Just enough to keep you interested.....

latest news first.

16th January 2012 : I was contacted by Dic Jockey Josh Bohm, of American radio station KCOU.FM. Josh wants to play some of St Johns Wood Affair music on his show. He has a good knowledge of English music (and guitars too). St Johns Wood Affair received a name check on todays show. Josh is going to play ELECTRIC CLOUDS on his next show, he also wants to speak to me on air, when the SKY SAXON tribute CD is released.

 

8th December 2011 : Visited Luthier John Degay to pick up a beatiful sounding Ukulele that he has made. Spent a great afternoon looking round John's workshop, trying out some of his guitars and playing Ukulele with him.

Above : John making a final adjustment to the nut of the Ukulele that he built.

25th October 2011 : Francine and I were invited to the launch of the FACES book ( a limited edition by Genesis publications). The book is full of photographs that I had not seen before. It really is a work of art. Ronnie Wood, Kenney Jones, Mick Hucknall and Sir Peter Blake were there. I managed a chat with all of them, apart from Sir Peter.

Above : Ronnie was on good form and looked really well. His latest paintings had a dark background to them, this made the subjects really stand out. Kenney said to me "Cool jacket!".

Above : Nicky Page is the designer of THE FACES book (and other Genesis publications).

15th September 2011 : Andy Neil, authour of the recent Faces book "Had me a real good time" popped round today. He was researching information on the teenage Rod Stewart. Andy was interested in an old copy of a scrapbook that I was given regarding Rod's band in 1960. While he was here I showed him two of Ronnie Lane's old Zemaitis guitars.

Above : Andy Neil holding Ronnie Lane's 1971 Zemaitis resonator.

17th August 2011 : Visited Genesis Publications in Guildford. They produce beautiful limited edition books. All their publications are hand bound, signed and numbered. I went to have a sneak preview of THE FACES book being published in September. I have placed my order!

23rd & 24thJuly 2011 : Played ROCK THE PARK with ST JOHNS WOOD AFFAIR. This was a charity event to raise money for HELP FOR HEROES. On the Sunday I was doing a few windmills with my guitar, when it bit back and attacked me. I managed to carry on despite dripping blood every where! Thank you to everyone that turned up and said hello.

Above : On stage playing my Zemaitis 23rd July 2011. Photograph by Martin Hesketh.

 

Above : Ken the 3rd on bass, 23rd July 2011.Photograph by Martin Hesketh.

Above : Francine on stage 23rd July 2011. Photograph by Martin Hesketh.

Above : Anne on two Korg M1 keyboards at once! Photograph by Martin Hesketh.

Above : The power house known simply as.....CARLTON! Photograph by Martin Hesketh.

 

Above : My Zemaitis Disc front after it attacked me.

Below : Caught up with my old mate Robert Young. His band Epouranios were also playing at ROCK THE PARK 2011.

 

17th July 2011 : I donated some shavings from the 1960 Zemaitis  12 string acoustic used by Jimi Hendrix in 1967, to the BOAT PROJECT. When it was restored the Luthier sent me them. I previously donated some to the Zemaitis museum in Japan. The BOAT PROJECT are celebrating the 2012 London Olympiad by creating a boat out of donated wood. The Hendrix shavings must be the smallest donation!!! Check out www.theboatproject 

15th June 2011 : Enjoyed rehearsal with ST JOHNS WOOD AFFAIR. We filmed rehearsal. You can see a clip of the band playing SKY FOREVER on You Tube. This is our tribute to SKY SAXON of THE SEEDS. Click here to watch the clip

Above : The band rehearse for Rock the Park gig next month.

Above : Keith with Zemaitis Disc front.

Above : Francine at rehearsals 15th June 2011.

11th May2011 : There is now a Keith Smart presence on TWITTER  @thekeithsmart

January  to May 2011: St Johns Wood Affair have a new bass player, Ken the third.

I have been writing songs for the band and we have been rehearsing the set with Ken ready for some more gigs and studio recordings.

