Last Wednesday, I went in search of an excellent breakfast and may have found the most influential musical instrument in history. I know, big claim, but bear with me. In London, an old friend led me down St Anne’s Court - a narrow alley in Soho - to show me the blue plaque honouring where Bowie’s
My memory of St Ann’s Court has been challenged! In the late 60s I was working at the music publisher Novello in Soho Square. We also had offices in Wardour Street and the quickest way to get there was via St Ann’s Court which was the filthiest, sleaziest hangout imaginable. The only way to get through without event was to pause, take a deep breath and walk briskly! I’m so glad to have read your post!
a big fan of yours since the River Cottage days. And only discovered sub-stack last week. This is an amazing story and so well told. I shared it with a friend who loved it too. loving Spice as well 😁
I realise that yet another comment might verge on the stalking side of things, but, having listened to this playlist from my covid sickbed, I’m a bit in awe, Mark. The wonder that is your bringing together of all these threads of history .. that piano on Life on Mars was the same one as Hey Jude?! And Perfect Day?, And You’re So Vain?!
How fabulous is that. Not a rabbit hole, more a warren of fascinating facts. I’m off to listen to that playlist and to see if I can hear the rude words
So much of our cultural history packed into one small space! Thanks for sharing this, Mark. The history of this studio would make an interesting book as well as a playlist.
I wonder why the BBC chose to commemorate David Bowie rather than any other artist who worked there.
Let it out and let it in
Well thank you thank you. Maybe not just for nerds
My memory of St Ann’s Court has been challenged! In the late 60s I was working at the music publisher Novello in Soho Square. We also had offices in Wardour Street and the quickest way to get there was via St Ann’s Court which was the filthiest, sleaziest hangout imaginable. The only way to get through without event was to pause, take a deep breath and walk briskly! I’m so glad to have read your post!
Well that’s my Monday morning playlist sorted - fascinating. Thank you for delving into the story.
This is actually fascinating. My apologies for only half listening when you were talking about it! x
Perfect Monday morning joy. Thank you for this nugget of gorgeousness ☀️ (I’m a bit of an audio nerd).
Bloody hell that’s all very wonderful isn’t it. And I’m *not* a nerd. Very cool indeed.
Loved this. One of my favourite alleyways, it always felt special, magical. And now I now why.
a big fan of yours since the River Cottage days. And only discovered sub-stack last week. This is an amazing story and so well told. I shared it with a friend who loved it too. loving Spice as well 😁
Great story - I've always loved that piano on Perfect Day.
Brilliant, thank you. Wonderful excuse to crack open a beer and get the vinyl out. On a Monday evening too - made my day!
I realise that yet another comment might verge on the stalking side of things, but, having listened to this playlist from my covid sickbed, I’m a bit in awe, Mark. The wonder that is your bringing together of all these threads of history .. that piano on Life on Mars was the same one as Hey Jude?! And Perfect Day?, And You’re So Vain?!
Of course.
It all makes sense.
Amazing. ... magic moments. Thanks Mark
I just LOVED this . My era my youth and I knew quite of few of the nuggets but not about the piano . Thanks 👌
How fabulous is that. Not a rabbit hole, more a warren of fascinating facts. I’m off to listen to that playlist and to see if I can hear the rude words
An update from my friend who found this:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5548832_241-beatles-the-hey-jude-bechstein-grand
So much of our cultural history packed into one small space! Thanks for sharing this, Mark. The history of this studio would make an interesting book as well as a playlist.
I wonder why the BBC chose to commemorate David Bowie rather than any other artist who worked there.