BOB THEIL 's
personal introduction :
"I am required to say a few words about myself.
This is a task which fills me with unease and as to the value
of attempting a synopsis of my background, influences, etc...
well, I have my doubts. Essentially, I would prefer to let my
songs and music speak for me.
Some points of reference are undoubtedly required however,
hopefully as a point of entry to generate curiosity and interest.
It has been said about my music that there is a strong Celtic
influence in sounds and images, which reflects my Scottish
upbringing. This has never been a conscious decision on my
part, so it must spring from a natural instinctive
relationship with my roots.
Of course there is a wider world to explore other than one's
own small corner of national identity and my music and songs
hopefully convey this.
In a cultural climate of, on the one hand ease of consumption,
hype and homogenised commercial banality, and on the other
hand the centuries old traditions of literature, music,
philosophy and academic endeavour, is there any way of
bridging the gulf between all or nothing?
To speak or remain silent, or when we speak how little or how
much to express and to whom do we address and commune with in
our allotted and restricted time?
How long do our attention spans allow?
what of our appetites for attentive absorption ?
How often does the art of conversation even remotely come
close to bridging the gulf between something or nothing?
The art of song as a medium of expression is, I feel, a hugely
underrated one. But thankfully there are still a few who
follow their own creative instinct irrespective of ephemeral trends.
So here I am, one voice amidst many. Whether the mood of my
writing is light or dark, I hope it contains something of
value beyond merely the superficial.
Lawrence Woolfe
Another review :
"Scottish born Lawrence Woolfe is a singer-songwriter guitarist very much in the tradition of British exponents, such as Roy Harper, AI Stewart, Michael Chapman and Bert Jansch who filled the folk clubs and concert halls in the early seventies.
Entirely self-taught as a guitarist, he has developed his own distinct style on twelve-string acoustic guitar. His music, most of which originates from the 12 string acoustic/electric
guitar is an evocative mixture of Celtic atmospheres and intense lyrical images, sometimes with a folk flavour, at other times with a strong rock sound.
In song-writing terms, writers such as Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen,Bob Dylan and Neil Young are the gauge by which he sets his standards. The themes of Lawrence Woolfe's lyrics cover a wide range of subjects reflecting his passion for music, poetry, literature and the arts.
He completed his debut album So Far with the help of some experienced session musicians, including Big Country's Mark Brzezicki.
From this period onwards Woolfe concentrated on developing his songwriting and guitar playing whilst still doing recording sessions with a number of other folk rock musicians.
His CD Bridging the Silence, produced by drummer and percussionist Walter Mets (Sansavanna, Raymond van het Groenewoud, The Radios), was recorded mainly in London with a few overdub and mixing sessions in Belgium.
Guest musicians include Rick Aerts (The Bet, Raymond van het Groenewoud) whose electric guitar is featured on the single from the CD, AIl too many.
Since the release of Bridging the Silence Woolfe has been writing songs and poems. Two CD's worth of material has been recorded in London and Belgium and will be released in the near future. Some of the new songs have been conceived with an acoustic setting in mind, whilst others are very definitively rock-band orientated. He is currently working on a new acoustic project called Songs from the Ages." (Koch Int.) Antwerp, 25 September 1993
Bob recorded a new LP called "Songs from the Ages'" for private release. Only 300 copies will be made. This release will feature Bob Theil on guitar and Jan Jansseuns (April Sky) on violin, and possibly Bert Leysen (Kinky Bing) on second guitar. There are only accepted a few reservations through me. At this moment this album is still unfinished.
A new (no budget) LP is out now, called "Playing it all for laughs". Only 500 were printed :
