Biography
Here you can listen to a number tracks from all of Stan’s albums, just click on the play icon in any of the album track listings.
For UK visitors you can also purchase any of the CD’s by clicking on the Add to Cart icon.
One Man And His Guitar
One Man And His Guitar by Stan Graham
In my opinion, Stan is one of the most underrated songwriters around at the moment. I was so impressed after listening to his latest album (more about this later) that I decided to look at his back catalogue, and found an impressive collection by anyone’s standards.
There are so many absolute gems scattered across his albums that it’s difficult to know where to start. I’ll leave it to you to find them yourself and find them you will.
There is such variety in his writing, it’s all there, from the classic “Old Whitby Harbour”, the evocative “Fragile”, the award winning “The Olive And The Vine” to the rousing “Somewhere In America”. The songs are often and I think, deliberately understated, his voice is warm, strong and clear, the melodies are memorable. It might be described as easy listening but there is real depth in his observational lyrics.
His latest album “One Man And His Guitar” is Stan at his best. It’s another excellent collection of songs, masterfully produced by Angus Lyon of Blazing Fiddles with musical contributions from Anna Massie, Steven Lawrence, Fraser Speirs and Angus himself on piano and accordion. The title track is a clever tribute to Tom Paxton and the Folk Movement in New York in the 60’s. (You can feel the Paxton influence in many of his songs). This album is more thoughtful, more personal and reflective of the world around us. I enjoyed all the tracks, but in particular “Shiraz, Merlot and Chardonnay” made me smile, “Angel With No Wings” brought a tear to my eye and “My England” brought back so many childhood memories.
No wonder so many people cover his songs, it’s been a pleasure and a very rewarding treasure hunt delving into his fascinating repertoire of songs.
Mikael Williams.
One Man And His Guitar
| 1. Back Where I Belong | Listen to track |
| 2. One Man And His Guitar | |
| 3. I Don’t Understand | |
| 4. Shiraz, Merlot Or Chardonnay | Listen to track |
| 5. My England | Listen to track |
| 6. Requiem For A Violin | Listen to track |
| 7. Somewhere In A Northern Town | |
| 8. Angel With No Wings | |
| 9. As We Grow Old | |
| 10. Breathe | |
| 11. No More Water In The Well | |
| 12. Underneath The Stars In Tintinara | |
| Bonus Track; Christmas Bells |
Christmas Bells
99p Download
Christmas Bells
Written and Sung By Stan Graham.
Keyboards and Production by Tommy Roseburgh at Big Sky Studios.
After your purchase, you will receive an email with the track as an MP3 file
Christmas Bells
Christmas Bells Listen to track
Scan the QR Code to watch Christmas Bells on Youtube or visit https://youtu.be/s3N1iFtqRXI
The Stan Graham Collection
The Album Collection on USB
With this fantastic deal you will receive:
6 Studio Albums
6 New Unpublished Singles
4 Videos
Song Guide for the Albums
Stan’s Songbook Part 1
£25.00 inc postage
The Stan Graham Collection on USB – a small kist of delights
For £25 here are all 6 of Stan’s excellent studio albums complete with a song guide leaflet. At a 36% saving on the CDs, this would be well worth the price alone. The substantial bonus material – 6 new unpublished singles, 6 videos and songbook – make this a bargain not be missed. The whole package allows you to track Stan’s progress, since leaving the Army in 2001, as he quickly becomes an outstanding songwriter and recording artist. The albums contain 77 of Stan’s songs plus one (Tom Paxton) cover version. The singles and videos contain the most recent material, including 8 new songs. Taking each component in turn:
“These Are My Dreams” (2001) sets out his stall from the very first track – Across the Sea. This and the title track state where he coming from and where he hopes to go. With a nod to Tom Paxton he clearly indicates that “turning back is the last thing on my mind”. Images that he returns to regularly – notably childhood, angels and roses – start to emerge. His military experience is not neglected either. A Soldier’s Goodbye captures perfectly the pain of leaving loved ones behind – a feeling he must know very well. The overall feeling is one of optimism: despite its problems, life is for living.
