April 28, 2017

 

 

Pure excellence

of the highest order,

acknowledged

by loud applause

 

from the

privileged few

lucky to be seated

for this worthy cause.

 

Pure excellence;

another night to remember,

as eyes meet in credulity

row after row.

 

Each person moved

by such perfection,

from one who can

put on a Show.

 

Pure excellence

from this formidable teacher,

with a voice to die for –

like a summer breeze.

 

Satisfaction guaranteed

or your money back,

from one who knows

how an audience to please.

 

Review  –   The Rudolf Kempe Society

Songs of Apollo

Word and Music – Stratford upon Avon

2018 season.

 

 

April 10, 2017

 

 

In 75 at No.9 was Barry White

with ‘Let The Music Play’,

and ‘Thank You For The Music’,

by Abba in 83, so very apt today.

 

‘Goodnight Tonight’ in 79

reached No.5 for Wings

and ‘A Place In The Sun’ from 67

by Stevie Wonder – everyone sings

 

‘Thanks For Saving My Life’

in 74 reached No.33 –

This Billy Paul song proving

how vital music can be.

 

At No. 2 in 75 – ‘The Last Farewell’

by Roger Whittaker, was loved so.

And also ‘Softly As I Leave You’,

in the Top 10 of 62 – by Matt Munro.

 

At No.3 in 58 The Platters, let

‘Twilight Time’ gently unfold.

And ‘Thank You For Being A Friend’

in 78, came from Andrew Gold.

 

‘Good Vibrations’ and ‘God Only Knows’

two of the Beach Boys successes of 66,

and ‘Unforgettable’ by Nat ‘King’ Cole,

from generations of your fans, in this final mix.

 

 

 

Thank you so very much.

Brian Matthew  1928 – 2017

 

 

March 31, 2017

 

 

A pal likes to be remembered –

whether they be new or old,

and in 77, ‘Thank You For Being A Friend’

came along from Andrew Gold.

 

In 88, Mica Paris was at No. 7

with ‘My One Temptation’ on show,

and in 04 at No.3 was Keene,

with ‘Someone Only We Know’.

 

Deniece Williams made No.8 in 77,

reaching a note so spine chilling,

and today ‘That’s What Friends Are For’,

sounds just as movingly thrilling.

 

‘Friends Will Be Friends’ by Queen

in 86, another Top 20 fix,

and in 89 ‘Rooms On Fire’,

at No.16, by Stevie Nicks.

 

‘All About You’ / ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ –

a double ‘A sided’ No.1 in 05, for McFly,

And Leo Sayer’s 77 Number 1 –

‘When I Need You’ – I cannot pass by.

 

‘Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own’ –

a seventh Number 1, in 05 for U2.

and ‘Dedicated To The One I Love’ in 67,

by Mamas & Papas, stopped us feeling blue.

 

So many hits came from Abba,

‘Knowing Me Knowing You’, springs to mind,

after hauntingly memorable ‘Fernando’,

and ‘Dancing Queen’ – always on re-wind.

 

In 07 at No.7 came ‘Soulmate’

from UK’s Natasha Bedingfield,

and Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s 69 hit –

‘The Onion Song’, more than appealed.

 

In 71, a classic from James Taylor –

‘You’ve Got A Friend’, made No.4,

after his first chart entry – ‘Fire and Rain’,

which came the year before.

 

The Average White Band’s – ‘Let’s Go Round Again’

has the best ‘feel-good’ instrumental middle,

which some DJ’s frustratingly fade out,

or the song comes on, when I’m needing a piddle!

 

With vocals by The Bandits,

Billy Cotton & his Band reached 3 in 54,

with a song entitled ‘Friends & Neighbours’,

which got Granny onto the dance floor.

 

February 19, 2017

 

 

A genuine ‘Mr Nice Guy’,

who’s departure, too soon came into view.

Best known for penning ‘You’re A Lady’,

‘Hold On To Love’, and so many more too.

 

A 1930’s song – ‘Love Is The Sweetest Thing’,

becoming his Top 60 hit of 78,

and with Albums totalling more than 20,

his uniqueness, carried much weight.

