ONE of America's finest songwriters, Chip Taylor, is in concert in Wales this weekend, in collaboration with young Texan fiddler, Carrie Rodriguez. Chip, aka James Wesley Voight, was the writer behind many a familiar song including Wild Thing and Angel of the Morning.
The former was a number one hit in the US for The Troggs in 1966 (and a number two in the UK). It was later covered by Jimi Hendrix.
Chip started as a country music writer in the early 60s (after failing as a pro-golfer), composing for Chet Atkins, having his first chart hit with Bobby Bare's version of Just A Little Bit Later On Down the Line.
In the mid 60s he signed as staff writer with CBS's Blackwood Music for whom he developed his trademark mix of country feeling and rhythm and blues.
Wild Thing was the classic blend with its strong sexual drive and haunting quality making for a timeless classic.
Angel of the Morning has been covered by everyone from Merilee Rush, Juice Newton to Chrissie Hynde.
Other greats include Try (Just A Little Bit Harder) as played by Janis Joplin, I Can't Let Go (The Hollies) and Country Girl, City man (Ike and Tina Turner).
Chip also won fame, and some notoriety, with his deft hand and eye for gambling.
He finished third in the World Black Jack Championships in Las Vegas in the1980s, before being banned in every casino in Atlantic City for his card counting skills!
Carrie Luz Rodriguez hails from Austin, Texas, where she began playing fiddle at the age of five, and by ten she performed with the Texas Suzuki Tour Group on stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
In 2000, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Berklee College of Music in Boston and began performing as a side player throughout the US and Europe including a performance with Lyle Lovett at Boston's Orpheum Theater.
At 2001's South By Southwest Music Conference in Austin, singer songwriter Chip was in the audience at one of her shows. He was blown away by her talent and 'magical presence' and invited her to join him on his winter tour that year.
An album, Let's Leave This Town, followed in 2002 which captured the mix of Chip's songs, Carrie's fiddle playing, and John Platania's rock'n'roll guitar leanings, which they had developed on the road.
The unlikely pairing can be heard in the Chapter Arts Centre on Sunday, February 9, from 7.30pm, with guitar accompaniment from John Platania. Dial 029 2030 4400 for more info.
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