I decided to try and learn guitar some years ago, and after getting to know the basics, embarked on the unchartered idea of composing, which had always been the ultimate goal.

Since then, and mostly during those earlier days, a catalogue of songs has been created. Almost all have been put into a basic recordable form, the recordings being assembled with the versatile accompaniment of my guitar teacher Dave Webster.

The music is hard to pigeon-hole, drawing on a number of influences. People such as Ezio, Chris Rea, Ian Dury, are maybe in there somewhere, but there is no intention to emulate, or consistently follow, any particular genre or style. It’s always my aim to come up with a crafted, hopefully reasonably interesting lyric – which where not tackling a more serious issue, is likely to be whimsical rather than passionate.

The songs, to date, have been put into CD collections. “FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE”, includes the locally inspired “Heart of the Fen” and its foil “Dead Man’s Drove”, centering on the witchcraft historically present in these parts.

Album Art for Imperfect World

Next, “IMPERFECT WORLD’ sees a collection of almost entirely political or socially topical songs and introduces, in some, the voice of Little Thetford’s Claire McGinley. Included here is the free-standing EP “PROMISE TO A PROVINCE” a chronological reflection of events in Northern Ireland, an attempt to chart in the course of a few songs the recent history of that troubled region.

Album Art, Promise to a province

Then “THE MANAGEMENT OF LOVE”, songs which all deal in some way with the consequence or story behind the significant relationship, often failed relationship. that the character in the song has desired, encountered or experienced with another person, covering a variety of fictional situations.

Album Art, Management of Love

This particular collection expands on my previous recordings, in having both vocal and instrumental contributions from talented people who were good enough to lend their time. Without detracting from the excellence of everyone involved, for many the standout track has been “Me and Marcello” featuring the wonderful voice of Rebecca Heyne and outstanding sax work of Stephen Newbury.

Michael Judkins & Claire McGinley at CB2

Currently work is progressing on a different and very exciting new project. This is a song collection charting the life and associated times of the legendary Muhammad Ali. A professional studio recording is currently in progress and a strong team of vocalists and instrumentalists has been assembled, the majority of whom have not been involved in my previous work.

The intention, with the project, is to develop a unique idea within which hopefully there are some very good songs to be found, into a CD which will engender considerable interest and lend itself to further possibilities later on.

Pending the CD being finalised, I shall be including within the songs below one preview track taken from the demo recordings made to date, hopefully as an interesting taster of what’s to come.

MICHAEL JUDKINS