Gigs, Members & Releases
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19 DEC 2001: The Good Ship "Longwave" Finally Runs Aground
The shock news has just broken that Mark O'Callaghan has decided to leave the band. This will effectively mean Longwave has now split. Mark informed Dan of his decision 2 days after the band had auditioned singer Andrea Ward. Between March 3rd 1998 and September 29th 2001 the band played a total of 42 gigs. Mark told Dan "I would like to stress that the decision has nothing to do with Andrea. She is a lovely person, has a beautiful voice and has some great songs. I have been considering my decision for weeks. Basically, I just can't face the idea of auditioning another drummer only for them to leave again soon after. I don't believe any drummer can reproduce the individual drum patterns that Dave Jones brought to the songs. I don't want to go back to an acoustic format because I feel my songs, particularly, need drums to bring them to life."
Dan had hoped that the band would carry on as an acoustic quartet. Katy showed keen-ness for the idea, but Mick felt this was a good time to concentrate on his solo project. There may be a possibility that Dan and Andrea will form a duo. Dan says "I'm shocked, but maybe not as upset as I thought I might be. I guess the band had run it's course. It effectively ended at the Wunderbar in September when both Stuart and Lindsey left. We are all good friends so will continue to see each other socially. I fully respect Mark's decision. Mark and I are going to watch Beach Boy Brian Wilson in January, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if Mark's appetite for music would return after the performance of Pet Sounds! You can never say never!"
Dan, meanwhile, is very excited by the first completed EP of 4 tracks from his forthcoming solo album. "Jason has done a superb job on production. The songs sound brilliant." To round off the Longwave recording career, Dan has "donated" the 4 new tracks to the 6 tracks recorded as Longwave, to be released as an album entitled, somewhat poignantly, "Not Waving But Drowning?". Every band member has sanctioned the move, meaning this will be the band's 'official' second album, to be released to the public via this site on 24 Dec 2001, almost 2 years after the first, the highly-acclaimed "Musaic". Dan says "The public deserve one final album, and I feel it will be just as strong as the first." The track listing is as follows:- Sway, Radio Four Song, Dirty Muddy River, Why Does Love, American Dream, One Step At A Time, Walk In The Rain, Lundy Island, It's Your Life and Pacific Grove. Dan's solo output can be monitored at his brand new website - www.danrussell.info - which was launched in early December. The site will be regularly updated as progress on the album continues.
More Shock News in the Longwave camp - singer Lindsey Richards has left the band. Dan says "I got a call from Lindsey on Sunday. She said she is going to nursing college soon and feels there just won't be enough time for band commitments. She said she will miss the music and the band, as she thought we we're a lovely bunch of people. I am disappointed because I had just written a new song called Rock 'n' Soul Lady, especially for Lindsey to sing. She is a lovely person and a fine singer and I enjoyed the vocal interaction we were building up, especially on Come On Over Here. Oh well, I guess it's back to being the lone striker upfront, hopefully only for a whilebecause I've got used to sharing frontman duties. It's more fun, and I think very important for the band's image to audition a new female singer asap. I also thought a fourth voice in the harmony arrangements gave such a fresh and dynamic sound. Lindsey's positivity and outgoing nature brought new life to the band, and she will be sorely missed, even though, due to her illness, she never got to play a single gig with the band."
It can be confirmed that drummer Nick Savage has heard the demos, likes what he hears and is ready to come on board on the starboard side of the good ship Longwave. Meanwhile, on the port side, demos have been sent to four female singers who have shown interest in replacing Lindsey. Charley is apparently a Katy clone, complete with long fair hair and glasses! If she we're to join, at least the band would look asthetically right, with the two girls either side of Dan up there on the front line, stagewise. Marianne has been singing in a hip hop band, Belinda is into rock and jazz and Maria played over 200 gigs last year in Eire with a band mainly made up of Americans! So, watch this space. All gigs have been put on hold until the band is re assembled to a six piece. Meantime, Mick has been on a music course in Bournemouth where he met, and gave a copy of the Radio Four Songs to Pete Thomas, who was assistant engineer to producer George Martin on the Beatles 'White Album'. Mark has been rehearsing in his other band, which contains ex-Sway member and songwriter, Dan Perry. Mark plays bass guitar in the trio. Apparently, Katy has gone into hiding following her recent tap dancing performances, the demand for her services from New York stage shows has been overwhelming!
Dan, meantime, is really excited at the progress made on his solo album with producer Jason Allen. He says "We have just about completed the tracks Pacific Grove and American Dream. Jason has done a superb job on production. The tracks sound just as good as anything on 'Musaic'. Jason knows exactly what I like music-wise, and also knows how to use the ingredients in a tasteful and effective way". Mark says "Pacific Grove sounds excellent. Jason is a brilliant producer". Jason is reported to have already mailed the £20 cheque to Mark....
