Album Notes

Willy Finlayson was born near Edinburgh. A talented footballer, at age 17 he tried out twice for Falkirk in Scotland, and had a month’s trial with Newcastle United, before moving to London to pursue a career as a professional musician.

In the 70’s Willy sang and played with 'Bees Make Honey' and 'Meal Ticket', and in the early 80’s he recorded with Manfred Mann’s Earthband on the Chance album.

Willy has toured all over Europe, South America and Scandinavia with bands – Writing On The Wall, Bees Make Honey, Meal Ticket – and has opened for Ry Cooder and Bob Seger. In the mid-80’s he had a hit single in Europe with the soulful ballad, ‘On The Air Tonight’.

Although greatly influenced by the Blues, his readings of popular songs always contain that unique soul stirring element that marks a great singer.

But it’s in a live context that Willy’s talent shines brightest. A seasoned performer who’s shows frequently leave audiences wondering why his is not a household name.

Very Much Alive was recorded in 1992, at the Red Lion in Brentford. The band features an all star line up.

On guitar, former Whitesnake stalwart MICKY MOODY provides his own special brand of virtuosity. Micky, who co-wrote the smash hit 'Fool for your loving', performs a slide guitar composition, Moody's Mississipi, which confirms his stature as one of the UK's finest slide guitarists

MATT IRVING on keyboards. (Chris Rea, Squeeze, Alison Moyet and Paul Young.)

On drums CHARLIE MORGAN. (Elton John, Kate Bush, Gary Moore, Phil Lynott, George Michael, and Tina Turner.)

NIGEL PORTMAN-SMITH on bass. (The Eric Burdon Band and Stan Webb's Chickenshack.)

14 years later, this recording captures the raw energy of a fantastic band with a fantastic singer in full flow at the height of their considerable powers.