Personnel on these recordings (in no particular order) are
Pat West, Colin Somervell, Andre Bassing, Joelle Barker, Laura Douglas, Peter Daley, Alison Symons, Joe Broughton, Mimi Terris, Sid Peacock, Jason Huxtable, Ed Johnston, Quentin Collins, Cat Parker, Lucia Capellara, Naomi Haworth, Fred Thelonius Baker, Mike Fletcher and last but not least Michael Harris.
Live band line-up coming soon...
Influences
The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Bill Withers, The Velvet Underground, Sheryl Crow, Jamiroquai, The Beach Boys, John Martyn, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Nick Drake, Miles Davis, Django Reinhardt, Mozart, Ravel, Ian Dury etc etc
Sounds Like
All Music and Lyrics written by Simon Harris
Except for ‘Brighten Up Your Heart’ and ‘Lost at Sea’ (Simon Harris/Ben Moore)
and ‘Streets of London’ (Ralph McTell)
Simon Harris Cameo Role w/ Cat Stevens! (approx 2 mins in)
Written and recorded at numerous locations over an 18 month period, the album ’81 Oakfield’ features contributions from a large number of musicians and artists that Simon regards as his extended musical family. Close friends and even family members take part in this quirky and touching collection of songs.
From the warm jazz / soul tinged vibe of "Just Another Day" to the uplifting energy of "You'll Remember In The Morning" and onto the sentimental depths of "Lost At Sea", the album covers an incredible diverse range of styles, all with an honesty and intelligence that is truly Simon's trademark sound. As a lyricist Simon has a unique gift for delivering an uncompromising message through the medium of the pop song, with "Going Round The World" he hints at the environmental issues surrounding our dark love affair with international air travel, yet he sets this message over a beautifully layered Jazz / Bossanova backing track.
There are a host of notable collaborations here which give this recording a true ‘family vibe’, among them are Simon's father Michael Harris (Philharmonia Orchestra) contributes clarinet, long time friend Pat West (who taught Simon to play the guitar) who played most of the guitar parts and all of the drums, Joe Broughton (Albion Band) on the mandolin, Quentin Collins (Roy Ayers) on trumpet and Laura Douglas (Black Voices) on Rhodes piano. This is just a small selection from the large army of friends and family who gave their time and talent to this album.
Simon Harris is currently promoting the album throughout the UK. Following a successful radio debut, Simon performed live (with Q&A) on BBC Radio West Midlands on 31st July 2008. To listen back to the show and read more about Simon's live radio performance please visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2008/08/01/simon_harris_feature.shtml
Please join us for our DEBUT GIG on Friday 12th June at The Cross, Moseley, Birmingham. From 8pm. Only £6 on the door with support from Jack McNeill and Charlie Heys.
Just a short note to say how much we all here at The Halo are looking forward to your joining our 1st Anniversary Party of our acoustic night ...ON STAGE @ The Halo coming Tuesday 14th April from 8pm.
If you are able to support Jon please consider downloading in the first week to help him make the biggest impact on the download chart, many many thanks Dee & Linda
hey,it's nice to hear from you...Bangkok is speed ,i am impatient and look forward to go to island maybe wednesday,and you????what about the album ???take care xxxxxxxxxx
nothing wrong with a bit of radio 2 mate, i'm rather fond of these musical delights on your page. big respec' for name checking henley-in-arden. feel free to pass judgement on my own radio 2ish efforts
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