The final tracklisting can be confirmed as follows:- American Dream, Lundy Island, Dirty Muddy River, King Of July, Wind Of Change, Kid From L.A., West Coast, Pacific Grove, Ocean, Guardian Angels, Yosemite Jim, Indian Summer, San Francisco, This Is 4 U, Send Me Down An Angel, One & One Is Love, Living In California, Distant Shore, Watery Sun and Sunset Run, which superceeds the running order posted in last month's news below.
Dan - "The album basically tells a story, from the childhood dream, through teenage experiences, leaving home for the big city, dreaming of romance and contemplating going to America, flying at last to the Dream, travelling California, finding love and romance and then walking into the sunset". As you do...
27 SEPT 2001: Dan keeps himself busy...
It can be confirmed that drummer Nick Savage has heard the demos, likes what he hears and is ready to come on board on the starboard side of the good ship Longwave. Meanwhile, on the port side, demos have been sent to four female singers who have shown interest in replacing Lindsey. Charley is apparently a Katy clone, complete with long fair hair and glasses! If she we're to join, at least the band would look asthetically right, with the two girls either side of Dan up there on the front line, stagewise. Marianne has been singing in a hip hop band, Belinda is into rock and jazz and Maria played over 200 gigs last year in Eire with a band mainly made up of Americans! So, watch this space. All gigs have been put on hold until the band is re assembled to a six piece. Meantime, Mick has been on a music course in Bournemouth where he met, and gave a copy of the Radio Four Songs to Pete Thomas, who was assistant engineer to producer George Martin on the Beatles 'White Album'. Mark has been rehearsing in his other band, which contains ex-Sway member and songwriter, Dan Perry. Mark plays bass guitar in the trio. Apparently, Katy has gone into hiding following her recent tap dancing performances, the demand for her services from New York stage shows has been overwhelming!
Dan, meantime, is really excited at the progress made on his solo album with producer Jason Allen. He says "We have just about completed the tracks Pacific Grove and American Dream. Jason has done a superb job on production. The tracks sound just as good as anything on 'Musaic'. Jason knows exactly what I like music-wise, and also knows how to use the ingredients in a tasteful and effective way". Mark says "Pacific Grove sounds excellent. Jason is a brilliant producer". Jason is reported to have already mailed the £20 cheque to Mark....
The final tracklisting can be confirmed as follows:- American Dream, Lundy Island, Dirty Muddy River, King Of July, Wind Of Change, Kid From L.A., West Coast, Pacific Grove, Ocean, Guardian Angels, Yosemite Jim, Indian Summer, San Francisco, This Is 4 U, Send Me Down An Angel, One & One Is Love, Living In California, Distant Shore, Watery Sun and Sunset Run, which superceeds the running order posted in last month's news below.
Dan - "The album basically tells a story, from the childhood dream, through teenage experiences, leaving home for the big city, dreaming of romance and contemplating going to America, flying at last to the Dream, travelling California, finding love and romance and then walking into the sunset". As you do...
Recording of Dan Russell's solo album, 'Road To California', has been transferred to Jason Allen's Chronik
Bionic Studios in Bristol, UK. The initial recordings were produced at Pete Boere's Stackpool Sound Studios, i.e. basic vocal and guitar tracks, plus extensive vocal harmony layering on 50% of the tracks. Peter, Jason and Dan then mixed these down at Chronik Bionik this week, in preparation for overdubs and further vocal layering. It is intended that Peter will assist
Jason in engineering the album. Dan says "It was the first time Pete and Jase had met, and they hit it off straight away. I am hoping to involve the band members in the recording of the album, and other musicians I know. Also, I want Lindsey to sing lead on some of the tracks. The basic idea of the album is my own concept of the American Dream, particularly California, interspersed with related concepts of rivers, oceans, free spirited love and hippie idealism......maybe, in the light of recent events, something the world badly needs".
The tracklisting can be confirmed as follows: American Dream, Kid From L.A., Ocean, One & One Is Love, Living In California, This Is 4 U, San Francisco, Send Me Down An Angel, Dirty Muddy River, Lundy Island, King Of July, Guardian Angels, Pacific Grove, Wind Of Change, Distant Shore, West Coast, Yosemite Jim, Indian Summer, Watery Sun and Sunset Run. Work is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year. Dan is also commencing another new solo album of brand new material, to be entitled "Living In This Life", and to be recorded at Bob Pearce's Bunker in Bristol. Longwave are believed to be auditioning a new drummer, Nick Savage, in the coming weeks. More to follow. Don't forget the upcoming 'Two In Two Days' gigs - Porter Butt, Bath, 28th September and The Wunderbar, Midsomer Norton, 29th September. These shows will be the last to feature drummer Stuart Woolfires. New singer Lindsey Richards is unlikely to take to the stage with the band at these shows, due to the after effects of her recent food poisoning.
7 SEPT 2001:
Surf's Up For The Wolfman!
