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the barclay james harvest magazine #49, June 2000

Contentsnews 4feedback special: revival 8album portfolio: revival - live 1999 12background - the highland clearances 14debate: the internet 18john and woolly at Saar TV 20competition results 21marketplace 22

Creditscontributors: pete noons; woolly wolstenholme; stefan lauer;

graham wheelwright; paul ferris; steve hingley;wiebke conrad; robert kooijman; janet iles; mattash; stu berry; knut skyberg; michael stridde;ingrid kuhlmann; jan christensen; carl jacobs;christian haberer; uwe strubbe; ulli h�sch;philippe plazenet; claire powell; robert philpott;even j. ottersland; lorna price; heather went;john grey; kevin ringrose

next issue: last copy date 20th Julyavailable end of August

membership fees: UK: �8.00Europe: �10.00Elsewhere: �12.00

The International BJH Fan ClubHamble Reach, Oslands Lane

Lower SwanwickSouthampton SO31 7EG

01489 572787New fax: 0870 162 9935

e-mail: ibjhfc@bjharvest.co.ukWeb Site: http://www.bjharvest.co.uk

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News

THE TOUR THAT NEVER WAS...

As German club members will already be aware, much of our time in the last couple ofmonths has been taken up in countering incorrect information about concerts in Mayand June. The fact of the matter is that John and Woolly and their band were nevercontracted to do any concerts, but in spite of this, concerts were not only advertised,but tickets also went on sale for some venues.

A German promoter had been approached about possible concerts to promote theRevival - Live 1999 album, but terms were never agreed. However, somebody jumpedthe gun and started selling the “tour”.

Apologies to fans who were disappointed, but we’d like to stress that this was not thefault of the band, their management or agents. This kind of negotiation is standardpractice in the music industry, but to put tickets on sale when the artists have notagreed to do the shows is not!

One good thing which came out of all this was proof of the value of the Internet - wewere able to get instant reports from fans about advertising and venues selling ticketsand keep the band and management in the picture. At the same time, we could warnfans via e-mail and the web site that the concerts were not confirmed and that theyshould think very carefully before buying tickets. Of course, we also sent a normalmailshot to puzzled German club members who were wondering why we hadn’t toldthem about the imminent tour, to ensure that fans who weren’t on the Net were notmisled into buying tickets or, worse still, turning up for a non-existent concert.

As ever, IBJHFC is the one place where you will get the real gen about Barclay JamesHarvest and its members’ activities. Rest assured that if there is a tour confirmed, wewill write to all club members with details, even if the news breaks between magazines.

Real Tour Plans For 2000!

Negotiations are in progress with (different!) promoters with a view to playing concertsin the autumn in a number of European countries, including the UK and Germany. Thereis a possibility of summer festivals as well, but dates already advertised forGelsenkirchen and Landshut in August should again be treated with caution, as theyhave not been agreed and are now unlikely to take place. For the long-suffering Britishfans, apologies again for the delay, but Woolly and John are determined to play liveover here again, and it will happen sooner rather than later...

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Revival Released

Revival - Live 1999 was released byEagle Records (EAGCD 120) on March27th (March 20th in Germany). Initialreactions were encouraging, with a verygood review from Malcolm Dome in theApril issue of Classic Rock magazine,one by Tim Jones in Record Collector[see p.7], and a unanimous thumbs upfrom fans [see reviews starting on p.8].

IBJHFC featured heavily in the albumcredits - not just with our address, butbecause club members IngridKuhlmann, Gregor Lellek and AndreasGab took some of the photos used onthe inside of the CD insert.

Classic Rock also featured “For No One”from Revival on the free cover CD of itsMay edition, and there was a largeadvert in April’s Record Collector.

In response to all those who askedabout plans for the remaining foursongs from the concerts to be released,the answer is that they will be backagain, but we can’t say how or when!One idea is to release a limited editiondouble CD of Revival along the samelines as Eagle’s recent Yes album, TheLadder. This would coincide with thetour planned for later this year, and wewould hope to be able to do a specialdeal for club members.

Another possibility is to make the bonusCD available at the concerts themselvesor as a fan club release. Whatever isdecided, it’s likely that you’ll be able toget the extra songs (“Suicide?”,“Brother Thrush”, “Mr. E” and “Hymn”)on CD before the year is out.

Les Album News

In a long telephone conversation inApril, Les sounded upbeat andenthusiastic as he reported that he nowhad over an album’s worth of newmaterial close to completion.

Following on from his previous report,where he had plenty of ballads but lessquicker material, he now has a total ofsix big ballads, seven up-temponumbers and five mid to up-tempo.From these, he has selected two of thebig ballads, five of the up-tempo songsand three mid-tempo numbers and isworking on them at present.

When he’s happy with these songs, theywill be presented to the managementbefore any decisions are made. Les ishoping that he will have eight or moretracks completely finished before thestart of the summer holidays.

Unfortunately we can’t give you anyworking titles as yet, as the lyrics will bethe last thing to be written (Les’sfavourite places to write lyrics are,apparently, driving the car or in thebath!). However, he did reveal that,writing-wise, if not necessarily in thearragements, some of the songs have asinger-songwriter feel to them. He alsoadded that he would probably be doingmost of it by himself, as he has setideas of the way things should bearranged.

Les’s final comment should reassure allBJH fans, especially those who havebeen waiting impatiently for his album:

“I’ll get something out as soon as I can!”

News

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News

New! Watches withBJH Design

We have a new BJH-item to sellexclusively through the club: BJHwatches.

These are quality watches with a fiveyear guarantee and original SONYbatteries for longer life. They are lightbut strong and shockproof with scratchresistant glass, and hand sewn blackleather strap.

