 LongMan Records was created back in 1994 when renowned concert guitarist, multi instrumentalist, composer and producer Richard Durrant recorded his first solo CD "Sarabande" (LongMan 001CD). Now the label exists as a growing community of musicians, artists and friends whom Richard has encountered on his musical journey. Using Richard's production skills, the LongMan recording studios and the democratising influence of the internet LongMan Records has become a much loved indie label whose products can be heard all over the world.
At the time LongMan was first dreamed up, Richard was living in the 12th century Benedictine Priory of Wilmington situated at the feet of the mysterious chalk figure carved into the Sussex Downs. The hill carving is the largest human figure in the northern hemisphere, he's known as The Long Man of Wilmington (the "long man" of LongMan Records).
The LongMan soon became the label's logo - a fitting image as, in Richard's opinion, the ancient figure isn't carrying two sticks but instead is holding open the door to the other side. The spiritual side. And that's what music does. Richard still returns to Wilmington each year to play a Christmas guitar recital in the village church.
Among the label's roster is the mighty Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain, whose album 'The Secret Of Life' is a unique collision of post-punk performance and toe-tapping oldies reinterpreted on Ukulele's. The band have been selling out shows all over the world and appearing on many TV shows and radio stations, most notably BBC's Jool's Holland's Hootenany, Blue Peter, Radio 1 and Johnny Walker's show on BBC Radio 2. The NME said 'Most people have to die before they become immortal. The ukulele superstars have no such worries.'
Another artist on the label is legendary busker and one-man band Don Partridge, who rose to fame in the late sixties with his chart hit single 'Rosie' and became a household name. However, Don was too unconventional even for the music business and abandoned stardom for a life on the road. After more than thirty years of travelling, kept alive by busking and selling books of poetry, Don Partridge agreed to record a selection of his songs for Longman Records. The album 'The Highwayman' is eleven songs which allow us a glimpse into the life of this remarkable man who is surely the undisputed 'King of the Buskers'. If you're lucky you may still catch Don busking in town near you, he recently appeared as a guest on tours with Lemon Jelly and British Sea Power.
More recent artists on the label include Simon Stewart, who's track 'Oh My Love' from the album 'Across The Land' was recently voted number 2 in Mojo magazine's readers charts, Jack Cryer daughter of comedian Barry Cryer with her lushly produced soulful pop debut 'The Way I Feel', Mike Read and David Hamilton favourites 'Ungagged', young flautist Phillipe Barnes and many other widely talented artists. Here you can hear a selection of their music and be kept up to date with their news, gigs and releases.
The LongMan Records Ltd office can be contacted on 00 44 1273 453422, or by emailing louise@longman-records.com .
In the UK LongMan albums are distributed by Proper Music Distribution Ltd
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Last Updated Friday, November 23 2007 @ 05:03 PM GMT
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