Sorry about the quality of this recording, but nevertheless I wanted to post this song as it means a lot to me. This tune has stuck with me for years and surfaced in several different ways – this recording is the second version. It was originally written on a harmonium in the South Africa Hare Krishna Temple where I stayed in 1976/77.
A few years later in London I went into a studio with some friends to make this recording. It’s hard to imagine, but that was really the only viable way at the time – no portastudios existed and home recording was just a dream waiting to happen.
The friends:
- George Mitchell on guitar, who really gave me the confidence to make it happen.
- Warrick Sony on tabla.
- Pippa Hardman on vocals.
I already played with George in the fabulous Fighting Pigeons – somewhere there are other tracks with him singing which I would dearly love to find, but they may be lost to time now. Warrick was on holiday from South Africa after finishing his national service, emerging from the army as an amazing musician. Pippa, I had heard sing in The Rocky Horror Show (she played Janet at Kings Road & Comedy Theatres), and I just knew her voice was perfect for this song. I don’t think I’d have the gall to do it now, but I just asked if she would sing and … she said yes!
You can hear my other takes on the theme here – ‘Breathing the city‘
and here: ‘Cherry Blossom‘
Download ‘Swan plane’
Swan-Plane.mp3 (6 MB)If you know someone who might like ‘Swan plane’ please send them in this direction, or use the Share buttons. Thank you!
George Mitchell says
Ford,
Nice website.
Just heard that Frank Bangay has died. (Seems likely from Covid).
I have a cassette tape of Swan Plane and other numbers.
George
Rick Westhorpe says
George!
Hello! So sorry this has taken so long – I only saw your comment today when I have been adding lyrics to all the songs.
I’m feeling a mixture of things – absolute joy to hear from you – I’ve tried searching for you on Google over the years, but not succeeded – but so sorry to hear about Frank. I have seen some stuff on the web about him over the years, and still have some Fighting Pigeon recordings. He was a very special man and looking back I feel so privileged to have had that bit of time with him.
And you of course. What I’ve written here about you giving me confidence – you’ll never know how crucial that was for me at that time.
Would love to get a copy of your tape as I am missing some of this old stuff.
Hopefully you will see this …