Norman Barratt was not only a stunning guitarist and song writer, who's songs displayed real depth, but a good communicator on stage. I remember seeing him play an accoustic set at the 1982 High Wycombe "Sheep Roast" He talked about his life with humour and sincerity between songs, and won the crowd. This was before I experienced him playing full power at Greenbelt, and I'm glad to have seen both aspects. I remember playing "Playing in the City" vinyl full blast when I was at university (as well as ATF :-) )because I felt the songs just deserved it! Some of those tracks are awesome, and the Greenbelt footage of " never seen your face" is a great example and totally appropriate tribute.
Yep, remember well his dry sense of humour, probably best described as laconic?! Glad you liked him too.
14 August 2011 at 14:43
Tim Hatwell said...
I only heard yesterday that Norm had died and it really upset me. Having been bassist in the Barratt Band with him and recorded the album Playing in the City, he was such an amazing guitarist, a gentleman and a gentle man, genuinely humble. He could get such a sound out of that 335 which he never allowed out of his sight when we were on tour! So many great memories of him - he is now with the Lord that he loved, but it's a real loss. Bless you, Norm.
Never mind, Liz, keeps you away from some mischief! Have realised the little retreat with Revd John Smith was a year ago... where did it go?!
Best, PBx
1 September 2011 at 10:35
[Image]
Some recent links that caught my attention (and that, maybe, have yet to write about!)...
Music: Mike Rimmer's eulogy for Gravy Train's guitarist, Norman Barratt
Have to confess the news of Norman's passing came as a tough one. Here was one of my contemporaries, we played many of the same stages, I admired his never flashy, expressive technique... The image of him playing his favourite cherry red Gibson 335 (special edition with Bigsby tremolo!), always reaching for the controls betwixt every phrase, while carefully chosen notes swooped and soared above everything else going on... He was a true musician's musician and a special guy.
"Wednesday Wisdom..."
6 Comments -
Norman Barratt was not only a stunning guitarist and song writer, who's songs displayed real depth, but a good communicator on stage. I remember seeing him play an accoustic set at the 1982 High Wycombe "Sheep Roast" He talked about his life with humour and sincerity between songs, and won the crowd. This was before I experienced him playing full power at Greenbelt, and I'm glad to have seen both aspects. I remember playing "Playing in the City" vinyl full blast when I was at university (as well as ATF :-) )because I felt the songs just deserved it! Some of those tracks are awesome, and the Greenbelt footage of " never seen your face" is a great example and totally appropriate tribute.
11 August 2011 at 00:48
Yep, remember well his dry sense of humour, probably best described as laconic?! Glad you liked him too.
14 August 2011 at 14:43
I only heard yesterday that Norm had died and it really upset me. Having been bassist in the Barratt Band with him and recorded the album Playing in the City, he was such an amazing guitarist, a gentleman and a gentle man, genuinely humble. He could get such a sound out of that 335 which he never allowed out of his sight when we were on tour! So many great memories of him - he is now with the Lord that he loved, but it's a real loss. Bless you, Norm.
19 August 2011 at 14:53
Thanks for your contribution Tim (H).
I sense the feeling of loss is more intense as Norm was very much one of us... and of our time.
Regardless, good to hear from you!
19 August 2011 at 17:46
Oh no, I am such a jigsaw junkie!
26 August 2011 at 19:02
Never mind, Liz, keeps you away from some mischief! Have realised the little retreat with Revd John Smith was a year ago... where did it go?!
Best, PBx
1 September 2011 at 10:35