During my time in Japan I recorded several hundred shows on a mini disc player. The sound is what you would expect from a small condenser microphone but to me they are interesting for the sheer variety of songs I played. I am pleased that I have the ability to play a large number of songs. It means I have always been able to follow the particular mood I was in each night and also to enjoy the challenge of performing requests. It is quite satisfying to be able to play a song someone asks for without hesitating. I have always enjoyed playing other people’s songs, in contrast with a number of fellow performers who prefer to only play originals. To me it is similar to a writer who loves to read. It is a route to honing one’s own craft and we do, after all, stand on the shoulders of giants. Adding to the collection of recordings here will be an ongoing labour of love but I hope it will reward those of you who dig into the repertoire with a version of a rare song played my way. Those of you who have ever seen one of my gigs will know well that I am a passionate interpreter rather than a mimic and rarely play a song the same way twice.
Original music and covers from London