The tracklisting can be confirmed as follows: American Dream, Kid From L.A., Ocean, One & One Is Love, Living In California, This Is 4 U, San Francisco, Send Me Down An Angel, Dirty Muddy River, Lundy Island, King Of July, Guardian Angels, Pacific Grove, Wind Of Change, Distant Shore, West Coast, Yosemite Jim, Indian Summer, Watery Sun and Sunset Run. Work is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year. Dan is also commencing another new solo album of brand new material, to be entitled "Living In This Life", and to be recorded at Bob Pearce's Bunker in Bristol. Longwave are believed to be auditioning a new drummer, Nick Savage, in the coming weeks. More to follow. Don't forget the upcoming 'Two In Two Days' gigs - Porter Butt, Bath, 28th September and The Wunderbar, Midsomer Norton, 29th September. These shows will be the last to feature drummer Stuart Woolfires. New singer Lindsey Richards is unlikely to take to the stage with the band at these shows, due to the after effects of her recent food poisoning.
Surf's Up For The Wolfman!
"Just when you think you are sailing across calm waters to the glorious red sun sinking into the ocean, a massive tidal wave overturns your ship and you're thrown into unpredictable waters! Not waving, but drowning!", is Dan's assessment following the bombshell news that drummer Stuart Woolfies has decided to jump ship, mainly due to lack of sufficient income from the band, and the 60-mile round trip from deepest Gloucestershire every time he rehearses with Longwave. Stu will be missed, not only for his excellent drumming, but for his happy go lucky personality and "that smile". The general feeling in the band was that he was "just passing through", but there is no bad feeling and the band wish him well in his future ventures. Stu has agreed to play the Porter Butt gig in Bath on 28th September and the Wunderbar gig in Midsomer Norton the following evening. All is not lost as Mark has been contacted by 2 drummers who have expressed an enthusiastic interest in
auditioning for Longwave. Also, former drummer Dave Jones has told Dan that he would love to rejoin the band, if they would have him. Dave said; "My life is more settled now and I am prepared to make a full commitment. I have been playing with an indie band, but their songs don't have any melody or catchy choruses. Dan and Mark write finely crafted songs which include those essential ingredients and also intelligent, passionate and quirky lyrics. I really miss all that and would love to come back and be involved again".
Watch this space! Unfortunately, the gig at the Louisiana in Bristol,
scheduled for 20th September, has been postponed to a late October slot, date to be confirmed, due to the headlining band pulling out. Also Longwave have decided to pull out of their 10th October return engagement at the Vault in Bristol. Appalling sound engineering ("I'm a lead guitarist, not a sound man"),
audience apathy and general poor organisation are the reasons given.
On a more positive note, new singer Lindsey is now fully recovered from food poisoning, which included hospitalisation, and is spending a well deserved mid September break with hubby Roy on a cruise which will take in Cyprus and Egypt. She will return refreshed to make her "live" debut with the band for the "two in two days" late September gigs. Dan, meanwhile, is heading for the West Coast! Not
quite a repeat of last October's romantic journey to California, but a chance for him to dip his toes in the ocean, nonetheless. He is spending a few days with his son, Lol, and Lol's girlfriend Laura, on the West Coast of Wales at Aberyswyth. And, lastly, down in deepest Somerset, Dan and Mick will be attending a new musical theatre production in Wells on 8th September. The reason? Mark and Katy are adding their considerable vocal harmony talents to the chorus line, with Katy having a chance to take the limelight
for a change with a tap dancing routine! I can see the headline now. "Tap Dancing Longwave Bassist Sends
Audience Into Raptures At Rock Gig" Now that WOULD
be different!
30 AUGUST 2001: California calling...
Longwave appeared without new co-vocalist Lyndsey Richards at the recent gigs in Bristol and Bath Moles club after the singer was taken ill at the eleventh hour. The band performed as a 5-piece for the two shows, meaning the full line-up has yet to debut live. Lyndsey is making a good recovery although no date has been set for her return. The band have taken a 2 week break before rehearsals resume for the upcoming autumn gigs, which are listed in the article below. Singer Dan Russell has been using the slack time to continue work on his solo album, tentatively titled 'Road To California'. Sessions have been taking place throughout the summer months at 'Stackpool Sound' in Bristol with engineer Pete Boere. Dan is due to undertake work on new recordings at The Bunker in Bristol this week (30 Aug) with further work likely to take place at Chronik Bionik during the autumn. Dan is hoping to enlist the services of the Longwave members on the album, prompting the idea that the finished product could appear as a fully-fledged Longwave album. No decision will be made until the sessions are at a more advanced state. Watch this space for more news as it breaks. The album is expected to hit the racks around Christmas time.
24 JULY 2001: Everything in sixes...
Longwave can finally comfirm the band's new line-up and a series of gigs for the late summer and autumn. As reported last time, the band's new drummer is Stuart Woolfries who replaces the departed Dave Jones. Dan has recently been in contact with Dave who expressed that there are no hard feelings. The second new addition to Team Longwave is singer Lindsey Richards who is expected to handle Mark's lead vocals and provide additional harmonies to the other songs. The newly expanded, all-action six piece is scheduled to make a live debut at Bristol's Louisiana on August 15th.
