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Lionel
Pop / Rock / Indie

"Lionel"


United Kingdom

Profile Views:  13843




Last Login:  8/20/2008
View My: Pics | Videos

   Contacting Lionel

 MySpace URL: 
  http://www.myspace.com/lionelazulay  

   Lionel: General Info
Member Since5/18/2007
InfluencesMusic from the last two centuries, basically! There are only two types of music...good and bad! My two favourite pieces of music? 1) Gymnopodie no 1 by Eric Satie, and 2) Raise Your Glass by Brian Bath.
Sounds LikeYou tell me.....
Record LabelAll songs copyright&PRS registered 1990 onwards...
Type of LabelNone




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   About Lionel

It is with much reticence that I have done this (thank you Clare!), but I have dusted off the old demos, resurrected the old anecdotes on which I have been dining out for years and published them here on Myspace….somebody, somewhere may just find them interesting reading…

A bit about me: Lionel Azulay the drummer/musician/songwriter

Dad was a trad jazz drummer in the thirties…

Big brother is flamenco super-star Antonio Vargas (www.antoniovargasflamenco.com .... he also acted in/choreographed Strictly Ballroom/Mission Impossible II with Tom Cruise). Look out for his newest movie to be completed soon entitled "Flamenco Academy".

Went to Eltham Green School which also produced Glen Tillbrook (Squeeze) and Boy George (O’Dowd) , Steve Dixon (drummer superieur of The Real Thing etc. and good friend), Rony Robinson Beeb drama critic, as well as the notorious Peter Dawson (Headteacher upon whom the movie ‘Clockwise’ starring John Cleese was based)

Attended Kingsway College with Anthony Carreras (father Michael – Hammer Horror fame). Also met Charlie Gillett (BBC World Music DJ/Oval Records) there who was really supportive during my early musical ventures and is doing very nicely for himself nowadays!.

1973 signed to Essex Music/Cube Records with my very talented band ‘Company’ comprising Del Palmer (www.delpalmer.com, also see his myspace from my friends list), Brian Bath (probably the most talented person in the universe and contributed to almost everything I have ever done!! Visit www.brianbath.com), Barry Sherlock and occasionally joined by Paddy Bush live on mandolin. However, in 1974, a motorbike accident brought my promising career to an early and abrupt end. Following exhaustive auditioning, Charlie Morgan (www.manicdrums.com) was drafted in to more than capably take over my drum throne. As you may know, aside from many other huge involvements, Charlie was Elton John’s drummer for 13 years.

1974 met John Stevens whilst in Lewisham Hospital (we were in adjacent beds!) between his SME and Away periods. He had damaged his knee badly on a pedestrian bollard and remarkably continued to play for months with a stiff leg –he was a great inspiration to me to continue drumming with just one arm– what a ‘diamond’ John was, ya just had ta luv ‘im! Amazingly, he was visited in hospital by Julie Driscoll. I still have the mini Zildjian cymbal he gave me as a birthday pressie when he came along to my 21st party in South London. John invited me to see his band at the Camden Jazz Festival – what a surprise to meet Charlie Watts! He was John’s second drummer in the band!

Did loads of work with Ossie Burns during the 70s and 80s (who was responsible for bringing the Bee Gees over from Aussie and then sold his share out to Robert Stigwood). Ossie had also produced The Seekers, The New Seekers, Marty, Paul Leyton and Danny etc.

1976 onwards played as a Club drummer using only one arm backing cabaret artistes such as Ray Harris, Stella Starr, the talented Roy Castle, Stocking Tops aka pre-Tourists Annie Lennox, Geoff Downs, etc). Annie did actually ask me and Barry to join her new rock band venture -Tourists - but like fools, we declined! Doh! Also narrowly missed the opportunity of being part of the KT Bush band project with Del and Brian due to full-time drumming commitments with Barry. Indeed, that band’s early residency at the Rose of Lee at Lee Green had recently been Company’s former residency.

Worked loads with Felix Krish (indeed a very close friend at that time, known for Beverley Craven/Judie Tsuke/SFX/Bad Company/Robert Plant/Jimmy Page and several of my Myspace friends), Nico Ramsden (who worked with Sweet/Mike Oldfield & many more!), Dave Chilton (dad was ’The Goons’ producer) on early stuff and bread and butter gigs/sessions/productions..…these guys were and still are seriously good musicians whose success speaks for itself. Occasionally had the good fortune to work with the outstandingly gifted and hugely missed Alan ’smurph’ Murphy at the Stapleton, Crouch End and at the Oval Cricketers (but I was never going to elevate myself to their heights.

