If you could ask Jeremy Spencer ONE question, what would you ask?

[vivfox]

Jeremy, Can you please tell me 5 of your favorite songs of all time by other artists in any genre?


Also thanks for the thanks. It's an honor to support you.

[WithoutYou]

How do you feel about the blues "rebirth" throughout the eighties, by namely Stevie Ray Vaughan. In many ways it's hurt and helped the blues survive as a somewhat viable music form it's also caused a lot of people to start playing guitar.

[dino]

I would ask: Jeremy, do you have any specific memories of the last gig with Green in Bath May 23 1970? Or has it mostly faded from memory?
Do you remember if the band did any more gigs before the US tour in late August?

[jeremy spencer]

Originally Posted by WithoutYou

How do you feel about the blues "rebirth" throughout the eighties, by namely Stevie Ray Vaughan. In many ways it's hurt and helped the blues survive as a somewhat viable music form it's also caused a lot of people to start playing guitar.

Good question, Without You. I was unaware of it at the time, as I was living in the far East. But since learning of it and hearing it, I have mixed feelings, as although Stevie was undoubtably good, his style seemed to generate only a slew of would-be SRV copies wearing black troubador hats playing non-stop runs on tuned-down beat up strats through vintage Fender tweed amps.
I only hope it at least made young musicians aware of players like Alberts King and Collins who played with selective taste, (although I still wonder
Okay, you could probably apply the same criterion to me sitting in a glass house years ago playing my attempts at Elmore James!

[slipkid]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Spencer

Good question, Without You. I was unaware of it at the time, as I was living in the far East. But since learning of it and hearing it, I have mixed feelings, as although Stevie was undoubtably good, his style seemed to generate only a slew of would-be SRV copies wearing black troubador hats playing non-stop runs on tuned-down beat up strats through vintage Fender tweed amps.
I only hope it at least made young musicians aware of players like Alberts King and Collins who played with selective taste, (although I still wonder
Okay, you could probably apply the same criterion to me sitting in a glass house years ago playing my attempts at Elmore James!

SRV wrote "Lenny", it's his finest composition. It combines the guitar of Jimi Hendrix ("Little Wing") yet includes far more complex chord structures than your run of the mill average blues guitarist. If you even care Jeremy (and I think you do not ) SRV liked Peter Green very much. To emote the emotion he displayed, he knew what time it was. I was told that SRV met Peter Green in New York City late 1989. I've been an SRV fan since the 80's. It's when I discovered Peter Green, I knew he was the missing link between Hendrix and SRV. SRV's emotional feel is his gift. He didn't get it from outer space.

It's the reason John Mayer (an SRV fan who is a pure phony), recorded a song that mimics "I Need Your Love So Bad".




You misspelled "troubadour", the real JS doesn't misspell his words. Whoever gets this, I hope it sends a message.

[jeremy spencer]

Originally Posted by slipkid

SRV wrote "Lenny", it's his finest composition. It combines the guitar of Jimi Hendrix ("Little Wing") yet includes far more complex chord structures than your run of the mill average blues guitarist. If you even care Jeremy (and I think you do not ) SRV liked Peter Green very much. To emote the emotion he displayed, he knew what time it was. I was told that SRV met Peter Green in New York City late 1989. I've been an SRV fan since the 80's. It's when I discovered Peter Green, I knew he was the missing link between Hendrix and SRV. SRV's emotional feel is his gift. He didn't get it from outer space.

It's the reason John Mayer (an SRV fan who is a pure phony), recorded a song that mimics "I Need Your Love So Bad".




You misspelled "troubadour", the real JS doesn't misspell his words. Whoever gets this, I hope it sends a message.

Maybe I should duck!

[slipkid]

Originally Posted by jeremy spencer

Maybe I should duck!

It's your opinion, and granted (just needed to make sure). Your favorite songs today ring true with FM doing Tim Hardin's "Hang On To a Dream" at your suggestion for the BBC. Since at that time FM was probably the best commercial cover band around, you could've had a niche' offering non blues/50's songs for performance. You could've played Beatles tunes (aside from the "Twist and Shout" cover), since the Beatles in retrospect gave FM the nod for "Sun King" through "Albatross".

On a side note: I wasn't alive when the likes of Fabian dominated the radio airwaves in the states. The original "Tiger" (Youtube) is a complete joke compared to how you changed it into a true rocker.


I know you and Peter wanted out, but looking back, the fan of that original band wants to slam their head against a brick wall in frustration of what could've been.

Do you deny had Peter Green stayed in FM another six months:

1) FM would've done a four month US tour during the summer of 1970 complete with a double LP live album from the Boston Tea Party?

2) The success of the Boston Tea Party concerts would've elevated the band to the next level?



Who am I fooling, it'll take cash to get JS to answer those questions.

[sjpdg]

My apologies if this has already been asked and answered.

Mr. Spencer, what is your opinion of Rick Vito as a guitarist and his treatment of the Original Fleetwood Mac material, while he was with the band in the 90's and now with the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band? Both Peter's and your own.

Thank you in advance.

Cheers.