There is the strong possibility of Longwave showcasing new material at the shows. The band have five new numbers nearing completion. Mick has written two new songs, 'Ice Cold Beer' and 'Matter Of Time' whilst Mark adds 'I Stayed Behind' to the band's ever-growing arsenal of tunes. Dan Russell has also penned two newbies in the form of 'Come On Over Here' and 'Some People'. It is uncertain as to whether any of these new songs will feature on the bands next album. Stay tuned for details when they break. Finally, our resident roving reporter Juan Carlos Pensamiento has relocated from Havana, Cuba to sunny old England. He'll be occupying rooms at the home of one Barrington Wesley Elijah Bogelbone, father of our very own Aynsley. Juan cites the reason for the move as the need to get closer to the action. There'll be plenty of that at Bogelbone Towers that's for sure. Stay tuned for more when it happens. Radio Longwave News over and out (a bit like England's efforts in the Ashes eh!?)
7 JULY 2001: Waving at the People...
Longwave recently set up shop on the Peoplesound.com site. The Radio Four Songs E.P. is now available there with possible plans also afoot to release a compilation of the band's finer moments.
Radio Longwave News can now confirm that Stuart Woolfries is the new
Longwave drummer! Mark got a call from Stuart before he headed off to the Emerald Isle for a well earned break. Incidently, erstwhile Sway member, Dan Perry is accompanying Mark on his Irish sojourn. County Clare in Eire is Mark's father, Shaun's homeland. Shaun, meantime, is taking a 7 week break of his own in Australia, so the normally homely O'Callaghan clan are international at the moment!
More line-up news... After prospective new singer Louise C. again failed to make an audition, the band's attention has now been focussed elsewhere. Lindsey Richards, from North Bristol is very keen to audition after hearing the E.P. The audition will probably take place next week on Mark's return.
The gig at Moles Club, Bath is definately booked for August 20th and EXPECT an early August DATE for the Louisiana, Bristol gig. Don't forget to check the Guestbook for latest gossip direct from our man in the know, Juan Carlos Pensamiento. This concludes the evening news on Longwave Radio, now the shipping forecast with Bjarni Gustavvssonn. It's exactly, beep, beep, almost 8 o'clock...
15 JUNE 2001: Shortwave, Medium Wave, Longwave, Heatwave, Microwave, Say Hello - Wave Goodbye etc etc...
More line-up news... After prospective new singer Louise C. again failed to make an audition, the band's attention has now been focussed elsewhere. Lindsey Richards, from North Bristol is very keen to audition after hearing the E.P. The audition will probably take place next week on Mark's return.
The gig at Moles Club, Bath is definately booked for August 20th and EXPECT an early August DATE for the Louisiana, Bristol gig. Don't forget to check the Guestbook for latest gossip direct from our man in the know, Juan Carlos Pensamiento. This concludes the evening news on Longwave Radio, now the shipping forecast with Bjarni Gustavvssonn. It's exactly, beep, beep, almost 8 o'clock...
It's all go in the Longwave recruitment department right now following last months departure of drummer Dave Jones.
Louise C, a vocalist and cello player, is
auditioning with the band this week. As Mark
says, "I want her to sing lead vocal on my songs, my voice isn't strong on live performances, and Dan finds my songs pitched too low for him to sing lead on them". Dan says
"My 4 part harmony dream, at least on my songs,
could come true!" Katy said about the new addition, "It's cool". Also drummer Stuart Woolfies is being auditioned next week, so Longwave could be a very dynamic 6 piece real soon. Fingers crossed these could be very exciting times ahead!
Dan has just completed his 12th solo spot this week on his "Shortwave Bristol Tour", a one-man acoustic affair which has seen the singer/guitarist showcase both Longwave and solo tracks, plus a handful of covers too.
Dan, Katy and Mick, weather permitting, are intending to play an outdoor set under the name
"Medium Wave" this coming Saturday 16th June in Milsom Street, central Bath. The set will include Dan's songs from the "Longwave" set, plus an assortment of summertime covers.
Dan is also busy recording a Californian, summery, ocean water-based concept album with a guy called Pete, with a working title of "Road To California". The aforementioned "Human Thing" album of Dan's has temporarily been put on hold, while his "Sumaovluv" project never fully got off the ground, but prospective new singer Louise C. auditioned for that project. Stay tuned for more as it happens.
27 MAY 2001: DAVE JONES IN EXIT SHOCKER!
The incredible shifting Longwave line-up takes another step forward in it's history with news breaking that drummer Dave Jones has left the band. Dan Russell has been posting regular communiques in the Guestbook over the last 2 months, and it is from one of those reports that the following quotes are taken. Dave originally wanted to have an extended break,
due to exhaustion, and wanted to resume duties with the band in August. As Dan explained:
"I'm afraid I reacted to Dave wanting a break in a very unsympathetic way. I wrote to him and
questioned his commitment. After all, I played a Longwave gig on the very day my father died,
I'm currently going through a marriage breakup and divorce proceedings and I've not needed a break from the band. It seems that Dave thought my criticism of him was unfair, and has decided
to leave. He will be greatly missed by all of us. I fear, also that my 10 year friendship with
him has also ended, which I find extremely sad."
