Beau's Recordings

"The Way It Was" (vinyl release) - more...

2012-01-27T17:08:00.000Z

Just received the label detail from Ritual Echo for the upcoming vinyl issue of "The Way It Was". Brilliant! It's a unique customised design, based around the sound hole of my trusty 45-year-old 12-string guitar.

Everything still looking good for the launch on 14th April at Lichfield Vinyl Night.

"The Way It Was" (vinyl release) - continued...

2012-01-19T17:13:00.000Z

More on the forthcoming vinyl release of “The Way It Was” (Ritual Echo rerLP003)…

The album has been re-balanced for vinyl release and features new sleeve notes with full lyrics and song stories, plus a beautiful new jacket designed by Paul Whitehead. It will be pressed on 180 gram virgin vinyl.

Probable release date is Saturday, 14th April.

Watch this space …

Vinyl release for "The Way It Was"!

2012-01-12T16:49:00.001Z

Ritual Echo Records are to release a vinyl version of “The Way It Was” (Ritual Echo Records rerLP003)!

The launch will take place on Saturday 14th April at the George IV, Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire. This will be my first gig in over 30 years, and will be a part of Lichfield Vinyl Night.

Word is, the whole evening may be recorded so make a note in your diary to come along, say hello, and make some noise!

More to come…

"In The Court Of Conscience" - streamed...

2011-12-23T15:59:00.000Z

Following its inclusion on the recent SOLD OUT Fruits de Mer 2011 Xmas Annual, several who missed out for various reasons have asked to hear the full version of "In The Court Of Conscience".

Complete with lyrics and courtesy of reverbnation.com, you can listen to the song here. This is a streamed version - when you open the page, it should play automatically after a few seconds buffering.

Thanks to everyone who's been in touch, and enjoy ITCOC.

"1917 Revolution" on Sonar Radio, Israel...

2011-12-14T18:01:00.000Z

My attention's just been drawn to 1917 Revolution's inclusion in a recent Sonar radio broadcast in Israel.

Subtitled "Sonar 19/7 : A House Is Not a Tent", this was a pretty revolutionary show and in great quality!

You can still catch it here: scroll down to either stream live or download.

Two hours of revolutionary heaven!

Enjoy...

Fruits de Mer 2012 Annual SOLD OUT - sorry folks...

2011-12-12T18:12:00.001Z

I hope everyone who wanted the Fruits de Mer/Regal Crabomophone 2012 Annual managed to get their copy?

Unfortunately, the issue is now completely SOLD OUT, and if precedent is anything to go by, FdM won't be re-pressing.

If you're desperate, you can email andy@fruitsdemerrecords.com and he'll see if any of their stockists have an odd copy left. It's just possible, but don't count on it.

Meantime, have a great Christmas, and if you're getting the Annual as a stocking-filler, enjoy it on the day!

Enthusiastic new review of Fruits de Mer's 2012 Annual...

2011-12-08T11:46:00.000Z

A great review of Fruits de Mer's 2012 Annual has appeared on Terrascope. Well worth checking out for the Annual and other FdM December offerings.

Fruits de Mer's 2012 Annual - release day approaches!

2011-12-03T12:58:00.000Z

I've just received my pre-release copy of Fruits de Mer's 2012 Annual. The sound of stylus dropping onto vinyl really does take you back!

This is a true mini-anthology of seventies sounds. It’s a great double package pressed on coloured vinyl and it'll be out next Monday (5th). But remember, this is a limited edition that’ll be gone pretty quickly.

Heyday Mailorder and other online outlets have copies, but please move fast if you want to secure one of the year’s best Christmas stocking fillers!

"Favourites From John Peel's Record Collection"

2011-11-29T18:20:00.002Z

"1917 Revolution" leads off the new "Favourites From John Peel's Record Collection" download set from Cherry Red. Just in time for Christmas!

Creation Recreated on Spotify!

2011-11-19T16:58:00.000Z

"Creation Recreated" has now joined the Beau catalogue on Spotify. Enjoy!

News from India...

2011-11-11T15:06:00.000Z

Amazing where things pop up!

This is FirstPost in India reporting on the upcoming release of "In The Court Of Conscience" on Fruits de Mer's 2012 Annual!

Fruits de Mer 2012 Annual - a new review...

2011-11-07T15:53:00.002Z

Enthusiastic review of the new Fruits de Mer 2012 Annual from the Strange Brew Podcast.

ORDER EARLY from andy@fruitsdemerrecords.com - or they'll all be gone...

Fruits de Mer YouTube video - "In The Court Of Conscience"...

2011-10-28T15:40:00.001+01:00

Fruits de Mer Records have posted a really nice little promo vid for the upcoming 2012 Fruits de Mer/Regal Crabomophone Annual.

Don't forget, this will be a strictly Limited Edition release which will sell quickly as all Fruits de Mer releases do.

As of this moment, you can either email FdM to reserve your copy, or pre-order here.

Meantime, enjoy the sample...

"Creation Recreated" - a view from Israel...

2011-10-24T15:18:00.000+01:00

Great review of "Creation Recreated" from Let It Rock in Israel. Nice also to see the comment about Steve Clayton's drumming on "Silence Returns" - it's usually Jim Milne's searing guitar that pulls in all the plaudits.

Back to vinyl with Fruits de Mer Records!

2011-10-20T10:06:00.002+01:00

I’ve just contributed a previously-unreleased song – “In The Court Of Conscience” – to Fruits de Mer’s 2012 Annual. Recorded in 1978, ITCOC is a full-band piece – there is a twelve-string in there, but it’s electric!

The FdM Annual, now becoming something of a tradition, will be a 2-EP affair pressed on coloured vinyl and will be out in time for Christmas.

It’s a strictly limited edition of 400, so make sure you get your order in early. FdM discs always sell out (that’s true, BTW, not hype…). It's availabe for immediate pre-order here.

Enjoy!

"Creation Recreated; Record Fiend says...

2011-10-12T15:17:00.000+01:00

Chicago blogger Record Fiend has just posted a very generous plug for "Creation Recreated". Accepted with thanks!

!! STOP PRESS !! - "Creation Recreated" on the radio this evening...

2011-10-08T17:30:00.000+01:00

Belgium's psych-folk station Radio Centraal have just rated "Creation Recreated" Very Good ++, and are featuring two songs from the album on their Psyche van Het Folk programme this evening.

