Hand of Latham

Scott had talked about recording a podcast to talk about the recording of Trouble. An obvious date for the recording was the day of our gig in the new forrest. Scott happened to mention the idea to Steve at room with a view studios where we recorded the album and he suggested recording it there. So the date was set along with the venue.

Although, I needed to nip in to see the guys at Ashdown before hand to collect my amp as a few weeks ago I had noticed a lack in the usual high performance that I was used to. Like anything I guess its good to have it checked out every once in a while. I have had the amp for some years now and its been in and out of countless vans/trucks and carted half way round the world and back a few times so a service was long over due!

Ashdown ABM 900 EVO II

Upon arrival I was greeted by Jeff who was taking the rare opportunity to enjoy his tea break in the sun. Jeff is one of Ashdown’s amp builders. He took me into the workshop to show me what he was working on, along with some of the new models that Ashdown have planned. ‘Big Dave’ apparently was the man I needed to talk to regarding some of the more technical aspects of the all new tube amps that were lying around the workshop in a semi complete state.

As luck would have it Big Dave entered the workshop not long after. Dave is the head designer at Ashdown and knows every part that goes into each and every unit that Ashdown manufacture. Jeff explained how Dave could identify the exact component that may be at fault just by listening to the amp! Dave is a straight to the point Yorkshire man, A quality that is evident in his amp designs. I like the way that these amps are able to deliver quality sound by not over complicating things. So after a chat with Dave it was time to head off to the studio for the podcast recording.

I got to the studio as the others were arriving, It was good to catch up with Scott, Phil and Steve again. It has been around a year since we recorded the album at Steve’s studio. Just being in the Studio together brought it all back. The first day of recording, the day Robbie Macintosh came in, oh and the fire! The podcast recording was a lot of fun, it needs an edit but once its done I will post the link up here for you.

We streamed the recording sessions live at the time, here is a video of the first days recording. Phil and I are getting levels and tones here.

The gig was the Rydal, its a cool venue and not too far from the studio. It was good to play together again. We played a bit of the old stuff along with some of the new album tracks. I was so happy to have my amp back. some friends of mine had been nice enough to lend me their amps while mine was in the shop but once I got mine back I realised what I had been missing. But I have to say thanks to Greg and Mick for the favours! You helped me out of a couple of tight spots!

We will be gearing up for the tour in April with some rehearsals soon. Im looking forward to it. Not long to go before ‘Trouble’ is released! I cant wait to see what people think of it.

Room With A View Studios