A compendium of musical delights by Alan and Margaret Ashworth
It’s taken me a long time to get round to one of the best known 60s numbers. The music, influenced by J S Bach’s Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3 BWV1068 (‘Air … Continue readingProcol Harum: A Whiter Shade of Pale
This was written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and released in September 1972 by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, featuring solo vocalist Teddy Pendergast. It was their biggest … Continue readingHarold Melvin & the Blue Notes: If You Don’t Know Me by Now
WALKING along the road to the next village, I came upon an unusual and not very pleasant sight: a dozen or so mole carcases hanging on a barbed wire fence. … Continue readingThe great mole hunt
This means Samba For You, and was written by group founder Carlos Santana. It featured on the 1970 album Abraxas and was released as a single in 1973, reaching No 27 in … Continue readingSantana: Samba Pa Ti
THERE is something not quite right about reservoirs which wildlife seems to recognise. Perhaps it is the changing water level which presumably makes it impossible for vegetation to take hold … Continue readingThe drowned village
Cotton Fields was written by Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Leadbelly, who made the first recording of the song in 1940. I’m not sure if this is the first but it … Continue readingThe Beach Boys: Cotton Fields/Cottonfields
I have a clear memory of listening to this in a booth on the first floor of the electrical shop in Beckenham with friends after school. I can’t quite remember … Continue readingThe Shadows: Atlantis
This was written by Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly and Harry M. Woods and was first recorded on December 8, 1932, by the Ray Noble Orchestra with vocals by Val Rosing. … Continue readingOtis Redding: Try a Little Tenderness
I’m not a great Motown fan but I think this one is great. It was written by group members Smokey Robinson (lead vocalist), Pete Moore (bass vocalist), and Marv Tarplin … Continue readingThe Miracles: Tracks of My Tears
WHEN I woke shortly before 7am on Tuesday, the light on my bedroom wall was such a vivid red that I wondered for a second if the building over the … Continue readingSunrise over Pendle