"The track 'The Winter Long' has been the chosen wedding music for numerous couples, proving to be a memorable soundtrack": Celebration of the Magical 'The Winter Long' in Nuptials by Strawbs' Dave Cousins
In a surprising turn of events, the legendary prog folk act Strawbs, led by the constant member Dave Cousins since its formation in 1964, has completed a new album titled "The Magic Of It All" in Cape Town, South Africa. However, the recent lineup controversy surrounding this album has caused a stir among fans and band members.
The absentees from the new album include Chas Cronk (bass), Dave Lambert (lead guitar), Dave Bainbridge (keys and guitar, joined in 2015), and Tony Fernandez (drummer, intermittent since 1977). These members were part of the Strawbs' lineup for previous albums, including the 2021 release, but they were not included in the new album.
The controversy arose from misinformation and misunderstanding among fans and band members, with some suggesting that the new album was not representative of the "real" Strawbs. However, Dave Cousins emphasized that the continuity of the band is about the strength of the songs rather than individual players, and the new album features contributions from Blue Weaver and John Ford, ensuring it is still a Strawbs album[2].
Cousins, who underwent major cancer surgery, stent procedures, and a full knee replacement prior to the release of "The Magic Of It All," declined to discuss the reasons behind Cronk and Lambert's absence from the album. He found the controversy deeply hurtful and felt that there was misinformation from both fans and band members.
Despite the lineup changes and tensions, "The Magic Of It All" is not intended to be the Strawbs' last album, according to Cousins. The album was recorded at the Academy of Sound Engineering in Cape Town, with documentary maker Niel van Deventer having fly-on-the-wall access during the recording process.
Dave Cousins collaborated with John Ford on the song "Our World," which includes a plea for inclusivity and understanding. The title track of "The Magic Of It All" references the financial struggles the band faced during the recording of "Heartbreak Hill."
Interestingly, classics by the Strawbs, such as "Lay Down," "Part Of The Union," and "New World," resonated with those contesting the apartheid system's Natives Resettlement Act in the early 1970s.
Dave Bainbridge, who resides in the US, was unable to contribute due to awaiting a green card that would allow him to travel. Dave Cronk and Dave Lambert, who initially contributed to the song "Wiser Now," were not involved in the final recording, with a different version being recorded with different musicians.
Tony Fernandez was also unable to participate due to the need for intensive rehearsals, which Cousins could not undertake due to his health condition. Bassist Schalk Joubert, who had already played live with Dave Cousins in Cape Town, brought in Mauritz Lotz (guitarist) and Kevin Gibson (drummer) for the recording of "The Magic Of It All."
Cousins is working on a documentary about the making of "The Magic Of It All," which will include interviews with former Strawb Rick Wakeman and others. The ongoing focus for Cousins is on the album "The Magic Of It All," which celebrates his experiences with the band and serves as a travelogue and love letter to music.
[1] Strawbs official website: https://www.strawbsweb.co.uk/ [2] Strawbs Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/strawbsmusic/posts/10158673102882592
- The Strawbs, with Dave Cousins at the helm since 1964, completed their latest album, "The Magic Of It All," in Cape Town, South Africa.
- The album is their first to be released without the presence of Chas Cronk (bass), Dave Lambert (lead guitar), Dave Bainbridge (keys and guitar), and Tony Fernandez (drummer), who were part of the band's previous releases.
- Dave Cousins emphasized that the continuity of the band rests on the strength of the songs, not individual players, and the new album features contributions from Blue Weaver and John Ford.
- Cousins, who faced health challenges, declined to discuss the reasons behind Cronk and Lambert's absence, finding the ensuing controversy deeply hurtful.
- "The Magic Of It All" is not intended to be the Strawbs' last album, and the album was recorded at the Academy of Sound Engineering, with some portions captured by documentary maker Niel van Deventer.
- The title track of "The Magic Of It All" references the financial struggles the band faced during the recording of "Heartbreak Hill."
- Interestingly, classic Strawbs songs, such as "Lay Down," "Part Of The Union," and "New World," resonated with those contesting the apartheid system's Natives Resettlement Act in the early 1970s.
- Dave Bainbridge, who resides in the US, could not contribute due to awaiting a green card, while Dave Cronk and Dave Lambert, who initially contributed to the song "Wiser Now," were not involved in the final recording, with different musicians taking their place.