2011 : Looking forward to having two tracks on the album dedicated to SKY SAXON of the SEEDS. St Johns Wood Affair play their version of "Where is the entranceway to play"  (from the SEEDS album FUTURE) and the album will also feature one of my songs "Sky forever". We have been working on our own album and have quite a few tracks in the can. THE ALBUM IS DUE FOR RELEASE IN THE SUMMER OF 2011.

4th December 2010 : In the studio with ST JOHNS WOOD AFFAIR. We recorded two songs I AM YOU and FANTASTIC BOOK OF COLOURS.

The latter song is one of longest I have recorded. It lasts almost 8 minutes! The end section has a huge guitar solo in it. When I had finished recording I noticed my fingers were bleeding through bending the strings!

Above : A quick photo shoot in the snow between takes.

Above : I used my Epiphone Revolution Casino played through a Vox Pathfinder. James the engineer thought it was a really good guitar sound.

Above : Pat Martin put some amazing bass lines down with his 5 string bass.

4th November 2010 : A stripped down version of St Johns Wood Affair played at Filthy McNastys. Francine, Anne and I backed Patrick Campbell Lyons, Kelli Ali and also played two songs ourselves at the HAPPENING.

To see a clip of ST JOHNS WOOD AFFAIR playing FLOWERS FOR FRIDAY CLICK HERE

Above : 4th November 2010 : Patrick reads from his book PSYCHEDELIC DAYS. Photograph by Ian Tillotson.

Above : 4th November 2010 I was pleased with the sounds I got from my EKO 12 string. Photograph by Ian Tillotson.

 

Above : 4th November 2010 Francine sang backing vocals and played tambourine. Photograph by Ian Tillotson.

November 2010 : Patrick Campbell Lyons' new album 13 Dalis is released. I feature on it playing electric 12 string guitar, acoustic 12 string guitar, electric 6 string guitar, bass guitar and backing vocals on some tracks. Shame I didn't get the courtesy of a mention.

October 2010 : My Ronnie Lane Zemaitis resonator appears in VINTAGE GUITAR magazine.

September 2010 : My Mike Oldfield Telecaster appears in VINTAGE GUITAR magazine.

 

13th August 2010 : Francine and I went to VINTAGE AT GOODWOOD, a mixture of classic clothes, Art and music. I was kindly sent two complimentary tickets. Bumped into Jeff Beck while looking at the classic cars (shook the great mans hand...........hope some magic rubbed off). Francine spotted Sir Peter Blake walking round. I don't generally like to bother people, but I have corresponded with Sir Peter over the years. I introduced myself. He was very humble and gracious. In fact, it was his idea to have our photograph taken!

Above : It was a pleasure to meet Sir Peter Blake. I have visited a lot of his exhibtions. His collages are a inspriration to me.

 

Ronnie Lane's mobile studio LMS

I have seen photographs of Ronnie Lane's mobile studio. What a a treat  to see it restored and up and running as a studio. It's based on an old Airstream caravan that Ronnie imported from the States. The old analogue gear has been installed in it again, a huge CADAC Concert "J" console dominates the space. The studio was used to record some famous albums, Physical Graffiti by Led Zep, Quadrophenia by The Who, Ohh la la by The Faces, Blab and blue by The Stones..................etc etc etc.  Eric Clapton told me that the orginal version of Wonderful tonight was recorded in there.

Above : Ronnie Lane's LMS mobile studio.

 

Heard some familliar songs coming from a marquee, popped inside to see Wilko Johnson's band playing a set. Amazing to see a guitarist that I admire so close.

Francine and I were sheltering from the rain when I noticed Andre Barreau from The Bootlegs Beatles. I mentioned to him that I first saw The Bootleg Beatles when they performed in the stage show BEATLEMANIA. We last saw them at Wisley in Surrey a few months ago. He is a superb guitarist and is the musician who plays the slide guitar solo on Robbie William's Angel.

Above : Andre Barreau from The Bootleg Beatles.