 

Whether teaming up with Julian Lloyd Webber

and Mary Hopkin, to form Oasis in 84,

or in collaboration with Richard Stilgoe –

his creative talent easily opened each door.

 

A safe pair of hands on the piano,

and so gifted on the Organ too.

Our Home-grown talent from Bury –

Peter Skellern, may God bless you.

 

Thank You for the Music.

RIP  1947 – 2017

February 3, 2017

 

With ‘Wannabe’ in 96

The Spice Girls hit the top spot.

And ‘Mama’ and ‘Spice Up Your Life’,

a pick of No.1’s to follow on the trot.

 

With ‘Love And Affection’, Joan Armatrading,

in 76 had this much loved top ten ,

and ‘Me, Myself, I, just one of her 80’s songs,

Feminists adored playing – again and again.

 

In 07, The Kaiser Chiefs

took ‘Ruby’ to the No.1 slot.

This group one to ‘Never Miss A Beat’

with Sheffield’s Ricky Wilson, so hot.

 

‘Think Twice’ came in 94 –

the first No.1 for Celine Dion.

‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’ – was heaven,

before, in 98, ‘My Heart Will Go On’.

 

‘Why’ and ‘Walking on Broken Glass’ –

Top 10 hits for Annie Lennox in 92,

And ‘No More I Love Yous’ in 95,

in the Charts at Number 2

 

In 77 America’s Thelma Houston,

sang ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’,

and in 93 at Number 4 –

were Shakespear’s Sister with ‘Stay’

 

In 08, ‘Mercy’ – No.1 for Duffy,

and at No.3 was Warwick Avenue.

‘I Kissed A Girl’ sang Katy Perry,

and in 09 she was ‘Thinking Of You’.

 

In 90, with ‘Vision Of Love’,

US Diva, Mariah Carey hit the scene.

‘Without You’, her first No.1,

with many more hits in between.

 

Featuring Westlife, her next No.1 –

‘Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)’,

and with ‘All I want For Christmas Is You’,

she takes her annual bow.

 

From Dolly to timeless Madonna.

From Cilla to Florence And The Machine.

From Kylie, (always relevant) –

Girl Power – setting the scene.

 

From Dusty to Lady GaGa.

From Blondie to Taylor Swift.

From Lulu (forever vital) –

Girl Power – guaranteed to give you a lift.

 

January 22, 2017

 

In 70, ‘Home Loving Man’ by Andy Williams –

a song in our hearts to live on.

And 86 found ‘Caravan Of Love’,

by The House Martins at No.1

 

In the mid 80’s ‘Holding Back The Years’ –

a chart favourite for Simply Red.

Followed by two decades of hits;

this group – Manchester born and bred.

 

In 07 were ‘’Westlife with ‘Home’ –

another Top Ten to appreciate.

And Kanye West featuring Chris Martin,

gave us ‘Homecoming’ in 2008.

 

Simon and Garfunkel in 66,

followed the ‘Homeward Bound’ trail.

And in 67 with ‘Homburg were Procol Harum,

after their No.1 – ‘A Whiter Shade Of Pale’.

 

In 87, ‘Running In The Family’,

made No.6 for Level 42.

Long after ‘The Folks Who Live On The Hill’

for Peggy Lee, came into view.

 

‘Ill Find My Way Home’, in 81

came from Jon & Vangelis.

And ‘Take Me Home ( A Girl Like Me)’

in 2001, a hit for lovely Sophie Ellis-

 

In 04, came ‘Somewhere Only We Know’

and ‘Everybody’s Changing’ by Keane,

followed in 06 by his 3^rd Top Ten, –

‘Is It Any Wonder’, setting the scene.

 

JT and the Big Family,

in 90 gave us ‘Moments in Soul’,

And back in 62, with ‘Rambling Rose’,

was the ever reliable Nat ‘King’ Cole.

 

From ‘Dance To The Music’ & ‘Everyday People’

to ‘Family Affair’ & ‘Runnin Away’, in 72.

America’s Sly & The Family Stone

always guaranteed to shine through.

 

The ‘All American Girls’ – Sister Sledge,

at No.8 with ‘We Are Family’, in 79.

And ‘Reunited’ found Peaches & Herb,

singing of when hearts re-entwine.

