History

gerrysongs.com

History

I was given a guitar with three strings when I was sixteen or seventeen and I am sure I sounded better then than I do now with a full deck of strings. I was shown how to play ‘G’ and ‘A’ and from there I have reached where I am.

One of the things I did find out, about having a guitar, people would always ask you if you knew how to play ‘Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree’? Or something similar. I could not be bothered even trying to learn those songs, not because they were bad songs, but because I couldn’t find the patience to work them out. I found it easier and more fun to make a song up about people in the room. This would bring screeches of laughter and also screeches of embarrassment to a whole company of people.

Over the years I have written songs that meant something to me but wouldn’t share them with anyone out with my close group of friends and family.

Until September 2002 I was visiting my folks on the mainland (Johnstone) and my brother-in-law said that I should record some of my songs at the recording studio in Paisley run by Splash productions Complex. Which he was a co-founder. (If he wanted money for it he had no chance) So I picked four songs that were finished. Why?, Fifteen, Trust and Little Baby.

After I had finished recording, the owner of the studio said that I should send the songs away. He thought that they were good enough. I never. (Is this a false modesty moment? No!) I had enjoyed my music as it was. My music. It would be unthinkable for other people to hear it. They may not like it.

No! Let’s not send it away. My Wife, had a quiet word in my ear and I did send the songs away.

A Record company showed an interest. (Moidart Music) and through their interest I managed to write 8 new songs and finish 8 songs that I had started writing some 15 years previous. It is funny how certain things can inspire (cattle-prod) you into working.

Moidart Music gave me the belief that I needed to complete my unfinished work and continue writing new material I feel that the songs should be heard and I am taking the opportunity to release my first album.

Lilac Place

Lilac place is a fusion of my early and recent work. For me it represents the journey that we all have to go through and I hope that some of these songs will strike a chord!