Blackbird

Voice of the nation

CLOUDS AND RIPPLES  from Echoes From A Distant Past

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Gary Reeves: Lead Vocal
Terry Reeves: Spoken Vocal
Hans-Michael Albers: All instruments, Arrangement & Production

Video: youtu.be/4t-H-HHpQ20?si=_reTvkVVmF73vkRi

I was walking down Mare Street, Hackney
Climbing boots and back pack on
Looking for a song of mountains
I had climbed them many times before
Challenge may help to find another door

I’ve climbed arduous N.H.S mountains
Planted flags a'top of wedlock peaks
Hung upside down on magical fountains
With my muscles springing major leaks
My heart is growing smaller by the week

Stood and pointed at hours of darkness
Winds of silence a challenge of their own
Worn out boots a testament to distance
But the misery of counting my toes alone
Sixty three feet behind me as it goes

I have loved being a man of mountains
I hope many will profit from my deeds
I will try to climb just one more mountain
Slide down the other side to save my feet
At the bottom I'll need brand new cleats

This was written over 10 years ago as a George Formby style (Google the name if you’ve never heard of him) ukulele song - a mildly amusing message to Gal to let him know that I was fully aware of the mental health difficulties he was having and that I would always be there if he needed me.

Over the years, we spoke often about the song but nothing much came of it until Gal suggested slowing the tempo and giving it a kind of shuffle beat. As it was about him, I thought he should definitely sing the lead vocal, which I think works rather well. (*Vocalist’s note: It would help if I could still sing…)

You’ll find many personal references to Gal’s life in the lyrics. At the time it was written, he was 63, literally a fatal age for men in the extended Reeves family and he wasn’t having the best of times himself, still wrestling with the grief of a marriage break-up alongside the loss of his big brother and closest friend less than a year before. But even with all of this going on (and not always out of choice) he found there were plenty more mountains to climb.

The transition of the tune from Formby to Albers is a story in itself but suffice it to say that Hans somehow managed to transform it into this rather poignant opus.  He has also made a beautiful film to accompany the piece (see link above). All in all, it testifies perfectly to the reason why Gal’s cleats are somewhat care-worn...and he still has many mountains yet to climb.. (Terry Reeves)

MOUNTAIN MAN - CRIPPLE CLUB

On My Mind

https://soundcloud.com/33per , my dear donkey fellow sent me this wonderful instrumental, a Big Thank You for that, it was a great pleasure to write and sing along.

The image shows Gregory Peck as captain Ahab in John Houston's film adaptation of Melville's “Moby Dick” from 1956, having just nailed a Spanish dubloon on the main mast.

AHAB (All Hypocrates Are Basterds)

O-o-ohh, o-o-ohh…
Tell me please…
Is that really happening-ä-ä-ä-äppening ?
Do you feel that too ?

Noone is getting out here
Oh no-no-no-no-noo, o-o-o-o-o-ooh
Noone is getting out here alive

Ohh no
Not even the feckin’ basterds
No, no
Not even those feckin’ basterds

Will survive
Whatever may be the strive

See, because 
Noone is getting out here alive
Not the president
Nor his wife

Whatever may be the strive
That won’t work

Ohh oh 
All hypocrates are basterds 			(AHAB)
Ohh, oh
All autocrates are feckin’ basterds 			

They can fool the people 
For some time,

But,
But,
But,

They can’t fool all the people all the time
Not really …
That’s beyond the line

It’s possible to continuate
To self-determinate
To not participate…

So to say:
I would - and - i would…

And i-i-i-i-i-i-i- would 
And I would… 
I-I-I would…
And i would and I would…
I-I-I would…
I would prefer not to…

AHAB (wt 33per, raw edit)

Gypsy Night


YOU COULD BE MY SONG, YOU COULD BE MY SAVIOUR
YOU COULD BE THE ONE THAT DEFINES WHAT BECOMES LATER
OF ME… POOR LONESOME ME

I COULD BE THE SON, I COULD BE THE FATHER
I COULD BE WHATEVER IT TAKES TO PUSH THIS FURTHER
WITH YOU… POOR LONESOME YOU

THIS COULD BE THE END OF THE BEGINNING
THE START OF SOMETHING NEW FOR US TO JOIN IN
A NEW SONG FOR US TO SING ALONG TO
A NEW TUNE … TO DANCE TO

