This version of Handbags and Gladrags has special memories for me. It was performed on New Years Eve 2009 by Kelly Jones, the lead singer of the Stereophonics, with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra - and what special musicians they are!
We had just signed for our house in France a couple of days earlier, and were there with minimal furniture and minimal heat, on a very cold night. We were huddled around the log burner and at this point it still felt like we were living in someone elses house! When this came on I think I relaxed for the first time ........
We had just signed for our house in France a couple of days earlier, and were there with minimal furniture and minimal heat, on a very cold night. We were huddled around the log burner and at this point it still felt like we were living in someone elses house! When this came on I think I relaxed for the first time ........
It was written in 1967 by Mike d'Abo, who was then the lead singer of Manfred Mann, but I first remember Rod Stewart performing it. Then, in 2001 the Stereophonics released a version, and it was it added to their album Just Enough Education to Perform.
Kelly Jones, who was born a few miles away from me, has a fantastic raw voice. He is also a very good songwriter in his own right, and as a lyricist is influenced by Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Otis Redding. That, as they say, is good enough for me .......