The clock face shows the XII butterflywith the four faces and, surprisingly, a“XII” in the right place!

All watches come individually packagedin round metal luxury gift boxes, and wewill be able to sell them at �15.00 in theUK, �16.00 in Europe and �17.00elsewhere. Just use the fan club orderform in the middle of this magazine,where you will find all the usual detailsof how to order. At the time of going toprint, we are expecting to receive thefinished watches some time in June, andwe are now accepting advance orders.Cheques, credit card payments etc. willnot be banked until we are ready todespatch the watches.

Very special thanks go to club memberIngrid Kuhlmann, who not only came upwith the idea, but also spent a lot of hertime to see the design and production ofthe watches through from start to finishwith some help from her colleague,Hartmut D�bbel.

John & Woolly onVH-1 Germany

John and Woolly finally appeared on VH-1 Germany’s Hoch 5 (“High 5”), whereartists choose their five favouritevideos, on January 8th. The programmewas transmitted at midday and again at8 o’clock in the evening German time.Here’s what they chose:-

Blur - “Song 2”John: “We chose this because it’s areally good song, and at a time whenit’s one-hit wonders, Blur are one of thebands that have come through that.Very inventive, and it’s a great single”.

The Lightning Seeds with Baddiel &Skinner - “Three Lions”Woolly: “... not because I love it, butbecause I loathe it!”

Eric Clapton - “Layla” (unplugged)John: “A classic”.

Kate Bush - “Wuthering Heights”Woolly: “I used to live not far awayfrom the place where the author of thebook on which this song was basedlived. That place was Howarth in WestYorkshire, the song was “WutheringHeights” and it’s sung here by theinimitable Kate Bush.” (spoils effect bymaking decidedly non-PC gesture withcupped hands!).

Peter Gabriel - “Biko”John: “I picked this because it looks likethe five guys - policemen - who wereinvolved in his murder have lost thecase for amnesty and at some point aregoing to come to trial and receivejustice”.

[Many thanks to Wiebke Conrad]

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News

Maestoso CD

The release of the Maestoso CD onBrimstone has been somewhat delayed,as we are still looking into having itpressed ourselves. We are aiming at arelease date later this year, hopefully intime for any live dates. As ever, we willkeep you informed of any progress.

...Other ShortReviews...

BARCLAYJAMES HARVEST(Through The Eyes Of John Lees)RevivalEagle EGCD 120 (74:36)________________________________

BJH originals John Lees and WoollyWolstenholme are joined by three chums for alive Euro tour and the result is this enjoyablecollection of mostly vintage BJH material andsome newer fare. There are faithful renditionsof old faves like “She Said”, which oozes fuzz-guitar class, the magnificent “Mockingbird”and wonderful 60s pastoral timepiece,“Galadriel”. “For No One” is one of a few tunesthat get a somewhat over-enthusiastic choraletreatment, “New Song” fails to really inspire,and there’s a bum drum solo. Nonetheless,the minstrely “Festival” (in Woolly’s “BlackBox” style) tootles along nicely, and rare liveoutings for the likes of classic prog piecessuch as “The Iron Maiden” and 70sbackwaters such as “Harbour” are majorbonuses. The rest is all very agreeable andanyone with a penchant for well-stated but notoverblown pomp should give this a whirl.

Tim Jones

Record Collector No. 249, May 2000

Barclay James HarvestThrough The Eyes Of John Lees‘Revival’(Eagle EAGCD 120)

This album will make the blood of anyself-respecting BJH fan boil withfrustration. Why? Because this is a livealbum, recorded on the band’s 1999European tour - one which didn’t includeany UK shows - and the fact that it isquite magnificent merely compounds theirritation that, for whatever reason, one ofthis country’s greatest ever rock bandscouldn’t even get to play one gig overhere.

But in the absence of the band in theflesh, ‘Revival’ is a more than adequatesubstitute. Sonically, atmospherically,emotionally and musically, it is beyondreproach, as the Barclays deliver astunning performance that makes evenperennial live favourites such as ‘PoorMan’s Moody Blues’ and ‘Mocking Bird’sound fresher and more vital thanthey’ve done for years.

The return of founder member andkeyboardist/singer ‘Woolly’Wolstenholme has provided a renewedimpetus, adding flavour and substanceto tracks like ‘The Iron Maiden’ and‘Festival!’. The only down side is thatthere seems little chance of BJH bringingthis superb album to life in the UK.That’s a tragedy which must beaddressed - and very soon.Malcolm Dome

Classic Rock, April 2000

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Revival:The Artwork

The packaging is attractive withoutbeing over-fussy, and it is obvious thatconsiderable thought and care has goneinto it. It also reveals one of prog-rock'smost closely-guarded secrets - BJHhave got a sense of humour!

Graham Wheelwright

The design is very clean, it's strikingand although the overall look is brightand modern, there are references to thepast not only with the butterfly but withsome of the fonts used. Very clever,whoever (albeit I suspect Woolly) cameup with the design. It's got my vote andfrom a design point of view, I muchprefer it to the Nexus design.

Paul Ferris

Had to laugh when I saw the insidecover - yes it has got 'balls' - Woolly - Ithink we get the drift......!

Steve Hingley

The album is super-mega-giganticallygood!! Especially the photos!!

Wiebke Conrad

The SoundMartin Lawrence' production is alsoimpressive. A compact, solid, clear andat the same time full sound is not easyto achieve, but he has managed to doso: compliments!

Robert Kooijman

Martin Lawrence must also becomplimented for his production -perhaps his best work for the band.

