Name: Live VPRO 1971
Brand: Michael Chapman

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

ptyt087cd

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2018-03-23

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Cargo

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

5024545805024

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

ptyt087

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Limited Red Vinyl.

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5024545805017

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1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Michael Chapman

Genre GB

Folk

Label GB

Blast First Petite

Blast First Petite is an independent imprint set up by Paul Smith of Mute subsidiary Blast First for titles he likes but that Mute/EMI chooses not to release.

Founded by Paul Smith, *Blast First Petite* is a unique label within the music industry. As a subsidiary of Mute's Blast First, this independent imprint focuses on releasing titles that are handpicked by Smith himself. These carefully curated releases offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream music, showcasing artists and performers who may not have had the opportunity to be heard otherwise.

With its distinctive approach, *Blast First Petite* fills a gap in the market by providing a platform for talented musicians whose work may not fit into the traditional mold. By embracing diversity and artistic experimentation, this label has gained recognition for its commitment to pushing boundaries and supporting unconventional musical expressions.

Michael Chapman was an English singer-songwriter and guitarist born on 24 January 1941 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England. He was a self-taught musician who started his musical journey playing in skiffle bands, strip clubs, and jazz trios while paying his way through art college. Chapman gained recognition on the Cornwall acoustic scene after leaving his teaching job at Bolton College of Art. His career took off when he impressed a pub crowd with his guitar skills during a rainy night in the late 1960s.

In 1967, Chapman emerged on the London and Cornwall folk music circuits alongside renowned artists like John Martyn and Roy Harper. He released his debut album in 1969 under Harvest label and went on to release three more albums with them. After parting ways with Harvest, Chapman signed with Deram Records where he experimented with electric guitar and harder rhythms in his work.

The 1980s marked a quieter period for Chapman as he continued recording for smaller record labels and performing on the folk and club circuits. However, towards the late 1990s, he experienced a rebirth in his career receiving critical acclaim for his albums and earning praise from performers like Thurston Moore and Supergrass. In addition to song-based sets, Chapman also explored instrumental albums rooted in his guitar playing background during the 2000s.

For a self confessed ‘journeyman’ musician who has spent most of his 50 year career on the road live Michael Chapman albums are curiously rare items and even more rare from his earlier years.This one, recorded by dutch “hippie” radio station ‘VPRO’ on 6th May 1971 is the earliest known live recording so far discovered of Michael Chapman after he started releasing records on the legendary UK based Harvest / EMI record label in 1969.This period is for Chapman fans the classic period, that more recently has drawn belated media coverage and recognition in response to the more recent kudos bestowed upon Michael from the likes of Thurston Moore, Kurt Vile, Jim O’Rouke and the late, great, Jack Rose. A beautiful clear, warm and intimate recording of Chapman duetting with long time collaborator Rick Kemp on electric bass and which documents material from all three albums in a free flowing improv inflected style very much in favour at the time.it is with this free flowing vibe in mind that we include with both CD and vinyl editions the complete 90 minute concert via a download code card so listeners can experience the whole set. Chapman sounds in a confident, gentle and relaxed mood.The Audience Is Initially Tentative, Possibly Unfamilar With Chapman’s work but gradually warming to his complex dexterous ‘not folk’ playing. The recordings make for a fascinating snapshot of the time, with a loose and open approach that offers a rare chance for guitar buffs to evesdrop between songs on some those bespoke Chapman guitar tunings!.The set begins with another very rare Chapman item – a cover version - in this case of Tim Hardin’s 1965 A Reason To Believe. A song which had just reappeared that year as the A side of a Rod Stewart solo single (The B side being Maggie May!).

Live VPRO 1971

Music GB