Paul Weller Fan Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Black Barn Studio Engineer and Producer, Charles Rees AKA The Wizard shares stories behind the making of Paul Weller's 17th Solo Studio album - 66.

Black Barn Studio Engineer and Producer, Charles Rees AKA The Wizard shares stories behind the making of Paul Weller's 17th Solo Studio album - 66.

Discover the Magic Behind Paul Weller’s New Album “66”

Welcome to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of Paul Weller’s 17th solo studio album, "66." In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Charles Rees, the wizard behind the album's engineering and production, to explore the intricate layers and creative process that brought this masterpiece to life.

From the outset, "66" is a celebration of collaboration. Charles takes us on a journey through Black Barn Studio, where the album was meticulously crafted. He shares stories of the many talented musicians who contributed to the album, including Steve Cradock, Josh McClorey, Richard Hawley, and many more. Each track is a testament to Weller’s ability to bring together a diverse array of sounds and styles, creating something truly unique and magical.

One of the standout moments in the podcast is the discussion of the recordings at the legendary Abbey Road Studios with Britten Sinfonia and Hannah Peel. Charles recounts the excitement and awe of working in such an iconic space, where the history of music seeps through the walls. The orchestral arrangements add a rich, dynamic layer to the album, elevating tracks like "Rise Up Singing" and "I Woke Up" to new heights.

Listeners are treated to an in-depth analysis of several key tracks, including "Ship of Fools," "Flying Fish," and "Jumble Queen." Charles reveals the meticulous process of layering instruments, vocals, and soundscapes to achieve the perfect balance. He also highlights the importance of stripping back elements to ensure each component shines through, a philosophy that has resulted in a more refined and impactful sound on "66."

The podcast also delves into the personal connections and stories behind the music including contributions of Max Beesley, Jacko Peake, and Christophe Vaillant, and how each collaborator brings their unique touch to the album. The result is a collection of songs that are both intimate and expansive, reflecting Weller’s ever-evolving artistry.

As we reach the final episode of our journey, Charles reflects on the joy and challenges of bringing "66" to life. He shares his excitement for the album’s release and the anticipation of seeing how fans will react to the new music. For those who have followed Paul Weller’s career, "66" is a testament to his enduring creativity and ability to surprise and delight listeners with each new project.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Weller’s music, this podcast episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the making of "66".

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As fans enjoy Paul Weller's latest album, "66," our podcast offers a unique behind-the-scenes look into the making of his 17th solo studio album.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the multi-talented Hannah Peel, who played a pivotal role in the album's creation.

We hear about the creation of the orchestration and the recording process at the iconic Abbey Road Studio Two, with Hannah's insights providing a rich tapestry of the creative process behind "66."

Hannah Peel is a multi-award-winning composer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.

During our conversation, Hannah shared her experiences working with Paul Weller and the Britten Sinfonia, revealing the intricate details of the album's orchestration and the collaborative spirit that permeated the project.

One of the standout moments of our discussion was Hannah's recounting of the 66 sessions at Abbey Road Studios. Known for its rich history and unparalleled acoustics, Abbey Road provided the perfect studio for the recording of the orchestra. Hannah described the thrill of working with the Britten SInfonia, an orchestra renowned for its adventurous playing and support of young talent. The collaboration resulted in beautifully arranged layers that add a unique richness to Paul Weller's music on 66.

Hannah also touched on the various tracks she worked on, including "My Best Friend's Coat," "Rise Up Singing," "I Woke Up," and "Burnout." Each song allowing Hannah to showcase her exceptional skills in orchestration and arrangement. For instance, "I Woke Up" brought Hannah to tears with its beauty, while "Burnout" required a delicate balance of low-end strings and brass to achieve its hauntingly powerful sound.

Beyond the album, Hannah's career continues to soar. She recently won an Ivor Novello Award for her work on the TV series "The Midwich Cuckoos" and has created beautiful music for Netflix film Scoop and the soundtrack for the new series "Insomnia". Her ability to seamlessly transition between different musical genres and mediums is a testament to her versatility and talent.

This podcast episode with Hannah Peel is a treasure trove of insights for any music lover or aspiring musician.

Her passion for collaboration, her meticulous approach to orchestration, and her genuine love for the craft shine through in every word.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Hannah hinted at future projects and collaborations, leaving us eagerly anticipating what's next in her remarkable career.

Don't miss this fascinating episode that delves deep into the making of Paul Weller's "66."

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Unveiling the Magic Behind Paul Weller's '66': An Exclusive Podcast Episode with Steve Trigg AKA The General.

Paul Weller, a name synonymous with musical genius, has once again graced the world with his 17th solo studio album, '66'.

