Dave Cousins has been the leader and main songwriter of Strawbs from the release of the band’s first album in 1968 on A&M, to the present day.
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Strawbs' new album "DANCING TO THE DEVIL'S BEAT", is released in the UK, Europe and The USA IN in August.
The album was recorded during April and May 2009. "Dancing to the Devil's Beat" is agian produced by Chris Tsangarides, whose studio is littered with gold discs for albums by Yngwie Malmsteen, Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy and many more".
The album contains eight new songs including "Copenhagen" that reflects on the time Dave Cousins spent in Denmark with Sandy Denny recording the band's first album. The track can be heard on MySpace.
In the 1970s the band was at its peak with major chart albums ‘Grave New World’, and ‘Bursting at the Seams’ in the UK, followed by huge success in the USA and Canada with ‘Hero and Heroine’ and ‘Ghosts’. Strawbs sold over 3 million albums in that period and spent 55 weeks on the Billboard charts with seven successive albums in the period 1972-1977.
Another Dave Cousins album you may wish to check out is "Secret Paths". In March 2008 Dave Cousins went into the studio with steel guitar player Melvin Duffy who spent three years in Robbie Williams' touring band and has recorded with Joe Cocker, Zucchero, and many more. Songs on the album include "Ringing Down The Years", written by Dave on the news of former band member Sandy Denny's tragic death; "Canada" (which has the endorsement of Gordon Lightfoot); "I'll Show You Where To Sleep" using a tuning shown to Dave by Joni Mitchell; and "Plainsong' which is as atmospheric as any songs Dave has ever written.
And finally, try "The Boy in the Sailor Suit", released in June 2007, which features ten brand new Dave Cousins songs. Guitarist Miller Anderson guests on the album, as he did on Dave’s 1972 album, ‘Two weeks last summer’, which continues to sell well to this day. Ian Cutler of Feast of Fiddles adds a highly distinctive flavour to the material – Ian made his debut as the young fiddle player in the cult film ‘The Wicker Man’. The rhythm section comprises Chas Cronk of Strawbs on bass, with drummer Chris Hunt who played for many years with Lonnie Donegan. Again, Chris Tsangarides produced the album.
Just thought I would drop in and wish that you are doing well and that everything is fine in your camp. I trust you had a great week. So.......Here's to a awesome weekend filled with good music, fun and lots family / friends. Take care, may God keep you and your loved ones blessed.
Dave, thanks for the wonderful and magical influences you've instilled into me at an early age with Hero and Heroine, Ghosts and the many others songs that you've written. I carry your influence with me in what ever musical style I write to this day and strive to present songs that have "class", which I think is one the greatest qualities of your timeless music.
Cheers brother, Peace, Health and Happiness to you always. JP
Dave, we are new to my space and it's only fitting that you should be the first Artist to be invited to our TROTL site. I'm really happy to see that you're still around and playing strong. You sound great. The Earth is a much better place with your music. I hope you enjoy our rendition of Coleridge's Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner as I enjoy your music to this day.
Cheers again brother, JP Ranger and Sylvain Dubois.
Hi Dave thanks for the add. I was listening to your audio clips here and it was nice to know your voice is as strong as ever. I remember that The Strawbs was one of the first groups to use a Melotron. It sounded nice but what a pain in the ass to set up. I recall it was very temerature sensitive. I really miss the 70's mainly because of the NY Academy of Music and my good friend Jersey Joe. May he rest in piece.
Bonjour Dave, It was really nice to see you again at the Cramphorn Theatre on saturday. I enjoyed the set very much, your music always transport me. I listened to Two Weeks Last Summer (your Dad's) and The Broken Hearted Bride consecutively, world's apart, I like them both very much :-) Bisous and Bonne Santé, Nathalie x
Dave, Was it Rick Wakeman who said that you were the greatest lyricist that this country has ever produced? If so, he wasn't wrong! Please get in contact re. Q Folk at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax - we'd love to book you! Beside The Rio Grande makes me weep every time I hear it. Hope to see you soon, John. PS State of Undress are playing at the Half Moon on 23rd November - please plug them - I met them at the Blue Angel Orchestra gig on 17th Feb. All good wishes, John xxx
How are you doing my friend? Just wanted to say a long overdue hello!! Wishing everything is alright in your corner of the word. Take care my friend and God bless you and yours. Have yourself an inspiring week or rather whats left of it. Stay well, warm and happy!
Hi Dave, Looking forward to the new Strawbs album, especially after listening to 'Deep in the Darkest Night'. Also, really enjoyed the new posting 'Plainsong'. Hope you are enjoying the weekend. DC
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