Lakeside was the product of four teenagers in the mid 1970's. Being part of it taught me a lot, even if it doesn't always sound like it! It was also very exciting and a great deal of fun. I sometimes find it hard to believe it began and ended over 30 years ago.
These songs were recorded in April 1977 in a village church hall using a 4 track mobile recording studio. We were all still at school (John was 18, Brenda 16, Bob 15 and I was 14) had little cash and so these were all done in one take, as a live performance. Not even sure that Brenda had any foldback, so given all that, maybe this is quite a respectable recording!
Mystic Mirabelle - Standard Lakeside line up of John on organ, Brenda singing, Bob playing bass and me 12 - string acoustic.
Take Me - Line up as for Mystic Mirabelle.
No One Cares - Line up as for Mystic Mirabelle.
The Lovers - Written by John. Standard Lakeside line up but at the mixing session I had to redo the 12 string guitar part.
Emma's Child - Bob's music; John's lyrics. Arthur Knowler (a friend of Bobs) adds some extra bass guitar on this one.
Cupid's Choice - Bob's song. Arthur helped out on bass again and Bob played rhythmn on the electric guitar half of his double neck.
Mild Winter - This song was a John and Pete joint effort. One of my earliest tunes (May 1976) miraculously fitted some lyrics that John was to write, knowing nothing of the tune, in November 1976! Incidentally, during the little electric guitar solo it is John strumming the 12 - string.
Frail - Another John track. Usual Lakeside line up.
Dr Vladimir - Standard Lakeside line up except for me playing electric rythmn and for the words spoken by "Inspector Stone of the Yard." The main male voice you hear is that of Arthur, whilst I give enthusiastic, vocal support!
There was another person at this recording who was present during most of Lakeside's existence and deserves more than a mention - Bob's girlfriend at the time, Lyn. She loyally sat through the cold winter of 1976-1977 whilst we ground out our music in the garage and provided much needed feedback and support, so thanks Lyn.
Recorded at Hollingbourne Village Hall (now demolished!) 5 April 1977 by Jet Mobile Recording Studio. Owned and engineered by Neil Foreman with the assistance of brother Pat Foreman
The Lovers copyright John Williams 1976. Emma's Child & Mild Winter lyrics copyright John Willimas 1976. Emma's Child music copyright Bob Neal 1976. Cupid's Choice copyright Bob Neal 1976