I FEEL IT EXPANDING…   GOING THROUGH IT ALL
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THIS HAPPENING
TO YOU AND ME, TO YOU AND ME

THIS COULD BE THE END OF THE BEGINNING
THE START OF SOMETHING NEW FOR US TO JOIN IN
A NEW SONG FOR US TO SING ALONG TO
A NEW TUNE … TO DANCE TO
A NEW TUNE … FOR US TO DANCE TO
YOU COULD BE MY SONG, YOU COULD BE MY SAVIOUR
YOU COULD BE THE ONE THAT DEFINES WHAT COMES LATER



This Could Be It

Moonlight

Music: Ian Greaves [ https://soundcloud.com/ipg1 | https://soundcloud.com/lou3-1 ]
Lyrics & vocals: Martin K Anderson aka Marty Andersson [ https://andersson-arte.com ]

Free eBooks [ https://mega.nz/folder/ttMxyCpb#Mkv1Pm6JqV5qiXKlaMIFRA ]

Marty Andersson: ‘Till the End (feat. Ian Greaves) | Inc. Link to Free eBooks

(Written by Terry Reeves)
Terry Reeves: Vocal
Gary Reeves: Toms
Hans Albers: All other instruments, Arrangement & Production

Photo of Max from The Albers' Archive

What to say about Maximilian?
There are so many things to be told: a lifetime of 24 years, full of special moments, joys, fears, sorrows, worries, hopes, dreams, ups, downs, progress, regress, searching, finding, winning, losing, restlessness, peace...
His life had begun with an extremely difficult birth, almost as if the world didn’t want him. They told us he had a life-threatening infection, there were probably holes in his lungs and he obviously had no kidneys. In total, his chances of surviving were exceedingly slim. However, after endless weeks of both despair and hope, he overcame the infection, the diagnosis of holes in his lungs turned out to be totally wrong and they even discovered a kidney.  Just one maybe but at least it worked perfectly.  His journey into existence had begun.
As he grew, so did the never-ending nightmare of problems, challenges and battles, until we began to wonder what could possibly happen next.  Through it all, Max took every opportunity to accumulate extreme experiences - never hiding, always   seeking.  For that, we loved him even more…and even more it broke our hearts that we couldn’t help him find what he was looking for.
But suddenly, as the Summer of 2011 dawned, his troubles seemed to merely fade away.  Was he just arriving in life, coming of age, finding his place in society?  To be honest, we hadn’t the faintest idea.  But it was abundantly clear that, having always been an underdog, that same unwelcoming world had simply started to like and respect him.  He began to realise his many talents, enjoying his job as never before, finally becoming something he had never been - happy.
Fast forward to the gorgeous Summer evening of June 28th, the eve of a 4-week vacation to which he had been looking forward so very much.  A smile on his face, he said he was in the mood to go jogging, something he loved. Sometimes, he ran and ran for ages.  He’d been gone about 3 hours, quite a long time even for him, so Carina called his phone and he answered, cheerfully telling her not to worry and assuring her he’d be home very soon.  Seconds after the call, out of the blue, he collapsed.  A pulmonary embolism.  They told us he died instantly. 
Max, we have no words for what happened, nor for the eternal gratitude we feel for every single second of your life.  We do know we will never stop loving you.”
(Hans & Carina Albers)

Small chance of survival, words from the first day
Stretching all emotions not a single which way
Asking whys and reasons, a chance to breathe long
Heartbreaking moments, hopes remained strong

Such a short distance, but a life running miles
Bring every sensation, fear to a million smiles
Experience not forgotten, continuous hug of care      
Born with fighting spirit, giving back more to share

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, never to forget

Every challenge building, inner muscles to be felt
Secret ways to be happy, never question hand dealt         
Complication of thinking to find a new sentence 
Pathways to friendships, dreams of acceptance

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, never to forget

A vision full of truth with strength to admire
Finding a hidden talent, past helping to aspire 
No journey of distance could prevent direction
A phone call assurance became last connection

It’s hard to find words, express feelings remaining 
Deep down inside shell, empty, sad, self-complaining 
But we will never forget our boy hero from birth
Brought love and kindness, past and future unblurred

24 years of love, no single regret
24 years of love, will never forget
24 years of love…

MAXIMILIAN - CRIPPLE CLUB  (Please Read Description)

