For my dear cousin Michael, RIP sweet brother xxx

Martin Stephenson And The Daintees - Howdy Honcho - 07 - I Cried 4 U

A beautiful song from the new Anna Lavigne album 'Roses For The Ride'
Produced by Martin Stephenson for Barbaraville Records
Featuring the beautiful violin and mandolin of Niles Krieger
Gorgeous song from a gorgeous album
Xx

Yellowhammer Way

Tides will keep on turning, and change your point of view
Wild broom birds of yellow, brighten up the blue
Summer smells of coconut and sea salt in the air
Relaxing mind and body it’s freedom to be there

Well Im living down in Kingston, out beyond the Spey
The waves roll on regardless and Dolphins share the day
I go to find my peace there, when life’s in disarray
Hanging out on Yellowhammer way

Don’t wait till life is easy, before you choose to feel
Happiness that’s out there, beyond what seems unreal
Flowing through the rapids, you’ll find a lighter scene
No river is refused into the sea

Well Im living down in Kingston, out beyond the Spey
The waves roll on regardless and Dolphins share the day
I go to find my peace there, when life’s in disarray
Hanging out on Yellowhammer way

So come with me tomorrow, Im heading to the bay
We’ll sit and watch the Yellowhammer’s play

Anna Lavigne - Roses For The Ride - 01 - Yellowhammer Way

'Foolish Heart' is a beautiful lover's rock/reggae song from Anna's new album 'Roses for the Ride'
Her 2nd album jam packed with wonderful and unique songs
Features the gorgeous horns of Bruce Michie, Christopher Mordey on Bass, Charlie Smith on drums, Martin Stephenson on guitars and keys, Anna Lavigne on lead and backing vocals

Recorded, mixed and produced by Martin for Barbaraville Records, Invergordon and just released November 5th

Foolish Heart

I can’t keep running but there’s still so much to see
I can’t keep hiding there’s no-one to blame but me
Sleepless nights bring old troubles to my mind
As you lie here beside me, so loving and so kind

Foolish heart don’t let them steal your peace
Foolish heart a waste to say the least
Mystic eyes will lead you through the night
Knowing everything will be alright

You are busy sleeping I don’t want to break your dreams
Im loving that you’re here, all is better than it seems
4am the endless noises filling up my head
4am the hour they say when spirits flee the dead

Lyrics Anna Lavigne/Music Martin Stephenson (c)

Foolish Heart

A beautiful song for beautiful horizons, 
From the new album 'Good Will Factory'
Martin's trio featuring Rupert Hughes and Niles Krieger
Other guests include Spider MacKenzie harmonica, Anna Lavigne and Angie McLaughlin backing vocals
Malcolm MacMasters: Pedal Steel & Al Thomson: Tenor Sax.
Take the journey to the Factory of Good Will, see ya there
Available from: daintees.bandcamp.com
Much love
Anna xx

Martin Stephenson - Good Will Factory - 01 - Early Morning Drive

I met an amazing chap several months ago in Northumberland, he was a striking fellow resembling the actor Jack Pallance a little, very well dressed tall and striking, after the show he mentioned he was a Bootmaker and would like to make me a pair of boots as my music kept him company through college
His name was Jonny and his bookmaking company 'DOG LEAP BOOTS' had spanned four generations of his family, pictured left in the photo is Jonny's father as a young man
What an absolute honour to get these boots, I had to give something back from my heart which is this song

https://www.dogleapboot.com

The Bootmaker

Wow listen to John working his magic, beautiful original interpretation, this boy is good, amazing bass contribution from Davy Cowan, who is a revered songwriter in his won right, but such a great friend and he has 1978 all over him, he is playing plectrum bass as he doesn't like the way bassists use their fingers, prefers the Alec, more a SLF boy than a Henry King Thumb I suppose, Dave's lovely son Sam on kit, only 18 yo and soaking up the medicine, Sam's fave drummer is our old pal Dave Ruffy from Ruts and Aztec Camera/Kirsty McColl fame, Dave spent a whole afternoon with Sam when he was only 15 giving him tips and trick, diamond geezer is Mr Ruffy
Dead proud of this higher conscious (not pious nor pompous) loving celestial message xxx