The main event of the day was the first performance of the reformed FACES. I didn't really like the idea of Mick Hucknall (Simply Red) singing lead vocals. If you listen to his voice though, it is similar to early Rod. After the first few notes, it was brilliant. Woody was really on form and the whole band looked like they were (in the words of the song) having a real good time. Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) played some Ronnie Lane style bass lines (he was grinning from ear to ear) A treat to see Woody play his Zemaitis Disc front too. Got home at 2 AM. What a day though.

 

7th August 2010 : I went to the studio to mix CAN I BUY YOUR THOUGHTS.

6th August 2010 : It's my birthday! In the evening Finished mixing SKY FOREVER and finished vocals on CAN I BUY YOUR THOUGHTS.

 

5th August 2010: Full band in the studio to record backing for SKY FOREVER and CAN I BUY YOUR THOUGHTS.

 Above : The instruments I used to record Sky Forever and Can I buy your thoughts? Left to right : Burns Nusonic Bass, Rickenbacker V64 360 12 string, Epiphone Casino Revolution and 1965 EKO 12 string acoustic.

Above : Carlton and Francine during a break in recording.

August 2010 : My guitar collection is pictured in VINTAGE GUITAR magazine.

 

July 2010 : Vintage Guitar Magazine have featured a photograph of my collection in their August edition. I have not seen a copy myself, but had about thirty e mails last week asking about the various guitars!

July 2010 : The CD celecbrating Rickenbacker instruments is released. My song SOMEDAY ONE DAY is featured on there. If you would like to buy a copy click on the link  RICKENBACKER CD

6th July 2010 : Back in the sudio. Replaced the bass on Clouds Hill, also added some 12 string acoustic. Remixed Clouds Hill.

2nd July 2010 : Another studio visit. Final mix of Clouds Hill, The Tripster and Electric Clouds.

22nd June 2010 :  I nipped into the studio to add vocals and guitars to Clouds Hill, The Tripster and Electric Clouds.

June 2010 : I heard that my song SOMEDAY ONE DAY is being released on an album celebrating Rickenbacker guitars. I used my V64 360 12 string on the song (as well as a Zemaitis 12 string acoustic). I recorded it at home and it has a good vibe to it. My photo made it onto the back cover too!

Above : Front cover of the CD celebrating Rickenbacker guitars. It's being released in July 2010 .

Above : Back cover of the album celebrating Rickenbacker guitars.

 

June 2010 : St Johns Wood affair are back in the studio recording three orginal songs, "CLouds Hill", "The Tripster" and "Electric Clouds".

Above : It was nice to get in the fresh air during a break in recording.

 

Above : I played my Epiphone Revolution Casinio for the recording session. My old EKO 12 string acoustic was also used.

 

ST JOHNS WOOD AFFAIR

ST JOHNS WOOD AFFAIR play psychedelic music, we like to call it mind altering music! What about the name? Three of the members (Keith, Anne and Francine)played with the psychedelic band NIRVANA UK at Felipop in Spain in August 2004. Keith has played guitar with Nirvana UK for many years. When they were looking for a name, Patrick (from Nirvana UK) came up with the ST JOHNS WOOD AFFAIR name, it's actually one of the songs from their album ALL OF US. As well as original songs the band play covers by their favourite bands (Beatles/Who/Byrds/Seeds/Small Faces/Pink Floyd). They have just been into the studio to record "Where is the entranceway to play?" by the Seeds. It's a track from the SEEDS 1967 album FUTURE. The song was recorded as part of a tribute to SKY SAXON the SEED's bassist and vocalist.  More details to follow.

The following photographs were taken 20th May 2010.

 

Above : ST JOHNS WOOD AFFAIR  outside the studio 20th May 2010.

Above : John on bass and I am playing Mike Oldfield/Marc Bolan's old Fender Telecaster. "Where is the entranceway to play", our cover of a SEED's song, starts to come to life.

Above : Anne added some atmospheric keyboard to the SEED's track we were recording.

Above : Francine recording backing vocals for the SEED's song.

