ON TRACK: JOAN ARMATRADING UNDERTAKES LAST 'MAJOR TOUR'
Joan Armatrading is performing a two-night stand at The Stables this coming week (Nov 28 & 29) , as part of her last major tour.
The British lady behind successes including Love & Affection and Lovers Speak is a three times Grammy nominee and an exceptional musician, songwriter and singer.
Joan is adamant that she won't retire, but that this forthcoming tour will signal the end of chapter.
"I will never retire but this will be the last major tour that I will undertake," she explains.
"For the first time these concerts will be me solo on stage playing the guitar, piano and singing. I want these concerts to be a special lively interactive one to one experience. I have absolutely enjoyed the last 42 years of performances but now, with my final major tour, I want to capture a unique memory for both myself and the audience."
She took on the www.totalmk.co.uk On Track challenge...
The song that first awakened your musical senses
> I don't think there was a song that did that, it was just music in general
Physical or digital - how do you take your music?
> It is 2014 and music is delivered very differently today and I like to live in the present, so if I was buying something then it would be digital. I actually don't buy a lot of music as I am so busy writing music myself.
The first time you thought 'Music - this is the job for me'
> I was born to write. I love what I do and I don't think of it as a job. It's just the thing that I love doing and I am lucky enough to have been doing it for so long.
Your best on stage memory
> Every concert.
And the worst gig you've ever done
> I can't give you a worst gig, because I don't think like that, even if something has gone wrong I always enjoy the show.
What made you take up the guitar and piano specifically
> My mother bought a piano and put it in the front room. As soon as the piano arrived I started to play with it.
With the guitar, I saw one in a pawnshop costing £3.
I asked my mother for it and she said she didn't have the money, but if they would swap the guitar for two old prams that she had I could have it, and that's how I got my first guitar.
Which one song by another artist do you wish you'd have written?
> I don't think like that. I just admire what they have done and appreciate that.
And one - by yourself- that holds special significance
> Well, it would have to be Love and Affection, because it is the song that got me known all over the world.
Are there any current musical influences that you might look to?
> I try to be myself. I appreciate all the music that is around and love a lot of songs, but I do my best to write my songs in my way.
Finally, plug this tour.
> I will be on tour this year, and also in 2105. This year will be smaller concerts, which I'm really looking forward to.
I think the audiences will love them too, because the shows will be up close and personal.
Next year I hope to do a few larger halls.
Tickets for the shows are sold out. Contact the venue, for returns only, on 01908 280800.
www.joanarmatrading.com/tour