Graham Wheelwright

The MusicWhat a terrific album!!!Listening to it is a quite specialexperience. Everything is there:John's vocals and guitar work both intop notch condition, Woolly's subtle buteffective and tasteful keyboardarrangements, all this complemented byexcellent work from Craig, Kevin andJeff. What strikes me in this album isthat the guys perform truly as acoherent band. It seems they had agood time on stage, surely of benefit tothe music. This live performance standsout with head and shoulders above mostother live work I heard on CD, just liketheir older masterpiece Live Tapes from‘78. The latter features e.g. a moreprominently mixed Mellotron, aninstrument which in the hands of Woollyoften adds even more feel and emotionto the music. Another source ofpleasure are the well played, realaccoustic drums: also excellentlyrecorded here.What can one ask more: great songs,performed in such an organic, emotionalway, this wettens the appetite for more.Congratulations guys!

Robert Kooijman

This is altogether a wonderful CD. Themusic sounds so fresh, and the yearshave not diminished John and Woolly'svoices or their expertise on guitar andkeyboards. "River of Dreams" iscurrently playing. This version isbrilliant, and feels absolutely right forthe "mood" of the song. Somehow inits original presentation I felt the lyricsdid not really match the catchy natureof the tune, although it was one that Iliked very much. John's voice on RoD ismelodic and beautiful, and it iscomplimented by the superb piano workof Jeff Leach. I love the intro to “PoorMan's Moody Blues” - it’s so delicateand light. I know several people feel

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Your Reviewsthis would not have been missed on thisnew album, but this particular versionhas a delicate feel to it, and John'swonderful guitar solo comes inhauntingly in the middle - magic stuff! Ireally do love "New Song" - The words,as in many of Woolly's songs, are verypowerful. I wonder if he is relating hisown experience? It’s brilliant the waythat the rest of the band come floodingin after the first few lines, and it givesme a real lift - sounds great onheadphones, and John's guitar solo isvery haunting yet again. This is classicBJH imo. It seems obvious to me thatJohn and Woolly are really enjoyingwhat they are doing.

Janet Iles

I've just received a copy of Revival as apresent and I'm blown away bythe performances on this disc. “PoorMan's Moody Blues” and “Loving IsEasy” sound, to me, the best they everhave. This is a true rock album whichdisplays the refined musicianship,incredible instrumental ability and sheerenthusiasm of a truly superb band.Excellent stuff.

Matt Ash

Revival? YES! New balls!I finally tracked down Revival on theHigh Street, and first impressions (lessthan three complete listens) suggest tome that it takes a giant leap backwards- towards the glory days of BarclayJames Harvest. This album containssome magnificent performances,shedding new light on old vaults. Thereis some beautiful piano work from JeffLeach, who should be incorporated fullyinto the band. Woolly does some greatvocal work on, for example, "She Said","The Iron Maiden" and "Loving Is Easy"(I love the harmonica on the latter too).One of the highlights of the album mustsurely be the beautiful newinterpretation of “River Of Dreams”.

John's voice is on top form here -I'm not sure if I've ever heard himsound better. I just wish that allthe verses had been included, becauseit is so beautiful, but it ends too soon(likewise, 'Harbour' is far too short).Other highlights have got to be “For NoOne” and “Loving Is Easy”, possibly thebest version of these two I have everheard. Yeah, this album rocks a bit!Dare I whisper the suggestion that'REVIVAL' IS THE BEST THING THATHAS HAPPENED TO BARCLAY JAMESHARVEST SINCE 'GONE TO EARTH'?

Graham Wheelwright

Everything really fits together: thecover, the booklet and, of course, themusic. But where has the concertatmosphere gone? However, it’s themusic that counts, and that is great asever!

Wiebke Conrad

I'm not a huge fan of live albums, inthat they almost never capture eitherthe essence of the live show or have arunning order bearing any relation tothe actual show. However, to me,Revival feels reminiscent of BJH Live,in that it reveals a bunch of musicianshaving a great time producing somesplendid music. I also love the way theintroductions and rough edges havebeen left on, although I expect thatmany won't! Highlights? Well, each tohis own really, but I'd go for "For NoOne", "Poor Man's" and "River ofDreams". The latter is a revelation andthe stripped down approach gives thesong a new dimension. Has John eversung so well live? The only criticism Icould make is that this really shouldhave been a double CD with the wholeshow. The band sound enthusiastic andthere's a camaraderie between themthat certainly wasn't there with the 3man BJH line-up.

Stu Berry

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ReviewsWow! This was a pleasant surprise!Being rather sceptical towards liverecordings my expectations were nottoo high. But this was a completelydifferent experience compared withother live albums I know. The old songscame forward so revitalized, and thenew songs were also up to a very highstandard. Cheers to the recording andmixing team! And not to forget theband! My only reservation is that I nowreally regret not going down toGermany last year to catch the tour. Imust admit I felt sad when BJH split up,and I was afraid that this was the end ofthe band. But John carrying on andbringing in Woolly on keyboards was abrilliant idea. (Welcome after, Les! Youtoo have much more to give.) "SheSaid" sounds fresher than ever, "PoorMan's Moody Blues" once again tearsmy heart apart, and "The Iron Maiden"is also gentle yet powerful. TheMellotron makes you believe there's afull symphony orchestra backing thegroup. Even yet another version (howmany different do we have so far?) of"Mocking Bird" is justified. Of the newersongs I enjoyed most "New Song" and"Star Bright". About "New Song": Thepainful end of a love affair is describedwith passion. Most of you recall thisfeeling all too well. About "Star Bright":If you have ever seen the bright shiningeyes of a woman in love with you, youknow what star bright is! The mood ofthis song is blue and the lyricsreflective. The song builds up to theguitar intermezzo, a chorus and finallythe Mellotron takes over and leaves youspellbound.

