Shakin' Stevens
I auditioned for Shaky in February 2000 and did my first UK tour the following April / May. I hadn't really paid much attention to Shaky as an artist beyond the obvious hits until this point. I also hadn't taken on board the who's who of guitarists that I now had to follow: Albert Lee, Micky Gee, Ian Aitkin, Roger McKew, and most recently Daryl Higham. All massive 'shoes' to fill. I also hadn't banked on only 4 days rehearsal to get some of the most brilliantly executed rock n roll guitar playing under my belt. It was a baptism of fire and one which I would recommend to any guitarist who aspires to improving themselves! I've learned more about playing guitar from Shaky's recordings than any other single source. Well, necessity is the mother of invention (or in this case improvisation!)
In 2007, several tours, tv shows and an album later I became Shaky's musical director. Over the few years I had been working with him I'd seen the band line up change, grow and develop in a new direction. Refreshingly at a time when artists cut corners to save money Shaky expanded the band to add 3 backing vocalists and 2 horns making the band a 10 pc. It's my pleasure and privilege to share the stage with some of the country's finest musicians, and loveliest people!
Sept 2016 saw the release of Shaky's latest album "Echoes of Our Times". This surprising album signals quite a departure from what many might expect from a Shaky album. Rooted in Americana, with lots of slide guitar, Dobro etc. Its a great showcase not only for Shaky as a singer but as a serious writer too. I'm delighted to have co-written "Train Of Time" (track 8 on the album). We'll be touring the new album in 2017.
In 2007, several tours, tv shows and an album later I became Shaky's musical director. Over the few years I had been working with him I'd seen the band line up change, grow and develop in a new direction. Refreshingly at a time when artists cut corners to save money Shaky expanded the band to add 3 backing vocalists and 2 horns making the band a 10 pc. It's my pleasure and privilege to share the stage with some of the country's finest musicians, and loveliest people!
Sept 2016 saw the release of Shaky's latest album "Echoes of Our Times". This surprising album signals quite a departure from what many might expect from a Shaky album. Rooted in Americana, with lots of slide guitar, Dobro etc. Its a great showcase not only for Shaky as a singer but as a serious writer too. I'm delighted to have co-written "Train Of Time" (track 8 on the album). We'll be touring the new album in 2017.