Psyche van Het Folk streams between 8 - 10pm European Time (7 - 9pm in the UK). Click here to take their stream.

This is the prime Psych/Folk show in Europe. For fans of the genre, this is essential listening.

Enjoy!

"Creation Recreated" - the digital booklet...

2011-10-08T16:29:00.000+01:00

Just to clarify;

The digital booklet which complements "Creation Recreated" is included with the album download if you buy from iTunes.

However, it's not automatically included with downloads from Amazon and several other distribution services.

If you're missing the CR digital booklet, it's available to either view or download here for free. As one recent kind emailer has said to me, "I do think it is almost essential to read your "sleeve notes".

A sentiment with which I think I agree!

"Nine Minutes" on Dandelion Radio...

2011-10-04T12:17:00.000+01:00

Do be sure to check out Mark Whitby's excellent show on Dandelion Radio. Always a "must listen", his October playlist includes "Nine Minutes" from the new "Creation Recreated" release.

“Creation Recreated” – not just iTunes & Amazon!

2011-10-03T15:26:00.000+01:00

“Creation Recreated” is now available from main distribution services in almost 30 countries. Click here for more than 80 direct links to your favourites…

"Creation Recreated" - a view from Slovenia...

2011-10-01T17:12:00.001+01:00

A really nice review of "Creation Recreated" has just appeared on line, courtesy of Slovenia's Rocktologist website.

Many thanks. Rok!

“Creation Recreated”… interesting results!

2011-09-28T14:34:00.000+01:00

Bit of a fun thing, but what does this tell us about the different countries? Early days of course, but top individual downloads so far via the respective Amazons are as follows:

France – Sky Dance
Germany – Sky Dance
Japan – Is This Your Day (Classic Remix)
UK – Silence Returns
USA – Able Seaman Sperm

Answers on a postcard…

"CREATION RECREATED" released by Cherry Red

2011-09-19T17:00:00.000+01:00

... and the good news is, Cherry Red Records has just followed up on 'The Way It Was' with ‘Creation Recreated’, a much-expanded download version of the original Dandelion ‘Creation’ set.

Many of you will know the bootleggers have had a field day with ‘Creation’. The 1971 album has already been re-released a couple of times on CD, but it’s never been made available officially as a download.

‘Creation Recreated’ features the full remastered album plus eleven bonus tracks, including four with Tractor which have never before seen light of day. Additionally, four of the songs from the original collection have been remixed and, I think, considerably improved.

All the lyrics, backgrounds to the songs and detailed recording data are here.

‘Creation Recreated’ (Cherry Red BEAUCR1) is available now from Amazon, iTunes and all major download sites worldwide. I really hope you like it – even the decidedly dubious ‘Able Seaman Sperm’ for which I feel I should sincerely apologise in advance…

More on Spotify...

2011-07-04T13:41:00.000+01:00

Good news! All Beau albums currently available in the UK are now up on Spotify.

(Don't forget to check out all lyrics and song-stories for "The Way It Was".)

Enjoy!

Watch this space...

2011-06-28T18:35:00.005+01:00

Following the success a few months back of the Cherry Red download album, "The Way It Was", something new and interesting is now in the pipeline.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...

Good review of "The Way It Was" from Israel...

2011-05-06T16:55:00.002+01:00

Really good review of "The Way It Was" from the Israeli Let It Rock website.

Three-and-three-quarter stars our of four can't be bad!

TWIW individual downloads - international...

2011-04-18T16:28:00.002+01:00

Fascinating to compare other countries' Top 5 individual downloads from "The Way It Was" (courtesy Amazon.com, Amazon.fr & Amazon.de):

USA -
1 The Albatross & The Whale
2 At The End Of The Day
3 Castle Song
4 The Citadel Is Free
5 Cry For The Priest

France -
1 Castle Song
2 At The End Of The Day
3 Cry For The Priest
4 The Titanic Tragedy
5 Web Of Tangled Reason

Germany -
1 At The End Of The Day
2 Songs You Sing
3 The Citadel Is Free
4 Cry For The Priest
5 Today Began A Thousand Years Ago

I guess they'll change daily, but it makes for an interesting snapshot.

TWIW individual downloads...

2011-04-16T16:01:00.003+01:00

As of today, Amazon.co.uk’s Top 5 individual downloads from “The Way It Was” are:

1 Kiss Me With Your Eyes
2 Castle Song
3 Today Began A Thousand Years Ago
4 The Citadel Is Free
5 The Rabbi At The Gates Of Prague

Interesting!

... imported to Facebook

2011-04-16T15:10:00.004+01:00

I just set up Facebook to import from my Beau's Recordings blog. Sincere apologies to Facebook friends for any duplicate posts that may have appeared!

... the Digital Booklet for "The Way It Was"

2011-04-15T16:31:00.005+01:00

A couple of friends have emailed asking where they can get the Digital Booklet that accompanies “The Way It Was”. It’s free to download here; all the lyrics, recording details and stories behind the songs. Highly recommended to get the best from the album...

"The Way It Was" - not so much a climb, more a resurrection...

2011-04-14T16:36:00.010+01:00

Crazy times!

Bing’s cache has just turned up the fact that “The Way It Was” actually made it to the #2 spot on 27th March! Damn those Pogues!

So what we’ve seen recently has really been a resurgence. Here’s to many more of ’em…

"industrial folk..."

2011-04-13T16:56:00.009+01:00

Talking about my music yesterday just after “The Way It Was” made #5 in the Amazon Trad Folk download chart, my wife said in a Facebook post, “Beau describes it as more like ‘industrial/social folk’”.

Actually, that description comes not from me but from a Record Collector review of the Cherry Red “Beau” CD reissue from December 2007. They pigeonholed the set as “industrial protest songs and pastoral reflections”.

I don’t go so much with the “protest” bit myself but I have to say, “industrial folk” does seem a reasonable tag.

"The Way It Was" makes it into the Top 5!

2011-04-12T18:59:00.014+01:00

Just got the incredible news "The Way It Was" is now #5 in the Amazon Trad Folk chart!

Truly unbelievable! Many, many thanks!

Well, we've made it into the Top Twenty...

2011-04-11T13:57:00.010+01:00

This morning's Amazon.co.uk Trad Folk bestsellers list has "The Way It Was" at #14!