SteadFast

This is your life

Breathe the light, soft on the sea
Dive where the sky empties
No more words are needed, only this sound
The sun is silent, the water is long

The wind is soft, the air tastes of salt
Paths without a trace, in a golden glow
The waves tell of things that pass
But everything remains if we simply stand

Sun and sea, a silent gaze
Colors flow, return
No goal, no plan, only this moment
Which calls itself like a distant promise
Sun and sea... between light

The evening falls, the hours pass
Shadows move gently, creating worlds
When I lose myself in the sound of the sea
I myself become wind and idea

Sun and sea... between light
A breath, a shimmer, a silent weight

Sun and Sea

Ich lebe für Musik

Weil du in mir bist

🤍🎶Cette chanson que j’ai écrite à partir du livre « Mon zèbre s’est tué » écrit par Hélène Decherf-Défossez, un texte clamé à plusieurs voix lors d’un salon littéraire, qui ne pouvait pas rester dans un tiroir.✩°｡ ⋆⸜ 🎧✮ J’ai voulu lui donné une autre dimension en composant une musique à partir de la voix de Nina pour renforcer le dialogue entre une mère et un fils.⋆｡°✩ Le dernier tableau est la vie qui s'en va...
🤍🎶This song was inspired by the book "Mon zèbre s’est tué" by Hélène Decherf-Défossez. Originally performed as a spoken word piece by multiple voices at a literary event, it was a text that couldn’t stay in a drawer.✩°｡ ⋆⸜ 🎧✮ I wanted to give it a new dimension by composing music around Nina’s voice, to deepen the dialogue between a mother and her son. ⋆｡°✩The last scene is life fading out…
Mon Zèbre © 2025 par 6Carfeli6 est sous licence CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Date de publication : 28 mai 2025
Texte : 
[Verse 1]
J’aurais aimé te le dire encore,
Te prendre un instant dans mes bras,
Te voir viser un nouveau record,
Et rire un peu, comme autrefois.
Tu partais léger, globe-trotteur,
Les capitales au bout des doigts,
Chaque instant vécu à toute heure,
Ivresse de vivre, pleine de joie.
[Verse 2]
Pendant ce temps, je tenais mon rôle,
À éveiller, former, tendre la main.
C’est dur parfois, quand la foule s’affole,
De rester humain, de garder le lien.
Tant se perdent dans des malentendus,
Des mots trop lourds ou mal lancés.
Moi non plus, je n’en suis pas exclue,
Combien d’amitiés sont effacées…
[Chorus 1]
La vie parfois ne tient qu’à un fil,
Par confiance ou bien par insouciance,
On prend la route, désir subtile,
Et sans le voir, on quitte la danse. 
[Verse 3]
Je m’évade souvent quand je pense à toi,
À tes silences, à ton monde sans nouvelles.
J’invente des routes, des éclats de joie,
Des souvenirs posés comme des aquarelles.
Parfois j’espère, un peu candide,
Que tu penses à moi, quelque part.
Dans un miroir, un soir limpide,
L’écho discret de ce qu’on partage. 
[Verse 4]
J’ai compris que tu es à Lisbonne ! 
J’aurais parié sur Barcelone.
J’te jure, mon cœur s’est un peu serré,
Trop de silence, trop de temps passés…
Tu m’as dit rendez vous, samedi 
Tu passes avant voir ta chérie.
T’as juste une chose à faire, une dinguerie,
Et pour tes vingt ans, ce sera la folie ! 
[Chorus 2]
At times, life hangs on just one thread,
In trust too deep, or light mischance,
We walk a path where dreams have bled,
Then slip away, lost in the dance. 
Et sans le voir, on quitte la danse. 
[Outro]
La vie est un risque, c’est aussi ce qui la rend belle,
Chaque instant partagé cache une fragilité.
On cherche à briller, à faire des étincelles,
Portés par le vent, parfois sur le fil.
On avance, guidés par nos propres éclats,
À vouloir tout vivre, tout comprendre ici-bas.
Et c’est peut-être là, tout à la limite du vertige,
Qu’on se demande soudain : qu’est-ce qui nous dirige ?
[Chorus 1]
La vie parfois ne tient qu’à un fil,
Par confiance ou bien par insouciance,
On prend la route, désir subtile,
Et sans le voir, on quitte la danse. 
[Chorus 2]
At times, life hangs on just one thread,
In trust too deep, or light mischance,
We walk a path where dreams have bled,
Then slip away, lost in the dance. 
Et sans le voir, on quitte la danse.

