Tag: Jason Manners

This EP started life in the run up to Christmas 2014 when John Cee Stannard wrote the song ‘Christmas On My Own’, for a gig he and Blues Horizon were doing at the time. Then in the run up to Christmas 2015, he wrote ‘Winter Love’, which may not be strictly Christmas, but it’s the right time of year. This made him think it would be a great idea to put together a Christmas EP, simply a five track EP celebrating Christmas. John wanted part of the EP to include an old time, almost jamming feel, and was thrilled that he achieved that with the first two tracks. The first track is ‘It’s Christmas Time’ written specifically for this EP. The track features the great sound of guest vocalist Julia Titus and the wonderful guitar playing of Jason Manners, as well as John’s Blues Horizon buddy Howard Birchmore on harmonica. The second track is entitled ‘Beggin’ Santa Clause’ and was written by BK Turner and first recorded in February 1937, the track originally titled ‘Christmas Time Blues (Beggin’ Santa Claus)’. Jason Manners guests again on this track and the interplay between his guitar and John’s other Blues Horizon buddy Mike Baker is exactly the feel he was trying to create. Track three came about when John found a Snooks Englin track called ‘Let Me Go Home Whisky’ which he thought would fit the EP perfectly. With a degree in music, and an accomplished multi-instrumentalist Shifty Henry wrote this in the early 1950’s. John then re-wrote it with the Christmas slant and is pleased with the way it worked out, again recorded with the additional voice of Julia Titus. Julia also joins John on the afore mentioned track Christmas On My Own, a little more upbeat, and fun. Final track is Winter Love, more of an old crooner song than blues, but works well as a closing track. This features guest musician Simon Mayor adding a great violin part. All the tracks include bass and drums by Andy Crowdy and Julian Bown.

Artist’s website:  www.johncehttp://www.johnceestannard.co.uk/estannard.co.uk