The moving finger writes...

Is this a chart appearance I see before me?

2011-04-09T14:50:00.006+01:00

...and the good news is, as of today "The Way It Was" is #23 in Amazon.co.uk's Trad Folk download bestsellers! Thanks to everyone for their support. Now let's try for the Top Twenty!

"The Way It Was" - the first review...

2011-03-19T17:50:00.006Z

A really neat review of "The Way It Was" has just appeared on the Strange Brew Podcast site. Hopefully the first of many...

"The Way It Was" - BRAND NEW RELEASE!

2011-03-14T17:35:00.012Z

I have some “Stop Press” news!

Today, Cherry Red Records in the UK has issued “The Way It Was” (Cherry Red BEAU2011), a download-only album with fifteen brand new recordings.

This is my first purpose-recorded release since “Creation” back in 1971. “The Way It Was” is available as we speak through Amazon, iTunes and all major download sites worldwide.

There’s a dedicated web page here and you can check out the lyrics, backgrounds to the songs and detailed recording info in the digital booklet here. Enjoy!

Beau - There Once Was A Time - the Strange Brew Podcast interview...

2011-02-28T16:51:00.003Z

It's been pointed out to me that I didn't blog about my Strange Brew Podcast interview with Jason Barnard a few months back. Unforgiveable!

Anyway, do give it a glance. You'll see it was a pretty wide-ranging conversation - quite long, too. In the event, Jason had to split it into two parts.

Blogged thanks are way overdue to Jason himself, and to Marie for the tea and bics and hospitality.

Record Fiend - new review of "Beau"...

2011-02-22T15:23:00.005Z

Chicago blogger Record Fiend has just published a new review of the 2007 "Beau" re-release from Cherry Red.

Really nice - the guy's obviously listened closely. Check it out here.

"Edge Of The Dark" on Spotify!

2011-01-28T16:01:00.003Z

And the good news is... EOTD has at last been listed on Spotify! Don't know why there's been such a long delay, but Angel Air have now got it sorted.

If you haven't already heard it, enjoy!

“Flowers Of The Sea” from “Edge Of The Dark”

2010-12-02T13:40:00.001Z

André Steijns of BRTO Radio asked me in an interview some time back what “Flowers Of The Sea” was all about. Since then, several people have asked the same question.

It’s pretty straightforward, really. All life on Earth came from the sea. It’s generally reckoned that behind every man, woman and child alive at the moment, thirteen have gone before.

This song says simply that all any of us are, have been or ever will be is a flower of the sea. Each verse tells in one way or another how inevitably we grow, fade and die…

Like flowers…

The Dandelion Sampler 1969-1972

2010-11-17T14:51:00.005Z

Babe Ruth (??) from Cincinnati emailed to ask why "Time" on the 1996 See For Miles Dandelion sampler didn't appear on the original "Beau" album.

I honestly don't know! I don't even remember recording the song at CBS, and when Colin Miles included it as the only "previously unreleased" track on this rather bizarre disc, I was as surprised as anybody.

I can only think it must have been accidentally overlooked and ended up at the back of a cupboard somewhere. But at least it surfaced in the end!

(Incidentally, "Time" has now had a rather more mainstream release as a bonus track on Cherry Red's and Air Mail Archive's "Beau" reissues...)

The Strange Brew Podcast - Classic Unreleased Songs from the Sixties and Seventies

2010-08-27T14:29:00.003+01:00

In his latest excellent and very unusual Strange Brew Podcast, Jason Barnard has included "In The Court Of Conscience", an unreleased recording of mine from 1979; also a couple of previously unreleased numbers by my old mate, Jeff Christie.

Highly recommended listening!

Jason and I are getting together for a chat in a couple of weeks time on one of my visits "up North" - looking forward to it.

The Strange Brew Podcast - Leeds Beat!

2010-03-23T14:11:00.005Z

Don't miss out on Leeds Beat!, the latest offering in Jason Barnard's excellent The Strange Brew Podcast series.

As well as playing "Imagination" from the "Beau" album, Jason's included recordings by a diverse bunch of Leeds artists from the '60s and '70s including Barry Ryan, Jake Thackray, Christie, New York Public Library and The Grumbleweeds.

This ain't just great stuff for Yorkshire nostalgics; this is great for everyone!

Thanks, Jason!

All For Tomorrow (2009)

2010-02-12T17:42:00.005Z

I only just found out about this rather nice download set, released by Cherry Red on September 21st 2009.

Including "Sleeping Town" (the B-side of the "1917 Revolution" single), “All For Tomorrow” seems a rather better offering than the earlier “Plain Sailing” compilation!

Prog-résiste Magazine No. 58 (Belgium)

2009-11-19T16:02:00.007Z

The following review of "Edge Of The Dark" has recently appeared in the Belgian "Prog-résiste" magazine.

It looks a pretty good piece, but I'll be really grateful if someone can help with a translation into English.

BEAU
Edge of the Dark
Angel Air – 69’36 – UK 09
Folkrock

Angel Air redécouvre et complète la discographie d’un songwriter anglais méconnu en publiant 18 titres inédits (chutes de studio, mais aussi de label - la fermeture des portes de Dandelion enterrant pendant des années les bandes du 3ème album - ou de promotion - une mutation avec déménagement soustrayant les masters du 4ème album à la publication). Alors qu’il use ses médiators au sein d’un groupe de bals (The Raiders) de la region de Leeds, Christopher John Trevor Midgley alias Beau découvre la voix brute et la guitare impérieuse de Leadbelly, musicien folk de Louisiane, ainsi que la délicieuse simplicité des chansons de Tom Paxton et l’engagement politique de Phil Ochs. Il s’achète une 12 cordes, du genre de celles qui transfigurent la vie d’un honnête musicien, et écrit, écrit (150 morceaux en 2 ans!), passe live à la radio et à la télé et est signé, avec son 1er single 1917 Revolution - que la légende dit avoir inspiré le Horse With No Name d’America - pour la 1ère publication du nouveau label de John Peel. Deux albums s’en suivront - Beau en ’69 et Creation en ’71 - et l’arrêt de Dandelion amènera Beau au difficile choix entre une carrière de musician-avec-un-album-dans-les-mains-mais-pas-de-maison-de-production ou d’employé-gagnant-de-quoi-manger-tous-les-jours, de surcroît fraîchement promu. Beau choisit et High Mass, prévu sous le nom de John Trevor (pour avaliser l’évolution vers une musique plus tranchée, où la 12 cordes, même si elle tient toujours le 1er rôle, n’est plus seule), ne vit jamais le jour. De même que Twelve Strings To The Beau, don’t Edge of the Dark contient également 5 titres. Cinq autres compositions sont tirées de sessions d’enregistrements «à la maison», réalisées entre ’78 et ’82, les 3 dernières, ultérieures, ayant plus un statut de démos. La musique de Beau est parfois touchante (The Mirror), gracieuse (The Last Ballet), mélancolique (My Star), savoureuse (Cartoon), acharnée (The Commodore), au message politique («Si j’écris une chanson, je ne brise pas une vitrine», explique Beau, dont les thèmes tournent autour des «choses qui le fâchent»), aux accointances à rechercher, notamment, du côté de Bob Dylan (Why Do You Laugh? ou Goodbye), de Leonard Cohen (St Elizabeth Of Hungary) ou de John Cooper Clarke (High Mass), toujours portée par le couple voix/guitare, rarement agrémentée d’empirisme sonore (Birds, à la production... étonnante). Attachante exhumation d’archives.

