For the thirteenth instalment of The Baker’s Dozen we welcome Simon Stanley Ward (hopefully Simon isn’t superstitious). Simon has just released his second album ‘Songs From Various Places’ and will be launching the album with a show at The Islington in London on February 27th, 2019. The album is a really great listen rooted in old-school country, for the most part, with comedic lyrics that allow Simon’s personality to shine through. So join us as Simon discusses the likes of Elvis, Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon and a fear of Band Aid:

1. What is your earliest musical memory?

I think it was hearing 'Do They Know It's Christmas' from Band Aid on a record my parents owned. I remember being quite scared of it!

2. Do you remember the name of your first band?

Wonder Chair. I'm not sure either...

3. Which current artist do you hear and just go Wow?

That is hard as I think I easily go 'Wow!' about a lot of things, especially music! However, Bob Dylan is still at the top of the Wow list for me.

4. Do you sit down to write songs or do you wait until your mojo comes to get you?

A bit of both I think. I wish I could summon it up of course but that just doesn't really happen. I have to really work at it! It's a bit like what Leonard Cohen said, "If I knew where the good songs came from, I would go there more often."

5. Big venue or small venue - what's your favourite to play?

I play generally to smaller rooms so I think this is my preference. I have more chance of feeling connected with the audience when I can see them. I played at the Lyric Theatre once in the west end which was a big crowd for me and although there was a huge audience I could only see darkness in front of me and it actually felt quite isolating.

6. Who is the one artist you wish you could share a stage with (past or present)?

Elvis!

7. Bowie, Prince, Sinatra, Elvis which departed great means the most to you?

I think it would still be Elvis. I used to try to be him when I was 5 and in some ways I'm still trying!

8. Is a saxophone solo ever ok?

Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.

9. Should music be free?

Not if everything else isn't. People need to be paid for their work and there are so many people aside from the recording artists involved in the process and it’s their job and living.

10. Can you remember the first record you bought and what have you bought recently?

The Mike Flowers Pops - Wonderwall. My most recent purchase was the soundtrack to the Bob Dylan musical Girl from the North Country. I saw the show and thought it was great.

11. What was the last song that made you cry actual tears?

In the car the other day. Warren Zevon ‘Desperados under the Eaves’. The ending!

12. Do you binge watch Netflix / Amazon / DVD box sets (any recommendations)? Do you have a guilty pleasure in Film or TV you’ll admit to watching and loving?

The U.S Office. I'm currently enjoying that a lot and probably watching it a bit too much.

Guilty pleasure? The Crown?! Although I think I am comfortable with that. It’s well done.

13. What is the most important thing to you that you can see from where you are right now?

The sunshine baby!