Smithy by John Bisset

Solo Improvisations recorded in Luke Lister's Smithy, Stockport, on the 3rd November 2003. My birth town. My 43rd birthday.

Dedicated to David Bisset-Smith 1923 - 1994

Some of the improvisations are based on songs from 'The Scottish Student's Songbook' which was given to my father when he started at St Andrew's University. We sang heartily from this book throughout my childhood.

Thanks : Chris Cherry and Katie Myers, and to my cousins Martin Lister and Karen Gilston and their respective partners Jane and Phil.

Cover photograph of the Smithy under the Stockport Viaduct: Anon. 1905
Back cover photograph: Phil Gilston
Inside photograph: Self-portrait 'headless'

'Couching in a niche where silent reflection and the exposition of himself meet, John paints splashing small drops of fretboard knowledge that leave a door slightly open, like he wanted us to peek into his own private moments without entering or disturbing his flux of thought.' Massimo Richi. Touching Extremes. April 2004

Originally released January 2004 as 213CD017

Guitarist, improviser, composer, and film maker since 1977.
johnbisset.net