Just before I released my album Chapters I came up with an exciting idea for a project. Over the years I have been so lucky to have booked, supported or witnessed so many incredible artists both locally and internationally.
I wanted to celebrate and promote some of these musicians and went about asking them if they would record a version of a song from my Chapters album. I was overwhelmed with the response from them and allowed them the time, creativity and freedom to record them in their own unique ways.
Chapters Recovered was released on the 13th April 2018 and is available for digital download from my store.
I am eternally grateful for all of the artists who have spent their time recording the songs and they are truly wonderful versions, as I’m sure you will agree.
Here is some information about the artist who appear on the album, a bit about how I came to meet them and why they have inspired me so much.
Track 1 - Rescue – Lilly of the West
The first song on this album is Rescue and was recorded by Bulgarian bluegrass band Lilly of the West.
This song was one of the first songs I’d ever had covered when I was 19. Around the late 90’s my parents were going to, and hosting few house concerts for international country and bluegrass artists who were in the UK on tour.
I had the privilege of playing one of these shows and supported Bulgarian bluegrass singer/songwriter Lilly Drumeva. We stayed in touch and she surprised me by telling me she’d loved my song Rescue and had recorded a version of it with her band Lilly of the West. She asked me if she could use it as the opening track to her album ‘A Collection’ which she released in 2005 and, of course I said yes. It remains one of the highlights of my musical career and I’m so grateful for Lilly for doing this.
Since then I have been interviewed by Lilly on BBC Bulgaria when I was the singer for Wokingham’s emo/punk band Circus Act and more recently as a solo artist for Radio Sofia.
Lilly is an incredibly talented, passionate and dedicated artist. Lilly has released 9 albums with the band and has organised numerous music events, concerts and festivals. She is also a renowned music journalist and radio presenter (BBC, Balkan Bulgarian Television, Retro Radio, Radio Sofia). If that’s not enough, she also organises tours for American and European artists.
Lilly of the West formed in 1996 and are still active today. The group has performed in many European countries and the US, winning prestigious awards.
I am incredibly honoured to have had this song covered and I thank Lilly so much for what she has done for me over the years.
The whole reason for the Chapters Recovered project was based on wanting to release this song, and to thank Lilly and all the artists I’ve had the pleasure of meeting during my music career.
Steve Lowis - Original Songwriter
Lilly Drumeva – Lead Vocal, Guitar
Yasen Vasilev – Vocal, Guitar
Michail Shishkov – Dobro, Harmonica
Svoboda Bozduganova –Upright Bass
Track 2 - Pray – Jonny Moody
Track 2 is Pray and the awesome Jonny Moody recorded this special version for the album.
Johnny is a brilliant singer/songwriter from Southampton. I first met him when he worked at a The Guitar Store, a local music shop. He has a really unique sound and set up with his live shows, using his talents, skills and knowledge of effects pedals to create catchy pop tunes and beautiful ballads like ‘Cloud 9’, ‘Kingsfisher Blue’ and ‘Doing of it all’ which all feature on his 3 EPs and were released between 2016 and 2019.
I was so thrilled to have Jonny on board with this project and his take on ‘Pray’ captures all the best elements of his style of songwriting. Jonny is an independent artist and a fantastic songwriter and guitarist. I recommend checking out his music on all the streaming platforms and catch a live set when you can.
Thank you Jonny for contributing and creating such a glorious version of this song.
Steve Lowis - Original songwriter
Jonny Moody - Guitars, samples and Vocals
Track 3 - Chapters – Lilo
Track 3 is Chapters and has been recorded by the fabulous duo Lilo.
Christie Gardner and Helen Dixon are Lilo. They have been playing together from age 15 and released their first EP ‘Rowan’ in 2015, followed by their EP 'Tinted Windows/ Tough Love' in 2017.
I think the first time I saw Lilo was for an event called Folk Folk at St Peters Church in Bournemouth. It was one of my favourite gigs as the venue was impressive and the acoustics were perfect.
My band The Lowis Lanes were joined by an unbelievably talented lineup of acts with Jack Francis, Hannah Robinson, Owen Hackett and Lilo.
