Browse by Artist: CHAPMAN, MICHAEL

Artist:	CHAPMAN, MICHAEL
Title:	The Resurrection And Revenge Of The Clayton Peacock
Label:	BLAST FIRST PETITE (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$16.50
Catalog #:	PTYT 068CD

Following its original Summer 2011 release as a 500 copies limited-edition vinyl release for Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace! label, Michael Chapman's The Resurrection And Revenge Of The Clayton Peacock is now released on CD for the first time by Blast First Petite. For those already aware of the Yorkshire-born composer, singer, guitarist and self-confessed maverick troubadour, Chapman's Clayton Peacock recording may come as something of a surprise. The music here is unlike anything he has crafted before, casting aside his skills as a songwriter and focusing on improvisation for the first time. The LP was Wire magazine's No. 5 Album Of The Year, after it received a full-page rave review by Edwin Pouncey and later, Chapman himself received his own Invisible Jukebox feature. Chapman, along with Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, John Fahey et al, was a significant and historical informant for this young set. But he claimed to have never even entertained the notion of an LP of exclusively improvised playing. Anyone who has had the good fortune to hear Michael just take off in the middle of his songs and simply shred into zones of in-and-out-of-the-chakras stratosphere knows that such an idea could only be wildly welcomed.

Artist:	CHAPMAN, MICHAEL
Title:	Fully Qualified Survivor
Label:	LIGHT IN THE ATTIC
Format:	CD
Price:	$14.00
Catalog #:	LITA 060CD

"Although not as well known as his peers (Roy Harper, John Marytn, and Bert Jansch), the name Michael Chapman is an important one in the linage of English folk rock guitarists and singer/songwriters of the late 60's/early '70s. For those unfamiliar with Chapman's work, Roy Harper might be his closest musical cousin (and both artists were signed to EMI's seminal stoner record label Harvest -- also home to Kevin Ayers and Syd Barrett). Like other Harvest artists, Chapman's music contains a slightly drugged out feel, sublime guitar playing and intense lyrics. Chapman recorded 4 albums for Harvest between 1968 and 1972, of which 1970's Fully Qualified Survivor is hands down considered the classic amongst the whole highly coveted bunch. What makes Fully Qualified Survivor such a special album (besides being a vehicle for a young Mick Ronson's mind-blowing guitar heroics) are the layers of beautiful acoustic guitars, deranged vocals, floating conga drums, and the cello of one Paul Buckmaster -- the same man who provided the intense strings on Elton John's dark masterpiece 'Mad Man Across The Water.' Fully Qualified Survivor is very much an 'album' more than a collection of songs as they seem to link together seamlessly, and in 2011 it's hard to find words to do them justice... File this record between Roy Harper's Flat Baroque and Berserk, John Martyn's Inside Out, and Bert Jansch's Jack Orion and you'll be fine. The perfect album for a blissful day and a joint." Includes a 28-page booklet of historic photos and liner notes, plus a new interview with Michael Chapman.

Artist:	CHAPMAN, MICHAEL
Title:	Rainmaker
Label:	LIGHT IN THE ATTIC
Format:	CD
Price:	$15.00
Catalog #:	LITA 079CD

"On the heels of 2011s superb reissue by Light In The Attic of Michael Chapman's 1970 classic album Fully Qualified Survivor (LITA 060CD/LP) comes his 1969 debut Rainmaker (originally released on the seminal Harvest label). Like the FQS album, Rainmaker is a psychedelic-guitar-folk delight. The album kicks off with one of Chapman's best known songs 'It Didn't Work Out' -- which features a stellar cast of legendary English musicians of the era; Guitarist 'Clem' Clempson was in the prog-band Bakerloo (soon after playing with Chapman he'd join jazz-rockers Colosseum and then Humble Pie) Drummer Aynsley Dunbar (his resume includes John Mayall, Eric Burdon, David Bowie, Frank Zappa and Lou Reed), bassist Alex Dmochowski (long time Dunbar comrade) were both in Dunbar's Retaliation. Organ player Norman Haines was in Locomotive (another obscure, but legendary progressive English band of the day)." Includes 6 bonus tracks, plus a 28-page booklet with liner notes by Byron Coley.

Artist:	CHAPMAN, MICHAEL
Title:	Trainsong: Guitar Compositions 1967-2010
Label:	TOMPKINS SQUARE
Format:	2CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	TSQ 2530CD

"UK's Michael Chapman began his career on the Cornish folk circuit in 1967. He signed to the Harvest label, home to Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and many others, recording four quasi-legendary albums. The influential Fully Qualified Survivor was John Peel's favorite record of 1970, and featured future Bowie collaborator Mick Ronson. After decades of recording and touring, Chapman remains an obscure figure in the states. His profile was raised by a lengthy interview with big fan Thurston Moore in Fretboard Journal last year, and he also toured extensively with the late guitarist Jack Rose, with whom Michael shared a warm kinship. Chapman has released dozens of albums, but only a few in the states. Trainsong: Guitar Compositions 1967-2010 is a 2CD collection of twenty-six recently recorded solo guitar versions of tunes spanning his entire career. It is a fascinating look at one of the most prolific and profound guitarists of our time. This release should finally bring proper attention to this inspiring and masterful musician. Tompkins Square is truly honored to be releasing this album by one of our favorite musical heroes."

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