Malcolm C.'s Website: new feature on Shadows instrumentation

[drakula63]

An incredible undertaking and, from the looks of it, very, very accurate. I had often, in my mind, disputed the claim (from where I don't know) that John Farrar was heard singing on the songs 'We'll Believe in Loving' and 'Love Is Falling In Love Again' - as try as I might, I just could not hear his voice on either track. Seems that I was right. I was also aware that he couldn't have been on recordings made in 1976, as he left the band (and the country!) at the end of 1975.

So, from the looks of it, as a very pedantic Shadows fan, this is a brilliant piece of work! Congrats!!

Just one suggestion:

On 'Sweet Saturday Night', could Hank be using the Roland guitar synth that we know he was experimenting with in 1978? I agree that the 'synth' sounds on this track sound more like they are being picked and played on strings than keys. I also wonder if Adrian Lee did play on this track or just on the A-side - Love DeLuxe?

There is, of course, a so-so (bootleg) audio recording of Hank using the guitar synth, on tour in 1978, on both Love DeLuxe and Honourable Puff-Puff. Also included is some nice comic interplay between himself and Cliff Hall as they enter into a bit of Droid-type banter, a la Star Wars, on their respective instruments!

[iefje]

An incredible undertaking and, from the looks of it, very, very accurate. I had often, in my mind, disputed the claim (from where I don't know) that John Farrar was heard singing on the songs 'We'll Believe in Loving' and 'Love Is Falling In Love Again' - as try as I might, I just could not hear his voice on either track. Seems that I was right. I was also aware that he couldn't have been on recordings made in 1976, as he left the band (and the country!) at the end of 1975.

So, from the looks of it, as a very pedantic Shadows fan, this is a brilliant piece of work! Congrats!!

Just one suggestion:

On 'Sweet Saturday Night', could Hank be using the Roland guitar synth that we know he was experimenting with in 1978? I agree that the 'synth' sounds on this track sound more like they are being picked and played on strings than keys. I also wonder if Adrian Lee did play on this track or just on the A-side - Love DeLuxe?

There is, of course, a so-so (bootleg) audio recording of Hank using the guitar synth, on tour in 1978, on both Love DeLuxe and Honourable Puff-Puff. Also included is some nice comic interplay between himself and Cliff Hall as they enter into a bit of Droid-type banter, a la Star Wars, on their respective instruments!

Adrian Lee in any case does play accompanying piano and I think (from memory at this moment) accompanying synthesizers, but further back in the sound mix.

[drakula63]

Yes, I was playing 'Sweet Saturday Night' (in my head!!!) and realised that there IS some piano in there. I still have a feeling that the synth-type sounds that are prominent in this song (and the solo) are played on the Roland guitar synth, as, to me, it sounds like he is bending the strings here and there. But, of course, I could be wrong!

I shall enjoy reading the rest of your article - although it may take me some time!!!!

[iefje]

I have a recording of a UK radio show from 2004, in which Hank is interviewed about the reunion tour. The presenter plays Hank two of the more obscure Shadows tracks, one being "Love Deluxe", the other was "Snap, Crackle And How's Your Dad". I haven't heard the interview in years, but I seem to remember that Hank wasn't too keen on both tracks. I shall have another listen to the show.

[drakula63]

Love DeLuxe was the very first pop single I ever bought!

I still love it. Sorry Hank!!!

[hankb56]

After reading the recording personnel listings in some of The Shadows vocals I feel that some are totally inaccurate. For instance in Shadow Music Hank is listed as the lead vocalist on Stay Around,where in my opinion it is clearly John doing the lead role in the main verses, likewise on My Way from Finders Keeper also features John on the first line vocal then Bruce and Hank coming in on harmony 2nd & 3rd lines. On let me take you there on the album from Hank Bruce Brian & John is it not John and Brian on vocals as the voices are completely different to Hank & Bruce?

Regards, Ian

[iefje]

After reading the recording personnel listings in some of The Shadows vocals I feel that some are totally inaccurate. For instance in Shadow Music Hank is listed as the lead vocalist on Stay Around,where in my opinion it is clearly John doing the lead role in the main verses, likewise on My Way from Finders Keeper also features John on the first line vocal then Bruce and Hank coming in on harmony 2nd & 3rd lines. On let me take you there on the album from Hank Bruce Brian & John is it not John and Brian on vocals as the voices are completely different to Hank & Bruce?

Regards, Ian

I wouldn't say they are totally inaccurate. There is always room for debate of course. I could have interpreted some instruments and/or voices wrong. In some cases I wasn't sure at all about an instrument and/or voice, in which case I have entered 'unknown' or made a remark. In other cases I was 'almost' sure and have taken the liberty of filling in a certain name for a certain instrument and/or voice. But, new insights and opinions are always welcome, so I can improve the documents!

[hankb56]

Hi Ivo,
Thanks for your reply. I do understand the massive undertaking your doing and I congratulate you on this. The main reason I picked up on the issue is that I am and always have been a massive fan of John Rostill as well as the rest of the Shadows. He brought a lot to the band not only with his steady bass playing and distinctive deep bass voice that added depth to harmonies in any vocal tracks the Shadows did and to Cliffs tracks he was involved with.
My sincere apologies if any offence was implicated, this definitely was not the intention!

Regards, Ian

[iefje]

Hi Ivo,
Thanks for your reply. I do understand the massive undertaking your doing and I congratulate you on this. The main reason I picked up on the issue is that I am and always have been a massive fan of John Rostill as well as the rest of the Shadows. He brought a lot to the band not only with his steady bass playing and distinctive deep bass voice that added depth to harmonies in any vocal tracks the Shadows did and to Cliffs tracks he was involved with.
My sincere apologies if any offence was implicated, this definitely was not the intention!

Regards, Ian

Hello Ian,

I didn't interpret it as a form of offence, rather constructive criticism. I am also a very big fan of John Rostill, especially as I play bass guitar myself and I really have always liked John's style of playing. He made the group even more a group in the second half of the 1960's, especially on the front of their own compositions.
About my feature, I see it as a dynamic series of documents, so if any new information sees the light of day, I am always willing to use it and alter the documents.

[hankb56]

Hi Ivo, good on you, I agree that also in my opinion the Rostill period was the best period in the Shads and Cliff & the Shads for both the writing and the end result although I do admire Marks contribution to the line up as he plays exactly in the style of which ever bass player first recorded it, a very consummate musician!

Regards, Ian.