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News

August, 2023:

On 20 Oktober, 2023 Cherry Red Records will release "Reaching For The Sun: The Major Minor Anthology 1967-1969" Disc One:

    1. God And Country
    2. Redundancy Blues
    3. The Silence Is Shattered
    4. Hiroshima
    5. Question Of Identity
    6. Time Of Trouble
    7. Echo Of My Heart
    8. In The Early Hours Of The Morning
    9. I'll Be Home
   10. Leaves That Fall
   11. Twilight
   12. Hey Sally Sally
   13. Reaching For The Sun
   14. Sheelo Gone So Long
   15. Midnight Sun
   16. Pretty Bird
   17. Days Of Pearly Spencer
   18. Can I Get There By Candlelight
   19. For Josephine
   20. How Can I Be Free
   21. Brown Eyed Girl
   22. Marlena
   23. For A Little Girl
   24. Lady Helen Of The Laughing Eyes
   25. Time Will Not Wait
   26. What's The Matter With Me
   27. There's No Lock Upon My Door
   28. Tomorrow's Like Today

1-16 The album Singing Songs By David McWilliams (UK Major Minor MMLP 2, released June 1967, mono-only)
17-28 The album Volume 2 (UK Major Minor SMLP 10, released October 1967)

Disc Two:

    1. Three O'Clock Flamingo Street
    2. Harlem Lady
    3. Four Seasons
    4. Turn Homeward Stranger
    5. Letter To My Love
    6. City Blues
    7. Reflections
    8. Poverty Street
    9. And I'm Free
   10. September Winds
   11. A Young Man's Dream
   12. Born To Ramble
   13. This Side Of Heaven
   14. Mr. Satisfied
   15. The Stranger
   16. Follow Me
   17. Oh Mamma Your Are My Friend
   18. I Love Sussie In The Summer
   19. Who Killed Ezra Brymay
   20. Fiori Nel Vento (Poverty Street, Italian language version)
   21. Correrai, Correrai (Mr. Satisfied, Italian language version)
   22. Un Sasso Nel Cuore (Intangible, Italian language recording)
   23. Lo Straniero The Stranger, Italian language version)
   24. Harlem Lady (mono version)
   25. Days Of Pearly Spencer (mono version)

1-12 The album Volume 3 (UK Major Minor SMLP 11, released February 1968
13-14 Single, UK Major Minor MM 561, released May 1968
15-16 Single, UK Major Minor MM 592, released January 1969
17-18 Single, UK Major Minor MM 616, released June 1969
19 Single, US Kapp K 929, released July 1968
20-21 Single, Italian CBS 3583, released June 1968
22-23 Single, Italian CBS 4087, released March 1969
24-25 Single, UK Major Minor MM 533, released October 1967

front sleeve

• First complete anthology of late 60s recordings by highly-regarded Irish singer/ songwriter.

• Includes his best-known song, the huge European hit ‘Days Of Pearly Spencer’, as well as more than a dozen tracks making their CD debut.

At the height of the protest singer boom that spawned the likes of Dylan and Donovan, Irish-born music industry heavyweight Phil Solomon received a demo tape from a young Ballymena-based singer/songwriter by the name of David McWilliams.

Sensing the possibilities, the entrepreneur added McWilliams to his Irish-based roster of acts (The Bachelors, The Dubliners, Van Morrison’s Them, etc) and placed the youngster on his fledgling record label Major Minor.

Launched in a blaze of publicity in mid-1967, McWilliams coupled voguish songs about social deprivation with lighter, more romantic material, with producer and occasional Beatles/ Rolling Stones associate Mike Leander providing the striking string arrangements.

Success was immediate: three charting albums were released in the space of eight months, with ‘Days Of Pearly Spencer’ – a swirling, cinematic slice of psychedelic pop/folk – becoming a huge hit single across Europe.

However, that punishing schedule and a puzzling lack of financial reward saw a disillusioned McWilliams turn his back on the music industry in 1969, although he would return after a three-year sabbatical to resume his career elsewhere.

A 2-CD set, ‘Reaching For The Sun’ is the first-ever compete anthology of David’s Major Minor recordings. It includes mono and stereo versions of his signature tune ‘Days Of Pearly Spencer’ alongside more than a dozen tracks making their CD debut, including ‘Who Killed Ezra Brymay’, only released at the time in America.

