Journeys of the Imagination - March 2016
Steve at the Hindu temple in Alperton
Hindu temple in Neasden
It's been an active week, starting with an interview with Alan Byron for a Screenbound Production documentary on Mario Lanza, due to be released in March 2017. As a child I loved listening to him. His extraordinary voice moved me to dance around the room in joy, particularly when I heard him sing "The Drinking Song" from The Student Prince.
Always intrigued by wonders from the world at large, Jo and I visited the Hindu Temple in Alperton, Wembley. What a magical place! Carved into beautiful shapes depicting gods, goddesses and spirits of dance and music, it was inspirational. There was a wonderful sense of tranquility as we entered. Passing statues of deities in alcoves, we followed the spiral walk into the centre, where we marvelled at the inside of two beautiful domes which resembled three dimensional mandalas as we looked up at them and also into the depths within a huge round mirror...
There is another incredible temple we visited once before in Neasden. In both cases stone was transported from India to London. Exotic inspiration so close to home...
Yesterday Amanda Lehmann recorded vocals with me for the first two numbers I'm working on for my next album. Powerful harmonies are developing. From northern wastes to Latin heat, the two songs contrast with each other both in atmosphere and sonically, but both transport me to other realms from the depths of the studio...
Amanda, Steve and Roger during recording session
Amanda and Roger recording vocals
Steve with Alan Byron