Bernard Vincken

EDIT: (26/11/09)

Thanks to Pete, Judith, Zena, Derek and Denise for the following translation of the "Prog-résiste" review:

Angel Air has re-discovered and added to the discography of an underrated English songwriter by publishing 18 previously unreleased numbers (unreleased because of the collapse of the studio and also the label – the closing of Dandelion’s doors burying for years the tapes of the 3rd album – and because of promotion – a change of job after moving house preventing the masters of the 4th album from being released). When he was performing in a dance band (The Raiders) from Leeds, Christopher John Trevor Midgley alias Beau discovered the raw voice and urgent guitar of Louisiana folk musician Leadbelly, as well as the delightful simplicity of Tom Paxton’s songs and the political engagement of Phil Ochs. He bought a 12 string, the type which would change the life of a decent musician, and wrote and wrote (150 pieces in 2 years!), performed live on radio and TV, and was signed up, with his 1st single 1917 Revolution – which legend says inspired America’s Horse With No Name – as the 1st release of John Peel’s new label. Two albums followed – Beau in ’69 and Creation in ’71 – and then the end of Dandelion led Beau to make a difficult choice between a career of “musician with an album in hand but no production company” or that of someone recently promoted and earning a regular salary. Beau made his choice and High Mass, planned for release under the name of John Trevor (in recognition of his evolution into a more defined musical style where the 12 string, even though it always played a major role, was not alone), never saw the light of day. The same with Twelve Strings To The Beau, from which the Edge of the Dark also contains 5 songs. Five other compositions are taken from home recording sessions, laid down between ’78 and ’82, the last three, done later, having more the status of demos. Beau’s music is sometimes moving (the Mirror), graceful (The Last Ballet), melancholic (My Star), tasty (Cartoon), relentless (The Commodore), with a political message (“if I write a song I don’t have to break a window,” explains Beau, whose themes centre on “things that make him angry”), and there are influences to be discerned, notably of Bob Dylan (Why do you Laugh? or Goodbye), of Leonard Cohen (St Elizabeth of Hungary), or of John Cooper Clarke (High Mass), always carried by the coupling of voice and guitar, rarely ornamented with empirical sound (Birds, an astonishing production). A fascinating exhumation from the archives.

Thanks Bernard!

A Selection of Videos from DailyMotion

2009-11-07T13:57:00.009Z

TIP: hover your mouse over a title to check out the song...

"Highlands" Magazine 41 (France)

2009-06-11T15:23:00.011+01:00

A quite extensive review of "Edge Of The Dark" has just appeared in the French "Highlands" magazine. Trouble is, I've no real idea of what it says!

If anyone could let me have a translation, I'd be really grateful. Here's the review:

BEAU - EDGE OF THE DARK (Angel Air, 2009)

BEAU, signé par le label Dandelion en 1968,a sorti BEAU en 1969 et CREATION en 1971. Il eut également l’opportunité de collaborer avec le brillant duo psyché prog folk "The Way We Live" (futurs TRACTOR) pour l’enregistrement de son 3éme album HIGH MASS. Dandelion fit faillite et ces titres ne virent le jour ni en vinyle, ni en CD. C’est désormais réparé et nous pouvons apprécier celui dont John Peel disait qu’il était un remarquable compositeur bon à écouter en toutes circonstances. "The Smoke Of Eden" est un bijou psyché folk ou guitare électrique et acoustique se répondent à merveille. Le timbre de voix de BEAU présente à cette occasion quelque similitude avec Neil Young. C’est un excellent chanteur qui fait parfois penser à Leonard Cohen lors de "The Last Ballet". "My Star" est un psyché folk envoûtant, dénué de limites. La voix de BEAU prend également toute son ampleur sur le magnifique "High Mass" d’une belle simplicité. "Bristol Museum" et "The Commodore" sont un clin d’oeil à l’excellence de Fairport Convention et BEAU me fait penser à un troubadour contestataire, sa musique fait grincer les dents des puissants. Ici, nul n’est question d’ostentation ou d’effets de manche, mais plutôt de dépouillement et de qualités d’écriture. Ce minimalisme est pourtant d’une exceptionnelle puissance, rappelant à lui seul la beauté des échanges de guitare des CSN & Y de FOUR WAY STREET. Il est possible que Bruce Springsteen ait beaucoup écouté BEAU pour le sublime "Ghost Of Tom Joad". La simplicité de BEAU fait aussi son effet sur le superbe "Why Do You Laugh?". "Flowers Of The Sea" revient au psyché folk (superbe partie de guitare électrique). Je reprendrais bien une autre part de rêve. Elle m’est d’ailleurs servie par la grâce d’un Byrds de haut vol, garantie sans bonus ni stockoptions. Ce morceau porte assurément la marque de "The Way We Live". Il se pourrait même que l’esprit de Dieter Dierks (mythique producteur de Krautrock) ait guidé cet enregistrement. Cet album est tout de même à écouter dans une situation propice à l’introspection et marque parfois le pas comme sur le plus commun Jigsaw. En revanche "The Mirror" est une réussite, savant mélange de folk et de musique indienne. Cette influence me semble être une référence à l’essentiel ALL THINGS MUST PASS de George Harrison. BEAU est sans aucun doute un artiste à redécouvrir et c’est une compilation de premier choix qui plaira sans peine aux amateurs de folk et au-delà. (***1/2)

