Shammy Lafferty has released his debut EP ‘Changing Times & Looking Back’. Shammy Lafferty, Paul Hughes (both originally from Scotland), and Londoner George Nash, who were all members of 60’s and 70’s UK London-based groups, met up again, quite by chance, fifty plus years later in Asia and wrote ‘Changing Times’ and ‘Looking Back’. Later Shammy decided to re-arrange and re-record the two songs to be released in conjunction with Paul’s book ‘Chasing Dark Shadows’ released on December 16th. Shammy was originally a guitarist and backing vocalist with a Scottish group The Premiers, with whom Paul was a roadie, and they toured all over Scotland and the North of England. Eventually, The Premiers were no more, and three members formed 1-2-3 with Paul again being a roadie. They were almost immediately signed by Brian Epstein with The Beatles, Cream, The Bee Gees. They did go on to feature in a residency in the world-famous Marquee Club in Wardour Street and had the honour to support Jimi Hendrix at his UK debut in The Saville theatre. Later they had a jamming session with the legendary Jimi and Eric Burden of The Animals in London’s Speakeasy Club. During the Marquee residency they met an unknown David Bowie and played on his first demo records. They became lifelong friends and in David’s autobiographies, he has a full chapter devoted to 1-2-3.
‘Changing Times & Looking Back’ is a fine display of Shammy Lafferty’s tight and sleek musicianship. Shammy weaves blues-toned guitar through these tunes to create a satisfying listening experience. From the psychedelic-hued rock n roll of ‘Changing Times’ to the nostalgic ‘Looking Back’, Shammy takes an easy-going and effortless approach to his songwriting; the instrumentation is lavish yet not overdone with embellishments of sax and oodles of suave guitar moments throughout. Lyrically the tracks ruminate on how times for musicians have changed over the years, and Shammy presents the nostalgia in the lyrics perfectly through refined, expressive musicianship.
Shammy showcases his knack for earworm melodies, strut worthy soundscapes and emotion within these tracks. ‘Changing Times & Looking Back’ are infectious, enjoyable tunes to indulge in again and again.
Stream ‘Changing Times & Looking Back’ below
Author: Danu
