New CD from Hank!

[fenderplucker]

Hi Dave,

Hank has an AC 30 that I would guess dates from the 1970's. I haven't checked serial number but will next time I go to the studio. To my ear it adds more life to the music than his Matchless' or other amps that he has.

Regards,

Paul.

[dave robinson]

Hi Dave,

Hank has an AC 30 that I would guess dates from the 1970's. I haven't checked serial number but will next time I go to the studio. To my ear it adds more life to the music than his Matchless' or other amps that he has.

Regards,

Paul.

Strange that this subject should come up, I started using my AC 30 again after a couple of years using other stuff (MkIII Boogie and Peavey Delta Blues) and agree with you about the 'life' - maybe it's those blue speakers ?

[Uncle Fiesta]

... some are not listening to the samples at all ...

If you're already familiar with them, it's not really necessary. I already know I don't want to hear Are You Lonesome Tonight or Moon River for example, and wouldn't even if Pink Floyd were playing them.

[bbigmusic]

My goodness, a lot of Doctor Who haters on here

I actually recorded a version of it https://soundcloud.com/steve-gibb/dr-who-theme a couple of years ago and sent out a backing track and tab to everyone on my mailing list. I remember saying at the time if there was one tv theme I wish Hank and The Shads had recorded it would be Doctor Who. So, I am quite surprised but very pleased he's recorded it. I think it works great as a guitar instrumental given the right treatment, especially for Hank's style.

Cheers
Steve

[Fenderman]

So, did Hank play his guitar in the control toom but the amp was in the actual studio? Why was he in a seperate room? Wouldn't ie be easier to be near the amp for adjustments etc?
Or was he in the control room to monitor the recording?

[Tigerdaisy]

The new CD is streets better than the previous offering- more like later traditional Shadows covers style.

[drakula63]

My goodness, a lot of Doctor Who haters on here

I actually recorded a version of it https://soundcloud.com/steve-gibb/dr-who-theme a couple of years ago and sent out a backing track and tab to everyone on my mailing list. I remember saying at the time if there was one tv theme I wish Hank and The Shads had recorded it would be Doctor Who. So, I am quite surprised but very pleased he's recorded it. I think it works great as a guitar instrumental given the right treatment, especially for Hank's style.

Cheers
Steve

I thought the same - about the 'Doctor Who haters'. I wasn't sure whether they hated the programme or just the theme?! For my part, I think both are F.A.B.

Great version, Steve, certainly gives it a new (relative) dimension (in space) hearing it with a guitar. There were some questionable versions during the 1980s and I pretty much loath the way it is treated at the moment, but yours does an interesting job of mixing both old with new. I imagine that Ron Grainer's original demo may have had more of a twang to it (assuming that he made a demo) as it was written at the height of the Shadows popularity. Delia Derbyshire of course created the iconic version by using cut together tape of electronic sounds rather than true musical instruments. I still think the original version (and the slightly updated 1970s version) are the best. To my mind (and ears) trying to 'orchestrate' it just doesn't work. Interesting too that the original name for Ian Chesterton, one of the Doctor's first companions, at script stage, was to have been 'Cliff'.

OK, I'll take my anorak off now.

P.S. But before I do, I noticed that you briefly referenced Peter Howell's version in the backing to yours. His was the only other variation that I have liked.

[Uncle Fiesta]

I certainly agree that the original version was the best. The 'lead instrument' certainly had a very guitar-like twang to it.

[Moderne]

Sorry...going a bit off topic here but I always thought the middle section of the original was 'nicked' for Do They Know It's Christmas?

Anyone got an anorak I can borrow..?

[Uncle Fiesta]

You can borrow mine because I noticed that too!