August 22, 2020:

BGO Records released a 2cd digital remastered edition of
Lord Offaly / The Beggar And The Priest / Livin's Just A State Of Mind
including 3 bonus tracks.

October 6, 2017:

Days of Pearly Spencer’, 50th Anniversary
On October 6 2017, exactly 50 years to the day since this classic song was first broadcast,
Belfast singer-songwriter Mandy Bingham has paid tribute to her late father David McWilliams
by releasing her own version.
Mandy enlisted the inimitable Michael Mormecha of Millbank Studios, Lisburn as producer.
Also featured are the amazing Arco String Quartet, Graham Bingham on lap steel guitar,
Edelle McMahon on electric guitar, and Mormecha himself on drums.
Mandy and Graham’s daughter Lola adds a striking contribution to the backing vocals,
making this new version a unique three-generational offering.
Link to youtube: Days of Pearly Spencer, 50th Anniversary

August 2016:

Esotec Recordings released a digital remasterd edition of Lord Offaly

May 22, 2012:

The Great Northern Songbook
In an extraordinary night at the Ulster Hall for BBC Radio Ulster's Great Northern Songbook,
Ash's 2001 hit single 'Shining Light' was named the best Northern Irish song of all time, and performed live by
fellow Downpatrick band The Answer and the Ulster Orchestra. Immediately afterwards, the rock 'n' roll
four-piece were joined by Ash frontman Tim Wheeler for a cover of Led Zeppelin's classic 'Stairway To Heaven',
which was debuted on that very stage in March 1971.

The night also featured first-rate performances from the likes of And So I Watch You From Afar, General Fiasco,
Boxcutter and Bronagh Gallagher - 10 artists each covering a song from BBC Radio Ulster listeners' top 10 best
Northern Irish songs ever, each one backed by the Ulster Orchestra. With the notable absence of Snow Patrol
from the results (with 'Run' and 'Chasing Cars' both nominated and only one vote per person, their fans may have been split),
Ash Came out on top.

Another highlight over the three-hour gala was 20-year-old singer-songwriter Katharine Philippa.
Her performances of David McWilliams's 'Days Of Pearly Spencer' and her own 'Wake Up O Sleeper'
marked the coming of a very special young talent.

The Great Northern Songbook

December 14, 2011:

David McWilliams Anniversary Tribute Concert
10 Year Tribute night will be held at the Braid in Ballymena; starting 20.00 hours.
The Festival is proud to welcome five of Northern Ireland's most talented singer songwriters
who will perform in celebration of the life of David McWilliams for the 10 year anniversary
of his death. Tonight's fantastic line-up includes Tara Hoy, Bap Kennedy, Gordy McAllister,
Bob Spears and Errol Walsh.

May 4, 2010:

Can I get there by Candlelight an Irish Tribute to David McWilliams' was released.
This double CD set is the same as the one released in March 2008, but this time the
release is worldwide and not only in Northern Ireland!

March 24, 2008:

A special double CD set called: 'A Tribute To David McWilliams' has been
released on Friday 21st March at Ballymena Arts Festival. Unfortunately
this record is only available in Northern Ireland.

Februari 14, 2008:

The David McWilliams Appreciation Society plans to release its limited edition CD
'A Tribute To David McWilliams' on Friday 21st March at Ballymena Arts Festival.

June 29, 2007:

Help Days of Pearly Spencer by Brian Houston in the charts

June 26, 2007:

Almond Greenway to release:
- single called:'Too Young Too Young'
- album called: 'The Extraordinary Songs of David McWilliams'

June 2007:

Brian Houston to record Days of Pearly Spencer

April 16, 2006:

October 6, 2006 David McWilliams Tribute Stage

April 2006:

Plans for tribute CD in memory of David McWilliams

September, 8 2003:

Mobile Ring Tone

'Can I get there by Candlelight? an Irish Tribute to David McWilliams'

A list of artists and the songs they have recorded:

	CD 1
Meghan McWilliams	-	god and my country
Davy Sloan	-	three o'clock flamingo street
Ursula Burns	-	can I get there by candlelight
Dawn Alexander	-	letter to my love
Brian Houston	-	days of pearly spencer
Henry McCullough	-	cross the line
Bob Speers	-	harlem lady
Hannah McWilliams	-	mexico
Errol Walsh	-	you don't have to worry about me
Blackthorn	-	dusty bluebells
Ciaran Macgowan	-	twenty golden years ago

