CHILDISH, WILD BILLY & THE CHATHAM SINGERS
HEAVENS JOURNEY (DAMAGED GOODS)
Although playing and recording blues for over a quarter of a century, this is the first LP Mister Childish has made in this genre in for several years.
As well as featuring great tunes, "Heavens Journey" also serves as a showcase for many new poems that have been recorded by this legendary painter, writer and musician.
On this outing Billy is accompanied by his wife Julie on backing vocals and bass guitar.
Julie is American by birth and her father's family are free Blacks and Winyah Indians from North Carolina.
On drums we have Billy's friend Wolf, who has collaborated with Billy for the past 15 years, most notably with his 'dustbin mod' group THE BUFF MEDWAYS.
Sitting in on Harp is 'Bludy' Jim, an old friend since the punk days. "Heavens Journey" is a great introduction to The Blues and poetry of Billy Childish and shows his versatility and unique position in writing and music: An anachronism who is forever influencing the world of contemporary art and music.
As ever, these recordings are sophisticated, homemade and primitive, which Billy explains is 'the only way to connect with the heart.
"Heavens Journey" certainly achieves that in spades.