Spirit of the West

[Shane (Skirky)]

Thanks for the "Brief History of Mark", Mark. 
I wonder if you could recall anything notable about the sessions which turned into SotW's "Weights and Measures"? How (and why) did a bunch of Canadians end up in Devon, for instance? Sorry about opening up the possibility of a whole artist-specific "...and what's Dave Pegg like?" , but I'm a bit of a fan....
Cheers
Skirky

ps what *is* Dave Pegg like...?   
pps and Miles Copeland.

[Liam Schwilik]

Hi Skirky,

Spirit of the west turned up at the studio, looking a little sheepish. They were in this huge double decker tour bus. It couldn't turn around in the tiny lanes near Presshouse and it was grounded at one point, two wheels on, two wheels off...

The Spirits are huge Fairport and Tull fans. They had a recording deal with Warner Bros in Canada at the time, and their budget would stretch to bringing over to Devon. I think they did a fine job. Great album! They are fine bunch of musicians and great guys with it. Michael Phillip Wojewoda did a fantastic production job on the album and I think they enjoyed the experience?

I've been trying for years to get them on at Cropredy, they're fantastic live! But for some reason It hasn't happened. I was hoping to go out to Vancouver last year to help out with their new album, but I don't think the budget would stretch that far. I keep in touch with them from time to time, and still hope to get them on at Cropredy.


Peggy? He's talented, focused, passionate and he's from Birmingham!

Miles Copeland? Never got to know him really, stayed at his house a few times... Something he said that will stay with me forever was; I don't like the name Silent Movies! but hey, you could call yourselves The Smucks and still make a million!

Mark.

[Mr Cat (Lewis)]

Spirit of the West would make an excellent Cropredy band and my fingers were crossed after they worked with Ric et al.  Oh well, I have the luxury of being able to see them every year at the Commodore..

[Liam Schwilik]

Hi Mr Cat,

The Commadore? Please tell me more?

Mark

[Mr Cat (Lewis)]

Hi Mark:

SoTW have since we moved to Vancouver played a couple of shows on the Friday and Saturday around St Patrick's Day.  The Commodore is a 900 capacity club with a pretty decent PA system, 4 bars, a sprung dance floor and some seating.  SoTW sell out 2 nights and basically its a beer fueled romp through their "geatest hits", including Canadian Skye from Weights and Measures.   This year's shows are March 18 and 19.

I think the band's activities are limited due to the large number of extra-curricular projects the boys have on the go.

Cheers.

[Liam Schwilik]

Hey Cat, Sounds good! If you meet the boys, please say hello from me?

I nearly moved to Vancouver some 12 years ago. Bowan Island - very nice spot. I still think about it now.
Did you move from blighty? Please tell me more about why you made the move?

Mark.