#7 Songs

This slightly different post was inspired by Kate Graham’s blog of the same title, #7 Songs. The idea was to share 7 songs that have had significance in my life – not an easy task for someone who has spent a lifetime as a musician!

Those who know me will be aware that I have a very eclectic taste in music that covers a wide range of genre’s. Coming up with the first was easy though as from the day I first heard this, a lifetime love of this band started which continues to this day.

Yes – Starship Trooper

The release of “The Yes Album” was a pivotal point in the development of prog rock and this track was on constant play in the Sixth Form Center at school. I can safely say this track changed my musical tastes forever – along with “Tarkus” from Emerson Lake & Palmer which was released around the same time.

[youtube https://youtu.be/DKftiJS30Cs]

This is the band I have seen live more times than any other – I never tire of hearing this song!

Maynard Ferguson – Birdland

If there is one trumpet player that has influenced me more than anyone, it is Maynard Ferguson. I was first introduced to “The Boss” by army colleagues Bob Allen and Dave Marcham who between them, had great Maynard record collections that made baby sitting duties for them a real pleasure!

[youtube https://youtu.be/hNbsnBZOwqE]

Earth Wind & Fire – September

During the late 70’s, I ran a mobile disco and developed a real love of the great bands that were around then – especially Earth Wind & Fire which probably had a lot to do with the great brass lines! This remains THE dance track that I am most likely to request from the DJ at a party!

[youtube https://youtu.be/Gs069dndIYk]

Elgar – Nimrod

This is without a doubt, my favourite piece of classical music, period. And when the genius of Leonard Bernstein is added to the mix, it becomes even more powerful. (not all classical musicians will agree with that though!). IMHO one of the most moving pieces of music even written.

[youtube https://youtu.be/RiaDogDqrB0]

Ride of The Valkyries – Regimental March of The Parachute Regiment

If you love Wagner, you might want to skip this one. But as the post is about songs with meaning in my life, this one has a huge part to play. I served as a musician in The Parachute Regiment for about 6 yrs during which time, I made a lot of lifelong friends and learned a lot about music outside of the brass and military band genre – much of this thanks to a great bandmaster, Ernie Mortlock. This is also the period in my life when I was posted to Germany – a country I now call home. So for many. many reasons, this one has to be in the list.

[youtube https://youtu.be/bEJ9m4TZYK8]

The Beatles – Something

Growing up in the 60’s, one can not help having been influenced by The Beatles. This is my favourite Beatle track and one that shows off the often underestimated talent of George Harrison.

[youtube https://youtu.be/U0jk3bFeSUY]

Choosing just seven songs isn’t easy – just looking at my CD collection tells me just how difficult that is! And I’m sure I will look at this in years to come and thing “how did I forget that one!”. My final choice was difficult – but whilst I do have wide tastes, in the past, Folk music wasn’t one of them. This man changed all that when I saw him supporting Jools Holland a few years ago. 

Seth Lakeman – Kitty Jay

[youtube https://youtu.be/ZLrOR6swYPI]

I hope you enjoyed this post and my thanks once again to Kate for the inspiration.

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