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An archive of previously unreleased material, exclusive to members of the Paul Armfield Friendly Society.
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TRIGONOMETRY (alternative take)
This is a version of Trigonometry that we recorded for the Songs Without Words album. It didn’t really fit the feel of the rest of the album so we recorded a much softer version. I think we made the right decision, though I love the squeaky bass drum pedal on this and JC’s Dobro solo is also a highlight.
The Ballad of Johnny Grimshaw
AKA the Song of Solomon, this was written as part of a regular challenge that took place when myself and JC Grimshaw would play every Monday at the Wight Mouse around 13 years ago. JC’s father Johnny would pose a wager to write a song on a particular subject by the following week and in this instance the challenge was to write a song about JC’s newly born son Solomon. Three songs were written and mine ended up being more about the grandfather than the grandson. Anyone who knows Johnny will hopefully recognise the ‘naked and faceless’ dancing in oils’ figures that populate his paintings and open this song.
I recorded this version whilst the rest of the band were at lunch during the Evermine recording sessions. I am particularly proud of my impromptu melodica solo.
A Little Something For Your Troubles
This song was available as a small CD that came with the limited edition version of the Songs Without Words CD. But this is a different version recorded live by Ian Caple and features myself on saw and vocals, Jake Rodrigues on accordion, and JC Grimshaw on guitar.
Migrant Swan (by Angelina Grimshaw)
My good friend Angelina asked me to go and put some bass on a couple of tracks on her album ‘Almond Blossom’ but the producer Rupert Brown sneakily got me to add a vocal on this beautiful song. I’m so glad he did, I was so happy with the result.
Unfound God
In the mid to late 90s my friend Adam Kirk was playing with Joan Baez and on his occasional visits home we would sit around trying to write songs. We’d come up with a small germ of an idea, he’d spend a week recording it on his 4 track cassette, I’d write some lyrics and voila, half of the songs on my first album. Here’s a song that didn’t make it but shows off Adams immense talent nicely.
Home For Christmas
I have a long history of annually persuading my reluctant family to join me in recording versions of Christmas songs to send to friends and family instead of Christmas cards. When the kids were younger, the threat of no presents got them singing but in later years they’ve refused flatly. But the last song we recorded (two years ago I think) features Wilf on drums and Alice on ukulele.
John I’m Only Dancing (not again)
So many great songs that would suit me much better so don’t know why I chose this especially as I prefer I’m Only Dancing (Again). I cannot put into words what an enormous influence he was on me and still is, he is the cool gauge by which we all judge ourselves.
Heartache Awaits (Live at Olympic)
This was recorded in February at the site of the legendary Olympic Studios, now a cinema and club, by the equally legendary Chris Kimsey who produced the best sellling live album of all time ‘Frampton Comes Alive’. There are other tracks available here but this one is just for you, a brand new song.
One Day Is Like Another by Luigi Tenko
I learned this song especially for my recent tour of Italy, a beautiful song by a troubled man whose early suicide has made him somewhat of a legend in Italy.
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