Knut Skyberg

At last, after so many years a live CDfrom BJH, and then it’s such a goodone, even if it’s not from all members ofBJH. Maybe it’s a new start, a newphase of the band, no matter howthings will go on with BJH. Revivaldiffers from most of their live albums.

Woolly is back on stage. He has put alot into the current band: Joy of playing,optimism, experience; the things thatmake a good musician. The liveatmosphere is different from the bigBerlin concerts as well. It seems as ifeverything is concentrating on the songsrather than on the excessive screechingof the audience. The voices of John andWoolly are expressive, clear and verystrong. The album is not boring, it’s gotthat “something”. I think that all BJHfans are waiting for many concerts tofollow.

Michael Stridde

Firstly, many thanks for choosing one ofmy photos for the cover and mentioningmy name! The surprise was perfect, andI must admit to a few tears of joy.Listening to the CD, I remember themany wonderful events of the last tour,and it makes me look forward to thenext tour. However, I am a littledisappointed that the live charactersuffers. The great atmosphere of thistour doesn’t show at all, neither in theaudience nor on stage. It’s a pity thatthe applause is so short, because I canconfirm that the audience didn’t holdback the applause as it seems on theCD. All in all it’s a wonderful album thatI wouldn’t like to miss.

Ingrid Kuhlmann

I like the choice of songs. It’s great tohear some old stuff reworked plus songsnever performed live before. Of coursewe’ve had our share of “Poor Man’sMoody Blues” but luckily they’vereworked this one quite a bit, whichmeans it stands out as one of thehighlights. The only thing I miss is a bitmore rework on some of the songs thathave been performed on former livealbums. Besides Woolly’s very strongvocal performance on “For No One” thearrangement is very much like earlierversions. “She Said” is also very closebut ok, it’s a matter of taste. Still it’s a

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Reviewsdamn good album. Another great thingis that they’ve kept the announcementand the good spirit between songs. Itgives the whole project a bit more“down to earth” feeling and it’s obviousthat Woolly’s entry has a good deal todo with this.

Jan Christensen

What a cracking live album! John Lees isfor me one of the four lyricists andpoets of the latter part of the 20thCentury. His guitar always seemsunderstated even when rocking, so it’sno surprise that my favourites are “SheSaid” and “Poor Man’s Moody Blues” andI enjoyed the new song. All the songsthough are well played and the bandseemed to have jelled into a tight unit.Please let’s have the four remainingsongs released as a job lot.

Carl Jacobs

The new live CD is great. The memoriesreally come back. I like the quieterversion of "River Of Dreams" and themore rhythmic version of "Brave NewWorld" best. John’s recorder solo in"She Said" and my favourite song "PoorMan's Moody Blues" make me dream.Let’s hope for more live concerts, whichI can hopefully enjoy with my wife.

Christian Haberer

I really like the live CD, although I thinkthat fans of live CDs don’t get all theywant, as the live feeling is missing a bit.For me the CD is rather a reminder of 3great concerts in 1999!!!!

Uwe Strubbe

John’s voice is in great condition: hesings really nice sounds (Woolly singslouder instead). The band in in thecurrent line-up works very well; Woollywith his subtle, effectiveaccompaniment and Jeff with his ratherpiano-orientated style complement eachother very well as keyboarders.

Ulli H�sch

It’s an absolutely superb album and thetitle is very appropriate. There is nodoubt, John is always as good and hisguitar still makes us dream.... The sameis true for Woolly and his keyboards.- In the piece For No One, I reallyenjoyed John and Woolly’s singing duo.The guitar solo is dazzling but too short.- Regarding the The Iron Maiden, I thinkthat this live version is better than theoriginal studio recording. John’s guitaris very subtle and Woolly’s keyboardsare captivating.- This new Mocking Bird follows onseamlessly from Hors d’Oeuvre and it isas lovely as in Berlin - A concert for thePeople or other live versions. The finaleis striking but too short for my liking.- In this version of Harbour, it’s ashame that the entire end is missingwhich gives this piece an unfinishedfeeling.- This version of River of Dreams isamazing. It’s full of softness and John’svoice makes it very engrossing.- Poor Man’s Moody Blues is splendid.His piano introduction brings a revival tothis piece. Then, it’s the piano againbefore John’s solo, as sumptuous asever, and a delicious ending. Thisversion has made me tremble evenwithout Les’s bass guitar.- I found the version of Brave NewWorld very original, jazzy and verylively to dance to.- When I first listened to Loving is Easy,it surprised me but in fact this piece issuperb; the rhythm, John’s guitar, verypresent throughout the piece, and asumptuous finale. Good work.- Regarding Star Bright, nothing to say,it’s a dazzling song in concert. Only onecriticism of this album. Craig’s bassguitar and Kevin’s drums are a bit onthe set back. There is no doubt, Les andMel are irreplaceable. Craig and Kevinare good, but ... I can’t wait to seethem in concert in Europe or maybe inFrance (my home country) beforesummer.

Philippe Plazenet

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Album Portfolio

A Devilish IntroShe SaidFestival!

