Akrotiri Villas
Musical Events and "Songs in the Sun"
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Akrotiri Villas Musical Events and "Songs in the Sun" |
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Musical Events for Summer 2008 at Akrotiri Villas, Crete The following singer/songwriters will be appearing in Summer 2008 ...
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Report on SONGS IN THE SUN 2007 There’s an old saying on Nashville’s Music Row that to be a success you have to be first, best or different. Repeats of special events in any walk of life, particularly my own, are usually a disappointment and as I boarded the plane at London’s Gatwick airport I had concerns that the second Songs in the Sun week in Crete might not live up to last year’s standards, particularly as I had persuaded more friends to join me. The concept remains the same - a June week in the idyllic setting of the Akrotiri villa complex on a peninsula just north of Chania where new country meets up with old rock ‘n’ roll in the shape of Kevin Montgomery and Tommy Allsup. Kevin has a wonderful music pedigree; a father who wrote Heartbeat and Wishing for best friend Buddy Holly and a mother who was a backing singer for Elvis. He teams up with Tommy Allsup who played those famous solos on Buddy’s records and whose career took him from through some 9,000 recording sessions into record production and management. The two host a week of concerts, jam sessions and guitar and songwriting tuition for around a dozen students plus a similar number of fans who get to be up close and personal with their heroes. This year Kevin and Tommy scheduled a UK tour around the event and so brought along their band comprising Danny White and Dale Dorman. Danny played with Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers before setting up his own Sixteen Ton studio on Music Row, where Cerys Matthews of Catatonia recorded her acclaimed Cockahoop album. Dale also has an impeccable pedigree, having been for some years the touring drummer with Brooks & Dunn. On the first morning we gathered nervously and self- consciously around the pool, in awe of our tutors. The relaxed tone for the week was set when Kevin ambled down in an odd pair of sandals, explaining that their matching partners were still somewhere on the UK tour bus! Introductions followed and what an eclectic group we were; a couple of university students sitting alongside a doctor, a facilities director and a couple of Irish musicians plus a retired group including a doctor of science, an electrical engineer, a headmaster and even a former chief executive. We were given a complimentary copy of the Sheila Davis book “The Craft of Lyric Writing” and then given our homework, a free form prose piece, to get our creative juices flowing. Tommy then conducted a guitar master class with an easy smile, infinite patience and a remarkable ability to help each of us whatever our level of expertise. Over a stunning alfresco lunch, included with our package, the wine flowed, tongues loosened and the group began to bond. The following day we were paired off and asked to write a song in half an hour. Miraculously it happened and over the ensuing days, guitars and voices could be heard in various parts of the complex as these were honed for public performance on the final night. At the weekend, the band played two concerts, one at the spectacular and highly acclaimed Nykterida restaurant overlooking Souda Bay, the other at the villa. Both events were well attended as the local TV station aired an interview with Kevin and Tommy that generated good publicity. We had the best seats of course and some wonderful food. In the first set Kevin questioned Tommy about his life with Buddy and the Crickets and sang a number of Buddy’s songs to the delight of the fans. In the second set Kevin showcased songs from his new album “True” as well as some old favourites. The week went all too quickly. The weather was sublime and as one of the students observed, it was like attending a house party at a private villa with friends and family. There was one extraordinary coincidence. The band fell into conversation with a group of young Germans on the local beach. It transpired that they were in musical theatre and touring in the musical “Buddy” back in their homeland. One of the boys played the part of Tommy Allsup and they all came back to the villa to confirm that he had indeed met his real life counterpart. An excuse for another party! On the final night we showcased our new songs which were well received, rounded off when Tommy led his students into an extended “Sweet Georgia Brown” jam. Danny took a solo spot too, playing songs from his own album and Tommy proved that he is no slouch as a vocalist either. On a balmy evening even the crickets played along, only this time they were the real thing! No one wanted it to end and the last night extended well into the early hours. Tommy told the story of his lost toss of the coin to the late Ritchie Valens and despite recounting it for the millionth time, made it sound like it happened yesterday. He loaned his custom guitar with great generosity to anyone who wanted to play it and charmed everyone with his relaxed and genial manner. Danny and Dale were wonderful with the students and Kevin, who clearly has the constitution of an ox, never seemed to sleep and held the whole group together with his energy and enthusiasm. Reg and Daphne Fairfoot, who organised the week and run the villa complex, were again unsung heroes, manning the bar at all hours, arranging airport transfers, hire cars and giving restaurant and sightseeing tips. Together with Jeannie in the kitchen they provided superb food and have even added an electric piano to their on site collection of guitars for use by visiting musicians. I am sure there are other songwriting and guitar seminars around the world, but as long as Songs in the Sun remains small and intimate, it is a winner. A truly unique and magical experience, it was a privilege to be there and make new friends who share a common interest. See you there next year! John Malpass - October 2007 |
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