DIARY

2004 On 8th April 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.

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.

2004 24th May. 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.

2004 August. 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

2005 : May 8th. 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.

2005 7th June Asked by GUITARIST magazine to write an article about the Gibson Flying V from my collection that belonged to Noel Gallagher (OASIS).

2005 27th June 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.

2005 12th June 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.

2006 January. 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.

2006 April.

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.

2006 September 18th. 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. 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.

2006 October 16th. 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.

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

2007 March 9th . 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.

2007 March 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 September 9th 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!

2008 May On a visit to Brooklands museum, Francine and I spotted a lovely Fiat 500. She followed us home (the car not my wife) and is now part of our family. I can't get much music gear inside though!!!

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

2008 I have been busy a lot of the year on a number of recording projects (details to follow).

2008 November. 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.

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

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.

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.

  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.

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).

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

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.

 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.

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.

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..

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

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

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

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

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 thoughs? 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.

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

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

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.

Here I am 18 months old and thinking about the next guitar................