The Sky Above the Clouds

July 20, 2018July 20, 2018simonclarke2014 Leave a comment

Cover

I am delighted to announce the release of a new album of the music of Sian Daniels. This collection will introduce her music to a new generation of performers.

The Musicians: Adjoa Andoh vocals ; Simon Clarke electric and acoustic guitars; Fiona Kenyetta vocals; Rory Mcleod vocals, harmonicas, mbiras, trombone, tambourine, tap shoes and spoons; Bob Morgan clarinets and tenor saxophone; Sophie Pyett piano and viola; Richard Sadler double bass; Joe Sandler Clarke vocals and electric guitar; Irene Serra vocals.

The album was recorded and produced by Kenny Jones at Alchemy Studios 140 Station Road London N22 7SX 0208 365 7988 http://www.alchemy-studio.co.uk/ except track 15 recorded at CP Studios South London 1992 and track 16 recorded at Omnibus Clapham October 2015.

Cover: ‘She Left her mark’ by Hilary Barry http://www.hilarybarryartist.com/ The painting is dedicated to Sian.

A CD version of the album is now available. Please contact us for more information.

Simon Clarke July 2018

Local Heroes Event: Wednesday 27th September 2017 at Tate Library Brixton 6.30 to 9pm

September 22, 2017October 23, 2017simonclarke2014 2 Comments

It is with great pleasure that we can report that Sian has been nominated as one of Lambeth’s ‘Local Heroes’. Her achievements will be recognised alongside those of other Lambeth residents who have made noteworthy contributions to the community.

Update:

Adjoa Andoh and I attended on 27th. We performed ‘Trapeze’ and talked about Sian’s work and how we plan to pass on her musical legacy. It was a real honour to be commemorating her alongside so many important people,from artists to community activists. ‘Friends of Tate Library Brixton’ plan to develop a website archive as a tribute to all the local heroes who were commemorated at this very moving and inspiring event. I will update you on this when I have more news.

Simon Clarke

Live recordings from ‘As Open as the Sky’ Concert

November 29, 2015simonclarke2014 Leave a comment

Extracts from the concert at Omnibus Arts Centre, Clapham, South London on 17th October 2015, to celebrate the music of Sian Daniels.

Music performed by Simon Clarke, Fiona Jones (aka Kenyetta), Rory McLeod, Sophie Pyett, Richard Sadler and Irene Serra.

Silence and Darkness – Live

November 23, 2015November 23, 2015simonclarke2014 Leave a comment

Acclaimed Jazz singer Irene Serra sings Sian Daniels’ original composition ‘Silence and Darkness’ in front of a live audience at Omnibus in Clapham on October 17th 2015.

See photographs from the gig on our site here.

If you like it, share on Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels and spread the word.

Silence & Darkness

November 23, 2015November 23, 2015simonclarke2014 Leave a comment

Like this track? Share on Twitter, Facebook and anything else you like.

‘As Open as the Sky’ Concert

November 19, 2015November 29, 2015simonclarke2014 Leave a comment

It was a privilege to present Sian’s music at the Omnibus Arts Centre on 17^th October.

For both the musicians and the audience it was a moving and uplifting experience. Irene Serra said of the event:

‘Sian’s song-writing is king and I was getting very emotional singing her lovely words and playing the music with you all.’

It was lovely to have Rory McLeod with us performing songs that he dedicated to Sian as well as singing two of her compositions.

The evening was rounded off by Adjoa Andoh who dashed across London to be with us after performing at the Tricycle Theatre. She sang a memorable version of ‘Trapeze’ – ‘for Sian, who I miss everyday’.

Special thanks to all the musicians who played so beautifully alongside me on the night: Fiona Jones (aka Kenyetta), Rory McLeod, Sophie Pyett, Richard Sadler and Irene Serra.

Coming soon to the site:

– Extracts from the concert posted here.

– We will be going into the studio to record Sian’s music.

– More gigs to be announced in the new year.

2015-10-17-21.11.27

Simon Clarke

All music ©siandanielsmusic

In pictures – ‘As Open as the Sky’ Live

GalleryNovember 19, 2015November 19, 2015simonclarke2014 1 Comment

‘As Open as the Sky’: A Concert to celebrate the music of Sian Daniels (1950-1996)

July 1, 2015May 9, 2017simonclarke2014 Leave a comment

As Open as the Sky: A concert to celebrate the music of Sian Daniels (1950-1996)

At Omnibus 1 Clapham Common Northside SW4 OQW

On Saturday 17^th October

Throughout her career, whether working with Ralph McTell, Kokomo, Poison Girls, Rory McLeod or Wolfie Witcher (to name but a few) Sian could always sing the heart into a song. This event celebrated her achievements both as a song writer and musician. Rory McLeod led a group of specially invited musicians in performing material by Sian as well as songs that she performed as a singer and collaborator.

This event was a fitting celebration of a very fine artist and an opportunity to bring her music to a new audience.

Silence and Darkness

July 15, 2014simonclarke2014 Leave a comment

This is a country-tinged composition leaning toward Nashville territory: Patsy Cline and all those strong female singers Sian loved.

Track 1 from ‘Open as the Sky’.

Written and performed by Sian Daniels.

House Pest

July 15, 2014July 15, 2014simonclarke2014 Leave a comment

Here’s track 5 from the newly released album ‘As Open as the Sky’.

Written and performed by Sian, this was recorded in London in 1993 with Dan Sansom producing. The guitar on this track is played by Simon Clarke, who introduced her to new music styles, hence the Latin feel of this original song.

Sian called this her ‘dislocated samba’- a deceptively gentle tune contrasts with powerful, angry lyrics.