Episode 31 of First Impressions is based around a transatlantic chat with Guy Zeek of Decaying Leather as the family band look forward to the release of their latest LP in December.

As well as snippets of songs such as the Mikey Mandolin co-write ‘Remedy’, drummer Gus’s beautiful rendition of ‘Blackbird’ and bassist Bulduzzi’s Spanish language debut (okay, only in the chorus) ‘Tan humana q' duele’, the episode also contains some (very) early attempts at comedy from Guy and Pete via an old cassette found by Gus in the ‘80s compartment of the family archive. 

The lads discuss the live gigs Guy has most enjoyed playing at, including one with the amazing Dead Letters at the peak of their powers (listen out for clips of their songs Tug of War and Until Your Dying Time with Guy pounding the drums behind musical maestros Trev and Rich).

Other inspirations cited are Damon Albarn, Joan as Policewoman and Billy Cobham. Guy also discusses his guitar collection and plans to ‘pay it forward’ by volunteering to teach music at a youth club (‘youthie’) in Canada, where once on the Wirral he received coaching from guitar and drums by older mentors. 

Best listened to through headphones, the recording on Guy’s side is a bit quiet in the last 15 mins, so PUMP UP THE VOLUME!

Decaying Leather on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/decaying-leather

The Deadletters were the brainchild of Kendal-based musician Trevor Shepherd: https://soundcloud.com/trevor-shepherd-music

Jude Edwin Scott’s website: https://judeedwinscott.com

Billy Cobham’s Red Baron: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_wQAhBcPEU

Africa Express - 'Soledad' ft. Damon Albarn, Luisa Almaguer, Joan as Police Woman & more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRRu4CBZxss