 

‘Home is where the heart is’ – a Top 40,

in 77, for Gladys Knight & The Pips.

And in 99, ‘Makes Me Love You’ at no. 25

for Italian Instrumentalist – Eclipse.

 

‘Chasing Pavements’ and ‘Hometown Glory’

with passion, came from Adele.

And back in 79 was Anita Ward

with her Number 1 hit –  ‘Ring My Bell’.

 

Whether home is ‘The House Of The Rising Sun’,

or ‘The House That Jack Built’ type,

You’ll survive if doors let in love and warmth,

and your computer connects you to Skype.

 

December 26, 2016

 

In 84, ‘You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)’

at No.1 for Dead Or Alive,

and this song back in the charts in 06 –

God rest Pete Burns, and his struggle to survive.

 

Best known for his chart hits of 61,

like ‘Run To Him’ and ‘Rubber Ball’,

and in 63, ‘The Night Has A Thousand Eyes’

ensured Bobby Vee remembered by all.

 

Canada’s own Leonard Cohen,

this year, from life withdrew.

Meaning so much to many generations –

sadly bowing out, aged 82.

 

America’s Colonel Abrams (died aged 67) –

The acclaimed 80’s House Dance pioneer.

His gold selling hit in the charts for 23 weeks –

‘Trapped’, deservingly well worth a cheer.

 

Leon Russell, the renowned rock musician/writer,

who’s talent knew no bounds,

featured on many great albums,

including The Beach Boys ‘Pet Sounds’.

 

His collaboration with Elton John,

on the album, ‘The Union’ came in 2010,

and also known for penning ‘A Song For You’ –

his work will live on – Amen.

 

Kay Starr, a popular singer of the 50’s  –

‘Wheel Of Fortune & ‘Rock & Roll Waltz’, No.1 hits.

Whether singing Jazz, Pop or Country,

Her fans simply loved her to bits.

 

Rod Temperton, the British songwriter

behind ‘Thriller’ died aged 66  – a loss to us all.

His other songs include ‘Rock With You’,

‘Boogie Nights’ and of course ‘Off The Wall’.

 

In 66 ‘California Dreamin’ & ‘Monday Monday’ –

Mamas & Papas hits we’ll never forget.

And in 67 ‘Dedicated To The One I Love’

an apt song for 3 members we lost with regret.

 

Lovely Cass Elliott leaving us in 74,

and John Philips in 2001.

And Denny Doherty followed in 2007 –

may their memory and music live on.

 

With ‘Fanfare For The Common Man’,

in 77 making No.2.

It is with the greatest sadness

Greg Lake, we say farewell to you.

 

‘Pictures Of Matchstick Men’

in 68, first set our hearts aglow.

This group having the most chart singles,

can only mean – Status Quo.

 

But ‘The Party Ain’t Over Yet’, for you –

Rick Parfitt – your act was sublime.

And tonight fans will toast your life,

singing in one voice – ‘Margarita Time’.

 

With effortless ease and brilliance,

George Michael’s music won so many hearts,

And ‘Faith’ in him, we had in abundance,

though ‘Older’, too early he departs.

 

‘Last Christmas’ – our favourite Video,

and ‘Careless Whisper’ another heartfelt song.

But this Christmas, will forever be remembered –

for a singer who kept us all strong..  

 

His ‘December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas)’,

so apt now his loss, fans struggle to endure.

But of one thing you can be certain,

George Michael, ‘You Have Been Loved’ for sure.

 

Losing Pop Legends isn’t easy,

when they’ve been part of our DNA.

We all think of them as immortal,

and near to our hearts they stay.

 

But each one that goes on before us,

is simply finding ‘A Different Corner’ to rest.

So sleep peacefully in your ‘Freedom’

‘Spinning The Wheel’ with some of the best.

 

December 10, 2016

 

 

In 73, Diana Ross was in the Top 10,

with this poignant farewell song.

‘Touch Me In The Morning’

proving ‘now’ – no-one can prolong.

 

‘Now That We Found Love’,

a 78 Top 10 hit for Third World.

In 77, ‘When I Need You’ by Leo Sayer,

ensured every lover’s toe curled.