For No OneThe Iron Maiden

Hors d'Oeuvre/Mocking BirdHarbour

River Of DreamsPoor Man’s Moody Blues

New SongBrave New World

GaladrielLoving Is Easy

Star Bright

UK Release Date: 27-03-00UK Catalogue No.: Eagle Records EAGCD 120

Recording Details

Recording Dates:8th April 1999: Gera, Kultur- und Kongresszentrum27th April, 1999: N�rnberg, Forum29th April, 1999: Hamburg, Fabrik30th April, 1999: Nordhausen, Zeltfest2nd May, 1999: Jork, Altl�nder Festhalle6th May, 1999: Bern, Theater im National

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Recording Engineer:Martin Lawrence

Mixing Studio:Friarmere Studios, Saddleworth,November/December, 1999

Mixing Engineer:Martin Lawrence, assisted by John Lees,Woolly Wolstenholme and Craig Fletcher

Mastering Studio:Hatch Farm Studios, Addlestone, Surrey

Artwork:Concept by Woolly Wolstenholme,realised by Curt Evans

Now, for a unique insight into theway in which a live album is puttogether, over to a Mr. S. J.Wolstenholme:-

“The recordings were made on theFriarmere ADAT machines directly fromthe desk (what went to tape was notnecessarily what was heard on the night- but things could always be rectified onmix!) and as each ADAT tape of 8 trackslasts 74 minutes and the show time was90 to 100 minutes Martin had to choosea point in the show to remove one setof 3 tapes and replace them with blanksfor the rest of the songs. Sometimes itwas in the middle of a number and atother times at the end.

What we ended up with was 6 shows(36+ tapes) from which to assemble thealbum. A set of listening copies of all thetracks was made, the tapes being runwithout full mixing onto CDRs and fromthese we chose the final 19 items.

Some things became apparent onlistening. The "best" Galadriel justended (no applause); The right BraveNew World didn't end with the rightdrum solo & the choice for Starbrightwas the one and only time where Johnbreaks a string! and so on...

These choices were made, for the mostpart, on the feel of the song rather thantechnical considerations. Lead vocalswere given priority so none of thesewere changed or repaired; backingvocals were doubled; drums weresacrosanct naturally and only glaringerrors on the other instruments werepatched and those were (thankfully)few.

However, as in 1974 (these things comeback to haunt) the Mellotron wasjittering and (as then) the three songsaffected had a further mellotron trackadded to bolster the original.

During mastering, the tracks (mixedindividually with faded intro and exits)were glued together with a few “wild”applause inserts though these were onlyused to smoothe the transition.

So there you have it! The recordingsproved to all that this band has its ownsound and its own way of presentingthese classic BJH songs and beyond withenergy and conviction. It’s a shame thatwe have no tapes of “Cheap The Bullet”and “Medicine Man” from the summerfestivals, but Revival bears testimony tothe capabilities of the musiciansconcerned and to a good sounding, wellmixed live performance.”

Woolly

Revival - Live 1999

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Forever Yesterday:Many of the songs of BJH have dealtwith social issues not just as generalprotests but as specific comments onevents which have occurred and areoccurring in the world. Some carry amessage which is clear to all who listen,but there are a few which concernthemselves with a particular time and/orplace which invite further investigation.One such is “Forever Yesterday”, John’ssong from the CiTL album. It reflectsupon a period of time in British historyin which a disregard for basic humanrights led to the destruction of largesections of Highland Scottish society.Though John did not draw anydeliberate comparisons to more recentevents, the similarities to the Balkans,Indonesia and East Africa are chillinglyall too clear.

Though the direct origins of theclearances lay with the defeat of theJacobites at the “Battle of CullodenMoor” (1746), the roots of the tragedylie much further back in time. Since the11 - 12th centuries a division had begunto emerge between the Highlanders andthe Lowlanders of Scotland. TheLowland Scot had increasingly begun toadopt the customs and language of theEnglish which drove a wedge betweenthem and the Gaelic speaking “WildHielander”. Misunderstanding, mistrustand animosity became the traditionalview each held for the other, though itdid not stop the Scottish politicians andnobles from calling upon theHighlanders to come to fight for them intime of war. Thus it was when the“Bonnie Prince Charlie attempted tocapture the throne from the OrangeKing George of England. The bulk of thecommon Jacobite force defeated atCulloden was made up from Highlandwarriors. For them there was noromantic flight from the battle fieldinstead many were massacred by thered coated troops on the orders of “The

Butcher” the Duke of Cumberland.

As the victorious forces of King Georgespread throughout the region the“Harrying of the Glens” destroyed crops,cattle and homes. The highlanders wereeither murdered, left to starve or evensold as slaves to the American colonies.Such activity was backed by theGovernment of London and supportedby many Lowland and PresbyterianScots who despised the CatholicNortherners. Two acts of Parliamentwere passed to deliberately attempt toeradicate the social and cultural heart ofHighland life. The Proscription act(1746), forbade occupants of theHighlands and Islands from bearingArms, speaking in Gaelic, playing thebagpipes and/or wearing any garmentmade from Tartan. The HeritableJurisdiction Act (1747), went far further,though it’s impact was to take sometime to be truly understood. In effect itremoved the hierarchy of the clansystem by stripping the “Clan Chiefs” oftheir control. Those chiefs who resistedhad their lands forfeited and given overto the government. Those who acceptedwere left bereft of pride and purpose.Many drifted to the cities in the southwhere they either lost interest in theirkinsmen or developed a taste for the“high life” of contemporary society. Inone deliberate stroke the ancientmanner of maintaining order in thehighlands was removed without anyattempt to replace it with an alternative.And so the scene was set for theclearances to begin.

Traditionally highland farmers or“cottars” (those so poor they could notown any land or property), would worka “rig” a thin strip of land which wasoften insufficient in itself to meet theneeds of the crofter and his family. Thusa man would work a “run” of rigs not

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The Highland Clearancesnecessarily joined together, hence“Runrig”. This land was owned by theClan chief who would devolve therunning of such affairs to “Tacksmen”.Owners of a “tack” (a lease for an areaof the land), would in turn rent out thestrips to the crofters who paid them forthe privilege of working the land.When the lands became forfeit theTacksmen were themselves stripped oftheir lease holds. Alternatively pressurewas put on them to produce greaterprofits for their new masters in Londonand Edinburgh.