Mon Zèbre

If you find yourself in trouble and you think you've lost your way.
Here's hoping that you find a path to a better day.
I sure hope that you're happy. I'm wishing you the best.
I hope you find what you're looking for as you continue on your quest.
I hope you find all the answers to all those questions vexing you.
I hope you can find a way not to bite off more than you can chew.
I sure hope that you're happy. I'm wishing you the best.
I hope you find what you're looking for as you continue on your quest.
You spread your wings and you flew so far away from me.
I hope that you're enjoying your new reality
All those places that you said that you wanted to see.
I hope they're as good as you expected them to be.
I want you to know that you hold a special place in my heart.
I think about you often even though we are apart.
They say that when you love somebody sometimes you gotta be willing to let them go.
You gotta let them spread their wings and fly wherever the wind decides to blow.
I sure hope that you're happy. I'm wishing you the best.
I hope you find what you're looking for as you continue on your quest.
I hope that you're happy. I hope that you're doing well. I sure hope that you're doing swell.You spread your wings and you flew so far away from me.
I hope that you're enjoying your new reality

Hope That You’re Happy (Acoustic Version)


Link to the usual pictures and sounds combo space - https://youtu.be/hi3shfq1pfc

Original artwork by EL-HO
Lyrics
Well when…
yesterday’s deaths are tomorrow’s lack of news
the headlines read a tragedy of a rich man’s point of view
while all around we struggle as their fight goes on and out
we’re just candles in a monsoon and a lightning strike in drought
We feed monsters in our heads
We beat monsters under our bed 
We need monsters to aim our guns
We feel monsters to regret what’s done
Yeah we are monsters

With every breath a fresh chance a new time to be awake
but we’d rather hate our enemies than befriend a fool who’s fake
with every shot not taken that’s saved up ‘til the end
dying in our apathy in our wake we’ll still pretend
that every day’s a new day another chance to be alive
instead we choose the monsters feed them demon’s ‘til they thrive
We feed monsters in our heads
We beat monsters under our beds
We need monsters to aim our guns
We feel monsters to regret  
Do you regret what’s done
Monsters…just monsters 
We’re monsters of monsters and monsters
Monsters…just monsters 
We’re just monsters of monsters and monsters
Monsters…just monsters
We’re all monsters of monsters and monsters
Monsters…just monsters
They’re all monsters of new old monsters
We’ll all monsters and monsters and monsters
All monsters of monsters their monsters
All monsters of monsters they’re monsters
We’re all monsters of their old monsters
Monsters of their old monsters
They’re monsters
Same old monsters


Feeding Monsters

A dear friend asked me if I wanted to set one of his poems to music. Well, I did. And this is what came out of it...

The title of the poem is “Augenblick”, which means "moment", but literally “blink of an eye”.

Augenblick (by Hans H. Hiebel)

Tender day
The eye-lid of the night
Has opened
Time
Is twinkling at us
And because everything is divided
And must be divided
We twinkle back
And death
Closes the lid


Composition, vocal, guitar and piano by Joliz.

The track wouldn't be the same without Robert S. Dean... Thank you!


Augenblick

-> https://andersson-arte.com

Bandcamp [ https://mkandersson1982.bandcamp.com/album/mamamuski-remix-prerelease ]
Kindle eBook [ https://www.amazon.com.au/Unadulterated-Thought-Mechanism-Andersson-Arte-ebook/dp/B0DBP4WJL7 ]
-
I took an old demo I recorded and tinkered with it in some apps to see what I could come up with. I dare say this is a bit of silly fun, lol.
-
Mamamuski is an exuberant and incredibly catchy remix of one of my old bedroom recordings. This single will be available as a free Bandcamp exclusive up until its official release to major music platforms on November 30, 2025.

… Have you seen him?

Marty Andersson: Mamamuski (Remix) | Free Bandcamp Exclusive (Exp. Nov 30, 2025)

Heavy Punk Rock 'n' Roll band turns into Synthwave nowadays! Brand NEW album "Ultraviolet Cosmos" available NOW!
https://shockthealgorithm.bandcamp.com/album/ultraviolet-cosmos

Blackbird

Shock the Algorithm