Above : I had a dream of the SEED's song being played with the drum part from "Tomorrow never knows" by the Beatles. Carlton played an interpretation of Ringo's drum pattern from the track, it worked really well with the song.

Above : I played my Zemaitis Disc front during the recording session. It really has a bite to it! I have never recorded a cover version before, but had a great time adding strange guitaring (and breathing) to the track. I think Sky Saxon would have approved.

 

April 2010 : I heard that my song "Someday one day" will be featured on the new CD celebrating the Rickenbacker guitar. I used my Rickenbacker 360 V64 12 string on it. The album is due out soon, more details to follow.

Above : Rickenbacker 360 V64 12 string. Roger Mcguinn signed it for me when I met him.

I recently added an MI5 section to this site. Out of the blue I received an e mail from Brian Taylor who played keyboards with us. I had not heard from Brian since 1983! We met up again 17th March 2010. Brilliant to see Brian again and have a chat about the good old days, mad days actually. So many stories, better not print them here though! Brian is playing in his band The Wrenjacks and one of his sons Chris, is a very talented rapper and songwriter (see www.myspace.com/taylorsmusicuk). Brian and I may even go into the studio to record some more material.

 

Above : 17th March 2010 MI5 reunion (half the band).

 

 

November 2009. I went to visit Danny O'Brien at his new country retreat.

 

Above : Danny is 6 strings posher than me!

 

Thank you to Trish and Danny for a super visit (and to Trisha for the ROCK cakes).

 

2009. Been busy writing and recording new material. I have roped Francine in on backing vocals too. I always make sure I have a guitar in the back of the VW when we are out and about. Some interesting projects in the pipeline.

 

 

December 2008.The Rickenbacker Resource CD is out now. You can order a copy from the following link

http://www.rickresource.com/rrp/rickresourceproducts.html

The photograph on the inner sleeve is of my Rickenbacker 360 V64 12 string.

 

 

November 2008. I just heard that my song RICHEST MAN IN THE WORLD is going to be on a CD celebrating Rickenbacker guitars (I used my Rickenbacker 360 V64 12 string on it). I recorded it at home during September 2008 (Francine suppplied backing vocals). The album is due out early December 2008. More details to follow.

November 2008. Delivered my Ronnie Lane resonator to THE HUB in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. It is on loan to the guitar exhibition arranged by guitarist Gordon Giltrap. The exhibition is on until 18th January 2009.

August 2008. Put a clip of my Ronnie Lane Zemaitis resonator on YOU TUBE (just type in Keith Smart to find it).

 

You can see this Zemaitis resonator on display at THE HUB until January 18th 2009.

 

9th September 2007. Played at the Carling Academy with STONE COLD SOBER (Rod Stewart and the Faces tribute band). It was a great night and a good time was had by all. It's always a brilliant crowd and John Hellier does a fab job of putting it all together. Chris  Farlowe closed the show backed by 17 Black.

Above : Russ and I kept our jackets on even though it was boiling!

 

9th March 2007. Eye to Eye Played at the VIBE in Epsom. They have a good taste in music there, you can tell by the Juke box. I used my Zemaitis Disc front and Rickenbacker V64 360 12 string. The amp I took kept buzzing, I had to keep going up to it and punch it every now and then! I think the audience thought it was part of the show.

 

Above : On stage at the Vibe in Epsom, Surrey. I have just materialised.

 

Above : On stage at the Vibe, slide on this!

 

Above : The Rickenbacker appears for the Jingle Jangle songs.

 

March 2007.CD released "We've got our own best of to do" by Kurious Kurt. The album is a tribute to Ronnie Wood and features versions of songs written by Woody. All the musicians on the album have met him and the accompanying booklet details the stories. There are a number of CD's that make up the set. I appear on one track "OOH LA LA" See www.kuriouskurt.com for more details.