An earlier report suggested that the remaining foursome had decided to go back to an acoustic format and to gig extensively in Bristol and Bath. You can still expect to see various members on a regular basis at the Tuesday night music club at the Prince Of Theives, Park Row, at least until August. As Dan says "In Dave's unfortunate absence we need to keep the momentum of the band going". All efforts are being made to find a new drummer as soon as possible. The gigs scheduled for June and July at Bristol's Louisiana and Bath Moles Club were originally postponed until August upon Dave's request for time off from the band. No new dates have yet been fixed for the shows. Dan has been spotted playing acoustic slots in and around Bristol, promoting tracks from his upcoming solo album 'Human Thing', news of which can be found in the Guestbook, along with other Dan-related news items.
The tracks from the new 'Radio 4 Songs E.P.' are now available to listen to on the Albums page, along with another 'Musaic' track, namely 'You Can't Look Back'. The airplay chart has been 'reset' for season 2, with the first positions to be published in mid-June.
25 APRIL 2001: GIG OFF AND E.P. ON!
An earlier report suggested that the remaining foursome had decided to go back to an acoustic format and to gig extensively in Bristol and Bath. You can still expect to see various members on a regular basis at the Tuesday night music club at the Prince Of Theives, Park Row, at least until August. As Dan says "In Dave's unfortunate absence we need to keep the momentum of the band going". All efforts are being made to find a new drummer as soon as possible. The gigs scheduled for June and July at Bristol's Louisiana and Bath Moles Club were originally postponed until August upon Dave's request for time off from the band. No new dates have yet been fixed for the shows. Dan has been spotted playing acoustic slots in and around Bristol, promoting tracks from his upcoming solo album 'Human Thing', news of which can be found in the Guestbook, along with other Dan-related news items.
The tracks from the new 'Radio 4 Songs E.P.' are now available to listen to on the Albums page, along with another 'Musaic' track, namely 'You Can't Look Back'. The airplay chart has been 'reset' for season 2, with the first positions to be published in mid-June.
The Platform 1 gig on APRIL 12TH was regretably cancelled due to the venue being
sold and turned into a wine bar with no music! Platform 1 promoter Paul Bristow is introducing live local bands at The
Hatchet in Bristol and Longwave are pencilled in to play a gig there mid May. More to follow.
Meantime, the band are "blown away" by the new 4 track ep, downloads of which will be available at this site soon. The tracks were recorded at Kewstoke, Somerset with engineer Martyn Nichols at the end of March - the first Longwave recordings to feature drummer Dave Jones. The likelihood is that the recordings will be released as the 'Radio 4 Songs E.P.' in the near future. The full tracklising of the E.P. is the new ska-tinged version of 'Radio 4 Song', 'Why Does Love', 'It's Your Life' and a jazzier version of 'One Step At A Time'. Check out the interviews page for Juan Carlos Pensamiento's complete track-by-track review of the forthcoming album and Aynsley Bogelbone's critique of the new E.P. Beware, gushing praise ahoy!
16 FEB 2001: RANDOM NEWS ITEMS...
LONGWAVE performed as a 4-piece minus Dave J. at the The Old Farmhouse gig due to physical exhaustion on Dave's part. The "gig went well" according to Dan although the band will obviously be keen to have him back betweeen the sticks for the next gig on March 7th at McCluskys, All Saints Street, Bristol, The previously announced gig at Platform 1 Club, Park Row, Bristol has now been changed to 12th April 2001. Tickets will still be valid etc etc. The band enter Whitehouse Studios on March 19th for a near week-long session to record the new E.P. The band are scheduled to record Why Does Love, It's Your Life, the new ska-tinged version of Radio 4 Song and an updated take on One Step At A Time. The engineer for the E.P. is Martyn Nichols. Expect to hear the results at this site around mid-March.
Hot news from the North Of England! Dan Russell's abusive son Lol (Dan - "he loves me really, anyway, I always welcome any sort of attention!") has formed a three-piece band called LITTLE PICTURES with two other college friends. The groups' line-up is Adam Chatterton - Vocals/electric guitar, Lol Riley - Bass guitar/vocals and Ben Goodheart - Drums/percussion. Adam, 19, originally from Prestatyn, North Wales, writes 60's influenced songs in the rock and pop style of The Who. He also looks like Gerry Beckley of the 70's band America at the same age! Adam came up with the band name - it means "life is full of little snapshots". Lol, the old man of the band at 23 is the only true Scouser, born in Fazakerley, Liverpool. His songs are more slower paced, moody and have great depth. He says his songwriter father has not influenced him at all! Lol writes his songs on acoustic guitar. Ben, the baby at 18, says lugging those drums to the Ferry 'Cross the Mersey is a real pain in the arse! He is from Bromborough on the Wirral. Apparently, he is also a fine guitar player. Partly because Lol likes to sleep until 2 in the afternoon, the forthcoming debut album may well be entitled 'Life Of Riley'. Look out for a dedicated Little Pictures page at this site in the very near future.