As the costs of living in high societymounted many of the “expatriate” chiefsbegan to seek new sources of revenueto pay for their affluent lifestyle. ThoseTacksmen who still remained could notsupply them with the finances theydesired. However the industrialrevolution and its associatedurbanisation of many parts of Britainwas creating new demand for moreintensive and productive farming. Thesheep farmers of Lowland Scotlandfaced an increased call for wool andmeat. With the hardy nature of the newstrain of “Cheviot” and “Black facedLinton” sheep introduced in the 1790’sthe highland glens provided a perfectsource of land for them to graze. Aprofitable solution was at hand for boththe sheep farmers and the now amoralland owners. That these hills (braes)and valleys (straths), were alreadyoccupied was of little consequence tothe greedy and avaricious land owners.A programme of evicting the inhabitantsof the land to make way for the sheepwas begun, the successes of which inturn encouraged other landlords to dolikewise as the money it generatedbecame apparent.

To cover the whole of the clearances isbeyond the scope of an article such as

this, not simply because of theconstraints of length, but also becauseso much of the brutality of the eventswould not make for suitable inclusion inwhat is to an extent a family magazine.It is best perhaps then to concentrateon some of the deeds and individualswhich John himself mentions in thelyrics.

At the beginning of the 19th Centurythe richest landowner in Britain was theMarquess of Stafford who inherited vastestates in England. His marriage toElizabeth Gordon - the Countess ofSutherland - allowed him access to2/3rds of the lands of Sutherland andmuch of Caithness which she owned. Itis sometimes claimed by modernapologists that the Marquess was asocial reformer who, so appalled at thepoor conditions in which manyHighlanders eked out their existenceembarked upon the clearance programas a deliberate attempt to force thefamilies into a newer lifestyle whichwould help bring “an educated andindustrious application” to their lives.This incredulous fallacy derives from theboasts of Stafford’s prime agent PatrickSellar whose own efficiency and

Elizabeth Gordon - Countess of Sutherland

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Forever Yesterday:

organisational skills were able totransform the clearances in 1807 from amere 90 families to an horrific 2,000families per day.

In 1813 Sellar and his men began toprepare for the clearance of the banksof “Kildonan” in the Caithness valley.This was to prompt the beginning of theonly real rebellion to the ethniccleansing. Though the revolt was quicklycrushed by the arrival of the army itcould be argued that from that point onthe clearances were to become far morebrutal and murderous.

The following year it was the turn ofStrathnaver in Sutherland to be“improved by the Countess and herhusband. To avoid any chance ofresistance a scorched earth policy wasadopted. A family ordered from theirhome would watch as it was set ablazebehind them to ensure there was nopossibility of a later clandestine return.If individuals were slow to get out thenthe fire was started with the haplessvictim still inside. Horrific accounts existof the elderly and/or disabled beingdeliberately burnt whilst the familieswere forced to watch on.

Any items which may have been of useto the dispossed were deliberatelydestroyed, furniture spare clothes,cooking materials and even wood tolight fires with were denied them.

Driven down to the coastal areas someof the highlanders managed to surviveby farming the Kelp (seaweed), thoughas the land was still legally owned bythe landlords they (the farmers), weresoon deprived even the money madefrom this task when it showed signs ofbeing moderately profitable. Many hadno option but to turn their backs on thebeloved homeland and emigrate toAmerica. In 1831 58,000 left and thenext year around 60,000 followed them.

Lady Stafford - the Countess ofSutherland - observing the starvingrefugees wrote to an English friend:

“Scotch people are of a happierconstitution and do not fatten like thelarger breed of animals.”

A form of relief came in the 1820’swhen through the highly romanticisedwritings of Sir Walter Scott thehighlands became a popular place for

A "cleared" familysleeping outdoors.Uist 1895

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The Highland Clearancesthe Royal family and the Englisharistocracy. A slow down in theclearances took place though it was tobe only temporary. Ironically this wasdone so that the sheep could be clearedin part to allow the flourishing of theRed Deer, the hunting of which was sopopular amongst the nobility. Whilst itdid not mean that the displaced familieswere allowed to return it did give somea chance to establish sufficientresources to survive.

Then in 1838 the potato blight that sodevastated Ireland also struck theHighlands. Whilst thousands starved the“Slow Down” came to an end and in1842 the next wave of clearancesbegan. For a short while the pressbecame interested in the events in thenorth, to the extent of even sendingreporters to the region to cover thestory. Such concern though soon fadedwhen Britain and her allies went to warwith Russia in the Crimea.

The evictions were to carry onin a systematic fashion for thenext twenty years. Thoughsmaller programmes were stilltaking place right up to thebeginning of the 20th century.By the end whole areas ofnorthern Scotland and theHebrides were left decimated.The population either dead oremigrated to America, Australiaor Canada.

In 1872 a parliamentarycommittee was set up toinvestigate the claim thattenant farmers were beingevicted to clear the land fordeer farming. As they had infact been cleared for sheep

and not deer the committee reportedfinding no evidence to support theclaims.

Those few who remained saw theirsociety dying and even to this day manyHighland communities face a struggle tokeep themselves viable. As recently as1948 evictions of crofters took place inKnoydart, and those who are interestedcan find present day accounts of conflictbetween the locals and their absenteelandlords who nowadays own the landfor tax relief.

In “Forever Yesterday” John hasdemonstrated once again his ability totake an issue that both confronts thelistener’s conscience and world viewwhilst creating a song of such poignantbeauty. A songwriter who has nevershied away from combining a hauntingmelody with a biting commentary this isa true classic in the greatest traditionsof the bands work.

