With more than 200 songs in the Clive James–Pete Atkin catalogue, it’s hard knowing where to start. I’ve simply chosen the ones that speak to me and work best for my voice-and-piano setting.
Perfect Moments:
From Catching the Light — Tim Benton with Simon Wallace
Canoe:
From Catching the Light — Tim Benton with Simon Wallace
The Way You Are With Me:
From Catching the Light — Tim Benton with Simon Wallace
More clips and updates below, and on Facebook and Instagram!
Have You Got a Biro I can Borrow? (James/Atkin):
The song title mightn’t rate as a pick-up line, but it’s a lovely hook for this charming, witty musical mash-up of ballpoint pens, double-decker buses, rubber bands and Orion’s Belt. “Love the nice smooth jazzy feel” – First Original Music.
PS if you enjoyed ‘Biro’ you can download it now from Spotify: Go to tinyurl.com/havebiro
An Empty Table (James/Atkin):
One of Pete’s finest melodies, matched by a lyric that brilliantly shows Clive’s gift for “turning a phrase until it catches the light.” Only Clive could turn a pair of knees into poetry. “Wonderful, emotional and thought-provoking” – Darren Stone. “A beautiful sense of raw emotion” – Danica Bryant. “An intimate atmosphere (with a) very particular beauty.” – Carpe Night Music
Quick ‘taster’ reels (35-40″)
The way You Are With Me short version:
Perfect Moments short version:
Canoe short version:
Selected audio previews:
My CD, the first full album of Clive James/Pete Atkin covers, is available now. Listen on Spotify
The Way You Are With Me preview. A summer’s night on Sydney’s North Head—waves crashing, gulls crying, moonlight on the Tasman Sea; even after decades in the UK, Australia never left Clive, and to my ear it shines through in this lyric.
PS: full track available now on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/WayWithMe
Beware of the Beautiful Stranger preview. The fairground fortune-teller who seems to know the future, wrapped in an irresistibly catchy melody.
30 Year Man preview. Our jaded jazzman has spent three decades honing his chops in a nightclub, only to see a pretty young newcomer steal the spotlight—though he’s not immune to her charms.
Perfect Moments preview. A typically wry reverie on life’s finer things and how hard it can be to enjoy them. Charlie Parker on vinyl, a drop of Marlborough’s finest… what could possibly go wrong?
PS. full track available now on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/PrfctMoments
Extra watching:
Tim Benton Sings 