With “More Than Words” (2005) Stan really hits his stride. Time like the Tides and Sarajevo – the latter popularised by Vin Garbutt – are absolute classics. Once again the core supporting musicians are Stewart Hardy, Tommy Roseburgh and Kenny Speirs, but now an expanded cast add a new dimension. My ear was especially drawn to the late Judy Dinning’s vocals on Grace Darling; Stevie Lawrence’s haunting half long pipes on He Laid Down and Wendy Weatherby’s evocative cello playing especially on Sarajevo. Streets of Belfast’s cry for peace and All Quiet on the Water’s take on the Titanic story also stand out.
Music critics sometimes refer to the “difficult third album syndrome”, but there is no evidence of this on “Along the Way” (2007). It features what is probably Stan’s best known song Whitby Harbour, which is, deservedly, a folk club standard. Loneliness is a key theme; both away from home (Songs for the Lonely) and on returning home from war (Michael and his Medals). The draw of home in Waters of Tyne relates to his own hometown of Wallsend. All the Young Soldiers, on the other hand, speaks of the impact of death in war on small rural communities, especially those in the Scottish islands. The songbook contains what could have been the title song, but it does not appear here. Perhaps this is an example of his commitment to quality control?
The title song of “Music and Friends” (2009) is the song that I relate to most strongly on a personal level. Like Stan I have, in music, “discovered a happiness few men can find”. But the remaining tracks do not disappoint either – The Last Great Grain Race (for the travel writer Eric Newby) is another song that I would love to sing. There seems to be an increased tendency for songs told from the point of view of other people. Stan has always been a keen observer, but now several songs inhabit the skin of the various protagonists. This is not entirely new (e.g. Grace Darling), but it is notable that Three Sons is told from a mother’s perspective and the voice of Laid to Rest is Wilfred Owen’s. Closing Time and This Land (Afghanistan) are recounted by more detached observers.
As the artwork signals, “Fragile” (2014) shows an increased concern for the environment. Not only the title track (featuring the haunting fiddle of Stewart Hardy) but also Pilgrims on the Shore and Fathers and Sons have a more ecological sensibility. The album also marks a new producer (Angus Lyon) and studio, though many of the supporting musicians are the same. Familiar themes of memory, family, childhood war and favourite places (e.g. This Old Town = Whitby) can also be found in yet another fine collection of well crafted sons.
As title suggests, “The Poet in Me” (2018) returns to songs with a more personal perspective. The number of supporting (multi instrumental) musicians is also stripped down, arguably to focus more attention on the words. This is exemplified by Captain Oh My Captain – “my dark and handsome captain loves the sea, sails away from home where his heart is free”. Anna Massie takes the lead vocal to a sparse and highly effective piano backing. Freedom and journeys are key themes. The title track, declares that “putting pen to paper sets me free”. Travelling to flee religious persecution in Myanmar (Walking to the Border); to emigrate willingly or for punishment (Australia Bound and Transportation Orders) or to enlist for war (Bradford Pals) feature here. There are also touching memories (Walking in the Footsteps of my Father) and reflections on the responsibilities of parenthood (If Only for a Day). All in all another fine example of Stan’s maturing craft.
The 6 audio singles are more recent works covering a variety of themes and styles. Building Walls has a laid back, sad country feel and tells of on a failing relationship. Just Keep Rolling Along reflects on retirement: “slow down, take it easy, let me sing you my song, let the world go rushing by...” Breathe returns to environmental issues. The focus is on global warming and the threat it poses to future generations. Enduring love for one special person is dealt with in The Love That’s in my Heart’. Somewhere in a Northern Town returns to his native Tyneside and the inequities generated by UK industrialisation: “Slaves to the labours that should have set them free.” Finally another journey, this time to the Australian outback, in Underneath the Stars in Tintinara.
Five of the videos are also of individual songs. Along with the audio singles all 11 neatly illustrate Stan’s versatility. All the Young Soldiers reprises a track from “Along the Way” enhanced by moving images of war and those of remembrance. “For the NHS” illustrates the renewed relevance of I’m Sending You An Angel to the Coronavirus pandemic, with its sensitive mixture of both serious and humorous images. By contrast Christmas Bells is an upbeat 2020 pop song. Somewhere in America and Somewhere in a Northern Town Bare are also reprised with visuals. Finally there is Vin in Australia – a “snapshot” of accompanying Vin Garbutt on a 2010 tour, set to a tune and 2 songs performed by Vin himself.