Yann CARDUNER

EDIT: (11/6/09)

Thanks to Zena in Letchworth and Judith in Hebden Bridge for the following translation:

BEAU, signed by the Dandelion label in 1968, released BEAU in 1969 and CREATION in 1971. He also had the opportunity to collaborate with the brilliant prog-psychedelic folk duo “The Way We Live” (later TRACTOR) for the recording of his 3rd album HIGH MASS. Dandelion failed, and these titles never saw the light of day either on vinyl or on CD. This has now been put right and we can appreciate someone who John Peel said was a outstanding composer - good to listen in all circumstances. “The Smoke Of Eden” is a gem of psyche-folk where acoustic and electric guitar work together perfectly. The timbre of Beau’s voice here is quite similar to Neil Young. He’s an excellent singer who, in “The Last Ballet”, sometimes reminds one of Leonard Cohen. “My Star” is a haunting psyche-folk song without parallel. Beau’s voice is shown in all its breadth on the magnificent “High Mass”, a song with a marvellous lack of pretence. “Bristol Museum” and “The Commodore” offer a nod to the excellence of Fairport Convention and Beau makes me think of a protest troubadour: his music makes the powerful gnash their teeth. There is no question here of ostentation or complexity, but more the purity and the quality of the writing. This minimalism is however exceptionally powerful reminding one of the beauty of the exchanges of guitar of the CSN & Y of Four Way Street. It’s possible that Bruce Springsteen has listened a great deal to Beau for the sublime “Ghost Of Tom Joad”. BEAU’s simplicity is also to the fore on the superb “Why Do You Laugh?”. “Flowers Of The Sea” returns to psyche-folk (with a great electric guitar part). I have another thought. It also reminds me of high-volume Byrds without (bonus ni stockoptions?). This piece certainly has the feel of “The Way We Live”. It could be even that the spirit of Dieter Dierks (the mythical Krautrock producer) guided this recording. This album is one to be listened to when you have time to think and let the pieces of the Jigsaw fall into place. “The Mirror” is a successful mix of folk and Indian music, influenced it seem to me by George Harrison’s essential All Things Must Pass. BEAU is undoubtedly an artist to rediscover and this is a first choice compilation that will undoubtedly please folk fans and other music lovers.

Rather better than I expected! Thanks, Yann...

"St Elizabeth" on Dandelion Radio

2009-05-31T17:51:00.004+01:00

Mark Whitby is playing "St Elizabeth Of Hungary" on his excellent Dandelion Radio show, streamed throughout June.

Here's the schedule - be sure to check it out!

“Good Times” Magazine – June/July 2009

2009-05-24T15:47:00.016+01:00

The following review of "Edge Of The Dark" has appeared in the June/July issue of "Good Times" magazine in Germany.

BEAU - EDGE OF THE DARK
Kein Geringerer als John Peel nahm John Trevor Midgley alias Beau 1968 für Dandelion Records unter Vertrag, der mal als “Englands Antwort auf Phil Ochs” galt, mal in die Schublade “auf den Spuren von Ralph McTell und Donovan” gesteckt. Nach zwei Alben (BEAU, 1969, CREATION, 1971) machte sich Beau an seine dritte LP HIGH MASS, die er aber nie vollendete. Die damals eingespielten fünf Songs sind jetzt erstmals zu hören, ebenso 13 weitere bis 1985 entstandene Aufnahmen. Sie lassen zum einen erkennen, dass der Brite ein meisterhafter Gitarrist (auf der Zwölfsaitigen), subtil intonierender Sänger und starker Songschmied war, der mit wenigen Mitteln eindringliche Folksongs hinzuzaubern verstand, die auch unterschwellige Bluesrockmomente aufwiesen. Eine wertvolle Wiederentdeckung!

Unfortunately, my German's not what it should be! I think the last words - "Eine wertvolle Wiederentdeckung!" - can be translated as "A valuable rediscovery!" (which is nice!), but that's about as far as I go.

If anyone can shed a little light, it'll be good to hear from you.

EDIT: (11/6/09)

Thanks to Pete in Cheshire for the following translation:

No less a person than John Peel gave John Trevor Midgley, alias Beau, who was sometimes considered as "England's answer to Phil Ochs" and at times categorised as having traces of Ralph McTell and Donovan, a contract for Dandelion records in 1968. After two albums (Beau 1969, Creation 1971) Beau made a third LP High Mass which he however never completed. The five completed songs are to be heard now for the first time, just as 13 further originals up to 1985 are included. They show on the one hand that the Briton was a masterful guitarist on the twelve string, a subtly nuanced singer and a strong songsmith who, with few means, (?) put enchantment into penetrating (or impressive) folksongs, which also point to underlying Blues/Rock moments. A valuable rediscovery!

A little more radio...

2009-05-12T15:27:00.006+01:00

Appeared on BBC Three Counties Radio "Afternoon Show" today with Andy Gelder.

Played a clip from "St Elizabeth Of Hungary" and chatted a little on how "Edge Of The Dark" came to be. Check it out here.

It's really wierd finding myself compared to Leonard Cohen, Ralph McTell, Sandy Denny(?) etc. I just don't hear it. Then maybe I'm way too close...

Memo to self (and everyone else): parking in Luton is not easy...

Paperlate Show (26th April)

2009-04-27T14:39:00.007+01:00

Guested on BRTO-Radio's excellent Paperlate show last evening. Great programme, with an eclectic mix of music. Peel himself would surely have approved!

Beau tracks played were "1917 Revolution" (from "Beau") and "Creation" (from "Creation"), plus "The Smoke Of Eden" and "Flowers Of The Sea" (both from "Edge Of The Dark"). There were also a couple of chat sequences.

I always feel grateful , and slightly embarrassed, when folks I talk to and email overseas have such good English!

Cheers again André! I just hope your Dutch audience could understand my Yorkshire accent...

Beau - 40 years to the day!

2009-04-18T14:46:00.009+01:00

Today - 18th April 2009 - is forty years to the day since the "Beau" album was completed at CBS Studios* in New Bond Street, London.