I remember being absolutely stunned as I listened to them, their harmonies and delicate songs were mesmerising. They have written some beautiful songs and are without a doubt my favourite female duo. I can see them destined for bigger things in the music scene and of course, I was absolutely ecstatic when they agreed to cover the title track of the album.
A huge thank you to Christie and Helen for recording this song and leaving me in a state of momentary bliss whenever I hear it.
Make sure you like their page, have a listen to their songs and most definitely go and see them live.
Steve Lowis - Original songwriter
Christie Gardner and Helen Dixon - Guitars and Vocals
Track 4 - Theme for a Dream – Lucy Kitchen
Track 4 is Theme for a Dream and has been recorded by the lovely Lucy Kitchen.
Lucy is a delightful singer songwriter from Southampton. Having released her first album Waking in 2014 and receiving glowing reviews, she followed this up with her second album Sun to My Moon in 2017 after a successful pledge music campaign.
Lucy’s beautiful voice and talent has led her to working with a number of electronic music acts, to write and record songs that have been championed by the likes of BBC Radio 1 and Mixmag. She also performed on the John Peel Stage at Glastonbury festival.
It has always been a privilege to hear her music and to have supported her on numerous occasions. In my 16 years in Southampton she has always had a presence on the music scene and is a hard working, inspiring and passionate musician.
I was absolutely thrilled when she agreed to record my song Theme For a Dream for this project. It is a song which I feel was so suited to her voice and style of songwriting.
As you will hear she has cast her spell over the song and has produced a delicate and haunting sound with her mesmerising layering vocals.
Steve Lowis - Original songwriter
Lucy Kitchen - Guitar and vocals
Track 5 - Halfway Down the Road – Jack Dale & Friends
Track 5 is Halfway Down the Road which has been re-covered by one of my best friends and favourite singer songwriters Jack Dale, with extra instrumentation by Calum Lintott, Dion Light and Fredrica Resta.
I first met Jack when he played an Access Festival fundraiser at The Soul Cellar in Southampton sometime around 2004.
In 2005 I was running a popular and successful acoustic night called The Secret Stars and booked Jack for many of these over the following few years. I also booked his bands first gig, they we’re called The Horse and described themselves as Fonk, a cross between folk and funk.
The Horse have remained my all-time favourite band in Southampton, their shows, of which I booked supported several were some of my most fond memories. One of which I just about recall break dancing (badly) in the downstairs bar at The Hobbit. Sadly The Horse are neighmore but their live shows and recordings will always remain classics to me.
But back to Jacks solo career...he has released 4 exceptional albums starting with To Be Ok, Moonfire Dance, Aibohphobia (a phobia of palindromes) and Tip Toes. With a unique and soulful blend of folk and blues, Jacks style of songwriting is always interesting and delightful to listen to.
Jack is now the head of music at Itchen College and when I asked him if he’d record a song for me, he jumped at the chance to put his twist on this song. He asked a couple of his students and a colleague (also brilliant songwriter Calum Lintott) to learn the song and they recorded it in the colleges studio. It’s a fantastic version with
Fredrica Resta playing violin and Dion Light providing some great harmonies.
As with all of the wonderful artists who have agreed to cover my tunes, I advise you go and listen to Jack’s back catalog of music and check him out live when he’s next playing. I have the privilege to play alongside him and The Real Raj for our night 3 Guys 1 Egg.
Below is a video of the making of the song. Filmed at Itchen College in Southampton.
Thanks again to Jack, Calum, Fredrica and Dion.
Steve Lowis - original songwriter
Jack Dale - Vocals, slide guitar, drums
Calum Lintott - Vocals & Guitar
Dion Light – Vocals
Fredrica Resta – Violin
Track 6 - One for You - Jack Francis
Track 6 features the amazing talent that is Jack Francis.
I first met and heard him play at the same Folk Folk show that Lilo’s Wall were involved with, in October 2015. One of my all time favourite shows, St. Peters church in Bournemouth was the perfect place for Jacks music. It was one of those rare moments when you haven’t heard the artist and you’re waiting apprehensively, to see what they’re going to sound like.