 

‘When You Get Right Down To It’,

a Top 20 hit for Ronnie Dyson in 71.

‘I Saw Her Again’ from Mamas & Papas,

one of their hits proving love lingers on.

 

In 79, ‘We’ve Got Tonight’ came from

Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band.

‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’,

in 96, Celine Dion did command.

 

In 80, at 23 in the charts,

‘Too Hot’ from Kool and the Gang’

and ‘What A Difference A Day Makes’,

in 75, Esther Philips sang.

 

In 06, with ‘Crazy’, Gnarls Barkley,

at No.1, rightly did sit,

and in 94 ‘Now & Forever’,

gave Richard Marx a Top 20 hit.

 

In 67, ‘A Place In The Sun’, from

Stevie Wonder, we thought a dream,

and In 74, The Love Unlimited Orchestra,

had a Top 10 with ‘Love’s Theme’

 

Memories can last a lifetime,

and at times bitter-sweet they feel,

but ‘Now’ is happening constantly,

and ‘Now’ always will be the real deal. 

 

 

November 29, 2016

 

 

America’s Young Rascals

brought ‘Groovin’ to our shore;

this Top 10 hit of 67 followed by,

‘A Girl Like You’, we still adore.

 

And 1970 saw Bob & Marcia

riding high in the Top 5 Chart.

Their ‘Young, Gifted & Black’ –

instantly winning every heart.

 

In 75,  ahead of the game – David Bowie,

with ‘Young Americans’ in the Top 20,

and in 76, Candi Staton gave us

‘Young Hearts Run Free’ – a No 2 entry.

 

Our own Beatle – Paul McCartney

always guaranteed to bring us joy,

and in 97, the Top 20, found him

back in the charts with ‘Young Boy’.

 

‘She Drives Me Crazy’, in 89,

saw ‘Fine Young Cannibals at No.5,

and in the Top 40 of 97,

this song again, was to arrive.

 

With one of the largest fan clubs ever,

this Pop icon, has had a hit or two.

‘The Young Ones’ – just one of Cliff’s songs,

climbing to No.1 – was a song loved so true.

 

‘Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,

(in 1970 – a song we’ll never forget),

came from U.S. group – The Tams, followed by

‘Hey Girl, Don’t Bother Me’ – a certain No.1 bet.

 

‘The Youngest Was The Most Loved’,

in 2006, for Morrissey, was doing fine,

and ‘Young Forever’ at No.10 was Jay Z

featuring Mr Hudson in 2009.

 

‘When You’re Young And In Love’- in 67,

a Marvelettes’s Top 20 hit, our hearts won.

and ‘My One Temptation’ singer – Mica Paris

sang about ‘Young Soul Rebels’ in 91.

 

In 82, ‘Young Guns (Go For It)

was at No.3 for Wham’s Andrew and George,

and ‘Last Christmas’ – their seasonal hit,

with a video, that simply is ‘gorge’.

 

And last in this Tribute to Youth,

comes lovely Will Young with hits from 02.

‘Anything Is Possible’ and ‘Evergreen’,

and ‘Light My Fire’, just to name a few.

 

 

November 12, 2016

 

 

Canadian Icon – Leonard Cohen,

this week, from life withdrew.

Meaning so much to many generations,

he sadly ‘bowed out’ at the age of 82.

 

One of the most poignant songwriters-

up there with Dylan, without doubt.

Changing the nations thinking,

yet ‘Hallelujah, his only Top 40 shout.

 

With ‘Suzanne’, the 1st song on his 1st Album,

he showed us the intensity of his desire.

But of course, he will also be remembered,

for his high flying  ‘Bird On The Wire’.

 

‘I’m Your Man’, another firm favourite,

with many a female, concert attendee,

And lots more heart-searching songs,

touched those in the same mood, as he.

 

So it’s with sadness, we say ‘Farewell Leonard’-

‘Your place in Music History secure.

You were instrumental in changing our mood,

with words from your heart, so pure.

 

So many great songs have been omitted,

in this late night tribute to you- Mr Cohen.

But your life-saving words still enthrall us,

and our love for you will keep on growin’.

 

RIP   1934 – 2016

 

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