Most of the tracks for the album were laid down four days earlier on the 14th, with just a couple of retakes and some tidying up on the 18th. However, one particularly significant track was recorded exactly 40 years ago today.

"A Nation's Pride" didn't even exist when we did the first session. I wrote it on the evening of 16th April, recording it on the 18th as soon as the mics were set up. It was a first take; what you hear is all there was.

Now, forty years on, the third album, "Edge Of The Dark" has just been released. Better late than never...

(*CBS Studios has been known by various names down the years; amongst them, Sony Music Studios, The Hit Factory, and Whitfield Street Studios.)

Edge Of The Dark - supply delays in the UK?

2009-04-11T14:25:00.005+01:00

Some very good news, and some not quite so good.

The first copies of "Edge Of The Dark" that went to both amazon.co.uk and hmv.com have sold out! And that's excellent! Thanks ever so much to all of you who've bought!

However, several people have told me there's apparently some little delay in both companies getting replacement supplies. Amazon in the UK are quoting "2 to 3 weeks", and hmv.com are indicating the CD should be "back in stock in 10 days".

I've passed these details to Angel Air as they're dealing with a new distributor and I'm sure it's not just Beau CDs that are affected.

Meantime, if you're shopping around, there are many other outlets where EOTD is either in stock or will be supplied within three to four days.

Thanks for keeping me up to speed.

Creation - the Billboard-Russia interview...

2009-04-07T13:48:00.016+01:00

In February 2007, I did an email interview about "Creation" with Billboard-Russia. They wanted to run a feature on the album for the first issue of their magazine.

If your Russian's up to speed, you can check out a pdf of the full article here. If not, the following is a shortened version of the email conversation I had with Alexandra Buts, their Associate Editor.

Billboard Russia - Lost Masterpieces

“CREATION” by Beau (1971)

- description of the recording session process itself - how was it being held, who was participating, which studio was it held at, what equipment was used, what instruments, how long did it take, were there any special events or moments that you still remember during the recording process

“Creation” was recorded over three days in 1971 at the Hollick & Taylor studios in Birmingham, England. Musicians involved were myself (Beau), with Steve Clayton and Jim Milne of The Way We Live (later Tractor).

John Brierley – The Way We Live’s recording engineer and producer – was in the control room, together with the studio owner/chief engineer, John Taylor.

I played my Harmony Sovereign H-1270 12-String guitar on all the tracks; also the clavioline on “April Meteor”. Jim Milne played all other guitar and bass parts, and Steve Clayton played all drums and percussion. If I remember rightly, Jim was playing a Gibson SG as his main electric instrument, and a home-built bass! Steve used his own Ludwig kit.

- what was the role of Mr. John Peel in the process of album making?

John Peel wasn’t directly involved in the recording sessions, though he was at the mixing session which took place later at the Marquee Studios in London. The mixing engineer at the Marquee was Phil Dunne.

- who is the artist, who made the record-cover art-work? were there any special moments about it?

The sleeve was created by Forehead Designs, London, under the supervision of John Peel’s business partner (and Dandelion co-owner), Clive Selwood. Forehead went on to design several covers for later Dandelion albums.

Original photographs were taken by Ken Willcock, a photography student in Leeds. The picture on the back was taken in a park in Leeds called The Hollies.

There is however a story behind the cover design.

Originally, a totally different sleeve was planned. Created by Nick Cudworth (of the band Siren), John Jones and Boris Brook, the sleeve was even printed, and is now an ultra-rare collectors’ item. But the concept of this first cover was thought to be too dark and forbidding, so the new, more optimistic “sunrise” sleeve was produced.

In retrospect, I think this was the right decision!

- who was the cut-engineer of the record and which factory did the production

The record would have been cut at the CBS factory in Aylesbury, but I’m afraid no–one knows who engineered the cutting!

- what was the circulation number of the record and where was it distributed?

If I remember rightly, “Creation” sold around 7000 copies in the first three months after release. After that, I’m sorry, I don’t recall! It was only officially released in the UK, though I know it had wide distribution abroad (particularly Europe) as an export.

- were there any reissues of the record?

“Creation” was reissued as a CD along with the original “Beau” album in 1995 on the See For Miles label (SEECD 421).

- do you monitor the contemporary prices of this record (record stores, e-Bay)?

Yeah, occasionally. I’m fascinated to see how much the original record now brings on the collectors’ market. I’ve just checked on MusicStack – they presently have four copies of “Creation” selling for between £19 and £32 each. That said, MusicStack are also selling copies of the original “Beau” album at between £37 and £54. Incredible!

- separately, we would like to ask you kindly to give us brief comments on every song of the record: what is it about and what was did you want to tell with it.

When I wrote the songs for “Creation”, my mind was in a strange place. The subtitle of the album – “as creation destroys so destruction creates…” – sort of sums up a rather anarchistic mindset at the time.

Also, I’d been listening to a lot of avant-garde music – Karlheinz Stockhausen (“Stimmung”, “Gesang der Jünglinge” etc.), Lukas Foss and others – plus Béla Bartók and Stravinsky.

On several tracks, I was trying to make the arrangement analogous to the lyric. By that, I don’t mean I just wanted the music to complement the writing – any decent songwriter would want that. I wanted the music to say the same thing as the words.

Best examples are “Creation” itself, and of course “Silence Returns”.

The swirling sounds on “Creation”, with its repeated guitar figure and that inexorable doomy bass, tell the same story as the whispered lyric. Even if you can’t pick up on all the words, you know what the song is about; right down to the rumbling explosion at the end (“For here, Creation’s only fault its own destruction bought”).

**********

“Silence Returns” is a cruel, cruel song. It’s about the violence of silence. It’s about the withholding of help when help can be given. And it’s about the choice “…to make or to break the innocent spirit of somebody’s hope…”

In the first part, the lyric tells the story up to the point where a choice has been made, and silence returns. Then… the music tells the same, sick tale…

“Silence Returns” was recorded in a single take, with just the one lead guitar overdub by Jim Milne.

The mixing session at the Marquee was perhaps more important on this song than any of the others. To achieve maximum effect, it was vital that Jim’s lead guitar kicked in at just the right moment.

Because the song has a rather uneven time figure, Phil Dunne (the mixing engineer) had some difficulty triggering the lead guitar channel at just the right time. So it fell to me to throw the switch!