From the moment Jack played his first chord I knew I was witnessing someone and something truly unique and special.
It was a captivating performance, with an instantaneously powerful and embracing sound. Jacks vocals are unbelievably soulful and strike the right note, directly to your heart. It settles well within the blues, soul and folk genres.
When you see and hear an artist in that way, someone that moves and inspires you, it reminds you what music is all about.
I’ve had the privilege to book, watch and perform with Jack over the last few years. I’ve seen him grow from strength to strength as an artist. Dedicating himself to his passion for songwriting and performing, and reaping the respect that he deserves from it.
His songwriting appears effortless but it finds its way into your heart and soul, as if to set up residence there for all time. I can’t wait to see where his career takes him and I predict great things.
He released The Jack Francis Ep in 2016, has played many London shows and has already toured the Uk and Ireland. Links to his music, videos and tour dates are listed below. Go and check him out for yourselves.
It’s what I love most about the local music scene. Watching artists like Jack develop and knowing that I’ve been a part at the start of the journeys of these artists.
Jack came into Blackhill Studios to record this song and also let me film his song live in the studio. What a blessing, what an honour. Thank you.
Steve Lowis - Original Songwriter
Jack Francis - Guitar & Vocals
Joe Smith - Slide Guitar
Track 7 - Tricks - The Real Raj
Track 7 is Tricks and was stunningly reworked by The Real Raj.
Raj is one of the musicians in Southampton that I have known the longest. I met him around 2004 when I had been regularly attending The Candle Club, the popular weekly open mic at The Talking Heads. It was Raj’s first open mic.
From the first time I met and heard Raj I was absolutely overwhelmed by his voice, songwriting ability and genuinely modest and humble nature. We became close friends and I booked him for many shows over the following years. Raj has had a constant presence on Southampton’s music scene and I have had the pleasure of seeing his unique style of songwriting develop over the last 16 years.
I have admired him as a friend and an artist over these years. He has always been an incredibly reliable artist. I can’t remember a single time when he hasn’t played a show I have asked him to perform at. Whether he’s had a cold or had to rearrange his plans he has always turned up and delivered a smashing set.
When it comes to writing songs Raj is the most prolific songwriter I have met. It has long been a running joke of ours whenever we meet when he says “I have a new song to play you” and yet most of the time he has several new songs written. It has become a trademark of his to play with a tambourine at his feet. He is a multi instrumentalist switching between ukulele, mandolin and acoustic guitars. He often plays songs that combine harmonica and kazoo too.
His style is individual and completely unique. His songs range from delicate folk songs with lyrics that tell inspiring stories to catchy foot-stomping blues numbers that make you get up on your feet and sing along. Songs that stay with you and you find yourself singing in your head for weeks and months later.
So this recording is personally special to me. Since I have known Raj I have constantly encouraged him to get his songs recorded, mainly to back up my belief that he will inspire and move people equally as much as I have been inspired and moved by his music. To this day and to my knowledge he hasn’t recorded or released any of his songs.
So needless to say, when he agreed to record a version of Tricks I was ecstatic.
He recorded this at Blackhill Studios with producer Tom Gibson. It was a proud moment and emotionally moving for me to watch and hear him record, his wonderful version of this song. I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart and I hope that this is just the beginning of his recording journey and it isn’t the last we will hear from him. I’ll keep nagging him 😉
Raj frequently plays live shows and I fully recommend that you go and see him. I am honoured to play alongside him and Jack Dale for a unique music show we do called Three Guys One Egg so keep an eye out for those.
Steve Lowis - Original Songwriter
The Real Raj - Guitar & Vocals
Track 8 - Broken - Mitch Wiseman
Track 8 is Broken and has been recorded, and cleverly re-worked by Mitch Wiseman.
Mitch is a composer, multi instrumentalist musician and producer based in Southampton. His music is very experimental, mixing contemporary classical instruments and more unusual instruments like his cellotar, with electronic beats and effects. He is a freelance composer writing pieces for film, tv and corporate industries.