This podcast series offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into its creation. Featuring the talented Steve Trigg from Stone Foundation, this episode is a treasure trove for any Weller enthusiast.

Steve Trigg, known for his exceptional brass arrangements, shares his journey and experiences working closely with Paul Weller.

One of the standout moments in the episode is Steve's recounting of his impromptu performance at The Beacon in Bristol. This venue, formerly known as Colston Hall, holds a special place in Steve's heart. His spontaneous appearance alongside Weller is a testament to the organic and dynamic nature of their collaboration. It's these behind-the-scenes anecdotes that give fans a deeper appreciation of the music they love.

Listeners are treated to insights into specific tracks like 'Jumble Queen' and 'Rise Up Singing'. Steve elaborates on the intricate brass arrangements that elevate these songs, offering a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship behind each note. The episode also delves into the evolution of these tracks, from initial recordings to live performances, highlighting the fluid and ever-evolving nature of Weller's music.

Steve discusses the broader implications of the album's themes and the collaborative spirit that defines '66'. and his reflections on the creative freedom he experienced while working on the album underscore the importance of artistic collaboration in producing truly memorable music.

As the episode draws to a close, Steve shares his excitement for the future, both for his work with Stone Foundation. His passion for music and dedication to his craft are palpable.

For fans of Paul Weller and Stone Foundation, this podcast episode is a must-listen. It not only offers a unique perspective on the making of '66' but also celebrates the enduring legacy of one of Britain's most beloved musicians.

Listen to the full episode now and immerse yourself in the story of '66'. 🎧✨

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For Episode 102 of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by journalist, editor and broadcaster Claire Mahoney - an active member and influential promoter of the Mod scene with a passion for music, fashion, art and culture.We'll hear all about her teenage discovery of The Jam, and a love affair that has lasted a lifetime.Claire has written extensively about the mod scene and made regular appearances on BBC Radio Wales to speak about The Jam, Paul Weller, Mod and 60s soul music.We'll hear more about her latest project Detail Magazine - a print publication dedicated to offering a more in-depth look at the UK’s most stylish subculture – Mod and her book Welsh Mod.

Make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store

Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com

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Over the past 55 years, musician Danny Thompson has been a bandleader, sideman, group member and composer. Best known as a double-bassist, he has worked with the very best including Richard Thompson, John Martyn and Nick Drake, along with great jazz men such as Humphrey Lyttelton and Tubby Hayes as well as Rod Stewart, Roy Orbison, and Kate Bush.In recent years, he has also played with our podcast subject - Paul Weller.

Danny played double bass on two tracks for 2004's Studio 150 album, cover versions of Tim Hardin's Don't Make Promises and the Sister Sledge classic Thinking of You and on 2018's True Meanings.

Danny played double bass on the track Come Along.

In 2016, he joined Paul on stage in Brighton in a supergroup including Paul with Robert Wyatt, Steve Pilgrim and Ben Gordelier.

The range of music that his performances have graced is hard to believe. Working with the many true"Greats" of Blues, Jazz, Folk , World and Popular music.

A founding member of influential folk-jazz group Pentangle from 1967-1973 (along with its subsequent reunions and re-versionings) - he has also had a critically acclaimed successful solo career - winning two lifetime achievement awards at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.Find more information on Danny , including our special playlist , at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-101-danny-thompsonMake sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store

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So here we are - Episode 100 of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast - who would have thought it?Firstly - thanks to you for your support , your shares and your thoughts - its all helped to get us to number one on iTunes and to grow listeners to the podcast over the past 18 months.Thanks to my wife and family for letting me do this thing - evenings, weekends and holidays spent creating something I hope is truly unique and special to fans of Paul Weller.

To all the guests from past and future - it would be nothing without you - your honesty, warmth, stories and generosity is hugely appreciated.

And of course thanks to Paul Weller! For the music - the live gigs - the story arc of 50 years from the creation of The Jam with Steve Brookes to now - and here's hoping for some time with Paul in the future for what will undoubtably be an epic interview at some point in the future right ?

Episode 100 - takes us to Ripley - the Surrey village that is home to Paul’s studio Black Barn - and also home for Paul’s mum - Ann Weller.I always had Ann in mind as our centenary episode guest as was absolutely delighted to get a YES to my request - INCREDIBLE!Ann is not just Paul's mum - but she has been a key player in his story from The Jam to now - together with John, her dear late husband , Paul and Nicky’s father, who managed The Jam, The Style Council and Paul Solo for over 30 years, until his sad passing in 2009.This was an absolute honour to spend time with Ann chatting over a cuppa and scone and a very special chat…

I hope you enjoy - and thanks again for listening to our journey so far...