Frattern Star New

Written for my mother Frances Anna Stephenson (Carlton before she was married to my Dad Alfred Patrick Stephenson
Fuk they were bloody good people, I am so lucky to have had their shelter
Im putting this one out to my Scouse brother in music Mr Ian McNabb who lost his dear mother of late
I know too well that bitter sweet experience, sweet linked to their angel flight and freedom after many years on this earth giving and loving unconditionally
With thanks and appreciation
Martin xxx

Mother’s son   

When I’m talking to you Ma
I see your golden home
And I feel so proud and tall ya know
Just to be a Mothers son 
I don’t need no warrior in me
To get my message done
I am blessed to know the truth my love
And to be, a Mother’s son

Well I’ve been up here so long now
I call this exile home
Though the journey has been dark at times
Least I’ve seen my children grown
When the sun beats down so loathfully
Still I never feel alone
For I can stand here tall and proud and say
I am, my Mother’s son
 
The open Ross-shire skies they cry
Then skim a rosy dawn
And the tender lark she flies so high
Soon to be in bond
Just like your sweet medicine Ma 
I feel you call me home
For you have been the sail throughout my life
And I am proud, to be a Mother’s son

For Frances Anne Stephenson
24th October 1933/ March 2003

Mother's Son

Written for a friend Cynthia who lost her love last year
She sent me her man's old harmonica hence recorded with it in this blessing for her
Sometimes a song can help
Here's hoping xxx

Cynthia Rainbow lady
Your dear departed man is still your angel
Just as you are his
And in time he will lead you back to bliss
Cynthia Rainbow lady
Look what I have learned since my body fell
I can blow upon this harp
Like the tuneful lark of heaven where I dwell”

Life is but a short gift, you must stay strong
Always remember you are already home

Cynthia Rainbow lady
Your dear departed man is still your angel
Just as you are his
And in time he will lead you into bliss
Cynthia Rainbow lady
Look what I have learned since my body fell
I can blow upon this harp
Like the tuneful lark of heaven where I dwell”
Like the tender lark of heaven where I dwell”

(c) Martin Stephenson

M Stephenson: Guitars & Vocals/ Harmonica
Boots Bigboy: Double Bass
Skip Skinner: Drumming
Arty Fufkin: Wurlitzer Piano

Cynthia Rainbow Lady

Just a wee song I wrote a few weeks back for upcoming Daintees album Im working on for next year,
Its in a Calypso style 
Harmonica, ukelele, steel drum, reggae drums, elec bass, electric guitar and lead and harmony vocals xx

Clear Blue Sky Of Better Days

There is a clear blue sky of better days
That heals our life in many ways
So we can hear our children say
Let us live in love forever

There is a star which shines way up high
That guides us to a better life
From the rocks of broken time
To live in love forever

Right on right on right on
It’s on it’s it’s on
To live in love forever

Come with us brother put down that plough
The slave trader will work it out
A perfect worlds  in the here and now
Where we can live in love forever

There is a clear blue sky of better days
That heals our life in many ways
So we can hear our children say
Let us live in love forever

Clear Blue Sky Of Better Days Mix 5

Martin Stephenson: Elec & Ac Rtm Gtrs/ Lead Vocals
Gary Dunn: Lead Electric Gtr
Anth Dunn: Elec Bass Gtr
Liam Fender: Hammond Organ & Keys 
Charlie Smith: Drums


Broken nights/Faded Cities

Broken nights and faded cities 
How this world can be so cold
Broken nights and faded cities
It’s so hard to be alone
Looking for a kindly gesture
Looking for a helping hand
Gets so tiring not belonging
Like a bird that never lands  

I see you sleep in every doorway
I see the silver turn to rust
Your painted face like some lost shaman
Go feed the fires of hell we must 
But I feel the star of hope in you

Broken nights and faded cities
Feeding dreams that never end
Broken nights and faded cities
To the stars the soul ascends
But I feel the star of hope in you

Broken nights and faded cities
Feeding dreams that never end
Broken nights and faded cities
To the stars the soul ascends
Looking for a kindly gesture
Looking for a helping hand
It gets so tiring not belonging
Like a bird that cannot land

