Bobby Bigwood - Mainly Country (1980)

A comparatively late entry here, my completely non-scientific observation is that this would be from the very tail end of the cabaret act self-released vinyl story. Sure, plenty of bespoke albums were to follow but much as with library music there was a shift around this time toward something a bit less innocent, presumably due to the increasing affordability of new technology and the fetishisation of 'digital'.

Bobby Bigwood had been treading the boards for at least 10 years when he put this record out, initially as a group with his siblings (see next post) but latterly as a solo performer, facts which the sleeve notes seem keen to disguise in their attempt to promote his novelty. Early recordings reflected a background in cruise ship entertainment, as this slightly random article from the Dorset Daily Echo affirms. He's still out there as well it seems, playing his accordion and leaving a smear of happily entertained punters across the web.

Bobby's weapon of choice here (and which had been since the early 70s) is a Cordovox, basically a souped up electronic accordion that like many new instruments of the time was laughably claimed to be capable of imitating any instrument. It had been showcased on a contemporary budget album by Mike Timoney, The Astounding Sound of the Cordovox so maybe there was even a Cordovox 'scene' that saw Bobby lose that particular gig. The truth of course was somewhat different; like moogs - for which a similar claim was made despite every patch sounding like the same jolly farting noise - the Cordovox is incapable of anything of the sort being basically just a Hammond Organ with a strap, but Bobby doesnt seem to mind.

Although the title of the album, Mainly Country, is somewhat timidly hidden in a small font on the rear of the sleeve, and doesn't appear on the spine at all, it probably tells you all you need to know about the music. As with many who pursued the self-release route, country standards are numerous and the gentle treatment of classics such as Country Roads and the Bellamy Brothers' If I said You Had a Beautiful Body bring to mind Shakin' Stevens' highly successful chart bothering a year or two later, should that be your thing.

Accompanying throughout is a thin primitive drum machine, which in my ignorance I won't even attempt to identify. But wouldn't you know it, the album, by using the same instrumentation as Young Marble Giants' seminal Colossal Youth, echoes the latter's icy atmospherics in a few instrumental moments. Listen to the beginning of Spanish Eyes and tell me it doesn't sound a teeny bit like the the intro to Wurlitzer Jukebox! And as a fan of American Analog Set, The Last Farewell could well be a demo of a song from their second album, were the track instrumental.

Of course I can't finish without mentioning the cover. Regardless of Bobby's considerable merits as an entertainer the shot chosen for the cover of this album could hardly be called flattering. And I'm struck by the dedication which reads: "Lots of luck"? Maybe in the year after the winter of discontent and Thatcher's election, and with riots, record unemployment and St Winifred's School Choir around the corner, hope and love were in short supply.

ALMOST ANY SOUND

Bobby Bigwood - Mainly Country
Phase II Records BAR 106 1980

SIDE 1
1. Country Roads
2. The Last Farewell
3. Blanket on the Ground
4. Amazing Grace
5. Streets of Baltimore
6. My Best Friend

SIDE 2
1. Crystal Chandeliers
2. Spanish Eyes
3. Y'All Come Back Saloon
4. Sometimes When We Touch
5. If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body
6. Help Me Make It through the Night

Studied under the College of Accordionists and after passing many of the exams with honours went on to win the under 16 National Accordion Championship. It is with this classical background that Bobby has commenced his professional career.

He is also an accomplished singer and now plays the remarkable "CORDOVOX", a completely new kind of instrument capable of reproducing almost any sound.

His personal appearances include the maiden West Indies cruise on board luxury liner QE II and a season at the famous Showboat restaurant Niagra (sic) Falls. He has played in Spain, Germany, Italy and Greece.

This album was produced with a country flavour, by popular request and it is hoped that it will provide long and lasting pleasure to all those who own a copy, of the collective sounds of BOBBY BIGWOOD.

Arranged by Bobby Bigwood
Guitar work by Laurie Delahaye
(P) 1980
Phase II Records

Printed by West Brothers Ltd., London, S.W. 19