Biography
Musicians Phil Caffrey and Ian Cleverdon's first collaboration actually involved electric guitars, keyboards and social clubs! They met on a training course back in 1990 and soon discovered their mutual love of music.
Phil and Ian, along with Ron Dougan (second from right) formed Picture This in 1990. They played popular cover versions in social clubs around the North West, and even sneaked in some of their own compositions when the audience were least expecting it! This shot on the left was taken at Amazon Studios in Liverpool (unfortunately no longer with us), once home of many of the best recordings of the 1980s and 1990s. Not wishing to buck the trend, the guys were in for a day to complete a video soundtrack commission Ian received, which was to write and record a song about...wait for it...letter writing! Having entertained many a drunken Northern reveller in the early 1990s, Ron moved away to get a proper job and the band was no more. Many years went past and then in 2008, Phil attended an open mic night in Up Holland, Lancashire, which happened to be organised by Ian. After a few stints of accompanying each other, they decided to renew their musical partnership and so The Huers was born. So what did they do in the meantime? |
As well as honing his live performance skills with Ian in Picture This back in the early 1990s, Phil has worked on many projects for others, especially for schools and charities.
Phil worked on many projects, including writing a musical and productions for schools. He ran music workshops for local school children; his ability to turn his hand to any instrument (guitar, keyboards, whistle, drums…I could go on! Ed.) was a boon to helping schools produce their own CDs with his backing and production, and raised lots of funds in the process.
Throughout this period, Phil honed his writing and production skills and was active on the Liverpool acoustic scene, both solo and in collaboration with Manchester songwriter Malcolm Woodall.
In 2013, he had the grand idea of recording and producing a Christmas album, to support Lloyds Banking Group's aim to raise a significant amount for the Alzheimer's Society. The CD, entitled Festive Memories and featuring choir and musicians from Lloyds, raised a staggering £105,000 for the charity.
Recently, Phil has set up his own YouTube channel in which he shares various tips and techniques on guitar playing; you can visit it here.
Phil worked on many projects, including writing a musical and productions for schools. He ran music workshops for local school children; his ability to turn his hand to any instrument (guitar, keyboards, whistle, drums…I could go on! Ed.) was a boon to helping schools produce their own CDs with his backing and production, and raised lots of funds in the process.
Throughout this period, Phil honed his writing and production skills and was active on the Liverpool acoustic scene, both solo and in collaboration with Manchester songwriter Malcolm Woodall.
In 2013, he had the grand idea of recording and producing a Christmas album, to support Lloyds Banking Group's aim to raise a significant amount for the Alzheimer's Society. The CD, entitled Festive Memories and featuring choir and musicians from Lloyds, raised a staggering £105,000 for the charity.
Recently, Phil has set up his own YouTube channel in which he shares various tips and techniques on guitar playing; you can visit it here.
Stints with Picture This and Oldham-based band The Visitors in the 1990s helped Ian learn both live work and recording studio techniques (namely the ubiquitous cheese-on-toast and mug of tea at lunchtime - rock and roll!) to the extent that he released his first cassette album, Approaching Alpha, to critical acclaim in 1995 and to help raise funds for the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy charity. Two more solo albums materialised: the chronologically titled Beyond Alpha (1999) and Night Visions (2001).
However in the late-90s he couldn't resist the bug of live performance and adulation, and co-founded folk-rock band Odd At Ease with his other big (well, medium-sized) musical mate Nigel Mawdsley. The Easies played live on a regular basis with UK performances including Broadstairs and Middlewich Folk Festivals, and supporting the world-famous acoustic duo Show Of Hands.
In recent times, Ian has become a sought after live sound engineer working for the excellent Acoustic Roots season of concerts in Wigan, doing sound for the likes of Michael Chapman, Geoff Muldaur, Charlie Dore, Reg Meuross and Brooks Williams. He is also gaining an excellent reputation as a producer and mastering engineer, having recently produced live albums for Ashley Hutchings MBE, Mark Harrison and Lucy Zirins, and a studio album for Richard Knott.
Ian has his own business, Karona Sound, in which he provides various media services such as writing music for media and consultancy on podcast production. He produces his own critically-acclaimed podcast series, Half Hour Mentor, helping to support students and early career professionals with their personal and professional development by interviewing experts in various sectors, including the creative arts. You can listen to the podcasts via the home page or by visiting the Half Hour Mentor website. He is also a love music promoter and in late 2023 set up Karona Sessions - visit the website here to find out more.www.karonasound.co.uk/sessions.html
However in the late-90s he couldn't resist the bug of live performance and adulation, and co-founded folk-rock band Odd At Ease with his other big (well, medium-sized) musical mate Nigel Mawdsley. The Easies played live on a regular basis with UK performances including Broadstairs and Middlewich Folk Festivals, and supporting the world-famous acoustic duo Show Of Hands.
In recent times, Ian has become a sought after live sound engineer working for the excellent Acoustic Roots season of concerts in Wigan, doing sound for the likes of Michael Chapman, Geoff Muldaur, Charlie Dore, Reg Meuross and Brooks Williams. He is also gaining an excellent reputation as a producer and mastering engineer, having recently produced live albums for Ashley Hutchings MBE, Mark Harrison and Lucy Zirins, and a studio album for Richard Knott.
Ian has his own business, Karona Sound, in which he provides various media services such as writing music for media and consultancy on podcast production. He produces his own critically-acclaimed podcast series, Half Hour Mentor, helping to support students and early career professionals with their personal and professional development by interviewing experts in various sectors, including the creative arts. You can listen to the podcasts via the home page or by visiting the Half Hour Mentor website. He is also a love music promoter and in late 2023 set up Karona Sessions - visit the website here to find out more.www.karonasound.co.uk/sessions.html