The late great Townes to lift my spirits. Waiting Around To Die is one of my favourite tracks.
Today’s Music To keep me SssSaaaAnnnNeeE in Isolation – Bert Jansch – Jack Orion
Nick Harper: The Wilderness Years – Paperback
This book illuminates the genius that I feel is Nick Harper and is designed to accompany ‘The Wilderness Years’, a trilogy of vinyl albums. Nick talks candidly about many aspects of his music and career.
‘This is not just a book, it is a Labour of love.’
‘Really great read…It just flows…I was on page 48 before the need for a brew kicked in…‘
The book is available from Amazon. A signed copy can be obtained by emailing me at opher@hotmail.co.uk It will also be available to purchase from Nick on his tour (I’m sure he’ll sign it for you!).
Roy Harper: Every Album, Every Song (On Track) Paperback – Reprinted and restocked.
‘Wonderful book written by a man who clearly has a deep love and understanding of Roys’ work and the passion really comes through here.’
‘Just loved this book! The writing flows along.’
The book has now been reprinted and restocked at both Burning Shed and Amazon. It is also available at bookshops and you can obtain a signed copy off me directly by emailing at opher@hotmail.co.uk.
https://burningshed.com/opher-goodwin_roy-harper-on-track_book?filter_tag=Opher%20Goodwin
and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROY HARPER!!! – 80 year’s old today!!
In celebration of Roy’s fantastic life and career I think ‘One of Those Days In England’ is appropriate!! Even if he is in Ireland!!
Wishing you all the best Roy!
Roy Harper – One of those days in England parts II-X (1977) – YouTube
The Roy Harper Appreciation Society
I’m sure that most of you know about this site. For any Roy Harper fans out there it is certainly worth checking out, joining and contributing to!
Today’s Music to keep me SsSsSAAaaANNnnNeeEEE in Isolation – Richard and Mimi Farina
Richard Farina was another bright star who died before he really got going. What he might have been. Poor Mimi.
Poetry – Roy (a poem for Roy Harper)
Roy
Household dissenter,
Absconder and antagonist;
Army runaway
And asylum breakouter;
Prison inmate,
Jazz marathon poet
And convention flouter.
Travelling busker,
Songwriter;
Dauber on the city walls.
Gig talker,
Hitch-hiker,
Singer with the biggest balls.
Awkward and acerbic,
Sweet and melodic,
Laughing madly in the gale.
A stormcock,
A harper,
Creator of the epic rail.
Opher 21.6.2016
Roy
I wrote this one for Roy Harper. It came out while I was sitting watching TV one evening. I had just written my book on Roy and my head was full of it. I imagined him as a kid daubing hammers and sickles and swastikas on the Town Hall, running away to join the army, feigning madness and suffering ECT, later being locked up in prison and heading off busking round Europe. There was a lot to fit in. He’s had quite a life.
Roy is his own man – a man who gets up there on stage and speaks his mind on every subject. He is passionate and has strong views. He isn’t afraid to say it as it is.
There are not many people around who are prepared to speak out against the environmental madness, the crazy controlling society, war, poverty and religion.
Heaven knows we need them. Roy’s epic songs have kept me sustained through decades.
Townes Van Zandt – Pancho and Lefty
This guy is so good. Why isn’t there any recognition for true talent?
Townes Van Zandt – Pancho and Lefty. Heartworn Highways – YouTube