Worked on many sessions at Graphic Sound recording studio with brother Albert and John Caulfield (sound manager for beeb). Customers included the lovely Rolf Harris. We brought a smile to the faces of the patrons and customers of the Sangley Café in Catford when we took Rolf for breakfast there!

1977-80 Publishing deal with Carlin Music. For a brief period joined the amazing Dudu Pukwana in ’Zila’ as lead vocalist/composer/arranger – wrote lyrics to Madodana. Played The 100 club with Dudu, Keith Tippett, Harry Beckett, Nick Evans, Churchill Jolobe, Mark Wood (gtr), Eric Richards (outstanding bassist - check out www.myspace.com/ericthomasrichards)...also recorded a ’lost’ album with most of these guys...which I have now located and pending negotiations with Mrs Barbara Pukwana, CD will soon be available.... there are some outstanding ’never before heard’ alto performances from the great Dudu himself!!! Man, he could blow!!

Whilst with Carlin, I also rubbed shoulders with some amazing writers including Mike Stoller!

Had a US hit with disco ‘diva’ Sylvester with ‘Sell My Soul’, which was also the album title track and heavily featured the Weather Girls on bvs – this song was also chosen by Harry Casey (of the Sunshine Band) for a cover by Teri Desario. Met Sylvester a couple of times and, this may seem like a contradiction, but he was a real gentleman!

On the strength of the Sell My Soul demo done at Ossie’s Rayners Lane studio (Felix/Nico/Ben Barson/myself on drums, Brian Bath on lead guitar and a full brass section,) I was invited to join ’Hi-Tension’ in 1980 for about 4 hours until it was explained to them that actually, I was a white guy!!

1981 Capital Radio sessions with Nico/Felix/Graeme Broad/Richard Cottle where I met little Nicky Horn, lunched with Alan ‘fluff’ Freeman whilst incredibly Dionne Warwick was performing live in the studio next to ours!! Trev ’the Rev’ was an amazing engineer!

The songs featuring in the Music section of my site are from my 90s period whilst managed by Patrick Williams ex-Hit and Run Music (Patrick...where are you now??). The now legendary and hugely all round nice person Kate Bush kindly lent her unique and wonderful voice to one of my songs (Wouldn’t Change a Thing, engineered and produced by Del at The Farm, Welling). However, permission was never sought by EMI to use the track until now (you won’t find that one on here yet - they’d sue the pants off me!!), but will be included on my forthcoming album, 'Out Of The Ashes'. All instruments by yours truly (midi sequences) except guest rhythm and lead guitars Brian Bath and Sean Nolan. You really have to hear Brian’s work on ’Reflections’ (bvs and lead gtr) - truly inspired and it has also got to be just about the best Gibson Les Paul sound you have ever heard!! Why this guy is not a legend, I’ll never know...check out his music on MySpace and visit www.brianbath.com. Brian also performed guitar/bvs on "Second Chance". All other guitar parts either the amazing Sean Nolan or me (using guitar samples+pitch bender on my old Roland U20).

Del and Kate amazingly organised me an interview with David Munns at his Polygram office: he told me he liked my stuff, but not that much! Now I was beginning to get the message...

2006 Company was ’Revisited’ for a fun reunion after almost 30 years. Recorded 4 songs penned by Brian and Barry. A very enjoyable weekend - 4 guys having lots of laughs with no expectations of the outcome - some nice recordings thanks to exhaustive transferring from analogue to ProTools by Del...

Sat in with a great rock band recently called Limeshark (check out their Myspace link from my friends list below) - thanks guys, you really rock!.... (pleased you found that elusive permanent drummer).

I spend much of my time teaching drums and coaching judo (one of my other passions - I’m a black belt you know, however, retiring from the sport this Summer). I didn’t so much retire from the music business - more like the business retired me!! However, here I am, Out Of The Ashes... Thank you for reading and listening.........

All illustrations on my site by Lewis Peake (weekly 'Big Issue' magazine cartoonist) and copyright www.illustration-art.co.uk




Here are some links which I strongly recommend that you check out:





COMPANY: This great band was a very important and intrinsic part of my musical, and indeed, my social history. Thank you, Del, for breathing life back into this long-forgotten period!





DEL PALMER: Close friend, outstanding bassist, world-class engineer and now superb singer/songwriter. Debut solo album out now - check Del out!



THE KATE BUSH TRIBUTE PAGE: In my view, the number One trib site to this outstanding icon of British contemporary music. Thank you Dale.









BRIAN BATH: probably the most talented man in the universe and close friend....now here on MySpace.