He released his first album ‘Semblance of Reason’ in 2016 with guest vocals and co-writing with Catherine Elliot and Victor Ukaegbu. It is a stunning album from start to finish and well worth a listen, especially I’ve discovered, if you’re travelling and have time to lose yourself in it. His album is available from the links below.
I met Mitch when I started recording at Blackhill Studios in 2016 and have since become friends. He was keen to record a song from the album and ‘put his spin on it’. As with all of these songs for Chapters Recovered I allowed him freedom to be creative with it and was excited to see what he would come up with.
I was incredibly thrilled to hear the final version. I was so impressed and overwhelmed with his remix, it’s so great to hear my songs in completely different style. Mitch is an incredibly talented songwriter and musician and I’m in awe of his work and abilities.
Steve Lowis - Original Songwriter
Mitch Wiseman - Composer & Various Instruments
Track 9 - Day One - Katherine O’Neal & Morgan Rickman
Track 9 is Day One and was lovingly re-worked by the fantastic musicians Katherine O’Neal and Morgan Rickman.
I first saw Katherine O’Neal perform at The Talking Heads, a great music venue in Southampton which is sadly no longer open. Her voice and style of song writing was so unique and refreshing to hear. She has a delicateness to her songwriting which blend in so well with her well worked lyrical craftsmanship. In 2018 she released 3 singles ‘Make it yours’, ‘Without a Sound’ and ‘Take it Slow’ which later appeared on her stunning album ‘Giving in to You’. In 2019 she changed her stage name to March, moved to London and continues to record and release under this name.
During her time in Southampton she was joined by the exceptionally talented guitarist Morgan Rickman and double bass player Frazer Pearce. Morgan joined her on this rendition of Day One which shows off his guitar playing ability and compliments Katherine’s multi-layered vocal lines. I’m so greateful to have had the opportunity to witness their live performances and to have them record such an inspiring version of this song. Make sure you keep an eye out for March and Morgan, who I feel are destined for great things in the music industry. Thank you to you both.
Steve Lowis - Original Songwriter
Kitty O'Neal - Vocals & Guitar
Morgan Rickman - Guitars
Track 10 - A Song for a Sad Soul - Jonathan Fashole-Luke & Louie Sinacola
The final track on the album is A Song for a Sad Soul, this beautiful version was reworked by the phenomenally talented Jonathan Fashole-Luke with guest vocalist Louie Sinacola.
I was so excited when J agreed to work on this song to draw the project to a close. I have known him for many years and have watched his music career go from strength to strength. He is an incredibly impressive piano player and multi-instrumentalist and this hasn’t gone unnoticed, making appearances on Jules Holland and festival line-ups at Glastonbury, Isle of Wight Festival, Jazz Festivals and many more. He has accompanied members of Basement Jaxx, Jurassic 5, Sugar Hill Gang, All Saints and the London Community Gospel Choir as well as supporting the Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, Newton Falkner, Alexander Burke, Tynchy Strider and Ugly Duckling both as a solo musician and with his hip-hop band Route-to-Roots.
J has played a key role in the Southampton music scene where he orgainises the majority of the jazz, R&B and hip hop nights as well as open mic and corporate events with his company Golden Groove Entertainment. He has helped support singers and musicians from around the area who perform with him at these various shows. Louie Sinacola was one of these singers whom I heard at one of his nights. She has a wonderful voice and after some persuasion (as she hadn’t recorded in a studio before) she agreed to accompany him at Blackhill Studios which resulted in the stunning rendition of this song.
Thank you to Jonathan and Louie for the time they spent working on this song. It is the perfect end to the album and project and I am so proud to have had so many talented people involved in it.
Steve Lowis - Original Songwriter
Jonathan Fashole-Luke - Piano
Louie Sinacola - Vocals
This project brought together some of my favourite singer songwriters and musicians. Southampton is brimming with talented artists and I am so pleased to have been able to capture their musical skills on this record. The album is available for you to download from my store now!
Thank you all.