I see you sleep in every doorway
I see the silver turn to rust
Your painted face like some lost shaman
Go feed the fires of hell we must 
But I feel the star of hope in you

Through the broken nights and faded cities
Broken nights and faded cities
Looking for a kindly gesture
Looking for a helping hand
Like a bird that cannot land…

Words & Music by Martin Stephenson
Published by Sentric Music (c)

Broken Nights And Faded Cities PROJECT Cons2 Copy

I Belong
This life is such a prison when I make the wrong decision
Though the power is within me I should know
Break the lonely path I heel,  for the love within I feel
To the loving arms of freedom belong

I Belong, I Belong
As long as there’s a Heaven I’ll be strong 
I will love you every way until I reach my dying day
Yes as long as there is Heaven I belong

I Belong

Dancing with Angels
 

Following slowly, dancing with Angels
Only you know how to teach me one day
Stars in my eyes and dreams in my pocket
Waiting for someone to show me the way

Blackbird is singing, new day he’s bringing
Heartache forgotten, like yesterdays song
Following slowly, dancing with Angels
Into the distance we’ll dance till we’re gone

Over the mountain and over the sea
Over this land let our spirits fly free
Following slowly we’re dancing with Angels
Come dance with me

Following slowly, dancing with Angels
Into the distance we’ll dance till we’re gone

Over the mountain and over the sea
Over this land let our spirits fly free
Following slowly we’re dancing with Angels
Come dance with me
Come dance with me

Dancing With Angels (A song by Alan Leckie)

Just remembering becoming a Mod in 79 after punk, it was fun all the counter cultures just getting on, rude boys, skinheads, punks even some rockabilly's as they got shit off the greaseballs ha ha!  it's all music 
Quadrophenia was a brilliant film xx

The song is about a young man parking his scooter up and shopping on Carnaby Street, it could be Paul Weller, it could be you ;-) xxx

Straight Blue Arrow
Walking through the street like a straight blue arrow
Now I am a face not a boy with a barrow
Pair if Dessy boots and my white socks peeping
Spring in my step with my new suit gleaming
Thinking of the dancehall dreaming of a girl
Sharpen up my moves, yeah take another whirl
Soaking up the street in the sharp and narrow

Parked up my twin seat LI150
Polish and chrome she sure looks nifty
79 is a resurrection 
Hanging with the rude boys sweet connection
Will I buy a shirt, will I buy a tie
Mess with my hair through my sweet pork pie

Straight Blue Arrow

The White Angel is a little instrumental I just recorded about 7pm this evening on a lovely white low budget Epiphone SG guitar, hence the name of the tune
It's as good as any expensive guitar I've played
The tune is a bit of a nod to my ol' hero Merle Travis after sitting with Alex Kirtley & my daughter Phoebe in North Shields the other night with Alex made some tea and started playing his old records
The guitar is being played with a Fred Kelly thumbpick and 2 x aluminium pro-picks on index and middle fingers for a snappy sound
It is mainly mixed in LCR style which is early stereo settings at Hard Left/ Centre & Hard Right panning though I have the guitar in the Centre first but move it to Hard Right when Double Bass & Drums come in, I swap panning again when the Piano makes it's entry
Great fun to do
Hope you enjoy
Mxx

White Angel

Dishevel The Devil

We’re gonna dishevel, the devil, tonight
We’re gonna dishevel, the devil, inside
For there ain’ t no room for evil in this in life

The devil ain’t your friend, it’s only to pretend
He’s here to take your light away
Don’t let him in your heart, he’ll tear your soul apart
And you’ll be no exception to that fate     

We’re gonna dishevel, the devil, tonight
We’re gonna dishevel, the devil, inside
Cos there ain’ t no room for evil, evil in this in life

He’ll ask you what’s wrong, through old alcohol and song
Present to you the coolest face (Bohemian)
He’ll lie to you and swear, expecting you to share
His bottomless pit without a trace 

We’re gonna dishevel, the devil, tonight
We’re gonna strip naked, old Satan that’s right
Cos there ain’ t no room for evil pretentious darkness in this in life

Greenwich village
Get it right up ya!