BARRY SHERLOCK: One of my oldest musical collaborators and close friend. Barry is a brilliant songster, guitarist and keyboard player - please pay his site a visit.






KYLA CLAYFOX: Beautiful music from a beautiful person....go, listen, feel...





ANTONIO VARGAS, arguably the world's foremost exponent of Flamenco and big brother.





DAN BROWN: A fine young singer/songwriter whose talent cannot be ignored. I believe that Dan will - quite deservedly - be immensely popular. Check out his beautiful music and tender lyrics.


   Lionel's Friend Space (Top 32)
Lionel has 175 friends.
 Clare 


 Del Palmer 


 Barry 


 brian bath 


 Kate Bush Tribute Page 


 Veej™ 


 Manicdrums 


 Laurence Amery 


 Charlie Gillett 


 D. 


 Eric Richards 


 Kylaclayfox 


 Nico Ramsden 


 Alan Murphy Tribute Page 


 GORDON GILTRAP 


 The New Seekers 


 I.V. Webb 


 TINATIN 


 Natasha England 


 Cloudbusters 


 hannah 


 Emily 


 Loves Drums 


 ♪☆ Dan Brown ☆♪ 


 The Beatles 


 Colin Barley 


 The John and The Dog Band 


 Greg Lyons 


 Nik Kershaw 


 Laura Taylor Whitfield 


 Tegan and Sara 


 Planet Swan 





Lionel's Friends Comments
Displaying 50 of 304 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Odette Beris





Aug 19 2008 8:27 PM

Hi Lionel,

Thanks, as always, for your lovely comments. Really good of you! Don't worry I'll watch the choccie intake (lol).

Anyway, still lovin' the tracks on your page. Oh and am really looking forward to listening to this album of yours. Tried to buy from i-tunes today but didn't seem to be on there...give me the word when it's available.

yours, Odette
)O( Raine Goddess





Aug 16 2008 11:06 AM

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Hi Sweetie, just dropping by to wish you a great weekend.
I hope you are enjoying the Summer, ours is turning out to be a wash out, nothing but rain! Love Raine xxx
Veej™





Aug 15 2008 12:20 PM

Hello :)
Thankyou!
How are you on the internet? Connection with all those mountains around?
I wish i was in scotland too :( Miss you all lots hope youre having fun.
Hows the house/land searching going?

xxx
Sophe Lux


Is Online


Aug 13 2008 10:55 PM

Lionel,

Thank you for sharing your beautiful spirit, thoughts, and words with us. We are deeply touched and inspired by you. Your music is indeed filled with a poetic power and beauty that is truly rare in these times. I am happy that we have renewed our artistic and creative friendship. Wishing you great inspiration and joy always.
With Love,
Mercury & The Sophe Lux Family
Kylaclayfox





Aug 11 2008 12:59 AM

Heeeeeeeeeee....Speed Bonnie boat and all that!!!
You sound so happy and excited and full of adventure Farmer Lionel....
Just be careful where you plant your carrots :P
Soooo pleased for you GNGB!
x
LADY MAIKA





Aug 11 2008 2:33 AM

Hi Lionel
God Bless your Life my dear&sweet friend:) !!!Have a super Blessed week ahead, Love ya!...Enjoy this...
.....Life is beauty~admire it
Life is bliss~taste it
Life is a dream~realize it
Life is a challenge~meet it
Life is a duty~complete it
Life is a game~play it
Life is a promise~fulfill it
Life is sorrow~overcome it
Life is a song~sing it.
Life is a struggle~accept it
Life is a tragedy~confront it
Life is an adventure~dare it
Life is joyful~pursue it
Life is too precious~do not destroy it
Life is life~fight for it~.......
….Life is a beach....enjoy it!
This day and your life are God’s gift to
you…so give thanks and be joyful always!

Blessings,
lady maika
♪☆ Dan Brown ☆♪





Aug 4 2008 5:44 PM

Hey Lionel

Thought i'd drop by and update you on how everything is going in 'Dan's world of music' lol

I've been working really hard on completeting my album and it's all paying off, i am aiming for a 12 track album with a bonus track.

At the moment i have 10 songs written and a bonus track...#

this is the list lol

1) Brave Face
2) Trusting Friend
3) 10ft Ladder
4) Someday
5) Cyber Life
6) Sun, Moon and Stars
7) Wayward's Choice
8) Better Off Alone
9 Scream, Scream
10) He Waves Goodbye

Bonus Track- E is for Loser

The bonus track was written in a totaly different style, more of a funny type on song done on keyboard and had a great response with it so thought i'd make it a bonus track.