Oh Why Left I My Hame?Thomas Faed

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This problem about non fan clubmembers getting info has been goingon for about 2 to 3 years now. Asanyone who’s anyone has a site, it’san issue that’s got to be addressed.The days when a recorded phonemessage was at the cutting edge oftechnology have long gone by. I don’tknow about you but I joined fan clubsprimarily to know about tour datesfirst and, close behind that, imminentrelease dates of albums, particularlyof new music, compilations being notso important. But it’s all changed. Whypay when you can get it for almostfree?

I’ve thought about it and I’ve come tothe conclusion that paying memberswill just have to grin and bear it. Asregards the BJH situation, as IBJHFC iscurrently the de facto only method ofdisseminating info., we want the bandto sell loads of CDs and concert ticketsso I don’t have a problem with the sitecarrying the latest news, with aproviso that I’ll mention. The goodthing in BJH’s case is that usually atGerman gigs, it’s general admission(sit/stand where you want). It’s ironicthat a UK tour is now beingconsidered. They tend to be set seats.I see nothing wrong with withholdinginfo for say 3 days after either aspecial mailing could reasonably havebeen expected to have arrived chezthe relevant members and/or 48hours after the box office has opened.The other side of the coin is, as yousay, what do we get for our money?Well, in-depth analysis, exclusiveinterviews, exclusive photos andmerchandise. Some people (and Iagree with them) think that flexi-discsand “The Origin Of Pieces” were worththe price of admission alone.

Claire Powell

The fact that sending emails can savemoney should not be left unused. Ifpeople without email addresses feeldisadvantaged, you’d have to send theinfo by email a bit later. I think it’s OKto have some information that is onlyfor club members. I’m sure you’llchoose the right info to go on theInternet.

Christian Haberer

Whether we like it or not the Internetis the future, the ease and the lowcost of how communication can besent and obtained cannot be ignored,and neither can the club’s future. Thespeed with which news can be sent orup-dated, must outweigh thearguments of those of us, and yes thatdoes include me, who do not yet haveaccess to the Web. The cost of PCs aredropping, access can also be gainedvia digital TV or by an email Phone orby Internet email TV box. However Ido feel that those of us who dosubscribe to support both the club andthe band should perhaps be rewarded,for want of a better word, by beingprivy to juicy bits of info and orfreebies, call it a loyalty bonus.

Robert Philpott

I’m a 22 year old student fromNorway, and I’m a member of the fanclub. I read your excellent Internet-Page as a supplement to your littlemagazine. This way I’m always up todate on BJH-events. I think bothmediums are funtioning perfectlytogether! Keep up the great work andspeak your minds freely!

Even J. Ottersland

Unfortunately I am computer illiterateand unlikely to go on-line in the nearfuture. I am happy for both to co-exist, as long as I hear about tour

Debate:The Internet: Freedom Of Information or Elitism?

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dates before the information appearson the Internet. Other clubs I belongto request that I send to them anumber of SAE, so that I can be toldof new information. Is that worthconsidering for updates?

Lorna Price

I don’t feel too unhappy withsubsiding the information you provideto all on-line fans, I think it isimportant that anyone who isinterested gets the most up to dateinformation as quickly as possible. I’min the fortunate position of finding that�8.00 - �9.00 a year subscription feeis no problem at all. I’ve been amember for a long time now and knowI can trust you to do what’s in thebest interests of us all - what aresponsibility for you!! I still like toreceive the magazine however, it isnice to get a piece of post that’s not abill or another circular destined for therecycling bin and it is nice to get theexclusive presents and offers fromtime to time! Just keep up the hints onthe web page that there are bonusesfrom being a member of the fan club.

Heather Went

In an ideal world, the idea of the fanclub was (and is) for us to pay for thepriviledge to obtain priorityinformation about “their” band’sactivities before anyone else. Also tofind out more in-depth informationabout their band and share this withtheir fellow club members. Timeschange, however, and with the adventof the Internet, information is nowmuch more freely available. I am notat present on the Internet and as I amnot computer “literate”, unlikely everto be so. I am under no illusionthough, the Internet is now the wayforward in communication and am notagainst any BJH fan, member or not,being able to access any informationas it becomes available.

We want to convert as many new fansas possible. Let the Internet do its joband publish as much info as you want.Me, I’m quite happy receiving my clubmagazine, updates as and when andmy freebies and offers! (and I don’tmind paying!). Go to it and spread theword!

John Grey

I have most of the NLs dating back toabout issue 15, I think and they are agreat source of information and serveas a lasting history (written) of theband. I doubt that the effect would bethe same of just doing something viaemail/Net. Funnily enough although Iuse the Net a fair amount, particularlyto look up news on my favouritebands, I very rarely look at the BJHsite as I know that you would emailwith any important news.

Kevin Ringrose

Many thanks to all who contributed tothe debate. We’ve included rathermore responses here from memberswho are not on-line, althoughinterestingly there was little differencein the views expressed by the two“groups”, including non-club memberson the e-mail discussion list.

Having read all your responses, wewill carry on much as we do now: NLwill still appear four times a year within-depth analysis, and any importantnews between magazines will bedistributed by postal bulletins and e-mail bulletins to members. Up-to-datenews will be included on the web site,but we will try to ensure that clubmembers are first to receive tourdates. We will also endeavour toprovide as many club “exclusives”along the lines of the Origin Of PiecesCD or the new BJH watches as wepossibly can!

