Many Smiler members will have known of Lynne Jackaman since we reported way back in 2010 when Ronnie Wood played on her band Saint Jude’s Diary Of A Soul Fiend album and joined Saint Jude on stage a few times ..Check out this great version of The Faces flying for a reminder.
https://thegreatbrainrobbery.co.uk/media?fbclid=IwAR1l6IOPkZHxxxWilFpCVN2VMCgvckCTnzBLYBy4kP4SsJJYWF9ZXhRqF6U
Lots of us have followed Lynne’s career and we have even had a few Smiler meet ups at some of her concerts. Lynne recently embarked on her own Atlantic Crossing to the legendary Muscle Shoals, Alabama like Rod did in April 1975 to recorded his classic ‘Atlantic Crossing’ album, The result sees the release of Lynne’s first solo album ‘One Shot ‘ released on August 14th, we caught up with Lynne in lockdown and excited that you are all going to finally hear ‘One Shot’
1-Hi Lynne, well ‘One Shot’ is finally ready to go how are you feeling about unleashing it on the world?
I’m feeling SO many emotions. Excited, relieved, nervous…but predominantly grateful. At times I seriously wondered if I would be able to get ‘One Shot’ finished and out to the world so it feels amazing. I’m also blown away by the response to my new single ‘Sooner or Later’.
2-The album has not been problem free; you have gone through a tough time with the mixing and manufacturing?
Absolutely. In a nutshell I faced the obstacle of PledgeMusic going into liquidation (without any warning) taking mine and many other artists monies raised by their fans with them. Which was quite simply shocking. We now face the challenge of releasing and making music in the new world that the current pandemic has created.The truth is that going to Muscle Shoals, making ‘One Shot’ and all the people I met along the journey completely changed my life. That alone has made it all so worth the blood, sweat and tears.
3-You recorded ‘One Shot’ at the legendary Fame studios , and you sent us a great photo of Rod recording ‘Atlantic Crossing’ while you were at Muscle Shoals, they also have the museum there telling the history of artists like Percy Sledge, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones etc did it hit you that so many great artists had used these studios and worked with these great musicians to create this sound?
It hit me immediately. Standing in studio A at FAME Studios where so many of the artists I love recorded was nothing short of overwhelming. You’ve just got to look up and you’re surround by iconic albums and timeless moments caught through the lens filling the walls.The first time I walked into FAME I could feel the magic. It really is all about the music and finding something deep within yourself that you never knew you had. You can’t fake it. The room won’t let you!
4-We have a small Alabama branch of Smiler members, they came down to see you while you were there but missed you ..did the guys at the studio tell you?
Oh noooo! I didn’t know that. They may have told me but I was in such a surreal state whilst there it could have floated past me. That’s wonderful. Thank you to all who came down.
5-You have some stellar musicians playing on the album..
I sure do. Clayton Ivey, Spooner Oldham, Bob Wray, Will McFarlane, Justin Holder, Jamie Evans, Jamie McFarlane, Muscle Shoals Horns, The Shoal Sisters (amazing ladies)…just to name a few. I’ll be sharing a lot more stories about the making of each track and the incredible players – I feel proud to now call friends – over the next couple of months on my socials.
6-Jamie Evans has been a great inclusion to your live set how important has he been in the recording of the album?
Immensely. What a talent. Jamie was the first person I’d played my demos to that really heard how I wanted them to sound and boy did he deliver.Jamie never stands in the way of the song and goes above and beyond to get the best out of everyone around him. His energy is infectious. At times I didn’t know whether to punch him or hug him but that’s the creative dynamic you need in the studio. When the clock is ticking the pressure in on. You need to be pushed. To be told ‘Go again’ when it’s not good enough and leave your ego and expectations at the door. Jamie not only produced and arranged my album but he also plays across it too but he’d be too modest to ever tell you that, so I will. Watch this space…
7-One shot is not a tribute to Muscle Shoals heritage though is it?
No. It didn’t need to be. All the players there and the studio are still buzzin’. The past doesn’t need us. It had all the incredible artists who made it what it is today. My main aim was to come away with an album that reflects the magic and soul at FAME whilst revealing who I am today.
8-Alfred George Bailey has done a great job with the artwork photography did you choose the pictures and design?
Alfred is a great, talented man. Our meeting was very organic. We were introduced to each other at the PP Arnold album launch in London (which was incredible, btw). We clicked immediately and decided to stay in touch and meet for a coffee and chat in Soho. Alfred then said to me: ‘Hey, before you go let’s pop outside and take some shots’. It was all very natural and around 11am in the morning… I loved the shots so much that I decided to make it my album cover. Do check out his work. He recently made an insightful and inspiring documentary called ‘Show Me The Picture’ the story of legendary photographer Jim Marshall. Alfred introduced me to the talented Joseph Bisat Marshall who designed my album artwork and also created my new website. I feel blessed to have met them both and am so excited to see where their talent leads them in the future.
9-Probably a question you can’t really answer, maybe we should be asking Boris Johnson …but if you can will you be playing live gigs to promote the album?
In a heart beat.
10-Well good luck with the release, we really hope the album gets you all the success you deserve, it has been a great journey that me and many Smiler members have shared with you to get this far …and we are sure this is just the start, Thank you.
Thank you so much. A huge thank you to my fans who without none of this would have been possible.I have a run of limited edition vinyl/cd currently available on my website which you can pre-order here https://lynnejackamanmusic.com/
To stream Lynne’s stunning new single go to https://lnkfi.re/0JkbJqFR
For more information https://www.facebook.com/297689340391733/posts/1510888069071848/