LIVE SOUNDS by Martin Hovden: Dave Walker’s musical tribute to his late girlfriend Lisa
Any journalist will tell you that when you are invited to cover an event (or “job” as we call them), the vast majority turn out to be interesting, informative, fun or exciting.
I’ve just got home from an album launch by Southport singer / songwriter Dave Walker – and the word I’m going to use is AMAZING.
The excellent Royales Bar in Lord Street was full of local musicians who have been playing or singing for generations. They included the lovely Babs Arthur from Fag Ash Lil, the very talented singer Jenny Wren, and the much-travelled drummer Bill Butterworth (he has a large Facebook following with his Diary Of A Wombat as he travels around Spain in his campervan – well worth a read).
They are the highly respected, elder statespeople of our local music scene and it was an honour to be in their company.
So what was amazing? The venue, the atmosphere, the hospitality, plus the warmth and friendliness of everyone there, all of whom have a huge passion for music. And of course, the excellent songs penned by Dave (top picture). It was a night that will stay with me for many years to come.
And for host Dave the album was his opportunity to pay a special tribute to his late girlfriend Lisa Curtis, who died seven years ago at the age of just 31.
She inspired his songwriting when they were together and he’s shared writing credits with her for the song Falling on the 12-track CD.
And special mention must go to producer Tom Percy, of the Rhythm Rooms studio in Formby. The album sounds fantastic and reveals what a talented and adept producer Tom is. In fact, I first met Tom more than 15 years ago when he was a young member of Formby band Just Russell – music is clearly in his blood.
What also amazed me was the superb interior of the Royales Bar (at the Duke Street end of Lord Street). The walls are full of musical symbols including a giant red guitar. There is also a wall of fame with line drawings of local musicians. This is definitely a venue for those who love live music. And they warmly welcome any musician who wants to have a go on the stage.
WATCH OUT for my video of the album launch which includes interviews with Dave Walker, Tom Percy, Jenny Wren, Babs Arthur, Roy Carnall, Bill Butterworth and Jamie Muir.
If you have any news for Live Sounds, you can contact me via Facebook (feel free to send a friend request) or email me on martin.hovden@blueyonder.co.uk
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