And the result was what one reviewer described as “… one of the most shocking moments in rock!” I couldn’t have put it better myself!

**********

But let’s go back to the start -

The album opens with “Nine Minutes”, the story of a fictional train wreck.

I say fictional, but there were several incidences around the time of vandals targeting the railway system. Some did indeed put obstructions in the way of speeding trains; others dropped chunks of concrete and wood from bridges as trains were passing underneath. Nasty!

I think the song took four takes to get right. To simulate the sound and feel of a train, Steve Clayton thought of rubbing together two pieces of sandpaper. My main memory of the recording is of the small pile of sand slowly accumulating round Steve’s feet!

**********

In his book, “Electric Children”, Jacques Vassal said of “There Once Was A Time”, “…(it) is a painfully accurate portrayal of a decaying beauty queen”.

Others have seen it less romantically as a side-swipe at vanity! Put these two together, and you get pretty close to what I was intending.

**********

“Spider” is an interesting track that has at its heart the sort of philosophical contradiction that underpins the album itself.

The album is subtitled “as creation destroys, so destruction creates…”: “Spider” could be subtitled “…in perfection lies death…”

Because remember that, despite the beauty of her fragile, deadly creation, even the spider comes to an end – when “…nature takes the net away”.

**********

Writing in “Time Out”, Al Clark said of “April Meteor”, “…(it is ) a Moog-haunted picture of death seen as travel through time and space.” Yeah well, nice one, Al!

One night in April 1970, I was standing outside my home in Leeds when I saw a bright light flash across the sky from east to west. The following day, all the newspapers carried the story of a meteorite that had flown in low across the north of England, crossed the sea and come to earth in a bog in Ireland.

What struck me was the irony that a piece of rock which had probably been hurtling round the universe since the dawn of time, should end its billions of years of travel in an Irish bog! So I wrote “April Meteor”.

Oh, no Moog either, I’m afraid; just that little clavioline…

**********

“Is This Your Day” is a simple song that says even the most mundane day can turn into something special.

Nothing very profound. I guess most of us have had days where our lives have unexpectedly changed – hopefully, more for better than for worse…

**********

Side 2 opens with “Blind Faith”.

I’ve never understood Faith – what the dictionary describes as “…the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another”.

It makes no sense to me to accept “the truth of what is declared by another” just because he declares it.

I have no problem with moral codes or personal convictions. But I have real difficulty with blind faith – hence this song.

**********

In the 1960s throughout the UK, in every city and town, vast numbers of old houses and streets were torn down.

In many ways, this was a good thing – much of the housing was old and sub-standard. Problem was, the high-rise buildings and concrete estates that were built to replace the old homes were poorly designed and conceived, and communities that had flourished and supported each other for decades were destroyed forever. “Ferris Street” tells of the destruction of one such neighbourhood.

The bass intro was shamelessly copied from Elvis’s “Baby, I Don’t Care”, but Jim Milne’s wah-wah guitar is wholly original, and fits the mood of the song perfectly!

**********

When I wrote “Release”, I hadn’t heard “Pirate Jenny” from Brecht & Weill’s “The Threepenny Opera”. But “Release” tells a very similar story.

Here, we also have someone daydreaming about settling a score.

I once worked for a man who would say nice things to your face, but then do everything he could to undermine and destroy you. “Behind the charity charade, there lies the gleaming silver blade…”

There was nothing I could do. I was just a kid; he was a man of power. But I could dream…

**********

“A Reason To Be” really takes over where “Blind Faith” left off. It tells of someone searching for a reason for his existence, but ultimately finding there is none.

It’s not a bleak song; just one that confronts reality. Which, I appreciate, to many is bleak…

**********

I tried to do many things when I recorded “Creation”. Not everything worked as I’d hoped it would, but a lot of things did. I’m glad so many people still enjoy the record.

And I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t startled the first time they heard “Silence Returns”!

Edge Of The Dark - D-Day!!

2009-04-06T16:12:00.003+01:00

"Edge Of The Dark" finally made it out into the great wide world today!

There's been some instant and very positive reaction, including a number of enquiries as to the availablity of the "Creation" album. Even Angel Air got a direct approach about "Creation", which obviously they couldn't answer.

We've had to explain that, although "Creation" is presently available on the Airmail label in Japan (AIRAC-1459), it's up to Cherry Red and Dandelion to decide as to if/how/when it will be re-released in the UK.

It really is out of my hands, though I'm sure CR would appreciate feedback that there might be a demand...

Edge Of The Dark - the first reviews... 5 STARS!

2009-03-31T14:47:00.011+01:00

The first review of "Edge Of The Dark" has just appeared online at babysue.com (the same review is also shown at lmnop.com) - and it's FIVE STARS!!

Here's what they say -

Beau - Edge of the Dark: Unreleased Recordings 1972 - 1985 (CD, Angel Air, Rock/pop)
This is a really odd one...unreleased recordings from obscure British recording artist Beau (the first musician to release a record on the late John Peel's 1917 Revolution label [sic]). Beau released two albums (Beau in 1969 and Creation in 1971) before beginning work on what was to be his third album which was to be called High Mass. But the album was never finished and the five songs that were recorded never saw the light of day until now. The next five cuts are from yet another unreleased album recorded in 1975 (Twelve Strings To The Beau). Next up are five experimental recordings followed by several recordings Beau created in the 1980s. This is the first time we have been exposed to this man's music. To our ears, his music sounds something like a cross between Donovan and Bert Jansch (more the latter than the former). His songs are based around a simply strummed acoustic guitar and he has a nice, subtle, understated voice. This is definitely one of those cases where the man had the talent...but his music just never managed to reach a large audience. This disc is intended to make more folks aware of Beau and his music. It certainly turned our heads around. Damn, this guy is good. (Rating: 5)

Now that, as they say, is not at all bad...

6 days to go!

There Is Some Fun Going Forward & Sky Dance...

2009-03-30T10:44:00.006+01:00

John Trevor's "Sky Dance" was featured on Dandelion Records' last ever offering, the LP "There Is Some Fun Going Forward".

What no one knew at the time was that this was in fact take two: take one had been a very different offering that, even for Dandelion, wasn't seen as quite in keeping!

A mile away from the spaced-out and slightly trippy official release, click here to check out the original with its accompanying video...

