place to talk about it.
Post by: compasspnt on December 03, 2007, 09:06:11 AM
If I as Moderator had thought that anything in this thread, or any other, needed deleting or editing, I would have done so.
Rather, I made it (albeit temporarily) a Sticky.
Why would that have been?
Not because there was BMW information, but also not "in spite of" that fact.
Not because it was about Pet Clark, but also not "in spite of" that fact.
There are things imbedded within the data that I consider very, very important...musically and otherwise.
Soon this thread will have its Sticky status removed, move down to Normal, and take its place in the Pantheon of Classic Music Information.
Until then, if there is something you don't want to read, just skip past it.
Again, many thanks to you ALL.
Post by: compasspnt on December 03, 2007, 08:15:00 PM
I find this highly lamentable.
If you do not object, I am going to try to find that lost data, and put much of it back, into some sort of post.
Your insights are too valuable to disappear into the ether.
In fact, they are the reason this was made a tmeporary Sticky.
I wanted as many people as possible to glimpse inside that mind.
Post by: maxim on December 03, 2007, 11:25:34 PM
(personally, i do not get why you have to talk about german cars, and it makes searching for information in your already overvoluminous posts all the more difficult.... but that's just my opinion)
terry, who is the MODERATOR, seems to share your love of the automobile, and he thinks it's on topic, so why would ron's otburst make you react in such a manner?
thankfully for me, i did read those posts, and i am very enlightened and grateful to hear about english production school
i am dissapointed for the ones who didn't get a chance...
iRONically, ron's posts contain quotes of pp's contributions
Post by: Hallams on December 04, 2007, 12:46:35 AM
| Hallams wrote on Fri, 16 November 2007 13:44 |
What a privilege to read this forum. Thanks again for sharing these glimpses into the recording and times of such great music. |
Post by: KB_S1 on December 04, 2007, 05:53:03 PM
Hopefully the info and insight that was shared will resurface.
The BMW stuff was unusual but, I think it allowed further insight into the multifaceted aspects of a character and interests of an individual.
fwiw I am still in awe at the glimpse into the work schedule that was involved and I will continue to keep it in mind when looking at my own schedule and attitude.
Post by: rankus on December 04, 2007, 06:30:17 PM
I too am saddened by the loss of the wonderful posts by PP.
Please, reconsider your removal of your posts Peter... This was one of the best threads on PSW this year.
Don't punish everyone for the actions of one individual.
Post by: i dig music on December 04, 2007, 08:12:32 PM
on that note, i will say that i believe pp's reaction was a little over the top considering.
Post by: , on December 05, 2007, 07:32:36 PM
Post by: ssltech on December 06, 2007, 11:16:57 AM
Yes I do feel a little guilty from time to time, but usually people are more forgiving.
As for this particular thread, the further derailment of discussing how we discuss it is a little like derailing an argument to argue about how it's being argued... it rarely produces anything substantive or constructive, and in this case it appears to have further caused the retraction or withdrawal of some absolute gems of information. -Far from increasing the concentration of 'value', or improving the 'signal-to-noise' ratio, it seems to have added yet more fluff to wade through, and pulled most of the meat from the bones. -Counterproductive, I'd say.
I have -over the course of my short life thus far- probably met and delighted in the company of more interesting people who stray from subject to subject for which they feel a passion, than people who stick stringently to the matter at hand. "Delight" is a very carefully chosen word in this instance.
Peter, I'll send you a PM, if you're interested.
Keith
Post by: i dig music on December 07, 2007, 12:25:34 AM
| ssltech wrote on Thu, 06 December 2007 10:16 |
Well I for one do tend to stray from topics, but I have found over the long run (in my life at least) that it's turned out to be vastly more fertile in terms of spurring new thought, odd connection and productive invention, to treat certain 'barriers' as elastic. Yes I do feel a little guilty from time to time, but usually people are more forgiving. As for this particular thread, the further derailment of discussing how we discuss it is a little like derailing an argument to argue about how it's being argued... it rarely produces anything substantive or constructive, and in this case it appears to have further caused the retraction or withdrawal of some absolute gems of information. -Far from increasing the concentration of 'value', or improving the 'signal-to-noise' ratio, it seems to have added yet more fluff to wade through, and pulled most of the meat from the bones. -Counterproductive, I'd say. I have -over the course of my short life thus far- probably met and delighted in the company of more interesting people who stray from subject to subject for which they feel a passion, than people who stick stringently to the matter at hand. "Delight" is a very carefully chosen word in this instance. Peter, I'll send you a PM, if you're interested. Keith |
yes, with in such a diverse dialog, it is always interesting to me how perceived enhancements can amuse when bundled with free-form thought and diversion. it helps maintain a fresh outlook, keeps the channels clear and it's viewers on their toes.
Post by: compasspnt on December 07, 2007, 09:51:55 AM
However, when I am able, I will retrieve the salient informational points, and re-post them.
Nothing that is written on the Internet is lost forever.
Post by: Ashermusic on December 07, 2007, 10:35:15 AM
I guess I am just rigid.
Post by: compasspnt on December 07, 2007, 11:56:20 AM
Granted, some excursions are wider than others, but there is reason behind the curtain.
Post by: wwittman on December 07, 2007, 02:40:22 PM
regardless of the context.
regards,
ww
Post by: jwhynot on December 07, 2007, 02:48:37 PM
1. Isn't that a mute point by now?
2. Is this the wrong thread?
JW
Post by: wwittman on December 07, 2007, 02:51:16 PM
oooh sarcasm.
Post by: compasspnt on December 07, 2007, 03:39:47 PM
Post by: Mike Allgeier on December 07, 2007, 03:46:43 PM
Mike
PS: I didn't mind the talk about BMWs at all. I read until I got bored (or lost) and then I moved on. I wouldn't want it occurring all the time but it didn't bother me.
Post by: compasspnt on December 07, 2007, 05:46:26 PM
I've now had eleven of them, and they were each one much loved.
Post by: maxdimario on December 07, 2007, 07:33:08 PM
does Petula Clark drive BMW's, by the way?
Post by: i dig music on December 07, 2007, 08:03:25 PM
also, i have a 1981 380sl sunday car which i store in the winter. it's beautiful, but i am considering a pre-owned z for the summer fun. i miss the 7, but not my x5. i got a jeep 4wd. talk about a total lock down in the snow.