There have been some great years in rock and roll that could stake a claim for the top spot, 1967 had Sgt Pepper, '69 had Woodstock, 1977 had Rumours... but for me, none of them come close to 1971.
A few years ago I read David Hepworth's 'Never A Dull Moment - Rock's Golden Year' and was amazed as he chronicled page by page the soundtrack of my life... This might sound weird for a millennial born in 1990. But as a rock session musician these songs have guided me through life, relationships, break-ups, funerals and taught me how to play, write and feel.
I had no idea that some of my favourite records of all time (yes I collect actual records) Carole King's Tapestry, Joni Mitchell's Blue, Who's Next, Led Zeppelin IV, American Pie and the album Imagine all came out in the same year. By February I was hooked, by July I was convinced and by November I knew this HAD to be a show.
I've been lucky enough to perform all over the world in various shows in my life and I've built a reputation as a rock singer. And as a rock singer people always expect you to be a Bon Joni fan... well I'm not. I often hurriedly retort "I'm much more of a Beatles guy, I listen to Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan!". If 1971 was a genre it would be my favourite.
The thing I realised from reading the book is that 1971 has a feeling. It asks questions of you. It teaches you. It's powerful yet understated. Complex in it's simplicity. Beautiful, gut-wrenching, joyous and heart breaking all in one.
I knew there would be space for a show where people can feel what I felt reading the book, discovering and revisiting this music. For those of us that weren't there the first time around it's a wonderful education and for those who were, it's pure unadulterated nostalgia.
Thank you for taking an interest in our show. We've done two shows so far and the reaction has been breathtaking. We can't wait to bring it to you.
Jesse Smith
Producer & Vocalist 1971 The Show
Below - 1971's A Case Of You by Joni Mitchell.
I'd love to see the show in Edinburgh (or Glasgow) and bring back great memories of my early teens. Some of my favourite music came out that year
Would love to see 1971, but can't get down South. Please come to Liverpool again. Rita xx
Absolutely fantastic show that left me on such a high! You and your band of extremely talented musicians and singers played out the soundtrack to my life and had me up and dancing in the aisles! I spent the entire show either beaming from ear to ear or singing along with joyful abandon! Thank you so much for raising the roof in the Kenton Theatre in Henley. I would, without reservation, urge everyone to get your tickets now. I’ll be going again, for sure! Thanks Jesse et al for a truly memorable evening 👏🏻👏🏻