The Story and Behind the Scenes of "Full Steam Ahead"
I have been a big John Mayer fan since his first album, "Inside Wants Out". I have always been very intrigued by any writing style that can explain something you may be able to feel but can't put into words. To have the pleasure of enjoying such literary accomplishments is almost type of emotional release. I will take that no further! Other writers I appreciate who can provoke this inward phenomenon include, Josh Ritter, Jason Mraz, Josh Rouse, Buddy Mondlock, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, David Gray, etc.
Focusing on John Mayer and David Gray the story begins here...
I wrote a song for some American friends I met in Ireland. I am still based here as they have returned stateside. The song was about leaving on a journey and when returning home wanting everyone to know that even though you may appear aged, worn, and tired, you aren’t finished; you haven’t slowed down and basically, “Watch This Space”.
.. ..
The song was recorded a few times very roughly. Some with fiddle, horns, even a dance version. Nothing suited me. I personally felt that the song could be done more justice and be built a bit stronger. Well the opportunity presented itself when I was asked to judge auditions for a competition called “Bound for Baltimore” which sends around 40 talented students over the age of 16, in Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland, to America to perform on St. Patrick’s Day. They have singers, dancers, actors, and musicians from around 12 local schools participating.
.. ..
I was asked to write a theme song for the students and have some of the musicians perform on the recording of the track. I was very eager to do this but knew I couldn’t handle it myself. I had been in touch with Tim Bradshaw who played keyboards and lap steal for David Gray for about 10 years. As it happened Tim was currently playing for John Mayer in the states and I had seen him on the live DVD “Where The Light Is”. I wrote Tim and sent him a rough-revised copy of “Full Steam Ahead”. Tim flew in to Derry the next week with half of the song produced and in 3 days we recorded, produced, and videoed the new version of “Full Steam Ahead”.
We brought in from the school; cello, two violins, clarinet, and sax. An assemble later to be called, “a Bridge of Hope”. There was also an amazing Irish harp player that couldn’t be used in the final mix due to tuning difficulties. Tim and I didn’t leave the house for 3 days except to feed his vegan appetite at the local 24 hour Tesco. It was a week full of Broccoli and Stilton Soup for me and I think he ate Dolmio’s tomato and basil. Who knew vegans didn’t eat cheese?
It was a great experience and the next project Tim and I will attempt on a vegetarian week is a track with a title that suggests what true fans will be doing until it comes out, “Waiting”.
.. ..
-Fact,
In the video of the “Full Steam Ahead” you’ll notice at the down beat, hushed chorus near the end of the track there is a guy getting out of a car with a guitar walking in the house and then hugging Tim. This is Jim Walker of “Cast of Thousands” in the 80s and the local, legendary, “J Walkers”. Jim recorded those little slide electric guitar bits you hear on the track. Jim and Tim lived together in England for a while and were good friends touring with different bands. The footage you see in the video is actually their first time seeing each other in over 17 years! I like to title this little reunion, Timbo and Jimothy. J
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Cheers Ya’ll,
Justin Black
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I will be supporting Jools Holland in May in Derry, City Ireland!!!
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Justin Black / Blog
Full Steam Ahead
The Story and Behind the Scenes of "Full Steam Ahead" I have been a big John Mayer fan since his first album, "Inside Wants Out". I have always been very intrigued by any writing style that can explain something you may be able to feel but can't put into words. To have the pleasure of enjoying such literary accomplishments is almost type of emotional release. I will take that no further! Other writers I appreciate who can provoke this inward phenomenon include, Josh Ritter, Jason Mraz, Josh Rouse, Buddy Mondlock, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, David Gray, etc. Focusing on John Mayer and David Gray the story begins here... I wrote a song for some American friends I met in Ireland. I am still based here as they have returned stateside. The song was about leaving on a journey and when returning home wanting everyone to know that even though you may appear aged, worn, and tired, you aren’t finished; you haven’t slowed down and basically, “Watch This Space”. .. .. The song was recorded a few times very roughly. Some with fiddle, horns, even a dance version. Nothing suited me. I personally felt that the song could be done more justice and be built a bit stronger. Well the opportunity presented itself when I was asked to judge auditions for a competition called “Bound for Baltimore” which sends around 40 talented students over the age of 16, in Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland, to America to perform on St. Patrick’s Day. They have singers, dancers, actors, and musicians from around 12 local schools participating. .. .. I was asked to write a theme song for the students and have some of the musicians perform on the recording of the track. I was very eager to do this but knew I couldn’t handle it myself. I had been in touch with Tim Bradshaw who played keyboards and lap steal for David Gray for about 10 years. As it happened Tim was currently playing for John Mayer in the states and I had seen him on the live DVD “Where The Light Is”. I wrote Tim and sent him a rough-revised copy of “Full Steam Ahead”. Tim flew in to Derry the next week with half of the song produced and in 3 days we recorded, produced, and videoed the new version of “Full Steam Ahead”. We brought in from the school; cello, two violins, clarinet, and sax. An assemble later to be called, “a Bridge of Hope”. There was also an amazing Irish harp player that couldn’t be used in the final mix due to tuning difficulties. Tim and I didn’t leave the house for 3 days except to feed his vegan appetite at the local 24 hour Tesco. It was a week full of Broccoli and Stilton Soup for me and I think he ate Dolmio’s tomato and basil. Who knew vegans didn’t eat cheese? It was a great experience and the next project Tim and I will attempt on a vegetarian week is a track with a title that suggests what true fans will be doing until it comes out, “Waiting”. .. .. -Fact, In the video of the “Full Steam Ahead” you’ll notice at the down beat, hushed chorus near the end of the track there is a guy getting out of a car with a guitar walking in the house and then hugging Tim. This is Jim Walker of “Cast of Thousands” in the 80s and the local, legendary, “J Walkers”. Jim recorded those little slide electric guitar bits you hear on the track. Jim and Tim lived together in England for a while and were good friends touring with different bands. The footage you see in the video is actually their first time seeing each other in over 17 years! I like to title this little reunion, Timbo and Jimothy. J .. .. Cheers Ya’ll, Justin Black
Reply
Supporting Jools
I will be supporting Jools Holland in May in Derry, City Ireland!!!
Reply