Mike Oldfield - Streets of Alcester

ALCESTER ALBUM TO HIT THE RIGHT NOTE WITH SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE AND BEYOND

He may not be expecting the album success of his famous namesake but an Alcester musician is hoping his debut release will be a huge hit with the people of South Warwickshire – and beyond.

Aerospace Sales Executive Mike Oldfield’s album ‘Streets of Alcester’ goes on sale on 15^th November and has been inspired by the town and its musical scene. 

Recorded at the A435 Studios in Alcester, the production features several local artists including Tom Keeling, who plays fiddle and whistle, prolific composer John Bond-Evans, multi-talented instrumentalist Pete Butler and harmonica player/folk singer Vaughan Hully.

The 14-track CD, which will be officially launched with a special show at Alcester Town Hall and includes many of the songs that the musicians are asked to perform during their impromptu gigs at venues such as the Holly Bush public house in Henley Street where they often meet. Well-known titles such as Guantanamera, Streets of London, Where Do You Go To (My Lovely) and Annie’s Song are all on the track listing.

Acoustic guitarist Mike, who moved to Alcester seven years ago, said: “It has always been my ambition to record an album and Alcester has provided the perfect inspiration and platform. 

“The town has a wealth of musical talent covering all genres and Streets of Alcester is a celebration of that,” he added. “In terms of its appeal, the album crosses all age barriers and features songs that most people will recognise, with our individual styles and accompaniments adding a touch of freshness to the original versions.”

But whilst Streets of London may not achieve the 15 million sales of Tubular Bells – the record-breaking album that kept Mike’s famous namesake in the UK charts for five years in the 70s – it will be enjoyed by people around the world. Mike’s ‘day job’ involves extensive travel so he will be taking the CD and the Alcester sound to the far corners of the globe.

“I have been confused for ‘the other one’ many times and I’m always being asked at passport control ‘are you the real Mike Oldfield?’” smiled Mike. “I often take my guitar on holiday and a restaurant owner in Corfu, who had heard me performing in a few local bars, was so convinced that I was the famous Mike Oldfield that he introduced me as him to his diners!

“As the album is a non-profit making venture, I’m certainly not going to make my fortune from it,” he added. “I will just be happy if people enjoy the album, which I hope will be the case judging by the amount of interest it seems to be generating in Alcester.

For further information please contact Mike Oldfield on 07786 126205

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