Kerouac-songwriter and former Melody Maker journalist Heath Common returns to his roots with new album ‘Heath Common And The Lincoln 72s’ – out via Hi4head Records on June 26th.
Heath Common has always been on the move. From birth, he and his family began a life of constant traveling, from place-to-place, throughout Britain, never staying in any one area for too long. Despite this somewhat ‘rootless’ existence certain spots have made a lasting impression on Heath’s creative formation, in particular, Halifax, West Yorkshire and Notting Hill Gate, West London.
Born in Normanton, West Yorkshire, Heath Common began a fabled musical career after relocating to the infamous All Saints Road, Notting Hill. From there, he soon found himself touring in New York City – performing with the legendary Robert Lockwood and Johnny Shines – the stepson and close friend, of seminal blues musician, Robert Johnson.
After becoming immersed in the ‘Art Rock’ scene of the 1980s and early 1990s, Heath formed a partnership with kindred spirit Christopher Halliwell. The duo went to work with a number of diverse musicians, ranging from guitarist John Fahey to the British indie act The Rhythm Sisters. Still exploring life, the former Melody Maker journalist, published poet and now a recognised authority of the era, Heath Common continues to work closely with many of the surviving figures from the original Beat Movement.
The songs on latest release ‘Heath Common And The Lincoln 72s’ document the stories and characters emerging from those times. From West Yorkshire to the East Village, it’s an album designed to celebrate a lost world featuring, amongst others, a psychotic bouncer, a faded beauty queen and an out-of-time beat. Rooted in the past whilst sounding out a future – hey, maybe it’s finally time to trust a hippy!
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