I recently borrowed a book called Illustrated A-Z of Guitar Facts from the library and transcribed the following articles for your delectation. The book was published by Flame Tree Publishing in 2002, ISBN 1904041728 (can you tell I'm a librarian?). There is also a rather fine picture of Roy in a red hat and with guitar at the microphone. There is a website given, www.foundry.co.uk, but I haven't visited it yet.
Harper, Nick
British, born 1965. Acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter. His recording debut came on his father Roy's album, Whatever Happened To Jugula (1983), a duo collaboration with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Harper's first solo release was an EP entitled Light At The End Of The Kennel (1994), which was follwed up by an album, Seed (1995), a year later. He was heard by former Squeeze frontman Glenn Tilbrook, who promptly signed him to his Quixotic label. Tilbrook produced Harper's second album, Smithereens (1998), which confirmed the guitarist's position as an inspired artist at the forefront of the current generation of acoustic performers. An original virtuoso, a soulful singer and an accomplished performer who has a warm rapport with audiences from New York to Glastonbury, he has also written lyrics and melodies of great beauty and depth. His third album, Harperspace (2000), his most impressive to date, suggests that his best work is probably still in the future. 'As long as the songs keep coming and I do not get arthritis,' he says, 'I'll be around for a while yet.
Harper, Roy
British, born 1941. Folk-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter. Roy Harper was introduced to music by his older brother. After a spell in the Royal Air Force, Harper spent the mid 1960s busking around Europe. He eventually settled in London and recorded The Sophisticated Beggar (1966) andCome Out Fighting, Ghengis Smith (1968), two quirky chronicles of his life in London at the time. By 1968 he was a cult figure with London's rapidly growing underground audience. He signed to the Harvest label in 1970 and recorded Flat Baroque and Berserk (1970), an uncompromising album covering a wide range of subjects and musical styles, and Stormcock (1971), a critically acclaimed album of extended songs with arranger David Bedford and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page ('Hats Off To Harper' from Led Zeppelin III (1970) was a homage to Harper). Other significant albums include Bullinamingvase (1977), featuring 'One Of Those Days In England', with Paul and Linda McCartney on backing vocals, Born In Captivity (1984), Once (1990) and Death Or Glory? (1992). He also made a guest appearance on Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here (1975). Harper's poetic lyrics and original guitar playing have inspired many folk and rock musicians since the 1960s.
