Steve Walwyn – The Lockdown days

 

Steve Walwyn – The Lockdown days

By Pete Clemons

Let there be Life

Cover of Sandy Nelson's 'Let There Be Drums' to say thank you to the NHS

Times are tough right now. Many are coping with it all ok. Some, I have been told on several occasions, were born for lockdown. But there is no denying that everything feels slightly uncertain. And there is no doubt that this worldwide pandemic has had far-ranging and devastating effects on people's lives. And this will continue to do so for years to come.

In some ways physical distancing is bringing us closer together. And little by little we are learning to adapt to new ways, such as working from home, not a new phenomenon but one which has seen a huge take up in recent weeks.

It seems that working from home has also begun to apply to musicians who are coming up with their own unique way's of continuing what they love and enjoy. And, of course at the same time, spreading much joy to others.

I began to notice it during April when a video began to circulate of a cover of the Sandy Nelson classic 'Let There Be Drums'. Its purpose, as I understand, was to show solidarity with the NHS for all the brave and outstanding work they were doing back then, and continue to do today.

Retitled 'Let There Be Life', this cover featured a cast of many that included a host of local musicians including Steve Walwyn, Ted Duggan, Horace Panter and Pete Riley. It really was an uplifting listen.

Other home movies watched with anticipation were those produced by guitarist Steve Walwyn. During late Spring and on into Summer Steve introduced the viewer to eight of his own favourite artists. Those who had helped form and shape his own musical tastes. On a different guitar for each artist represented, and in a different location throughout his house, Steve walked us through the music that has stayed with him for life. Of course, each story came with an accompanying soundtrack and anecdotes. A recurring expression Steve used was 'this blew me away'. And as an avid viewer that expression was kind of how I felt. For those interested Steve's choices were:


1 I Say a Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin

2 Don't Waste My time – Status Quo

3 Black Coffee – Humble Pie

4 Laundromat – Rory Gallagher

5 Black Dog – Led Zeppelin

6 Jessica – Allman Brothers

7 Oh Well – Peter Green

8 Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan

9, had there been a number 9, may well have been Blind Faith and 'Cant Find My Way Home' as Steve mentioned it had just failed to make the cut. As a postscript Steve concluded the series with some slide guitar.

Along with the magnificent Holly Hewitt and bass player Craig Rhind, early August saw Steve complete a trio performing a barnstorming set from his back garden. With a background of light drizzle the set included Voodoo Mama, Little by Little, My Chauffeur Blues, Fool, I Got My Mojo Working and is well worth a watch.

The working from home theme continued into September as another of Steve's bands, The Dirt Road Blues Band, another trio and featuring Horace Panter on bass and Ted Duggan on drums, reconvened after a year apart. Again the setting was Steve's back yard.

These boys aloud, as neighbours have seemingly re-christened the band, performed four tunes. 'See That Grave is Kept Clean, Second Hand Man, Tulane and Laundromat. Again, accompanying the videos, you can find some background information and anecdotal information.

I can't imagine the frustration being felt right now by musicians. But these lockdown sessions have been an absolute delight for us listeners. And well worth getting on to youtube to check it all out. It can do absolutely no harm. In fact it can bring on many positive effects. Thanks.

Finally, Robert Plant, if you happen to be reading this – you still owe Steve Walwyn and the DT's a support slot.