Neil Warden
Neil Warden
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About Neil Warden
1970's : I first took an interest in the guitar during the mid 60's when I heard The Beatles 'Day Tripper' but wasn't hooked at this stage. A few years later I heard a Wes Montgomery LP - 'Boss Guitar' playing on my father's stereogram, an incredible recording by an amazing guitarist. I was totally hooked after seeing Jimi Hendrix on film performing at Woodstock, a stellar performance! I was also introduced to the playing of Johnny Guitar Watson who still remains a big influence also Larry Carlton, George Benson, Nile Rodgers, Eric Clapton, Jim Mullen... the list is endless! My early years were spent playing in local bands from my home town of Dunfermline, Scotland. Joes Diner were one of them, they went on to win the 'Melody Maker Folk-Rock Competition' in 1977. We thought we had hit the big time as we were selling out concerts at The Carnegie Hall (Dunfermline that is!). Unfortunately Punk and New Wave made our brand of prog' rock/funk redundant, although we did have fun touring the university circuit. 1980's : I moved to Edinburgh permanently and hooked up with one of the first Jazz/Funk Jam Bands in Scotland: 'After Eight Mince' fronted by the legendary? Bill Innes on Sax. The music was often very rough but there was a lot of room for improvising over tunes by The Crusaders, Ronnie Laws, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, George Benson and Weather Report. Neil Hay played bass as did Aqua Bassino. along with Foss Paterson on keyboards and a host of funky drummers For a few years I played Jump-Jive Jazz with Craig McMurdo and also 'Detroit' with 60's girl-group tribute band The Faboulous Singlettes performing at many theatres and festival venues throughout the UK. In the mid 80's I played on jingles and songs at studios owned by Edinburgh songwriters Bobby Heatlie (writer for Shakin' Stevens and Aneka) and Dave Valentine. It was around this time I met Blues singer Tam White who had just disbanded his popular 'Dexters' line-up and was wanting to perform with a smaller outfit 'Tam White's Shoestring' with harmonica ace Fraser Speirs. The Shoestring toured Europe and appeared on BBC TV documentaries Don't Look Down and Artery. The 1990's : I lectured briefly at Jewel & Esk Valley College on the Modern Musicianship HNC course. I also shared the MD post for the Radio Forth 'RFM Band' who were featured on a 10 week radio show broadcast every Saturday morning with guests Mica Paris, Roachford, Tracey Chapman, Fish and more 90's names. In the mid-90's I formed 'The Wasp Factory' a jazz fusion 4 piece with John Martyn's keyboard player Foss Paterson, the late Neil Hay on bass and John Henderson on drums. We covered music by Steps Ahead, Mike Stern, John Scofield, Weather Report and The Yellowjackets. 'The Wasp Factory' played several dates at The Glasgow Jazz Festival. During this period I featured on two of Tam White's CDs - Man Dancin' and The Real Deal. Man Dancin' was produced by Calum Malcolm. I also performed at many concerts in Europe with Tam White supporting: Van Morrison, Robert Cray, James Taylor, Charlie Musselwhite, The Blues Band, Gary Moore, Labi Siffre, Rab Noakes, Hans Theesink, Peter Green, playing at small clubs to 10,000 seated outdoor events! The 2000's : I continued working with Tam White in 'The Groove Connection' a 10 piece jazz funk band. (Video Clips) I developed a great working relationship and friendship with King Crimson/Bad Company bass player Boz Burrell. Jazz piano monster Brian Kellock was also featured in 'The Groove Connection'. The band were seriously cookin', with a great horn section and soloists. We toured for about 3 years and also played The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall where we featured Scottish Rock and Soul singer Maggie Bell. In 2003 I recorded with Tam White on his CD 'Hold On'. Tracks from this CD were used on the DVD/Film Man Dancin'. Tam White, Fraser Speirs and Neil were also featured in this film. Also performed at folk clubs, theatres with singer songwriter Allie Fox from the Borders, Scotland. Neil is featured on her latest guitar instrumental CD to be released later yhis year.
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