It’s not until you listen to Craig Gannon’s back catalogue of music, you realise what an exemplary musician he is. He has achieved so much in his career, yet I still don’t think he’s received the credit he deserves. Whilst other musicians have played the “fame-game” and developed inflated egos, Craig has always maintained a dignified professionalism which is so refreshing, especially in this day and age. Although Craig is best remembered as the “fifth Smith”, he started out his career as a member of Aztec Camera between1983-1984. It was during this time Craig played the guitar for songs such as “Oblivious” and “Walk out to Winter” at the tender age of 16. Such an experience opened up the doors for Craig as it was in 1986 that he got to be in The Smiths, contributing strongly to songs such as “Panic” and “Ask”. Although Craig’s time was fleeting with The Smith’s, I don’t think his talent was stretched or recognised enough. Perhaps if he wasn’t working with such an established band or a band heading towards their end, he could have been appreciated in the same light as Johnny Marr. Nevertheless Craig continued to pave his own way in the musical world, working with many artists such as Terry Hall, The Blue Orchids, The Bluebells, Alison Moyet, Black Grape, and Edwyn Collins. He was also reunited with Morrissey on his solo tour in 1989, having played on songs such as “The Last of the Famous International Playboys”, “Interesting Drug” and “Things that make a difference”. Craig also reprised his musical bond in 2007 with Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke when he composed the music in the “Inside The Smiths” DVD. However proving that he isn’t a one- trick Pony Craig has composed and produced music for television and film over recent years, with an impressive CV that has brought him International success. Now registered with Oticons, a film composers agency in Munich, Germany, Craig has been busy working on the soundtracks for projects such as “R/Evolution”, composing the delightful track “China”.
China
When you listen to “China”, it’s like you are meditating in a remote place whose subtle modulations could reflect a synopsis on mind, body and soul. Taken from the soundtrack of the documentary film “R/Evolution”, “China” is a breathtakingly beautiful track, whose violins hover like brooding mist over a sacred mountain, suggesting that something magical is residing on Terra Firma. With its twilight tonalities “China” transcends an awakening, like a season in transition or precluding that spring has arrived. It’s as if the music represents a time of renewal or rebirth, meticulously selected to create the grandiose ambience. It’s also a track where the xylophone ripples against the undertow of orchestral waves, conjuring images of Zen gardens and blossom petals floating down cascading rivers. Although “China” luminates with an array of oriental sounds, it’s the Bamboo flute which captivates and flutters like a Butterfly navigating around a spectacular valley. With the cinematic cellos and resonating gongs, “China” is a majestic track which subtly evolves and sweeps you along on a sublime journey.
Waltz
“Waltz” is a track taken from the TV drama “Big Smoke” and again highlights Gannon’s skill at producing music which stirs the emotions whilst sounding so effortlessly presented. “Waltz” is an intriguing composition which revives a timeless elegance from a forgotten age, whilst conveying a pensive contemporary twist. With its slow rotating melody, “Waltz” could be set at a romantic Viennese Ball, yet it’s the under-carriage of cello’s which provides a melancholic veneer. Although “Waltz” is carried by a tide of violins it’s the contrasting piano’s which provide a wistful vulnerability. Despite the musing orchestral backdrop, it’s the autonomous flute which ebbs and flows in juxtaposition, before branching out into a sorrowful interlude. Once the flute takes a back step, the violins and fleeting oboes unleash richer and elongated tones, gliding “Waltz” towards a textured and sophisticated out-tro. Interestingly “Waltz” is also a composition whose alternating instrumental leads conjure up images of a crowded ballroom whilst creating an air of mystery and suspense.
Insurance Fraud
“Insurance Fraud” is a dark and thrilling track whose cinematic intro sets the tone for what could be a hybrid of a James Bond and David Lynch soundtrack. As soon as it begins, you feel like you are driving down a lost highway in the middle of the night, dodging the bright lights from passing cars. Like the title suggests, “Insurance Fraud” is an edgy composition, whose brooding bass and austere violins capture the suspense and element of danger in the track. With its shrieking, recoiling guitars, Industrial clatter and menacing synths “Insurance Fraud” is ingeniously crafted to reflect the theme of the track. It’s an astute work of art, where the sonic inserts and clanging sound effects create an atmospheric backdrop. In particular it’s the synth driven interlude that suggests a space odyssey, taking the track down a surreal excursion for an unfolding plot. It’s from this moment onwards that the violins open and ascend heading towards a new dawn suggesting that the precarious mission has finally been accomplished.
Well said! 🙂
Great write up of a very talented musician!
Why thank you Kurt and yes Craig is very talented!
craig is one of the best in the world!good for him ,he is getting the respect he deserves!
I couldn’t agree more David! Craig is an incredible talent and so much more than the ubiquitous “fifth Smith”…
Well written review.