This CD almost didn't get made ....
Few bands or musical projects are blessed with a fixed group of band members for the duration - and Long Felt Need is not one of them. Shortly after the original band had finished the first CD in 2004 Dieter got sick and could not make any further contributions on drums. Tom's availability decreased, too, to the point where Friedrich (whom I consider the bearer of the LFN-flag because he brought the name) and I had to re-design the project. As a first step we drafted long-time friend Matthias on organ and synths, and for a time, Vartan was available to help out on drums. We then could reactivate a trusted musical accomplice of mine from way back: Martin picked up the groove with a vengeance. In Summer of 2006 we were a kicking little band but the issue of dependably accessible lead vocals remained since Tom could only make it now and then. On the first LFN CD we had had the exceptional but band-wise inexperienced Hanna and Maja helping with the background vocals. I felt that they would be able to handle leads as well - we asked them to try and the result was baffling: not only could they do it but they gave LFN the most beautiful, style-transcending voices. Identical twins, Maja and Hanna achieve an unbelievably gorgeous blending and spontaneous, striking harmonies when they sing together, yet they are different enough in personal character and sound of their voices that they contribute a whole rainbow of vocal colours. What a find! Adding Hanna's and Maja's vocal prowess immediately elevated this incarnation of LFN way above your regular amateur band level - I perceived a tremendous potential and kind of a promise given by the evolving scenario of something spectacular to develop. I also started to record some of what we were accomplishing musically.
Throughout 2007, we all had a lot of fun working in the band. Unfortunately, though, there were also tensions - increasingly so and mostly resulting from mismatches between bandmates' perceptions, expectations, experiences, routines, availabilities, involvements, self-assuredness ..... As often can be the case in relationships, the (objectively maybe just small) annoying issues and obstacles and problems became more the focus of operations than constructively finding solutions and applying them effectively. The band all but came to a halt. In summer 2008 I felt too much pain and too little gain and asked for my leave - with the result that there was a general agreement to shut down LFN for the time being. I did however request a continuation of work on the already begun recordings. Progress on that was slow, however: given the state of the band, the interest was somewhat limited.
To some degree unexpectedly, by the end of 2008 LFN was up and running again ... but in a different format and without Hanna and Maja. This left little incentive for the band to continue the unfinished recordings and stranded me with a hodgepodge of tracks on my Mac. Some were recorded live with the whole band, others were begun on the basis of drum-loops with all instruments played by me - I had started to get the band to overdub their parts. Considering the potential of the Hanna-and-Maja-version of LFN much too significant to be lost, I decided to nevertheless continue and make the best of what I had (warts and all!) - calling in our good friend Peter to paint some strong piano-colours on a few tunes and scheduling some recording sessions to complete the vocals with the girls who jumped at the chance. The result is what you hear on this CD. It has turned out not to be so much a documentation of what LFN was at the time but more or what it could have been - it is in a way the (virtual) realisation of the potential and promise I felt when we started to work with Maja and Hanna. As much as I continue to enjoy playing with LFN - I do miss the girls tremendously ....
The tracks:
Listen To The Music: In a sheer strike of genius, Matthias came up with the strange rhythmic synth pad at the beginning - it started the transformation of this tune, with Peter later concluding the process with his wonderful piano.
Drift Away: one from Hanna's wishlist - and it got some special but respectful treatment.
Mustang Sally: ... harks back to the old days with Tom returning on vocals.
Hide Away: Maja's show-piece, it takes my breath away every time I hear it. Peter shines on piano - nobody does it better ....
Follow Through: Hanna and Maja brought this tune which we all liked a lot. Martin plays some great traps. Beast Of Burden: Maja and Hanna actually pull it off - I hold them in highest esteem for that one.
Cream Medley may be the centrepiece of the CD. Starting with White Room in a distinctively sans-electric-guitar version, it features Matthias' majestic synthesizer soundscape which is further elevated by Hanna's voice. Friedrich and Martin do an outstanding job. Tom is back for a strong rendition of the lead vocals alternating with Hanna harmonising with herself. Hanna does the same on Badge and brings a completely new dimension to the song. Martin again is remarkable especially as he helps to push the solo parts. We found a very different arrangement for I Feel Free with a particularly colourful contrast of Tom's and Hanna's voices .... which give me goosebumps .... love you guys!
Slow Hand: another tune from the girls' wishlist. Of course, the title (although not actually related) called for a lot of guitar work .....
Need Your Love So Bad: recorded for the most part live in the rehearsal room. I couldn't believe how well Hanna did: one take, sung for the first time. We did not even familiarize her with the arrangement.
Cocaine: in my bands, this battle horse of a song has long been a feature for the Hammond, and Matthias is at his best making the old organ kick and scream ..... our friend and colleague Kurt jammed with us at the time and came up with the great tremolo-rhythm guitar that created a genuinely new mood.
Midnight Rider: Hanna came in and gave the song the great vocals it deserves. Inspired by the tune, I grabbed the lap steel .... and that triggered its use all over the CD.
Long Train Running: It made sense doing this lovely song again when Maja and Hanna joined the band breathing new life into the tune. Of course, we extended the arrangement to have some instrumental fun, too. Peter's contributions are vital.
Bonus tracks: both Cocaine and Beast Of Burden are recorded pretty much live in the rehearsal room and give a good indication of what the band sounded like pure.
Till, June 2009