Thursday 19 February 2009

Introducing David Longdon

Photograph by Kevin McGary

I would like to welcome David Longdon as Big Big Train's new vocalist.

David Longdon is a progressive rock singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist who was born in the city of Nottingham UK in 1965.

He formed several bands but it was his time with The Gifthorse that led to bigger things. David signed to Rondor Music and recorded for Epic records. They supported Kirsty MacColl, Blur and The Pogues amongst others.

David is also a long term member of the Louis Philippe band, appearing on Jackie Girl (1996), Azure (1998), A Kiss in the Funhouse (1999), My Favourite Part of You (2003) and The Wonder of it All (2004) culminating in the release of the Louis Philippe Live (2007) CD taken from their two concerts at The Bush Hall, Sheppard’s Bush along with The High Llamas. Musicians also performing on these albums include Daniel Manners (Cathal Coughlan), Dave Gregory (XTC, Dukes of Stratosphere) Sean O’Hagen (High Llamas, Microdisney), Cathal Coughlan (Microdisney, Fatima Mansions)

It was in the final days of The Gifthorse that David was invited to audition as a potential replacement for Phil Collins as lead singer in Genesis. He survived the auditioning process and worked with Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and producer Nick Davis from May to November 1996 on recordings that would become the Calling All Stations album. They were also working with Stiltskin vocalist Ray Wilson at the same time. Eventually they decided which one out of the two would get the job.

David’s first solo CD Wild River (2004) featured many musicians collectively known as The Magic Club. The CD contains guitar playing and Mellotron work of XTC’s Dave Gregory.

In 2008 Martin Orford (formerly of IQ) invited David to sing on his swan song album The Old Road. David sings lead vocals on Ray of Hope and Endgame.

David brings a superb singing voice to Big Big Train as well as considerable experience and expertise. We can't wait to start working with him on The Underfall Yard and on future releases.

6 comments:

Steve Dunstan said...

Nice one! His singing on Martin Orford's album is very good, as is the album itself, well worth checking out.

Anonymous said...

boy, that sounds very exciting! i'm a very big louis philippe fan but i didn't know that david nearly became the new genesis singer. i have to check out his solo work.
well, i'm hoping you continue to make such great music as with your previous singers martin and sean. it really sounds promising.

Anonymous said...

Very exciting Greg. Looking forward to hearing the fruits of your recruitment. :)

Jim said...

David's voice is better than great on the Martin Orford album. I can't wait to hear the new album, and lots more from David.

Anonymous said...

sublime et passionnant, la voix est magique je retrouve la vraie musique fan de genesis premiere vie Greg BBT est magnifique ! j'écoute les albums en boucle en ce moment et ce n'est pas fini faites nous rêver !Gerard Moufflet

Unknown said...

What a voice!!! Blessing to you David!