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THUNDERCLAP NEWMAN | |
Friday 15 June 2012 20:00 - 00:00 | |
The original thunderclap Newman come to the nags head to once again spin our minds and fill our souls. Tickets in advance from Wegottickets.com/ilovewama THUNDERCLAP NEWMAN – Back on Track. In 1969, Pete Townshend of The Who, helped create the band to play songs written by former Who roadie, drummer/singer John 'Speedy' Keen. Townshend produced the single “Something In The Air”, arranged its strings, played its bass under the pseudonym Bijou Drains, recorded it at his house and hired for it eccentric GPO engineer and jazz pianist Andy 'Thunderclap' Newman and 15-year-old Glaswegian guitarist Jimmy McCulloch. Originally titled "Revolution", but later renamed because the Beatles released a single of that name, "Something in the Air" (released on Track Records) captured post-flower power rebellion, marrying McCulloch's sweeping acoustic and glowing electric guitars, Keen's powerful drumming and yearning falsetto, and Newman's felicitous piano solo. The single reached No. 1 (hitting the top the week of the moon landing) knocking The Beatles off in the process and remaining there for three weeks. The scale of the song's success surprised everyone, and there were no plans to promote Thunderclap Newman with live performances. Eventually a line-up, augmented by Jim Pitman-Avory on bass and McCulloch's elder brother Jack on drums was formed. 'Something in the Air' has appeared on the soundtracks of the films The Magic Christian (1969), Almost Famous (2000), The Girl Next Door (2004), and The Strawberry Statement (1970) plus many TV advertisements including Vodaphone and British Airways. The single was on the bands only album release 'Hollywood Dream', which was released 40 years ago in 1970. A chance conversation between Andy Newman and his manager Ian Grant (who also owns the relaunched Track Records) in 2010, led to rehearsals with a band assembled by Big Country drummer Mark Brzezicki (also managed by Grant). The rehearsals impressed everyone involved and it was decided it was time to 'test the water' with a couple of live performances which took place in February of that year. They were very successful and a live album was recorded at the second show near Bristol. 7 of the tracks are on 'Beyond Hollywood' the other three being studio cuts. By recording these tracks, the new band have revisisted the 1970 Thunderclap Newman album, 'Hollywood Dream'. Mark Brzezicki was a founder member of Big Country. He played drums on all Pete Townshends solo albums and was also a member of Procul Harum for 20 years. His association with the Townshend family is such that he also played in On The Air with Pete's younger brother Simon Townshend (and Tony Butler who is also a member of Big Country) during the early 80's and continues that association with Simon's son Josh Townshend being in the new lineup of Thunderclap Newman. The band are currently working on a new studio album aided once more by Pete Townshend. “Making the Hollywood Dream album was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I do have a few ideas that might make a revival work, and there is no question that there should be a good remake of SOMETHING IN THE AIR very soon, the mood among young people is perfect for it. The original recording was such a radical record (albeit one that is on the surface so jolly – it is after all a call to arms). Andy Newman says “I am excited by this new project and have to say it is fascinating with another member of the Townshend dynasty involved and Pete wanting to work with me again is very interesting”. Having secured a slot at this years Isle of Wight Festival on 23rd June, the band have a few warm up gigs prior including - June 4th- The Ropetackle Centre, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex. June 15th- The Nags Head, High Wycombe, Bucks. Thunderclap Newman are - Andy 'Thunderclap' Newman – Piano, Woodwind and vocals Mark Brzezicki - Drums and vocals Josh Townshend – Guitar and vocals Nick Johnson – Guitar and vocals Tony Stubbings - Bass Guitar The Lewes show last Friday was ........ a great one ............. the line up is terrific - so good to see The Mighty Thunderclap in top form - looking for sure as one of Edward VII 's direct descendants. Andy's percussive work so sharp & original still - guitarist [lead] is stunning - young Josh T. & bass / drums as well - great slow tempo - which is the acid test of music - with all the dynamics & energy boiling inside & pushing out - What was also great was the band 'cooking' together perfectly - you can see they're happy & it washes through the audience like warm waves - I know when it's real from being on stage myself [Temperance Seven ] Thank you again for this really FRESH presentation of our dear friend Speedys' 40 years old works. John Edwards. Thunderclap Newman - Beyond Hollywood Released on Track Records – TRA 1067 Tracklisting - 1. Hollywood #2 (live) 2. When I Think (live) 3. Accidents (live) 4. Wild Country (live) 5. The Old Cornmill (live) 6. Wilhelmina (live) 7. Look Around (live) 8. I See It All (studio) 9. I Don't Know (studio) 10. Something In The Air (studio) | |
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