GIVE US A RING

In the wee small hours of the evening/morning when I’m home I often sit down and listen to vinyl records on my stereo. Sometimes it’s Sinatra. Sometimes it’s Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Beck, Nick Drake or John Martyn. Here’s something I find fascinating…

Once I begin to play certain songs, I know I will be hearing them in my head for hours. Here’s a virtually unknown tune from 1970, it’s disarmingly simple and comforting, an endless poem/lullaby song cycle that’s somewhat melancholic, with lyrics that make no sense whatsoever. Perfect for those trying to fall asleep. Paul Harris on piano is sublime.

Originally meant for Nick Drake to perform, John and Beverley Martyn included it on their The Road to Ruin album:

“Give Us A Ring” by Paul Wheeler. Photo by Joe Boyd of Bob Squire, Beverly and Jon Martyn, 1970.