Bruce Welch - Vocalist

I write often and with feeling about The Shadows; usually with Hank Marvin in the lead position because they were a guitar instrumental group and Hank was their lead guitarist. However, they did record and perform many vocal numbers. At these times Bruce often came into his own. Although both he and Hank sang some great harmonies reminiscent of The Everly Brothers in the early years; and later on in the MW&F days they were much more performing in a US West Coast Style.

Read more about Bruce in my Squidoo article

In this post I want to feature Bruce and his vocal performances. I don't think this song from a live performance circa 2000 was ever recorded, but I know I love the song.

This next clip is Bruce's only solo single. Another brilliant song and performance:

 

Mind you, I always preferred this number which was the "B" side to the single:

 

 Well I will leave it there for now, but if you are curious, try searching for Bruce Welch on You Tube; you may be surprised.

The Savage from The Shadows - Pop Guitar History

I was idly listening to my record collection, most of it on MP3 these days so I get to hear the classical oldies quite frequently, and I was struck by how good the early Shadows guitar instumental really were. Now I have not mentiuoned them for a while so thought it was time that I did a post on my all-time favourite guitar band again.

For starters, here is a classic rendition of Man Of Mystery, boy that tuneful yet masterly rocking guitar work by Hank makes my spine tingle. Of course, you musr remember this is a live performance from 1980 and so sounds just a little aged.

 

The difference between this and the much later version of the Stranger is so marked and says a lot about the development of the rigs and sound systems over the years. 

 

If you want more by this great combo, why not browse over to my tribute article to Hank Marvin, or alternatively a similar article for Bruce Welch. Lots to read, see and listen to.

Even if you think you know The Shadow's story, you could find something to surprise you.

More Shadow's stuff next time, I probably wouldn't have learnt to play if it hadn't been for them. Even now Apache still knocks me out, what about you.

Forums related to Hank Marvin and The shadows

Are you into The Shadows and Hank Marvin or maybe just into guitars or guitar instrumentals; well this post I thought that I would bring a couple of forums to your attention.

Both have lots of technical help, and lots of recorded music by the members. One is a long-time established site and one is relatively new and therefore has fewer members at the moment. But if you want to find out about guitars, related sound equipment and recording, you can most likely get anawers to any issues you may have from either of these forums.

The ShadowMusic Community is the more established of the two. It offers not only chat, but links to TAB for Shadows related tunes, music files from members and links to many Shadows related sites.

Hank Marvin SOUND & TECHNICAL is a relative newcomer but as it says on the tin, appears to much more technically orientated. Again sound files from members are supported on the forum and you can find links to Backing Tracks, BT's. Took me a while to learn what the initials stood for, LOL.

For my own tributse to my favourite group:-
Hank Marvin
Bruce Welch
The Shadows, The Legend
Rythm and Greens
Brian Bennett - in preparation
Jet Harris and Tony Meehan - in preparation