Phil Odgers & John Kettle - Far Rockaway - The Songs Of Phil Ochs (2024)

New album from the singer / song writer from The Men They Couldn’t Hang. I’d long had an idea to record a collection of songs written by Phil Ochs and, during lockdown, with the world on hold and nowhere to go, apart from long dog walks, was the right time. I got in touch with Merry Hell guitarist John Kettle to see if he'd be interested in collaborating on the project. He was. I started sending guitar and vocals tracks I’d record at home, and he would add guitar and other instruments at his studio in Wigan. I’m a strummer and he’s a mighty fine picker and multi-instrumentalist - the setup worked very well. This album presents 11 songs which particularly resonated with me on one level or another. It’s a mixture of politically themes and some of Och’s more personal or introspective songs - ones that he’s, perhaps, less widely known for. The political songs are as relevant today as when they were written back in the 60’s. The more reflective ones have been chosen based on their beauty and poetry, their sincerity and, in places, melancholy. I also wanted to be careful not to tread ground already covered by others – well not too much – and have taken some liberties with arrangements, melodies, tempos and keys. I hope Phil would approve of the sentiment. Phil Ochs died on 9 April 1976, Far Rockaway, Queens, New York. This album is respectfully dedicated to his memory and lasting impact he made on people, music, and politics.