Keith & Monika

The Internet

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John & Woolly at Saar TVOn Monday, 22-02-99, I read the e-mail of Keith and Monika, an infoabout John's and Woolly's promo tour.Besides many TV stations there wasalso listed "Saarbrucken local TV". Iremembered that in the same area Iwork, the SITZ area in Saarbrucken-Burbach, there's a small TV stationcalled Saar TV. So I walked to theSaar TV building that lies 2 buildingsnext to my place of employment inorder to ask if John and Woolly wouldcome to promote their new album.Expecting nothing I was told thatthey'll come next Friday morning, butto be sure I should call in a few days.Finally I got the news that John andWoolly "will arrive Friday, 9.30 a.m."

The day came and I hoped to be ableto take some photos. My hopes wereexceeded, I was allowed to join theinterview. Furthermore the chief ofSaar TV, Mr. Roth, asked me to takesome photos for their magazine andtheir homepage.

John and Woollywere in a goodmood and it wasinteresting tolisten to theirconversation withSaar TVmoderator SilkeHeil. At the end ofthe interview Mrs.Heil said: "okthat's it or whatelse can I askyou?" Woollyreplied: "Whydon't you ask us...?" When Mrs.Heil exactly asksthat question,Woolly said:" Oh,

I’m glad that you asked me that ...".There was a big laughter afterwards.

After the interview I had the chance totalk a little bit to John and Woolly asthey signed my songbook of Gone ToEarth/XII. A look at their oldphotographs in the book made themsmile.

It was great to see John and Woolly,whom I have admired for twentyyears, so close, and I’m happy andthankful to have had that opportunity.

Stefan Lauer

[Apologies to Stefan for the lateappearance of this article, originallysubmitted for NL45]

Stefan Lauer with Woolly and John

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Wordsearch ResultsBelow is the solution to last NL’s Wordsearch which was kindly compiled and submittedby Janet Iles. “Nexus” actually occurred twice, whilst Les was hidden within the word“Titles”, but nobody was disqualified for missing either of those..

The first entry to be drawn out of the hat was sent in by Robert Philpott, who wins ourspecial surprise package containing a very exclusive CD single of “New Song” and“River Of Dreams”, both recorded on the 1999 tour, but at different gigs than those onthe Revival album, burnt onto CD by Woolly himself and signed by Woolly, John andCraig; plus an original 1970s patch and a Caught In The Light T-shirt.

S E C E I P F O N I G I R O E H T S N N

E O V E I K A M A J O R F A N C Y I L I

L R N P L O S O T S E A M G A P V M I L

T H E G R E A T U N K N O W N E W O V R

I S L U S A I L A W A Y N A K S P Q E E

T O P A X F S H N R S P E R R A T U S B

A N O T H E R A R A B L E P A R A B L E

S R E T A W N O O M O R N A H T A N O J

H W O O L L Y A M S K C I L F N I K S B

E T H E P O E T N T S R N G S M E X R E

S M R O F E V A W A H M P U H R Y F M G

A S P I H S G N O L Y E X J M T B A S A

I P O C R A I G T H T E B C A M Y D A L

D A M H F R U Q H P N K A L N D I E R A

L E K I L U D U P S O R L E A I F M A D

B E S T O F M Y L O V E P Y X C A S W R

S A B R A V E N E W W O R L D U K T D I

J O H N T B M A D N H T N E X U S B L E

B N T H E J O K E R N O R E B O T C O L

P E E K I T A H T S L I V E D E H T C X

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MarketplaceFOR SALE - Original BJH Cassettes:Once Again (Fame Reissue)Baby James Harvest (Fame Reissue)Everyone Is Everybody ElseEveryone Is Everybody Else (German)LiveTime Honoured GhostsOctoberonThe Best Of BJH (Harvest)Gone To EarthLive TapesCollection (Dutch Harvest)Turn Of The TideA Concert For The People (Berlin)Ring Of ChangesVictims Of CircumstanceFace To FaceGlasnostWelcome To The ShowAlone We Fly (20 tracks)Live (Reissue)Best Of BJH (German Polystar)Stand Up (CD single)Sorcerers & KeepersCaught In The Light

All in excellent condition (some nevereven played) - I would prefer to sellwhole as a collection. Best offersaccepted. Contact:Patrick Cross, 1 Abercorn Way,Witham, Essex, CM8 2UF, UKor: patanntom@beeb.net

I WANT TO BUY (I will pay a very,very good price!!!) a Platinum, Goldor Silver Disc from Barclay JamesHarvest. Contact me, please:-

Mr GILLE Olivier22/2 Bd Galli�ni89000 AuxerreFRANCE

Tel: 00.33.3.86.46.74.29e-mail: gilobjh@wanadoo.fr

All letters answered. Thanks inadvance.

CONGRATULATIONS to Kari andTarja Ahtiala, whose daughter Maijagained a baby brother on April 17th..

...and to Gordon and Jean Hudson onthe birth of their third child, Ross, onApril 20th....

...and to Lyell and Lori Loyd on thebirth of their daughter Juliette LillianLoyd on 29th April...

WANTED: “Stand Up” Single. Will paygood price or swap for BJH BBCSessions CD from Tommy Vance RadioShow 1980. Contact:-Kevin Jackson, 36 Hare Street Road,Buntingford Herts., SG9 9HW, UK.

I WOULD LIKE TO BUY theCD- single "Stand Up" with the1992 live versions of "Alone inthe Night", "Life is for Living"and "Poor Man's Moody Blues".I'll pay a reasonable price.

Even Johan Ottersland, Sognstudentby 5538, Sognsveien 85,0858 Oslo, NORWAYe-mail: e.j.ottersland@hfstud.uio.no

Coming Soon...Fifty already! Our golden jubileeissue will include moreinformation about John andWoolly’s tour plans and progresson Les’s forthcoming album.

NL50 will be available at the endof August, and the closing datefor contributions, advertisementsetc. is July 20th.

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