Album Notes

Homage to Charlie is my handshake across the years with Charles Chaplin to say, “Thank you, Charlie, for cheering us all up.”
As you listen to the music let the cameras of your imagination start rolling...

Homage to Charlie dates back to 2002. I was having a particularly damp time in North Cornwall, England, and on a drizzlerable afternoon found myself in Bude. Ducking for shelter in an ancient Video Emporium, I discovered to my great delight a shelf of Charlie Chaplin films; some I hadn’t seen for years, others I’d never seen at all. Promptly buying the lot, I rushed home to a cosy fire-side and was soon roaring with laughter as The Little Tramp came flickering to life, giving the world a mighty kick up the back-side with those size 14 boots.

Since then, I’ve come to a deeper appreciation of Charlie, for there always seems to be something new to discover in his films, even those I’ve watched many times. To enjoy Charlie’s films is certainly a good way to get to know him, and it was from the wonderful feeling of being on the set amongst all those familiar faces that the muse came and inspired me to compose pieces evocative of the many moods and scenes in The Little Tramp’s Silent Pantomime.

Martin Tilbrook Gardener.