General News

New Tune

Last month has been very quiet on the live front but like all of us things have been very busy. I'm currently working on a new composition inspired by the same tuning that I used for 'The Anna Fantasia' commissioned by Andrew Davies for his beloved wife. I'm dedicating it to my grandson Braden.

Discount on my Biography

Here is a fantastic offer from my publishers for all those interested in purchasing a copy of my biography PERILOUS JOURNEY by Steve Pilkington.

They are giving a 15% discount if you order via this link and enter the discount code GILTRAP.

Valid through to the end of May.

Aeroplane Flight

I was treated to an aeroplane ride by my stepson Simon. On a fine sunny day we flew from a Coventry airfield in the direction of the Malvern Hills where I was able to view these magnificent hills from the air and pondered on the fact that Elgar never witnessed this view of his beloved hills that inspired so much of his great music.

Visit to Steve Toone

On the 4th of April I was invited by my friend and student Mark Guyatt to visit the guitar maker Steve Toone to plan a couple of instruments that Mark has commissioned Steve to make.

Many will remember a lovely guitar that Steve made for me a few years back that had Variax electronics built into it and also featured on an album cover. Steve is a lovely chap and fine maker devoid of ego and goes out of his way to give the customer exactly what he wants. It was a joy to see him again.




David Finney Portrait

Many of you may remember a portrait that wildlife artist David Finney did of me a while back. Hilary and I were invited to his latest exhibition in Alsager and whilst there I played a few tunes in the gallery. David also generously gifted me the original artwork for the portrait to do with as I wish. I may use it as a fund raiser at some point but nothing planned as yet.

Vintage JG Raffle

There is still a chance to purchase raffle tickets to win this wonderful guitar which comes with a CD entitled ‘The Constant Friend’ the opening track and it's title was written for our beloved webmaster Sue Holton.

All the proceeds go to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. You can purchase tickets by visiting hospitalcharity.org/shop

West Coast Eagles guest

My friend Terry Hill, a fine guitarist and guitar repair man is in a cracking Eagles tribute band ‘The West Coast Eagles’. Terry asked me if I would open for the band when they played at Lichfield's Guildhall on the 19th of April. I was looking forward to it and it was a great way to celebrate his big birthday on April the 18th. Terry is a lovely chap and it gave me great pleasure to be the band’s guest on the night.

Lichfield Live posted a lovely review of the evening and their thoughts on my contribution is below. You can read the full review HERE

Add together one of the best-known songbooks of the past 500 years, a near capacity audience, and a support slot from one of the country’s finest acoustic guitarists, and you have all of the ingredients for a remarkably memorable concert.

The opening night of Lichfield Arts’ Easter festival was an evening of some of the finest quality playing, with Gordon Giltrap, one of the more ground-breaking guitarists and composers of recent times, leading from the front.

Deftly played instrumentals such as Roots and Maggie Goes West showed the influence of folk and Celtic music, while On Camber Sands was a showcase for what can be done with just an acoustic guitar and a delay pedal.

His best-known work, 'Heartsong', which served as the theme tune to the BBC’s Holiday programme for years was well played, and set closer Lucifer’s Cage showed the impact that the who’s Pete Townshend’s playing had on Giltrap’s nascent early style.

Carrie Martin

I'm pleased to report that our friend Carrie after a shaky start to her Canadian tour has settled in nicely. We miss her.

I'm currently working on a second guitar part for a superb version of Time after Time by Carrie. Hope to get it recorded this week.

Hilary

I couldn't resist including this picture of Hilary for this month's news page. It was taken at last month's sharing day by Carrie who had persuaded Hil to slip on her leather jacket for a bit of fun. Anyway I think it's lovely.










And finally.....

My friend Dave Nixon requested HEARTSONG for Johnny Walker's Sounds of the 70's show on Radio 2. Dave's request was recorded and played on the programme. A huge THANKYOU to Dave.