Last but not least is the songbook “Stan Graham – Tinker Tailor, Soldier, Songwriter – the Collection part I” (the second volume is in preparation). It contains the words for 106 of Stan’s compositions. Virtually all of these come with chords and guitar tunings. 57 are present as recordings on this USB card. It would be impossible to do justice to the other 49 compositions here. Suffice to say I now have an even longer list of songs that I want to learn. At present I am most drawn to Geordie Goes to London – which follows from North East legend Joe Wilson’s “Keep Your Feet Still Geordie Hinny”.
To conclude this is a comprehensive compilation of Stan’s musical journey so far. It showcases him as a military veteran who is well aware that peace is preferable to war and is full of empathy for the fighting man and woman. Above all it demonstrates his ability to produce a wide range of songs full of memorable lyrics and melodies. As Songs for the Lonely, has it, “songs that have so much to say, songs to soothe an aching heart, songs to play when we’re apart”. All of this is presented in warm and sympathetic way, aided by outstanding casts of backing musicians. The compact USB card format is new to me. It surely presents a new and flexible way for artists to distribute their works, especially where overseas sales are concerned. For excellent music at a bargain price, I cannot recommend this package more highly.
Dave Winder 17th April 2021
Breathe
Breathe
Written and Sung By Stan Graham.
Backing track by Steven Lawrence.
Produced and Recorded by Steven Lawrence and Chris Euesden.
Breathe
Breathe Listen to track
The Poet In Me
£6.50 inc. postage
Stan returns for a second time to Gran’s Cottage Studio in Lanarkshire to work with Angus Lyon who successfully produced and recorded his previous highly rated album “Fragile”.
Stan and Angus are joined by two of Scotland’s finest musicians Anna Massie and Stevie Lawrence, together they have produced another fine collection of memorable original songs, superbly produced and musically outstanding.
As we have come to expect from Stan’s previous albums, “The Poet In Me” contains a number of songs that are destined to go straight into the Folk repertoire of many singers up and down the country and will undoubtedly end up being part of the Folk Tradition.
The title track “The Poet In Me” is obviously written from the heart and gives us some insight as to where he gets his inspiration.Another stand out track is, “Captain Oh My Captain”, surely a classic in the making, beautifully sung by Anna Massie. As in his previous recordings Stan includes a military themed song, this time about “The Bradford Pals” one of many regiments formed in cities across the country during the First World War and the tragic losses they suffered on the first day of the Battle Of The Somme. For the more traditionally minded, “The Weeping Willow Tree” is an age-old story of parting and promises. Two songs have strong Australian themes, “Australia Bound and “Transportation Orders”, possibly inspired by his good friend Martyn Wynham-Read or perhaps from his experiences touring Australia in 2010 with another great legend of the Folk Scene,Vin Garbutt. Walking To The Border is a poignant reminder of the current day troubles in Myanmar. There is even an upbeattouch of Americana in “It’s A Long Way To New York City” with a slight flavour of Chuck Berry. Stan pairs back to guitar and vocals for the last track “Walking In The Footsteps Of My Father” memorable for it’s simplicity and thoughtful lyrics.
This is without doubt a beautiful and cleverly crafted album of fine songs, worthy of any folk music collection. It has been superbly produced and engineered, the musicianship is outstanding and quality shines out of every track.
The Poet In Me
1. The Poet In Me
Listen to track
2. Transportation Orders
3. Walking To The Border
4. Captain Oh My Captain
Listen to track
5. A Long Way To New York City
Listen to track
6. Australia Bound
7. The Weeping Willow Tree
8. If Only For A Day
9. Tall Ships
Listen to track
10. The Bradford Pals
11. Ancient Fields
12. Walking In The Footsteps Of My Father
Music & Friends – Special Offer only £2.50
Special Offer, just pay the postage price of £2.50 and receive a Music and Friends Album Free!
