UK’s Michael Chapman began his career on the Cornish folk circuit in 1967. He signed to the Harvest label, home to Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and many others, recording four quasi-legendary albums. The influential ‘Fully Qualified Survivor’ was John Peel’s favorite record of 1970, and featured future Bowie collaborator Mick Ronson. (The album is set for reissue on Light in the Attic in February 2011). After decades of recording and touring, Chapman remains an obscure figure in the States. His profile was raised by a lengthy interview with big fan Thurston Moore in Fretboard Journal last year, and he also toured extensively with the late guitarist Jack Rose, with whom Michael shared a warm kinship.
Chapman has released dozens of albums, but only a few in the States. ‘Trainsong : Guitar Compositions 1967- 2010’ is a 2CD collection of 26 recently-recorded solo guitar versions of tunes spanning his entire career. It is a fascinating look at one of the most prolific and profound guitarists of our time. This release, out one day after his 70th birthday, should finally bring proper attention to this inspiring and masterful musician. Tompkins Square is truly honored to be releasing this album by one of our favorite musical heroes ! Song-by-song annotation and tunings by Michael Chapman. Liner notes by Charles Shaar Murray, recipient of the Ralph Gleason Music Book Award for his study on Jimi Hendrix, ‘Crosstown Traffic’.
Includes rare photos.
Bartek Chaciński (Polifonia.blog.polityka.pl):
"(...) wypadek Michaela Chapmana to jedno z największych zauroczeń końca ubiegłego roku, jakie przeżyłem. Szczególnie przepiękny utwór „Caddo Lake” poświęcony miejscu urodzin Leadbelly’ego, autobiograficzny „Thurston’s House” odnoszący się do znajomości z gitarzystą Sonic Youth, który Chapmana przypomniał w ubiegłym roku wydając mu również nowy materiał w swojej wytwórni („The Resurrection and Revenge of the Clayton Peacock”, niebawem wznowienie tego materiału na CD). Albo efektowne techniczne sztuczki – np. zwalnianie przypominające zmianę obrotów płyty winylowej w „Fahey’s Flag”. (...)"
UK’s Michael Chapman began his career on the Cornish folk circuit in 1967. He signed to the Harvest label, home to Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and many others, recording four quasi-legendary albums. The influential ‘Fully Qualified Survivor’ was John Peel’s favorite record of 1970, and featured future Bowie collaborator Mick Ronson. (The album is set for reissue on Light in the Attic in February 2011). After decades of recording and touring, Chapman remains an obscure figure in the States. His profile was raised by a lengthy interview with big fan Thurston Moore in Fretboard Journal last year, and he also toured extensively with the late guitarist Jack Rose, with whom Michael shared a warm kinship.
Chapman has released dozens of albums, but only a few in the States. ‘Trainsong : Guitar Compositions 1967- 2010’ is a 2CD collection of 26 recently-recorded solo guitar versions of tunes spanning his entire career. It is a fascinating look at one of the most prolific and profound guitarists of our time. This release, out one day after his 70th birthday, should finally bring proper attention to ....... more