Make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store

Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com

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Chris Bangs has been a pioneering and inspirational figure in the British underground dance scene and helped to light up the burgeoning black music dance scene of the early eighties. Towards the end of the 80s, Chris really hit pay dirt as a musical trend-setter with the invention of Acid Jazz genre and as a producer and artist responsible for many early recordings on Eddie Piller's Acid Jazz label and Gilles Peterson's Talkin' Loud (producing Galliano's celebrated debut album). His talents were soon spotted outside of the acid jazz scene with Paul Weller utilising Chris' production skills on one of the stand out tracks from his debut solo album - Above The Clouds. The song is a favourite of so many fans, and Paul still features it on current tours.This liaison led to a partnership with Paul's former Style Council-er Mick Talbot as Yada Yada AKA SoundscapeUK - one of a whole range of projects marked by the Bangs stamp that have secured commercial and critical acclaim from the USA, Japan, Europe and Australia.Have a listen to our podcast chat with a surprise special guest popping up during our conversation too!

Find out more in the show notes for this podcast at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-99-chris-bangs

Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store

Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com

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In 1979, twelve-year-old Den Davis went to see The Jam play at Manchester Apollo and his world changed forever. As we hear on this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, a few months later when Den started a Sunday morning paper round, he struck a deal with the shop to save every magazine and paper that mentioned The Jam, and Den would deliver the papers for free. It didn’t matter to Den if they were the cool music press like the NME and Melody Maker or the likes of Jackie and Look In. He wanted them all.So began the start of his journey to collecting anything and everything about the band fronted by Paul Weller, amassing the largest collection of vinyl and memorabilia in the world.We talk about that collection, and how he had to rebuild after the 1996 Manchester bombing, and hear all about The Jam: Cover Stars - Den's new and exclusive exhibition of original and iconic Magazine and Music Press covers from around the world that show The Jam throughout their amazing six-year career from 1977 to 1982. Den saw The Jam 39 times between then and end of December 1982 - the final tour, he first met the band in 1981, started The Jam Tapes Collection service in April 1982, saw The Style Council 52 times live and Paul Weller solo over 100 times!.Find out more in the show notes for this podcast at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-98-den-davis

Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store

Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com

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As much as I love talking to the musicians, the singers and the songwriters, the producers and engineers, the music industry promoters, tour managers, road crew, band members, journalists and others, who have worked and collaborated with Paul Weller, this podcast was always intended to be a voice for the fans to share their memories of The Jam, The Style Council and Paul Weller… So many of these fans are just great story-tellers with great stories to tell, able to paint a picture on what the man and his music has meant to them over the years. This is another one of those very special episodes - with a man who is a regular in the front row at Weller gigs, on the forums and at events.

My latest podcast guest is Shane Juson. We'll hear about his discovery of The Jam in 1979 - singles albums, live gigs, soundchecks, band meetings and more... We'll hear about his love of The Style Council and Paul Weller solo - from the early Movement gigs in 1990 and front-row adventures on every tour since (he's even got the t-shirts to prove it!).We'll also hear about some pretty wonderful and bizarre moments too.For example, watching Paul Weller's reactions at Black Barn, whilst listening to some of On Sunset on the day after the final recordings to having his photo taken by Paul next to the famous Stanley Road jukebox and being driven round the corner by Paul in his mini, for a tea and scone at The Nest with Charles Rees, Tom Van Heel & another superfan, Keiko Egawa…You can find photos that tie in to our conversation on my website, and join here for Shane's Facebook Group - Absolute Beginners The Jam.

Another very special episode. Have a listen - share on your social media channels - and leave a 5-star review wherever you get your podcasts...

Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store

Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com

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What a blast to be joined by singer, songwriter, musician Debsey Wykes on this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast.In 1978, she formed the British post-punk pop-band Dolly Mixture with guitarist, Rachel Bor and drummer, Hester Smith.We'll hear about their journey from complete amateurs to John Peel sessions, to supporting The Jam in the Summer of 1980 and signing to Paul Weller's Respond Record label...They were part of the initial label line up with The Rimshots , The Questions and Tracie!Whilst on the label, they released two singles, Been Teen in 1981 and Everything and More in 1982 - both produced by Captain Sensible and Paul Gray from The Damned...We also hear how, in 1982, something rather odd happened as Captain Sensible unexpectedly had a huge summer feelgood hit with a cover of the South Pacific song, Happy Talk - which featured Dolly Mixture on backing vocals.Find more information , including a playlist of the music that we talked about at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/episode-96-debsey-wykes

Thanks for listening - make sure that you subscribe / follow and leave a review - and if you want to support the podcast financially, you can buy me a virtual coffee or our new official merchandise at paulwellerfanpodcast.com/store

Find podcast show notes and sign up for regular information at PaulWellerFanPodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.