Edge Of The Dark - first radio play...

2009-03-25T13:45:00.004Z

The first radio play from a promo copy of the new "Edge Of The Dark" CD appears to have been on BRTO-Radio in The Netherlands on Sunday March 22nd.

They played "The Smoke Of Eden" at 21.09 on their Paperlate show.

Thanks guys - hope you enjoy the rest of the album!

Just 12 days to go...

Life Too, Has Surface Noise...

2009-03-23T14:08:00.007Z

Cherry Red's three-CD box set of Dandelion singles leads off with "1917 Revolution" and "Sleeping Town"; not unnaturally, as this was the first-ever Dandy release.

However, at its launch, and largely overlooked in the welter of cyber-traffic, was a rather nice podcast produced by The Podcast Brewery. This featured Clive Selwood, Bridget St John, John Fiddler etc., along with yours truly.

You can check out the podcast here . However, if you save it to your computer and burn it to CDR, it fits nicely in the box and makes an ideal companion to the singles collection!

Edge Of The Dark - cover photo...

2009-03-21T10:52:00.004Z

A friend in France emailed to ask about the cover photo on "Edge Of The Dark".

It was taken in Brixton, London in 1994 at a gig for the then-Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Basil Hume's charity for the homeless.

On checking all this out, I came across my set list from the night! Slightly unusually, it wasn't just my own stuff; though perhaps that's understandable, given the nature of the gig.

Nine Minutes
St. Elizabeth Of Hungary
This Land Is Your Land (Woody Guthrie)
1917 Revolution
The Sun Dancer
Roses Of Eyam
Streets Of London (Ralph McTell)

Now that's real trivia!

16 days to go...

Creation / Beau - See For Miles glitches...

2009-03-20T14:07:00.008Z

See For Miles' 1995 "Creation / Beau" was the first CD reissue of my two Dandelion albums.

Whilst apparently a nice package, this "2 albums on one CD" issue had a couple of problems. Some people felt the remastered sound was a little flat, lacking presence. Worse still however, there was a distinct wobble at the beginning of "Blind Faith", and the opening bars of "Silence Returns" were clipped!

All this was probably because SFM were trying to cram in just a little more than the technology of the day would allow.

All those faults have (thankfully!) been corrected in the quite excellent remastering of the most recent UK and Japanese reissues.

Edge Of The Dark - release date...

2009-03-10T12:20:00.003Z

Chaos.com in Australia is mistakenly reporting the release date for "Edge Of The Dark" as Monday 16th March!

Not so!

In the UK, it's 6th April, and I understand it will be available overseas from 7th April.

27 days to go...

Japanese Creation - lyric sheet...

2009-03-09T15:32:00.010Z

It was really nice of Air Mail to include full lyric sheets with both their "Beau" and "Creation" reissues. However...

Whilst the "Beau" transcriptions were fairly straightforward, those for "Creation" were, in parts, let's say imaginative!

The good folks at Air Mail didn't get in touch with me about the lyrics. I suspect the transcriptions were done by someone whose first language was Japanese rather than English.

So, if anyone needs the real words to any of the songs, feel free to email me.

1917 Revolution - take 2...

2009-03-06T14:46:00.015Z

“1917 Revolution” was recorded on 14th April 1969. It was earmarked as a single from the start, but over four minutes was considered a bit of a turn-off when it came to getting airplay.

What not many people know is a second, shortened, version was recorded four days later. It wasn’t particularly good – I sang it slow for some reason – but a rather scratchy acetate of “take 2” surfaced a few years ago; if you’ve got RealPlayer, you can check it out here.

This is a pretty lo-fi 32kbps version, but if you’d like to hear it in full quality, email me and I’ll see what can be done.

Plain Sailing (2008)

2009-03-04T12:27:00.002Z

“Plain Sailing” is a strange downloadable release from Cherry Red.

Subtitled “An Acoustic Alternative”, it leads off with “1917 Revolution”. However, taken as a whole, the set doesn’t come through to me as being particularly acoustic-orientated.

There are some nice songs, and the album features four Dandelion artists – self, Bridget St John, Kevin Coyne and Medicine Head – but overall, the title’s something of a misnomer and “Plain Sailing” doesn’t really add much to the sum of human knowledge.

Edge Of The Dark - alternate sleeve!

2009-03-02T15:06:00.006Z

Blogger spacedsaviour has been fast off the mark with this one!

Creation - Japanese bonuses

2009-03-01T16:02:00.007Z

Just to clarify, those websites that insist on saying the Japanese issue of "Creation" has NINE bonus tracks are incorrect!

The Airmail release (AIRAC-1459) has ONE bonus track - "Sky Dance" - in addition to the usual album tracks.

I just don't want anyone to be misled...

Alternate Beau & Creation sleeves...

2009-02-28T16:31:00.010Z

Blogger spacedsaviour has an unusual hobby!

Here are his redesigns of the original "Beau" and "Creation" covers...

Edge Of The Dark - Web Page...

2009-02-28T12:37:00.008Z

Angel Air have now launched their

"Edge Of The Dark" page...

37 days to go!

Picture sleeve 1917 Revolution on eBay...

2009-02-26T10:50:00.008Z

There's a very rare Dutch pressing of "1917 Revolution” here on eBay at the moment.

This is on the Dutch Dandelion label, and comes in a black & white picture sleeve.

I've reproduced the image below - looks to be in good condition...

Edge Of The Dark

2009-02-24T14:15:00.023Z

Hi!

Well, this is the very first post on this new "Beau's Recordings" blog. And the good news is, there's a brand new CD called "Edge Of The Dark" on its way very shortly from Angel Air Records (SJPCD293).

Release date is 6th April here in the UK - I believe it'll be available from the 7th in the States.

This is the first album of completely unissued material I've released since 1971! Thirty-eight years is a long time. But now it's almost here.

Five of the cuts are from what would have been my third Dandelion album - "High Mass". They feature The Way We Live / Tractor on backup. It'll be interesting for their fans to hear some pretty thunderous work by Jim and Steve that's never even been bootlegged!

There's been one little glitch in the pre-publicity; some sites are showing the title as "Edge Of Dark" (no definite article). Not that it makes much difference - the cat number's still the same.

OK, the countdown begins. I reckon it's 41 days to go!

I'll keep ya posted... (Click on the image below to get a fuller view of the cover.)