Written between the hours of 9 -11am,  21/07/2023
By Martin Stephenson  ©

Deshevil The Devil

The Light in Everyone

Verse 01
So many times I thought you’d left me
In this darkness with no light 
Didn’t realise you’re always with me
That you are in me, and I am your child

Chorus:
You are the sun that helps us grow
From the great mountain to eye of the crow
You are guidance kind and slow
Yes you are light, the light that shines in everyone

Verse 02
Now I am grown I share your message
I am vessel for those that are alone
To be in service for you only
To light your world full of love

The Light In Everyone

A song for Doran Binder, 
The man has a vision, go check him out:
https://www.cragspringwater.co.uk

Jesus turned the water into wine, Doran turned it back again
Never in the history of man has this been done
Awesome:  Check out his story...


Crag Spring Water
Once upon the Peak District a young man bought a pub
To drink up all the profits and serve the Devil’s hub
But the Angel of time it came and shook his fated hand
And turned Doran Binder to a, healthy man

Water water, H20 and it’s healing properties
Water water, who needs Diet fasts or Socrates
Water Water, get your life in flow with the greatest ease
Water water, then you’ll sail in Heaven’s seventh sea

Crag Spring Water
Get yourself a glass
Crag Spring Water
Entertain the mass

Written M Stephenson Tues, Aug 8th
For Doran Binder @ Cragspringwater

Crag Spring Water (mix 2) (with added Dobro)

Here is a tune entitled  'The Muncher'
The big machine just at the end of my road at the independent barking company in Barbaraville, it puts the Royston back into the league of Chubby ;-)

Featuring the great Allan Leckie on one handed Hammond Organ...
The man is a genius

Great sesh today Al, xxxxM

The Muncher Mix 3

A tribute to the great man from the Allan Leckie 5005's
A beat group from the Evanton art scene ;-)

Carlos Casteneda Newmix

This tune was written for Allan Leckie about the first night we met in the Balcony, Evanton
I was playing in the bar one summer evening and he stared in the window to see who was in, I asked the folks who the strange guy looking in the window, Steve Eaglesham piped up: "Thats Allan Leckie, he's a great pianist" so when he walked in and got himself a pint, I asked him to join me on the pub piano right nest to where I was perched, we played without a break for 3 solid hours, and that's how we met
Rave on Allan
Best
Martin xx

Boogie Boy Mix 2

Cha Cha Exploration
Work in progress
Have fun Allan xx
Watch out for those minor 9's
5th in the bass or root?

Cha Cha Exploration

Squad Car

Featuring the wonderful Erin Hepzibah on lead vocals 
What an amazing young singer Erin is, mind blowing
She learned this song in 5 minutes and had one take, this is it and Im not changing it
Pure genius
Xx

Born To Love

Verse:
Iv’e been working an age old plan, I was born to love
No defences just trust at hand, see I was born to love
It’s not that I put my head in the sand when I turned my back on lust
Still this world seems a lonely place when all you can do is trust

Pre-chorus:
Got the truth in my heart, Im gonna let it shine
From the predator I do part, until the end of time…

Chorus:
I was born to love, let me tell you now   
I was born to love, that’s how they raised me
I was born to love, the only way to be 
I was born to love, the only currency

'Born To Love'  Dubstar

Just wrote this and Spider kinds played some sweet harp on it
We are trying some stuff out with the hope of doing some shows together soon and one is already booked @ The Blue Lamp in Aberdeen
Always a joy hanging out with Spider


Restless Beat of the Young

Oh the restless beat of the young
Seeking good fortune, seeking out fun
I should know as I used to be one
Staying up late in sleepy night song
And you don’t mean to do any wrong
Just being new buds under a sun
And the when the moon chimes we will be gone
Replaced by the restless beat of the young

Breaking free from the slavery
There’s no doubt in your mind
Go make love on in this beautiful world
Cos baby its your time

Run and see where the healings lies
Forgive your Ma and Pa
Feed the earth as best you can
Cos it’s yours and it’s here and now

Restless Beat Of The Young Mix 2

Moments in time. (for my beautiful daughter Esmé)