Don't forget, the Longwave Airplay Chart is now up and running at this site. You are still blessed with the power to directly influence chart placings by listening to your favourites. And if you wanna hear those tunes 'in the flesh', come on down to McCluskys on March 7th. Next on Radio Longwave, The Bogelbone Report (sponsored by Red Stripe) with Aynsley Bogelbone and Juan Carlos Pensamiento, who bring further news on the upcoming E.P./album.
6 FEB 2001: NEXT ALBUM COMMENCES...
LONGWAVE are due to commence recording the follow-up to 2000's 'Musaic' album in February. Four tracks will be recorded in the next few weeks, with another 4 to be committed to tape around May time, The final 4 songs are likely to be recorded in August. It is hoped the new album will be in the shops by Xmas, all being well. The initial 4 tracks will be released as an E.P. and distributed on the Peoplesound network.
This scheme was used by drummer Dave Jones' previous band, Nemo, and generated excellent album sales. It is intended that the completed album will also be released on Peoplesound.
Naturally, the new album will still be available at the Longwave website, in the shops as well as at gigs. Dave has also persuaded the band to try out a different studio for the album.
Martyn Nichols has a wonderful 16 track studio situated at Kewstoke, Somerset, on the West Coast of England.
>
Dave has recorded there many times over the last 10 years, and believes
there is no finer studio in the area, and no finer engineer than Martyn. Dan has recorded an album there previously with Dave and the Sundown Pilgrims in 1991, and a 3 track EP with
Sunset Run in 1997. Dan said the views across the channel to Wales are stunning. Expect further news as soon as the tapes start rolling. Finally, the Longwave Airplay Chart is now up and running at this site. You are blessed with the power to directly influence chart placings by listening to your favourites. Who said the age of payola was dead?! See you Saturday 10 Feb 2001, The Old Farmhouse, Bath for the next Longwave Live Transmission!
10 JAN 2001: FORTHCOMING GIGS
>
Dave has recorded there many times over the last 10 years, and believes
there is no finer studio in the area, and no finer engineer than Martyn. Dan has recorded an album there previously with Dave and the Sundown Pilgrims in 1991, and a 3 track EP with
Sunset Run in 1997. Dan said the views across the channel to Wales are stunning. Expect further news as soon as the tapes start rolling. Finally, the Longwave Airplay Chart is now up and running at this site. You are blessed with the power to directly influence chart placings by listening to your favourites. Who said the age of payola was dead?! See you Saturday 10 Feb 2001, The Old Farmhouse, Bath for the next Longwave Live Transmission!
LONGWAVE have announced the following live dates for the coming months. On March 7th 2001, the band will be appearing at McCluskys, All Saints Street, Bristol. The band are double headlining with indie popsters Daytona. On March 21st LONGWAVE will be performing at Platform One Club in Park Street, Bristol. Also in the pipeline are dates at The Old Farmhouse, Bath (a 50s cool jazz venue) and another show at the Prom in Bristol following the success of the December gig, where the band showcased much of the forthcoming new album 'It's Your Life'. Stay tuned for more live news soon...
6 JAN 2001: NEW YEAR, NEW NAME!
Happy new year to all Sway fans. The main news to kick off the new year is that Sway have announced that the band will now be called LONGWAVE, after a vote was taken among band members. Dan was happy with the name Sway, but he has been outvoted 4 to 1 to
change the name. The general opinion was that the name was 'a bit wet!' Mark, Katy and Mick agreed on Tin Bridge,
which Dan and Dave didn't like. Everyone but Mick liked the name Transmitter. Now everyone quite likes
Longwave. Mark said he got the idea from 'Radio 4 Song', also suggesting the California
connection, surfing, waves etc. Dan even thought a long wave to someone on the distant horizon! And a quick word or 2 from Dan...
"A SEASONAL WISH TO ALL SWAY READERS (AND LISTENERS!) 23/12/2000 Wow! What a Year! January... After 15 months in the making, final mixes of Sway debut album completed. February.....Mick Raymond on Lead Guitar, and Katy Biggs on Bass Guitar, Harmony Vocals join Sway. May... Musaic, 12 track cd, released to rave reviews. June... Dave Jones, old friend and former bandmate, joins on Drums and Percussion. July... My father, Victor, dies from a stroke, aged 85. September... Aborted attempt to fly to U.S.A., got as far as airport. October... Finally fly to U.S.A. with Sue and embark on incredible 5,000 mile Greyhound bus trip, taking in California, Arizona, Texas, Mexico, New Orleans, Virginia and Washington D.C. IN 28 days! November.....On return to U.K., Dan and Sue split up after 3 and half years together. December... Dan's Mother has two heart attacks! Happy New Year - Let's hope it gets better!!"
There's more Longwave 'Frequency' news on the Interviews page - including a progress report on Dan's upcoming travelogue. In the meantime, why not listen to Longwave 'broadcasts' on the Albums page.