 

2007 February . The March issue of GUITARIST ran an article on my  ex-Ronnie Lane Zemaitis resonator.

16th October 2006. I played a set of Ronnie Lane songs at the 10th Small Faces convention. It was held at the Carling Academy in Islington (I played in Islington last month too!). A freind of mine, John, helped out on guitar. I used the guitar that Tony Zemaitis made for Ronnie Lane. I met up with Stan (Ronnie Lane's brother) and he introduced the set. The place was packed out with Small Faces fans, what a brilliant atmosphere. Thanks to John Hellier and Dean Powell for putting on the show.

 

Above : Stan looks very dapper, I am wearing my birds muck shirt.

 

Above : On stage with John helping out on guitar.

 

 

2006 October . GUITARIST magazine published with free calendar. My Zemaitis (Japan) Pearl front is featured in it.

18th September 2006. Played at the UNION CHAPEL in Islington at the WHAT COLOUR IS SOUND concert. The night was a tribute to SYD BARRETT. An interesting mix of bands played Syd's songs (plus a few of their Own). Dev from BABYSHAMBLES and Carl from DIRTY PRETTY THINGS took the stage to pay tribute to Syd. Kate Nash had a great quality to her voice. It was an amazing venue complete with light show. Patrick acted as MC and also performed two songs, LOVE SONG (written by Syd) and CAMBRIDGE ROAD, a song Patrick wrote concerning the time Syd walked from Chelsea to Cambridge in 1978. I used my Danelectro guitar, as Syd played one too. An enjoyable night and good to hear the various versions of Syd's songs. I hope the photographs give you a taste of the special evening. The ticket sales helped raise some money for charity.

 

Above : A quick run through in the Ladies toilet! Who has the loudest shirt?

 

Above : Waiting to go on stage.

 

Above : Onstage playing LOVE SONG by Syd Barrett. The Danelectro is the guitar that I got from Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes.

 

 

April 2006. I recorded with Patrick (from Nirvana). For the session I used my Hayman 50/50 for the bass part. I played my Zemaitis 12 string acoustic and it sounded really crisp miked up. I also used my Zemaitis Pearl front (made by Kanda), I played lead guitar on the song and also some slide guitar. Patrick tunes his guitar to his own tuning, so I had to spend some time adjusting all of my instruments. I have played on Patrick's solo albums as well as Nirvana albums. He always knows how he wants things to sound.

 

January 2006. In the studio. I played my Zemaitis resonator (made for Ronnie Lane in 1971) on OOH LA LA. I played a solo in standard tuning, then added a slide guitar solo. When they mix the track the producer will be able to blend the two together.This was a session for a CD coming out featuring songs by Ronnie Wood (he co-wrote OOH LA LA with Ronnie Lane). Players from all over the world are featured on the album including the country player Albert Lee. The CD is due out soon.

 

27th June 2005. I took the Zemaitis (Japan) Pearl front to Guitarist magazine for a photo shoot. The photograph appeared over two pages in a later copy of the magazine. The photographer, Joby Sessions took a very atmospheric picture.

Above : Zemaitis Pearl front. Photograph by Joby Sessions.

27th June 2005. Asked by GUITARIST magazine to write an article about the Gibson Flying V from my collection that belonged to Noel Gallagher (OASIS).

12th June 2005. I was interviewed by GUITAR magazine from Japan.

I met up with Kei Tasaka Assistant Editor and photographer Takashi Hoshino at a hotel in London. I brought along a few of my guitars. We sat in the hotel garden and spoke for two and a half hours about Zemaitis guitars and Tony Zemaitis. I hope I managed to convey (with the help of an interpreter) just what an amazing man Tony was. They had not heard that as well as building guitars; Tony had also built two aircraft in his back garden! I was asked what I thought about Kanda Shokai, a Japanese company, buying the name of Zemaitis. I told them I was very happy that the name of Zemaitis would continue. I also pointed out that the company spent a long time researching the guitars until they were happy with them. They really have produced superb instruments based on Tony’s designs. When I brought the Zemaitis pearl front (made by Kanda) out of the case, I saw heads popping up from behind the wall. The attention to detail is incredible. The pearl has been applied just like Tony would have done. GUITAR magazine is the largest in Japan and the photography in each issue is wonderful. I have a few copies and have always admired the way the guitars are pictured, I can’t tell you how good the writing is, as I don’t read Japanese!

