What inspired your latest solo project?
Well, as you know I’d already done a couple of solo records, RAW MATERIAL was a “booze & blues” type thing, which was really well received considering the songs were only demos for the Japanese lads in my band to learn! The other was MAN ON A MISSION which didn’t seem to get the attention I thought it deserved - being largely a hard rock album and (I thought) close to UFO’s material. Andy Simmons did an excellent job on guitar – but you never know how people are going to react.
So, I’d been secretly listening to Rod’s American Songbook records, and bought a couple by young Jamie Cullum and Diana Krall, and even enjoyed Robbie’s “Swing” record – like him, I’d grown up listening to all that stuff, so I had a stab at recording a song, “How About You?” and that was it! I was off on one!!!

How would you describe the style of music on your new CD?
Modern Jazz was the term used at the time, but actually that applies to the 1960’s. It’s more like easy listening with improvisation. Not the kind of jazz that is too challenging to the ear.

Who were the musicians that influenced your early career?
I have to say Miles Davis initially. He had the best piano players in his band. Listening to those early records from the late 50’s and early 60’s got me out playing in public. I pick up stuff pretty quickly – I was only 16 or 17 then. At 18 I decided to make a career out of playing music. I met a new crowd of guys, they turned me on to Chuck Berry and his pianist Johnny Johnson. At the same time, the Hammond organ became very popular, I listened to Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff – both jazzers really but a lot of the stuff was kind of funky. The Stones influenced my rock persona, as did the young Stevie Marriott. I tried so had to emulate him, but who else can sing like that? Well, I got the haircut right anyway!!!

Was it difficult to choose the material for this album?
No! I listen to lots of music by different people, then I think, “If I cover that, can I make it different and interesting?” The first thing I do is mess with the key. A different key will always suggest something new. I’m very proud of The Kinks’ Sunny Afternoon arrangement, and the gospel-like version of Lover Come Back To Me. I’ve got a killer jazz arrangement of Doctor Doctor – maybe for the next album….but then again, perhaps not!!!

Why did you choose to play all the instruments yourself?
I don’t know any jazz musicians any more! I haven’t seen John Heisman since he was in the Bluesbreakers in 1969. I saw Dave Green when he was working with Charlie Watts up at Ronnie Scott’s. He gave me a big bear hug and then took the piss out of my hair! Dave’s the only one from way back who stayed in jazz and he’s right at the top of his game – bless him!

What did you enjoy most about making this CD?
Recording is always fun because songs seem to take on a life of their own and making new arrangements for old songs is always a challenge. When things work out and you find a good arrangement that sounds really unique it’s very rewarding.

Are you happy with the finished product or in retrospect is there anything you would have done differently?
I’m very happy with the end result, but if I could do it all over again, I would have used a producer to help give another viewpoint. Sometimes I get carried away with stuff and it’s always good to have input from an outside perspective.

What kind of audience do you think this will appeal to?
Rod Stewart’s! No seriously, I’m sure even Rod himself would admit to being absolutely stunned at the phenomenal success of his “American Songbook” albums, which just goes to prove that this kind of music has not lost its appeal and in fact seems to have bridged not one but several generations. The most popular musicals in the West End at the moment are The Rat Pack and a new one featuring the music of Ray Charles.

Do you think UFO fans will like it?
That very much depends on the individual. If they only listen to rock music by preference, then I would say probably not – however if, like a lot of people, they listen to different types of music and judge each offering on its own merit then I’d like to think there is something here that will grab them!

The artwork seems to perfectly fit the era of the music you play, where did you find it?
This is a slightly modified version of Jack Vettriano’s painting called “Angel”. A friend of mine introduced me to his work and it seemed to fit well with the title. I think his work is very stylish.

www.paulraymond.info © 26th June 2005