26 NOV 2000: GIG, LINE-UP 'CHANGE' & MORE...
There's more Longwave 'Frequency' news on the Interviews page - including a progress report on Dan's upcoming travelogue. In the meantime, why not listen to Longwave 'broadcasts' on the Albums page.
Dan has returned to England after his much-postponed States visit and is back in the saddle with Sway, rehearsing for the upcoming gig at Bristol's Prom Wine Bar, Gloucester Road, on Sunday 10th December. The gig will showcase the 'new' Sway line-up which has seen Katy B. take over the bass duties full time, allowing Mark to concentrate on guitar playing and Dan to drop his guitar and focus more on vocals. Maddus and Dave continue in their roles as guitarist and drummer respectively. Sway worked hard on new arrangements during Dan's absence, the new sound being much tighter and more dynamic. There's no news yet on the next Sway release, although it is believed that plans for a double album in Feb 2001 have been shelved in favour of a streamlined 10-song album. Don't forget, you can now listen to the bands' music directly from this site. Hit the Albums link to access the tunes. The band now also has an entry on the Vitaminic site, which features the same 7 tracks that are available on this site. Expect a few exclusives here at www.swayuk.co.uk in the near future.
15 OCT 2000: DAN MAKES IT STATESIDE
Dan Russell's much-postponed tour of the U.S. is now in progress. In a communique sent to Aynsley Bogelbone, he informs us that he's taken in L.A., Monterey, busked a version of 'Barbara Ann' on a bus-stop, hooked up with a crazy ex-Hollywood stuntman and even tried to get a job as a gardener. The Crazy Adventures Of Dan Russell will no doubt be serialised in the Bogelbone Report upon his eventual return. As for the UK-based members of Sway, well Aynsley's not caught up with them recently due to (1) his car breaking down and (2) He got his phone cut off while he was away in the Gobi Desert recently. The word on the 'street' is that they are busy writing new material. Full, and indeed, much saner news will return to this page shortly...
10 SEP 2000: DAN STAYS HERE... + MUSAIC HITS THE ROMAN CITY...
Dan Russell's much-postponed tour of the U.S. is now in progress. In a communique sent to Aynsley Bogelbone, he informs us that he's taken in L.A., Monterey, busked a version of 'Barbara Ann' on a bus-stop, hooked up with a crazy ex-Hollywood stuntman and even tried to get a job as a gardener. The Crazy Adventures Of Dan Russell will no doubt be serialised in the Bogelbone Report upon his eventual return. As for the UK-based members of Sway, well Aynsley's not caught up with them recently due to (1) his car breaking down and (2) He got his phone cut off while he was away in the Gobi Desert recently. The word on the 'street' is that they are busy writing new material. Full, and indeed, much saner news will return to this page shortly...
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Dan Russel's tour of the U.S. has been postponed until 3rd October. He will now spend 28 days in the States with the possibility of extending his stay through until the end of November. Closer to home, 'Musaic' is now available in 3 Bath outlets as well as the Bristol/Somerset shops listed below. The Bath vendors are Onyx Music, Milsoms Music and Replay Music. News of more gigs in support of the album to follow shortly.
21 AUG 2000: 'MUSAIC' HITS THE SHOPS.
Vinnie Goldenberger, the Distribution Manager for Sway has just comfirmed that the CD, 'Musaic', is now available in the vast metropolis known as Bristol, as well as various outlets in the 'Isle Of Avalon', Somerset. The album can be purchased at the following outlets:-
Vinnie Goldenberger, the Distribution Manager for Sway has just comfirmed that the CD, 'Musaic', is now available in the vast metropolis known as Bristol, as well as various outlets in the 'Isle Of Avalon', Somerset. The album can be purchased at the following outlets:-
Gosh Trading Company, Wells;
Dragon's Lair, Wells;
Gothic Image, Glastonbury;
Pandora Picture Boot, Glastonbury;
Psychic Piglet, Glastonbury;
In Harmony With Nature, Glastonbury;
Speaking Tree, Glastonbury;
Tor Records, Glastonbury;
Onyx Music, 54 Park Street, Bristol;
newserial Music, Park Street, Bristol;
Bristol Music Shop, Park Street, Bristol;
Replay Records,The Haymarket, Bristol;
Disc n Tape, 17 Gloucester Road, Bristol;
Music Stop, 43 Gloucester Road, Bristol;
Onyx Music, Bath;
Milsoms Music, Bath;
Replay Music, Bath;
Don't forget you can order it direct from this site... it's a snip at £10.99! Click the 'contact' button to request a copy. Click here for the latest Bogelbone Report containing an interview with Maddus who sheds light on SWAY's album plans for the future.
14 AUGUST 2000: TOUR & DATE CHANGES.
Following the success of the Methodist Church Hall gig in Wells on the 29th July, new drummer Dave Jones made his live debut with SWAY at Jim Ramsey's party on August 5th, joining the band for their second set.
And the verdict?
