Magna Carta’s prog-infused folk has been an almost ever present fixture of the music scene for over 50 years. Founder member singer/songwriter Chris Simpson talks to Jason Barnard about their new anthology ‘When All Is Said And Done’ and the group’s history.
How did you choose the material that features in ‘When All Is Said And Done’?
It was in my heart and soul from day one up on the hilltop in the Yorkshire Dales and when it is all around you and you are a child of the seasons it fits in like a hand in a glove. All I had to do was look around me and there it was.
You grew up in up in the Yorkshire dales. What music were you exposed to growing up?
Whatever came out of the battery radio. Apart from books, which I adore (I believed that when the old man came back from Uncle John’s corn mill near Harrogate, with new batteries, I wondered how the BBC got the programmes in the radio). Gus Goodwin on Luxembourg fading in and out hit us with Elvis; Chuck Berry and Eddie Cochran and Sun records.
You released a few solo singles in the 1960’s – what led you to Magna Carta?
I think the changing times; University in London and a growing love for the acoustic guitar. Prior to that I had a rock and roll band and one of our greatest gigs was at Sussex University supporting Eric Clapton and Cream. Meanwhile, I got an A&R man at CBS to listen to us and poured him numerous dollops of whisky. At the time I was a post-mortem assistant at the Hampstead Royal Free Hospital, I went back to see the A&R man who complained about his hangover and scored us a deal (of sorts).
Did you have a clear idea on what your new group should sound like at the time?
An idea, but not so definate it could not change. I hung out at ‘Cousins’ in Soho met Bert and John, and the great Danny Thompson. He played on the first album and loved it. He also wrote the sleeve notes.
Your second album ‘Seasons’ seemed to mark a more produced sound than your debut. Is this something you recognise and what do you recall of those recording sessions?
Class. Gus Dudgeon produced it. Recorded at Trident, Tony Viscont arranged it and invited us down to his house in Beckenhamp, to meet a friend and play it all on two acoustic guitars, and vocals. His friend said ‘that is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard.’
That was David Bowie and we became good friends. And I played the Palladium with him….and Tiny Tim!
‘Songs From Wasties Orchard’ is one of the most critically acclaimed LPs in your catalogue. You seemed to hit a rich vein of songwriting at the time – what inspired you to write in that period?
Indeed. For me the joy was working with one of the greatest players of our times AND most of all, we went into three part harmonies. We played ‘Seasons’ live in the Albert Hall with the Royal Pilharmonic arranged by the great John Dankworth, and a Palace visit afterwards.
I have spoken with Davey Johnstone about his time in Magna Carta and he spoke with great fondness about his time playing with you. What are your memories of playing with him?
I loved him and the memories are profound, and tell you what, get hold of our album, Martin’s Café. Davey was in town to do the Royal Command performance with Elton. He played on ‘You Are Only What You Are’ Ouch. I rest my case.
How has the line-up changes over the years influenced the sound of the group?
A female vocalist. Linda/Simpson Taylor.
Magna Carta’s material from the 1980s onwards doesn’t always get the attention they deserve. What do you think are the key Magna Carta tracks from the last forty years and why?
‘Wind on the Water’, ‘Sting of the Gin’, ‘Strangers in the Land of Ulysses,’ ‘Highway to Spain,’ to name but a few.
The critically acclaimed Fields Of Eden album from 2015 forms a key part of the boxset. Can you tell me who you collaborated with on the record and its lyrical themes?
Will Jackson…the lyrical themes are mine.
Was it emotional playing your last British live date in Ripley in 2020 and how has the pandemic affected you and the group?
Yes, but the road is a strange taskmaster.. I never take anything for granted.
What are your future plans?
Keep on going on!
Further information
Magna Carta – ‘When All Is Said And Done is out’ out now on Reportoire Records. A 3CD anthology it includes The Fields of Eden album plus their 50th anniversary concert on DVD. The booklet includes an essay by Nigel Schofield with recollections from Chris Simpson.
See also magnacarta-music.com