Hope everythings going ok with you =]

I've got the new track 'Scream, Scream' up on my myspacde, check it out, let me know what you think :)

Dan =]
Kylaclayfox





Aug 6 2008 3:45 AM

Hello Lino,
Make me happy and tell me it's very nearly on it's way:)
I spent the night in a static in the grounds of a rather posh house in Cumbria on Monday, with my nephew, because he was frightened a spider might get him? I told him they were all at supper --u need eight legs to hold all the cutlery in 'posh' houses you know:))
XXXXXXXXXX
)O( Raine Goddess





Aug 9 2008 10:39 AM

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Hi Lionel, just stopping by to wish you a weekend of fun in the sun! I hope the househunting is going well. Love to M and the kids, hope she likes the sunflower pics, I know they are her favourites ;-) Phil sends his regards,
Love Always Raine xxx
DEBI





Jul 30 2008 4:51 PM

Hiya, Lionel.

A quick hello to celebrate the fact that it is a momentous occasion for one particularly special lady.

Square Sepia.jpeg

I wish her as enjoyable a day as possible.

Thanks for your last. I was away when it arrived. A weekend in a caravan under black skies and the customary mud of a folk festival near Carlisle, followed by the city heat of a theatre festival in Manchester. Culture! I had it all. It was fab!

I'm home again now, well at least until this weekend when there's another folk festival in the south to attend. Under canvas this time (it will probably pee down) still, it's only over one night.

Yep, living in a caravan is fun - for about a week. I trust all is going well in yours while the new house is sorted. Hope the dongle (what a WONDERFUL word!!) is doing the trick with regard to getting you online. I managed to live without internet access during the break, but that was for only eight days. More might have killed me. Slow connections over a matter of weeks? Well, I might have killed the computer.

Give my love to Scotland if you get there this summer. I used to live in the Outer Hebrides a couple of decades ago. Was the best place ever!

Lovely to hear from you when and whenever, Fella. Enjoy what is left of the week and this weekend. Have a great summer!

Much love,

Debi.
xxx
Veej™





Jul 30 2008 7:52 AM

Heylo.
You have internet connection yet?
Hows everything going?

Miss and love everyone
xxxx
Liz Vandall





Jul 28 2008 9:12 PM

Hey Lionel,
Am back from Hong Kong & New Zealand, what a paradise NZ was! Trying to recover, got really sick, but made it through.
Are you out of your house and in the temp abode now? Tell me everything! When am I gonna hear THE song?
Kylaclayfox





Jul 26 2008 11:29 PM

I just thought--Barbara Dickson sang a beautiful song called 'Caravan' but she doesn't mention portaloos, pull out beds or flammable materials!!
I am soooo smiling!!!
xx
JOHN LENNON Remembered





Jul 27 2008 8:30 AM

Thanks so much for your very kind note, Lionel.
Very nice meeting you!!
Colin Barley





Jul 26 2008 10:35 PM

Thanks, Lionel! Much appreciated, mate. Let me know when the OOTA is orderable from over here. Good luck getting through the oblivion transition...

Colin
)O( Raine Goddess





Jul 26 2008 11:59 AM

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Hi Sweetie, hope you are having a great weekend. Its Hot Hot Hot here today. Just had a stoll along the cliff tops and down to the harbour.
Are you up to anything exciting? Love always Raine xxx
QLNE





Jul 25 2008 5:23 PM

Hey, Lionel! What the hell, man! Donde este el fookin cd? ...ahh, excellent! A squirrel! WOOF! WOOF! Barroo roo roo roo...
Nadine Naajk





Jul 24 2008 3:27 PM

Hello Lionel..Wow your page looks unbelievable..Hope you like the new song thats up..you might recognise it..
Nadine..
flamenca007





Jul 19 2008 9:42 PM

Hi Lionel well done! re cd
have a great weekend!
KATE LYNN lyricist parolier auteur





Jul 18 2008 8:14 PM

Lionel,
Contente d'avoir de te snouvelles. Oui l'écosse ça doit être bien beau, paraît que j'aurais quelques ancêtres de là-bas... Je n'y ai jamais mis les pieds... mais il faudra que j'y aille un jour...
Passe un bel été.
Bisous
Kate
)O( Raine Goddess





Jul 18 2008 9:11 AM

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Hi Sweetie, I hope all is well with you and you are enjoying the Summer in your new home. The children break up from school today, so today Summer ofically begins for us .. and wouldn't you know ... its pouring down hahahaha Hope you have a great weekend.
Phil sends his regards, Love to M and the kids, always Raine xxx