I’ve had a bit of time away from the record, working more on the app. Matt Rudd of Rudd Studio has designed it so beautifully and simply, but with such attention to detail that it is really fabulous. We’re working closely to make sure it does what it needs to do – to resolve the awful experience of music on an iPhone/iPad. It will be very simple to start with, and we’ll see how it goes, but so far it’s been lovely working on it with such a phenomenal designer. Whatsmore, you won’t need to buy the music through iTunes to get it working, which is pleasing. As long as the tracks are in your music library it will work. Please just don’t ask me about Android (yet).
Jack Pinter – bass clarinet
Music-wise, there have been some good developments too though. I recorded my good friend Jack Pinter playing some moody bass clarinet on So Long which is more or less completely Maurice’s song. In fact he wrote it when he was about 17, so it’s been around a while. The lyrics are superb… dark but with a humourous edge.
Something broke in the clarinet just as we went to go for the first take, leading to a lot of air in the sound. But as with many accidents in the recording process, it led to a direction I wasn’t expecting, and some really haunting but rich sounds that matched the track perfectly. I’m really delighted that Jack’s on the record, actually, as we’ve talked about doing something for ages. So, as a result of that, So Long is sounding cool – a very curious mix of sonic textures, from groovy synths and drum machines to loose Brazilian percussion, vibes, and now the bass clarinet. I’ve sent the track over to Maurice to have him lay down some vocals and – gasp! – guitar… it will be nice to have him playing on it, especially since it was his playing that inspired me in the first place. He’ll be playing a guitar he made himself – how cool is that?
I’ve spoken to Duke Special about guesting on a track, and he’s up for it. And also my good old friend and partner-in-crime of yesteryear, Foy Vance. If I can get these guys on the tracks for which we have them in mind, the record is going to be really a true celebration of many of our favourite musicians. Everyone is so generous of spirit, it’s been a joy.