"What a difference drums make. It's given our sound pulse and life" said singer Dan Russell.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Dan's tour of the states has been altered - the August dates now being postponed until November. Click here for the latest report from band 'insider' Aynsley Bogelbone who interviews Dan about the reasons for the changes.
Additionally, the date for the Prom Wine Bar gig in Bristol has been moved to 10th December. Finally, the new album 'MUSAIC' has now been released to good response from those that have heard it. Details of all retail outlets stocking the disc will appear on this site shortly, as will excerpts from the album and reviews. Contact the band via this site to order a copy direct.
24 JULY 2000: FREE GIG & MORE.
SWAY will be performing live at the Methodist Church Hall, Wells, Somerset on Saturday 29th July 2000. Doors open at 7.30pm for a 8pm start. Admission to the gig is FREE and the band will play two 45-minute sets. The new album 'Musaic' will be on sale at the show priced £10. Gigs are also booked at Cafe Bleu, Wells (1st Sept) and the Prom Wine Bar, Gloucester Road, Bristol (26th Nov). The band will be appearing on the 29th without drummer Richard Shotton who has left the band due to work commitments. Click here for the latest band report from 'roving reporter' Aynsley Bogelbone who brings news of another 3 SWAY albums and possible new band members...
12 JULY 2000: LIVE DATES.
SWAY ARE playing their 2 hour set at the Beggars Porch, Wells this week, and 5 more shows will be performed there throughout the remainder of July. Some call it busking, SWAY call it performance.
And the verdict?
"What a difference drums make. It's given our sound pulse and life" said singer Dan Russell.Due to unforeseen circumstances, Dan's tour of the states has been altered - the August dates now being postponed until November. Click here for the latest report from band 'insider' Aynsley Bogelbone who interviews Dan about the reasons for the changes.
Additionally, the date for the Prom Wine Bar gig in Bristol has been moved to 10th December. Finally, the new album 'MUSAIC' has now been released to good response from those that have heard it. Details of all retail outlets stocking the disc will appear on this site shortly, as will excerpts from the album and reviews. Contact the band via this site to order a copy direct.
12 JULY 2000: DAN RUSSELL U.S.A 2000 TOUR ITINERY
AUGUST: NEW YORK CITY 3rd-6th, PHILADELPHIA 7th-9th, PITTSBURGH 10th,
CLEVELAND 10th, DETROIT 11th, CHICAGO 11th-13th, ST LOUIS 14th, NASHVILLE 14th-17th, MEMPHIS 18th-21st, NEW ORLEANS 22nd-26th, HOUSTON 27th-29th, GALVESTON 30th-31st, SEPTEMBER: AUSTIN 1st-4th, SAN ANTONIO 5th-7th, EL PASO 8th-10th, CIUDAD JU REZ Mexico 11th, ALBUQUERQUE 12th-13th, SANTA FE 14th-16th, COLORADO SPRINGS 17th-18th, DENVER 19th-21st, FLAGSTAFF Grand Canyon 22nd-23rd, PHOENIX 24th-26th, TUCSON 27th-30th, OCTOBER SAN DIEGO 1st, TIJUANA Mexico 2nd, LOS ANGELES 3rd-6th, SALINAS 7th, MONTEREY 8th, SANTA CRUZ 9th, SAN FRANCISCO 10th-15th, WASHINGTON D.C. 16th-17th, RICHMOND 18th-20th, WILLIAMSBURG 21st-31st.
JUNE 2000: MUSAIC ALBUM RELEASED SOON.
Work on the new SWAY album 'MUSAIC' is now complete and a release is expected "within weeks". The artwork is currently being completed by Mark O'Callaghan and the tracklisting is finalised (click the 'Albums' link for track details). The CD will be available through this site in the very near future. A series of local dates is being planned prior to Dan's American Tour which kicks off in August. New percussionist Richard Shotton is expected to join the line-up for the upcoming shows. More details to follow.
CLEVELAND 10th, DETROIT 11th, CHICAGO 11th-13th, ST LOUIS 14th, NASHVILLE 14th-17th, MEMPHIS 18th-21st, NEW ORLEANS 22nd-26th, HOUSTON 27th-29th, GALVESTON 30th-31st, SEPTEMBER: AUSTIN 1st-4th, SAN ANTONIO 5th-7th, EL PASO 8th-10th, CIUDAD JU REZ Mexico 11th, ALBUQUERQUE 12th-13th, SANTA FE 14th-16th, COLORADO SPRINGS 17th-18th, DENVER 19th-21st, FLAGSTAFF Grand Canyon 22nd-23rd, PHOENIX 24th-26th, TUCSON 27th-30th, OCTOBER SAN DIEGO 1st, TIJUANA Mexico 2nd, LOS ANGELES 3rd-6th, SALINAS 7th, MONTEREY 8th, SANTA CRUZ 9th, SAN FRANCISCO 10th-15th, WASHINGTON D.C. 16th-17th, RICHMOND 18th-20th, WILLIAMSBURG 21st-31st.
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