Acoustic dreaming - January 2014

Joy of nylon guitar

Spanish inspiration

I first fell in love with the sound of the nylon guitar when I heard Segovia playing Bach. For me it was love at first note... The guitar seemed limitless in his hands.

Over time I realised in addition to rock music I felt the need to write in a classical style often influenced by Spanish music. It was to become a lifelong passion. It conjured vivid imagery of the most wonderful natural settings and I felt it celebrated the spirit of peace. Even during times of turmoil or loneliness the acoustic guitar would centre me and gave a sense inner balance and tranquility.

Bay of Kings released in 1983 was mainly written over a three or four year period. Rather than just play an existing repertoire I felt the need to create my own style. Playing the title piece Bay of Kings I hired a studio in The Town House, London that had a wooden room which gave the track the right resonance. I felt the title had poetry. Many of the themes had seafaring imagery, as I've always loved being on the water and the mystery and magic of the sea I feel drawn to express in music.

In 1987 I returned to my acoustic roots. Momentum was music without props. It conjured vivid but gentle imagery in the mind's eye. It was more paired down than Bay of Kings. I was being drawn in to the world of the classical guitar. Whereas on Bay of Kings I used both nylon and steel string guitar, on Momentum I only used nylon. It was back to a bed, a chair and a guitar... And a chance to connect with with my own inner spirit.

I'm proud of both albums and very glad they're now being re-released.

Re-release of Bay of Kings - click here to order
Re-release of Momentum - click here to order

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Dreaming on water