Stan’s new album captivates the listener with a much more personal and thoughtful compilation of songs which reflect his development as a songwriter, and performer. Once again he has produced a number of winning songs on this album;. Classics such as the title track, Music & Friends, the superbly written Closing Time and the moving story of a mothers tragic loss in the Second World War, Three Sons.
Stan is joined by the talented Clair Mann on Fiddle and Flute, Frank McLoughlin on Guitar and Ian Lowthian on Accordion. He teams up once more with multi instrumentalist Stevie Lawrence, with Kenny Speirs and Tommy Roseburgh providing both musical and technical wizardry in the background, this is another not to be missed album by a Master Songwriter.
Music And Friends Track Listing:
1. Music And Friends
Listen to track
2. I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone
3. Where Did The Brumbies Go
Listen to track
4. Closing Time
Listen to track
5. Mother Don’t You Weep No More
6. Three Sons
7. Painting Angel
8. Kielder Water
9. My Father’s Roses
10. Green And Gold
11. Laid To Rest
12. When Jessica Comes To Play
13. This Land
14. The Last Great Grain Race
Along The Way
£6.50 inc. postage
‘Along The Way’, released in 2007, features many beautifully crafted songs – some truly outstanding…..the evocative chorus of ‘Whitby Harbour’, the resounding story line and sadness of ‘The Young Soldiers’ and “Forgotten Fields”, the stunning musical arrangement of the poignant Zimbabwean tale “Rolling River Farm”, [with magnificent musical score by Mike Silver]
The sensitivity of “Songs For The Lonely” and the moving sentiments of “Christmas Soldier”, “Michael And His Medals” and “Doors Ever Open”. Added to this mix are the upbeat rhythms of “Somewhere In America” and “Easy Street”.
This is a varied and thoughtful selection of songs from a writer who combines great vocals with sensitive and well crafted lyrics. Superbly supported by some outstanding musicians, this is an exceptional album by any standard.
Along The Way Track Listing:
1. Songs For The Lonely
2. Waters Of The Tyne
3. All The Young Soldiers Listen to track
4. Rolling River Farm
5. Somewhere In America Listen to track
6. Whitby Harbour Listen to track
7. Michael And His Medals
8. Doors Ever Open
9. Forever And A Day
10. Christmas Soldier
11. Easy Street
12. Forgotten Fields
More Than Words
£6.50 inc. postage
Stan’s second studio album ‘More Than Words’, recorded in 2005, has been highly acclaimed for its outstanding quality at every level. It has a well thought out mixture of memorable new songs the likes of ‘Teaching Emily To Count To Ten’, ‘All Is Quiet On The Water’ and the ‘The Olive And The Vine’ selected as ‘One of the Folk Songs of the Decade’. It also contains some of his previously unrecorded songs including ‘Sarajevo’, recorded by Vin Garbutt, ‘Grace Darling’ which featured in the stage play ‘Amazing Grace’, the ever popular ‘No Regrets’ and the unforgettable ‘Time Like The Tides’ recorded by Bill Whally and Dave Fletcher. . This excellent collection of songs has been produced with skill and restraint by Kenny Speirs of Real Time, recorded by Tommy Roseburgh, with outstanding contributions from some of the country’s finest musicians. With simply stunning Cello from Wendy Weatherby, wonderful backing vocals from Judy Dinning and the multi-instrumental talents of Steve Lawrence. Described by ‘Songwriter Magazine’ as “A triumph of a album, each track is stunningly good, it is an essential purchase, from an artist who is becoming more and more talked about, listened to and having his work recorded by others”.
More Than Words Track Listing:
1. Time Like The Tides (MP3)
Listen to track
2. Streets Of Belfast Town
3. That’s What I Believe
4. Grace Darling (MP3)
Listen to track
5. No Regrets
6. Teaching Emily To Count To Ten
7. He Lay Down
8. The Olive And The Vine (MP3)
Listen to track
9. Sarajevo
10. If My Dreams Had Wings
11. Not Worth Fighting For
12. All Is Quiet On The Water
13. There’s No Where My Love Won’t Go
14. I’m Sending You An Angel
15. When It’s Time To Go.
These Are My Dreams
£6.50 inc. postage
‘These Are My Dreams’ was Stan’s first full album, recorded just as he was leaving the Army. The CD has been an incredible success story, with the majority of its songs now covered by other artists.
