Friday, 22 March 2013
URGENT MESSAGE RE. GORDON GILTRAP/OLIVER WAKEMAN
Friday, 22 February 2013
GORDON GILTRAP/OLIVER WAKEMAN TOUR DATES
Giltrap & Wakeman tour
Mar 9: Theatre Royal, Margate
Mar 15: St John’s Church, Farncombe
Mar 22: Hunter Hall School, Frenchfield, Penrith
Mar 23: Hunter Hall School, Frenchfield, Penrith
Apr 13: St Michael’s Church, Bishops Itchington
Apr 19: Jersey Arts Centre, St Helier
Apr 26: St Mary’s Church, Lowdham
Apr 27: Plough Arts Centre, Great Torringdon
May 25: Joseph Whitworth Centre, Darley Dale
With John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest
Nov 8: Islington Assembly, London
Nov 9: Stables, Milton Keynes
Nov 10: Robin 2, Bilston
Nov 16: Picturedrome, Holmfirth
Nov 21: Oxford, TBA
Nov 22: Brook, Southampton
Nov 23: Wharf, Tavistock
| Double Visions CD - £5.99 |
| As It Happens DCD - £11.99 |
| Secret Valentine CD - £9.99 |
| Sym Hall CD - £7.99 |
| A Testament Of Time CD - £7.99 |
| Live At Ambergate CD - £7.99 |
| Midnight Clear CD - £7.99 |
| Remember This CD - £7.99 |
| Band Live 81 CD - £7.99 |
| The Peacock Party CD - £7.99 |
| Elegy CD - £7.99 |
| Live At Oxford CD - £7.99 |
| Collection CD - £7.99 |
| Janschology CD - £7.99 |
| Acoustic Troubadour DCD - £11.99 |
| Under This Blue Sky CD - £7.99 |
| Shining Morn CD - £7.99 |
Thursday, 25 October 2012
LINK: Gordon Giltrap and Oliver Wakeman - Brook Theatre Chatham
Any regular readers of this blog will know that Mr Giltrap is one of my heroes having seen him in many concerts, bought a load of his albums, struggled over learning his pieces, bought one of his signature guitars and had the privilege of meeting him at a workshop some years back in Margate. So this review will be biased! :-)
Brilliant night - a couple of pieces off the new CD, one played in a "unique arrangement", i.e. I think Gordon went wrong somewhere but frankly I don't think anyone in the audience noticed at all - I certainly didn't. Some of Gordon's famous pieces worked with brilliant accompaniment from Oliver - Isabella's Wedding shone out in this regard for me. Oliver introduced several pieces of his from his back solo catalogue again with Gordon adding some great additional guitar parts. One thing it was interesting to watch Gordon on these pieces and the Bach one they did as well. Gordon was "out of his comfort zone" I think, these aren't pieces he had years and years to nail and as any musician will know once you are playing with someone else there is a higher degree of rigour in how and what you play, if you are solo you can be freer with your timing etc. as there is no-one else needing to be understanding of it. Also Gordon was studying his "music" carefully at many points - but I don't believe he actually can read music - I'd love to know what he uses, some form of tabulature no doubt, but with rhythmic symbols or not etc. Whatever the performance was still flawless on both sides of the stage.
Read on...
Monday, 10 September 2012
The Playhouse Weston: Gordon Giltrap and Oliver Wakeman
Gordon Giltrap really is an extraordinary guitarist. I have seen him live on about half a dozen occasions, and am always awestruck by his prowess. I am really pleased to be in a position where I can promote the stuff that he does, by - for example - reposting this story about his forthcoming tour with Oliver Wakeman...
Guitar legend Gordon Giltrap and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman have joined forces and are setting off on the UK leg of their 'Ravens & Lullabies' tour.
Fresh from four years of touring with the classic progressive rock band YES, Oliver was contacted by Gordon with a request for his keyboards services for an album idea he had.
Within 24 hours the initial idea had changed beyond recognition and a full blown collaborative project was in the works.
Oliver and Gordon have now embarked upon this new chapter in their careers and are currently touring with their debut album 'Ravens & Lullabies'.
Featuring a variety of guitars and keyboards, these shows will be the first public performances of a selection of pieces from the new album, as well as new arrangements of classic material from both of their retrospective careers.
One of the most innovative acoustic guitarists in the UK today, Gordon Giltrap has developed his own unique style, much copied, but never bettered.
It is impossible not to be awestruck as he coaxes incredible melodies from his instruments.
He is well known for his varied musical output and 'Heartsong' (a hit single from the album 'Perilous Journey' in 1977), the theme for the BBC TV's long running 'Holiday' programme.
Gordon said: "Working with Oliver is like a breath of fresh air.
"I knew of his reputation as a fine musician and it made perfect sense for me to tap into his creative energy, not only to bring out certain elements of my musical gifts but to create something new and exciting, at the same time giving a nod in the direction of our respective Progressive Rock roots."
Following ten solo albums in a variety of styles, Oliver Wakeman, joined the legendary band 'YES' in 2008, touring with them up until mid-2011.
Appearing in venues across North and South America, Europe and the UK as a solo artist, with YES and folk rock band 'The Strawbs', Oliver has become a well-respected live performing musician to add to his other talents as composer, songwriter, lyricist, arranger and producer.
Oliver said: "After working with YES, the chance of working with another legendary artist was an opportunity too good to miss.
"I am having a wonderfully productive time working with Gordon and feel we are creating something genuinely unique in our 'Raven's & Lullabies' project."
With their collective histories and talents to draw inspiration from, be prepared for an evening of beautiful compositions, wit and charm from these two virtuosos.
Gordon Giltrap and Oliver Wakeman will be at the Playhouse, Weston-super-Mare, on Thursday 27 September at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced at £15, £13.50 concessions are available on
01934 645 544 or online at http://tinyurl.com/677l7bh
Gordon Giltrap & Oliver Wakeman
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2012