Feathers float and climb, to land where sky is low
For gentle is the Shepherd’s  hand, which firmly guides us home
We believe in love, for that did find us so
For tender is our time earth, let heavens be our homer

We shape our sculptures in the sand, for there our love will remain
But these moments spent in time, are blessings so divine
Yes these moments spent in time, are blessings from the eternal light

Written last Tuesday 26/03/2024
With love, Dad

Martin Stephenson: Acoustic Guitar/Dobro/Double Bass/Snare & Lead Vocals/Keys
Spider MacKenzie: Harmonicas

Moments In Time Mix 2

This is a new song for me & Spider Mackenzie's new album
We have a show coming up @ Aberdeen's Blue Lamp on Fri 28th June, 2024
Really looking forward, Spider is a virtuoso Harmonica player and one of the finest in Scotland if not the UK, he is a unique fella and a very old friend xx 

Back Home mix 01

'Ball of Fire'  Live @ Cluny 2,  December 23rd, 2016
Martin Stephenson: Lead Vocal & Acoustic Guitar
Graham Shipcote Anderson: Double Bass
Jose Guillan: Lead Guitar
Keith Shephard: Drums

Ball Of Fire

Dave Fleming:  Acoustic guitar and Lead vocal
Martin Stephenson:  Bass

Recorded in Martin's living room in Barbaraville studios, ross-shire, highlands for Dave's upcoming album Quiet Hotel

Every Mirror 2017

A picture painted by artist Steve Carroll depicting the song 'She Rides Horses' written for Anna Lavigne from the new Daintees album 'Bayswater Road'  xx

10 - Martin Stephenson And The Daintees - SHE RIDES HORSES - GB9TT1700021

Another unique and rare version of the Posey Rorer song
Featuring James Cole on high string Nashville tuned guitar and Neil James Morrison on fiddle, nice picture taken at Dr Barnaby's house where we recorded on outskirts of WInchester, pictured with the boys are Dr Barnaby and the lovely young lady student engineer!
many blessings
Mx

The day Posey Rorer sold his fiddle

Recorded 2007 Beetroot Recording Studios, Airdrie
Personel:
Paul Smith: Dums  Martin Stephenson: Acoustic guitar & Lead Vocal
Electric Bass: Anthony Dunn   Lead Guitar: Stuart Macleod
Female Vocal: Andrea Mackie
Keyboard:  John Hall

Western Eagle

Open Road

Most peculiar man
He was the most peculiar man
He knew his heart, he loved his land
And if by chance you meet this soul unplanned
You'll know you met the most peculiar man

He had no home nor goods to sell
He rarely spoke, no prayers to tell
he never took a woman never raised his hand
He truly was the most peculiar man

He was no great singer, nor high class winger
No beard like Christ, any great height
He would never ransack the graceful church of a woman
Merely light a candle in her that would shine on forever
Then be on his way, his way

He was the most peculiar, he was a most peculiar
He was the most peculiar man.

Lilac tree

Peculiar man

MARTIN STEPHENSON has been one of the UK’s best-loved musicians for 30 years, his band The Daintees released 4 classic albums in the 80's and he has went on to release many more

New album Haunted Highway sees him reunited with The Daintees, the band he’s intermittently fronted through a string of albums - and hundreds of gigs - since his teens in the North East.

Always popular on the circuit, Stephenson’s “must see” live performances are an exuberant tour-de-force combining heart-in-your-mouth intimacy with playful humour and warm self-deprecation.

The Daintees’ critically acclaimed 1986 debut BOAT TO BOLIVIA opened up an always interesting story. It showcased Stephenson’s songwriting, poetic romanticism and spiritual depth – so marking him out as a soulful cream of the leftfield crop during the self-obsessed 1980s.

Never pandering to a particular scene, Stephenson’s lightness of touch on a varied mix of musical styles was immediately apparent. His path was destined to be a lifelong journey through the music he loved: folk, ragtime, jazz, rockabilly, show tunes, punk-pop and country.

CALIFORNIA STAR continues his tradition for eclectic roots songwriting, and is the perfect middle-age bookend on a discography now amounting to 40 albums.

 

Martin Stephenson & The

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