Dave Mattacks on playing with Fairport Convention for Winter 2023 UK Tour

Following another successful Cropredy Convention in August, Fairport Convention have announced dates for their Winter 2023 UK Tour, with a very special guest appearing on the drummer’s stool. Dave Mattacks talks to Jason Barnard about picking up his drumsticks for Fairport next year.

Hi Dave, when was the last time you played with Fairport? 

I played with “FC” at Dave Pegg’s 75th birthday celebration concert just outside Birmingham in early November – that was a wonderful evening. I also played with them at Cropredy in ’22. The last few years as a guest at the band’s festival have been thoroughly enjoyable – and I was flattered to be asked to do their 2023 February – March UK tour.

What Fairport songs are the most challenging to play?

They’re all challenging in their own way. One aspect I’m particularly looking forward to on the forthcoming tour is playing the “new-to-me“ material – i.e; the songs & tunes that have accumulated in the band’s repertoire over the last twenty or so years.

You joined Fairport at a difficult time to record ‘Liege & Lief’. Given you were relatively new to the studio, did you feel any pressure?

I don’t recall feeling pressure, but I truly was the “deer-in-the-headlights“ from an aesthetic point of view. At that time, I had no knowledge of that musical arena – I just kept my head down and tried to do my best.

Did your drumming style evolve in those first years?

Very much so. The band gently ‘educated’ me. They taught me to appreciate music in a different way that had more to do with a deeper appreciation of content and to be less impressed by ‘flash’.

When did you first start playing?

I started on piano aged 6, but switched to a kit when I was 14 or so. I made the mistake of thinking drums would be easier! My early ‘drum heroes’ included Tony Meehan, Kenny Clare, Buddy Rich and of course, Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts.

What are your recollections of recording XTC’s ‘Nonsuch’?

All very positive. It was a good team – the band, engineer Barry Hammond and producer Gus Dudgeon. Plus, you really can’t go wrong with songs as great as those – “Nonsuch“ is definitely a “career highlight“.

What is it like collaborating with Richard Thompson – was ‘Mock Tudor’ a highpoint?

It’s always a joy to work with Richard. Yes, ‘Mock Tudor’ is a favourite – but all his albums are outstanding in my humble opinion.

You have played more blues music since moving to Massachusetts – can you tell me more about that?

It’s not so much “playing more blues ” – more a case of getting the opportunity to be subjected and exposed to different styles of music on a more intense level. And that wasn’t really happening for me in the UK. In parallel, I felt I needed to get more ‘grease’ and looseness into my playing – it seemed too stiff to me back then. I’m still working on it.

Which of the five Paul McCartney albums that you have featured on is your highlight?

All five are special to me. Certainly, getting to record in Montserrat at George Martin’s studio was a highlight. Those tracks ended up on ‘Pipes of Peace’ & ’Tug of War’. The Abbey Road (studio two) sessions for ‘Run Devil Run’ were cool too.

What are the current projects that you’re involved in?

Basically, I’m playing a lot of ‘live’ dates of all shapes and sizes with different people here in New England and beyond. I’m recording with songwriter / singers / artists in different studios. I produce (I should mention I’m particularly pleased about my collaboration with Debra Cowan). I do drum clinics – and have a few students. I’m also a member of “Feast of Fiddles” – that band tours the UK every spring. Apart from that see also davemattacks.com

Fairport Convention’s Winter 2023 UK Tour starts on 1 February see fairportconvention.com

Podcasts also on the Strange Brew – Dave Pegg, Simon Nicol, Colin Moulding