 

Above : Kei with my Zemaitis Pearl front.

This guitar was a gift to me from Mr Suzuki the President of Kanda Shokai.

 

8th May2005. Guitar magazine visited to photograph my collection. I dragged them all back from the studio and bought guitar stands for each guitar. Jenny Knight interviewed me and Claire took some fab photographs.

 

 

Above : Claire gets her camera gear ready (note my soft focus photograph).

 

Above : Jenny prepares to ask the questions.

 

August 2004. Francine and I flew out to Spain. I was playing guitar and singing with Nirvana (60’s psychedelic band) at a festival in Northern Spain. Francine supplied backing vocals. The group rehearsed in a London basement during a VERY hot summer in 2004.

Above : On stage with Nirvana at FELIPOP (Francine on backing vocals) festival 13th August 2004

 

Above : On stage with Nirvana at FELIPOP festival 13th August 2004

 

24th May 2004. Francine and I were invited to Christies party to celebrate the second auction of ERIC CLAPTON's guitars. Eric does a lot for charity and not always with the public's knowledge. He gave up some amazing instruments to raise money for the CROSSROADS CENTRE. One of the guitars was built by Tony Zemaitis and called IVAN THE TERRIBLE. It eventually sold for a huge amount of money. I contributed to the pages in the catalogue about the guitar. Out of the blue a package arrived from Eric, it was a signed and dedicated copy of the auction catalogue. What a lovely thought.

 

Above : The huge 12 string that Tony Zemaitis built for Eric, nick named IVAN THE TERRIBLE.

Above : I bumped into Alan Rogan at the Christies party. He has been guitar Tech for some of the greatest guitarists in the world! He took the photograph of Ronnie Wood chatting with me at The Royal Albert Hall in April 2004. He was there as Woody's guitar Tech.

 

8th April 2004. played at The Royal Albert Hall. Slim Chance, Ronnie Lane’s old band appeared with a number of guest musicians including Ronnie Wood, Kenney Jones, Pete Townshend,Paul Weller,Mick Jones (Clash), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) and others.

Above : Ronnie Wood signed my Zemaitis 12 string for me. His signature can be seen on the concert photos.

I performed in the second half of the show, singing Anniversay, playing my Zemaitis 12 string acoustic. The evening was to celebrate the music of Ronnie Lane and help out his family. All 6000 tickets were sold. The event was recorded for a CD/DVD/video release. I shared a dressing room with Mick Jones and Glen Matlock. We had our own little sing song back stage. Francine took lots of photos of the day. It was a fabulous day and wonderful tribute to the late great Ronnie Lane. The after show party was a gas and carried on until the early hours of the morning. Francine and I do not drink so we were knocking back the sparkling water. Prior to the concert rehearsals were arranged at Music bank rehearsal studios near Tower Bridge in London. The BBC filmed rehearsals for a forthcoming documentary on Ronnie Lane.

Above : Henry McCulloch has a strum of my guitar at Music bank.

Above : On stage at The Royal Albert Hall. The shirt is by Duchamps.

Above : Mick Jones of The Clash and Big Audio Dynamite, helps demonstrate

how two people can play one guitar at the same time. I am at the Non Smoking end of the guitar.

 

I have played at the annual Small Faces convention quite a few times. It was there I met Stan Lane. Stan asked me to perform a set of Ronnie Lane songs at his birthday party. Over the years an interesting mix of artists have appeared at the convention but the jewel in the crown for a Small Faces fan had to be the appearance of Stanley Unwin at the 2000 convention. Stanley’s narration on the Small Faces OGDEN’S NUTGONE FLAKE album is pure genius!

Above : Stan Lane has a strum of my guitar at Music bank studio.

2002 Married Francine

Did a bit of rolling without the rocking!