Terry Reid is the musician’s musician with “ the voice” that has lost none of its power, still singing, still playing, still writing songs. In recent years his songs have featured in the soundtracks of films.
Terry Reid, Superlungs as he’s affectionately known, is without doubt one of the greatest rock/soul voices this country has ever produced or is indeed likely to. A Terry Reid concert should be a cherished memory for any self-respecting fan of the greats of British music.
The legend is of turning down the front man’s job with Led Zeppelin, recommending his mate Robert Plant instead, a similar offer and rebuff to Deep Purple; of Aretha Franklin’s statement that The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Terry Reid were the best England had to offer in 1968, of two World Tours with The Rolling Stones, US tours with Cream, UK tours with Jethro Tull and Fleetwood Mac, The Isle of White Festival in 1969 and Glastonbury in 1970, playing at Mick Jagger’s wedding, then soured record deals and leaving Britain for America nearly 40 years ago.
All true, but the full story includes numerous collaborations with Graham Nash, covers of Reid songs by Marianne Faithfull, The Hollies, The Raconteurs (the hugely popular Rich Kid Blues), film soundtracks, including a song in George Clooney’s recent film Up In The Air, and a catalogue of 6 studio albums, including the seminal album The River, re-released to critical acclaim in 2002 and the 1976 Nash produced Seed of Memory. A Reid song – Horses Through a Rainstorm - also features on CSN’s box set.
Recently, Terry’s been working with up and coming French band Shine and The Alabama 3. Following a Glastonbury return in 2009, he played a three night residency at Ronnie Scott’s in London, one of only a handful of non-Jazz artists invited to help mark the legendary venue’s 50th Anniversary. He played to packed houses and critical acclaim and returned in 2010 and 2011 to sell out 3 consecutive nights.
In May 2011, he toured Ireland for the first time in 30 years and released a new live album ‘Live In London’ which included several previously unreleased tracks. Uncut Magazine presented a show featuring Terry at The Jazz Café and he toured England, including several sell-out shows. A return to Glastonbury, headlining the Spirit of 71 stage followed.
In May 2012, Rumer featured Terry’s song Brave Awakening on her new album, (which entered the UK Album Chart at No3) and he has recently been working with DJ Shadow, all of which is helping to underline the resurgence in recognition for this outstanding vocalist and songwriter.