[BklynBlue]

I have been listening to the tracks recorded during the band’s five day stand at the Whisky A Go-Go (January 7th through the 11th 1970) and while these are among the worst quality bootlegs, (there are worse!) the performances, I feel, are some of the band’s best. The energy is palpable and there is a not often found looseness to the playing, especially on Kirwan’s part that is just so much fun to hear.
My question is this: on a few tracks, just barely on ‘If You Let Me Love’, a little more on ‘Like It This Way’ (great version!) and most prominently, and to best effect, on ‘Sandy Mary’, there is what sounds like an electric piano or organ. That is so hard to tell is a good indication of just how poor the sound quality is.
I have always loved your piano playing and find it so frustrating that on most bootlegs the piano can barely be heard, even on numbers where it is featured, such as ‘Great Balls of Fire’.
Do you remember ever playing an electric keyboard or organ? I do not believe I ever heard you play one on any other recording.
According to Christopher Hjort’s book “Strange Brew: Eric Clapton & the British Blues Boom 1965 – 1970” both your wife Fiona and Christine McVie were traveling with the band at this time – could it have been Christine who joined the band on stage for a few numbers?
To me, it sounds like you playing; I have always loved your piano playing and find it so frustrating that on most bootlegs the piano can barely be heard, even on numbers where it is featured, such as ‘Great Balls of Fire’; but I just thought I would put this out there and see if you might remember, or would interested in sharing your thoughts about the two types of instruments.

As always, thanks in advance for your time, and your patience in answering our questions,

[slipkid]

Originally Posted by BklynBlue

I My question is this: on a few tracks, just barely on ‘If You Let Me Love’, a little more on ‘Like It This Way’ (great version!) and most prominently, and to best effect, on ‘Sandy Mary’, there is what sounds like an electric piano or organ. That is so hard to tell is a good indication of just how poor the sound quality is.
I have always loved your piano playing and find it so frustrating that on most bootlegs the piano can barely be heard, even on numbers where it is featured, such as.

Jeremy Spencer can play piano, very well. "If You Let Me Love You", is all Jeremy on the keys' from Boston, 2/1970.

[zoork_1]

Originally Posted by BklynBlue

I have been listening to the tracks recorded during the band’s five day stand at the Whisky A Go-Go (January 7th through the 11th 1970) and while these are among the worst quality bootlegs, (there are worse!) the performances, I feel, are some of the band’s best. The energy is... [...]

I agree, while a bit rough in some parts, this recording preserve an energetic performance and (on and off) totally amazing playing. I'm re-mastering this show, but it's a hard one to clean up.

/z

[robm]

Hi Jeremy...we met the day before your concert in Mumbai in 2007 at the Sheraton, and I wanted to say that was quite a treat to meet you and your wife back then and the concert the next evening. I remember we were discussing with your manager the difficulty in organizing the visas for a tour of the States as they required exact dates and such, plus the cost.

Now over 3 years later I see that you have made it to the States a few times and performed at some Blues Clubs and Festivals...congratulations on getting the logistics figured out...my question: any chance of returning and playing in the SoCal area?

Give your wife our best wishes...we have a picture of the four of us framed in our living room, and it is a great converstaion starter

[jeremy spencer]

Originally Posted by vivfox

Jeremy, Can you please tell me 5 of your favorite songs of all time by other artists in any genre?


Also thanks for the thanks. It's an honor to support you.

It's a tough call, Viv, and I've had to take some time to think about it. But I'll just list five that have stuck out over the last say, 30 years. Hope I don't get stoned for these! It seems it happens often in these PC days once I stick my opionated neck out.
Anyway, here goes:

I Wannna Know Where Love Is: Foreigner.
Gloria: Laura Brannigan
Like a Prayer: Madonna
Done With Bonaparte: Mark Knofler
Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen

and two more for good measure:
Spanish Eyes: Madonna
Don't Leave Home: Dido

No blues? Odd, you may say. But the above moved me to tears.
God bless you, Viv! What a thread! Gets feathers ruffled!

[holidayroad]

Originally Posted by jeremy spencer

It's a tough call, Viv, and I've had to take some time to think about it. But I'll just list five that have stuck out over the last say, 30 years. Hope I don't get stoned for these! It seems it happens often in these PC days once I stick my opionated neck out.
Anyway, here goes:

I Wannna Know Where Love Is: Foreigner.
Gloria: Laura Brannigan
Like a Prayer: Madonna
Done With Bonaparte: Mark Knofler
Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen

and two more for good measure:
Spanish Eyes: Madonna
Don't Leave Home: Dido

No blues? Odd, you may say. But the above moved me to tears.
God bless you, Viv! What a thread! Gets feathers ruffled!

I am surprised by the list. I never would have guessed!! These are all great songs. All beautiful songs. You have very good taste, Jeremy.

[sharksfan2000]

Originally Posted by jeremy spencer

It's a tough call, Viv, and I've had to take some time to think about it. But I'll just list five that have stuck out over the last say, 30 years. Hope I don't get stoned for these! It seems it happens often in these PC days once I stick my opionated neck out.
Anyway, here goes:

I Wannna Know Where Love Is: Foreigner.
Gloria: Laura Brannigan
Like a Prayer: Madonna
Done With Bonaparte: Mark Knofler
Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen

and two more for good measure:
Spanish Eyes: Madonna
Don't Leave Home: Dido

No blues? Odd, you may say. But the above moved me to tears.
God bless you, Viv! What a thread! Gets feathers ruffled!

Interesting list, Jeremy - should have expected nothing less! Curious about any influence Mark Knopfler's playing might have had on yours, as many people (including me) thought that your playing on the track "Precious Little" sounded a lot like Knopfler.

A side comment - I've thought Knopfler's work hasn't been the most consistent but he's had some brilliant moments, and some of the tracks from his recent Get Lucky album are among his best solo work. Particularly like "So Far From The Clyde." Have you heard that album, Jeremy?