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Paul Talks About The Recording of Good To Me

 Since moving to London in 1981 from Wolverhampton I’ve worked with some of the finest musicians, including Tim Hinckley’s Heart & Soul who appeared at The Royal Festival Hall opening for the legendry Ray Charles, TV appearances with Word of Mouth and recording with Paul Young’s band I was convinced: a career in music was the only thing for me. Being asked to join the John Slaughter Band in 1989 took me to where I always wanted to be, singing in front of a Great Band, touring Europe, Recording CDs and TV program, radio sessions (including Paul Jones) and even playing at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

While working with John I once again opened for Ray Charles, shared the bill with Buddy Guy, Paul Rogers & Gary Booker and the British Jazz giant Chris Barber. With John Slaughter we recorded two albums ‘New Coat Of Paint’ and ‘All That Stuff Ain’t Real’, both still available on Timeless Records. This was all good experience and it gave me the confidence to start my own band.

 The new band began by recruiting Steve Dixon on drums, Al MacLean-bass, Gary Moberly-keys and Mark Simpkins - guitar and augmented with the horn section of Nick Payn-sax & Martin Drover-trumpet respectively. We then hit the road establishing our reputation playing all over the UK as Paul Cox & Soul Intention. In 1998 I approached Blake Powell who had just set up Note Records and with his help I was able to record my first album in my own right. ‘Ain’t Nothin’ Doin’’ was recorded at Roundel Studios and produced by Roger Cotton, it was the first release on Note Records which is now the home of The Barcodes, Richie Milton, Mark Michael, Roger Cotton, Alan Glen and The Incredible Blues Puppies. Along with these other fine artists I have released another two CDs ‘Real World’ and the latest release ‘Good To Me’.

 ‘Good To Me’ I hope will bring my slant on ‘Da Blooz’, to a wider audence  this collection of songs as always is an eclectic mix which is it’s strength. It opens with ‘Weekend Blues Man’ written by my current guitar star Mike Summerland and myself. Along with bass player Al MacLean and drummer Steve Dixon they set up a Texas groove allowing the horns of Nick Payn on sax & Matt Wynch on trumpet to shine, special guest Alan Glen (Yardbirds, Barcodes) plays an outstanding harmonica solo with which he makes his musical point in less time than it takes most players take to think.

 The first of drummer Steve Dixon’s seven contributions is ‘Middle of Nowhere’ a fine song with a nice twist on the shuffle feel, the lyrics deal with problems caused by our reliance on our four wheeled friends on school runs. Beware the man is out to get ya! Backing vocals are covered by Al and Val Cowell (Bad Influence) more on this star latter. Having major talent that want to work with you is always flattering and Val shines throughout this recording.

 Fellow bluesman John ’Smiggy’ Smyth helps me out on our deep down dirty version of Keb Mo’s ‘Dangerous Mood’, featuring a fine solo from Mike Summerland and producer Roger Cotton on piano. ‘Who You Gonna Lie To’ offers a nod to Willie Mitchell (Al Green’s classic producer), it’s set up by Al’s funky bass, before a giant key change chorus bursts in. Vitriol has never sounded so sweet! When choosing classic songs I always try putting as much of myself in as I can, so when it came to ‘Ride the Pony’ I let go the reins! Taking the original and blending it with a New Orleans feel along with the Delany & Bonnie backing vocals created a real tour de force.

 It’s easy to overlook the producer’s role, but Roger Cotton with the able assistance of Steve Dixon has allowed us to be who we are and where required adding his own outstanding keyboard skills to the bargain. This is very true on Soul & Passion, co-written by Steve and I, a tail of pride often misplaced, that’s another tail.

 When it comes to fine ensemble playing the boys really ‘Fly’ on the next track, solo’s from Mike on guitar and steaming organ from Roger allows this Steve Dixon slant on spirituality to really soar, singers not bad either! Val Cowell comes into her own on the classic ‘634-5789’ sang here as a duet. Variety being the spice of life both ‘Only Time Will Tell’ and ‘Don’t Think Twice’ showcase Mike’s acoustic skills and Steve’s tender touch with a love song.

 On ‘Forecast Calls For Pain’ a Robert Cray song, I just let the boys go, as they do with the Hendrix influenced track title track ‘Good To Me’ Steve’s lyrics talk to the ‘born in the 50’s’ generation and lament lost youth with the reassurance that it’s OK to be straight, sober and 40 something! Both ‘Suddenly’ and ‘Alone In The Dark’ take us to places none of us feel good about. The Blues has always been rooted in some kind of despair and as people and as musicians we get a chance to share these dark thoughts with whoever cares to listen. Musically the bands sympathetic playing adds both drama and space enhancing  the feel of the tunes

 The rollercoaster ride of making ‘Good To Me’ is finished, it was a privilege to work with such a fine group of musicians, and I hope listeners will find both enjoyment and food for thought. I am very pleased with the finished result and I hope that you will be too.

 Keep the Blues live, come to one of our shows.    Paul Cox - June 2005

 For more information visit www.note-music.co.uk