The title track won the coveted Keith Marsden Songwriting Competition in 2000. Various tracks have been recorded in Australia, Norway and the United States.
Skilfully produced by Kenny Speirs, the CD mines a rich vein of meaningful songs including ‘Across The Sea’, ‘Alice’, ‘Days Like These’, ‘These Are My Dreams’ and ‘Monuments Of Stone’.
With superb support from a host of top musicians including Stewart Hardy, Iain Lothian and Tommy Roseburgh, ‘These Are My Dreams’ merits its place in the ‘essentials’ category.
Fragile Track Listing:
1.Fragile (MP3)
Listen to track
2. This Old Town
3. Somewhere In America (MP3)
Listen to track
4. Down Memory Lane
5. Pilgrims By The Shore
6. Home To Me Is Anywhere You Are (MP3)
7. All The Blame
8. Call To Arms (MP3)
Listen to track
9. Following The Music Home
10. Tiptoe Up The Flight Of Stairs
11. Alice
12. Fathers And Sons
13. I’ll Lay My Blanket Down
14. It’s Time To Say Goodbye
15. Fragile (live)
Fragile
£6.50 inc. postage
This is Stan’s fifth studio album and once again he has produced an eclectic and memorable selection of self penned songs. As you would expect from his previous recordings, his songs are delivered with real warmth, combined with sensitive and well crafted lyrics. In this excellent recording he has once again assembled some of the country’s finest musicians. Brilliantly produced by Angus Lyon of Blazing Fiddles, with guitar by Anna Massie(Kate Rusby, Blazing Fiddles & Bella Hardy), internationally acclaimed fiddle player Stewart Hardy, Scottish Cello Virtuoso Wendy Weatherby, with Ian Sandilands (Karine Polwart) on Percussion, James Lindsay (Breaback) on Bass and featuring James McClennon (James Brothers and Emily Smith Band) and the Scottish Songbird herself Emily Smith. Stan has it all covered in this exceptional album. Rated 5 stars by “Rock And Reel Magazine” (Every track is brilliantly crafted but ‘Fathers and Sons’ deserves a special mention. On the surface, his themes may appear deceptively simple, but the unhurried songs are poignantly deep and enriching.) Colin Bailey. June 2016.
Fragile Track Listing:
1.Fragile (MP3)
Listen to track
2. This Old Town
3. Somewhere In America (MP3)
Listen to track
4. Down Memory Lane
5. Pilgrims By The Shore
6. Home To Me Is Anywhere You Are (MP3)
7. All The Blame
8. Call To Arms (MP3)
Listen to track
9. Following The Music Home
10. Tiptoe Up The Flight Of Stairs
11. Alice
12. Fathers And Sons
13. I’ll Lay My Blanket Down
14. It’s Time To Say Goodbye
15. Fragile (live)
All The Young Soldiers
£6.50 inc. postage
This is a unique collection of military songs compiled from Stan’s previous studio albums. His 36 years of service as a soldier have enabled him to capture and put into words the feelings, emotions and hardships experienced by soldiers at war over the years. From the First and Second World Wars, through to the troubles in Northern Ireland and the Balkans Conflict, he has produced a thoughtful and powerful range of songs. The hard hitting “Sarajevo”, the poignant story of loss to loved ones behind “All The Young Soldiers”, the rousing “Call To Arms” and the evocative tribute to Wilfred Owen in “Laid To Rest”. A collection to be contemplated, but not to be missed.
All the Young Soldiers Track Listing:
1. Streets Of Belfast Town
2. Mother Don’t You Weep No More
3. All The Young Soldiers MP3)
Listen to track
4.Three Sons
5. Call To Arms
Listen to track
6. Laid To Rest
7. Forgotten Fields
8. Sarajevo
Listen to track
9. Christmas Soldier
10. He Lay Down
11. This Land
12. Not Worth Fighting For
13. A Soldier’s Goodbye