	CD 2
Michael Robinson	-	black velvet
Gil McWilliams	-	she was a lady
Jackie Fullerton	-	blue eyes
The Irish Rovers	-	the gypsy
Clarke Fullerton	-	you've only been a stranger
Down to Earth	-	mister satisfied
Anthony Toner	-	for josephine
Richard Gilpin	-	in the early hours of the morning
Tommy Sands	-	an irishman's dream
Willie Drennan	-	spanish hope
George Jones & Paul McNelly	-	peggy sue got married

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Special double CD set called 'A Tribute To David McWilliams'

A list of artists and the songs they have recorded:

CD 1
Meghan McWilliams - god and my country
Davy Sloan - three o'clock flamingo street
Ursula Burns - can I get there by candlelight
Dawn Alexander - letter to my love
Brian Houston - days of pearly spencer
Henry McCullough - cross the line
Bob Speers - harlem lady
Hannah McWilliams - mexico
Errol Walsh. you don't have to worry about me
Blackthorn - dusty bluebells
Ciaran Macgowan - twenty golden years ago

CD 2
Michael Robinson - black velvet
Gil McWilliams - she was a lady
Jackie Fullerton - blue eyes
The Irish Rovers - the gypsy
Clarke Fullerton - you've only been a stranger
Down to Earth - mister satisfied
Anthony Toner - for josephine
Richard Gilpin - in the early hours of the morning
Tommy Sands - an irishman's dream
Willie Drennan - spanish hope
George Jones & Paul McNelly - peggy sue got married

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CD: 'A Tribute To David McWilliams'

PRESS RELEASE

"A Tribute To David McWilliams"
(Flamingo Street Productions)

The David McWilliams Appreciation Society plans to release its limited edition CD "A Tribute To David McWilliams" on Friday 21st March at Ballymena Arts Festival. The evening will feature the combined talents of Henry McCullough and Brian Houston with their bands in concert, at the new Braid Arts Centre building on Bridge Street, starting at 8.00pm. David's daughters Meghan and Hannah McWilliams will open the concert by singing their dad's first single from 1966 ("God And My Country").

Book now at the Festival Box Office, Bridge Street Ballymena - Tel. 02825 635942 Tickets £12.50

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS CD WILL BE CHANELLED INTO A BURSARY FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS AND SONGWRITERS.

For more information please Tel. Colin Agnew on 07920832216
or James Hughes on 07931334228.

Family, friends and fellow musicians have come together on this recording to sing some of David's best loved songs. An eclectic mix of musical genre and lyrical themes, the album features twenty two local artists and includes a comprehensive 20 page booklet with rare photographs and extensive biographical notes.

This CD is available exclusively through the following outlets from Monday 24th March

NO ALIBIS BOOKSTORE:    83 Botanic Avenue, Belfast
TREVOR KEYS MUSIC:       3 Wellington Street, Ballymena
                                              157 Spencer Rd. Londonderry
BERT McCORMICKS:           44 Main Street, Ballyclare
SOLSTICE:                           1 Society Street, Coleraine

Or alternatively by sending a cheque for £12 (incl. p&p) payable to "David McWilliams Bursary Scheme"
Flamingo Street Productions
14 Woodgrove
Woodtown Road
Ballymena
Co. Antrim BT43 5JQ

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Help Days of Pearly Spencer by Brian Houston in the charts

Local Northern Ireland artist Brian Houston has re-recorded “Days of Pearly Spencer” using David’s grandchildren Covey aged 12, Lily and Lola aged 10 and 8 to sing backing vocals. The release date for the record is 3rd of July, but can be preordered now. It cost only £1.50 to order via text by texting the word Pearly to 82822

Or

Preorder here now:
http://www.townsend-records.co.uk/artist.php?artist=Brian+Houston
http://www.hmv.co.uk/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;-1;-1;-1&sku=668760

Your help to get him in the charts would be much appreciated! The song is great some of you older folks may remember the original. It means a lot to us, David’s children and grandchildren to have Brain record our Dads/Granddads stuff.
You can find out more about Brian Houston at www.brianhouston.com

There is a preview of the song and the video at this link http://www.myspace.com/brianhouston

David’s grandchildren Covey aged 12, Lily and Lola aged 10 and 8 sing backing vocals.

Please pass this one to anyone you think might be interested too.

Helen McWilliams

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Almond Greenway

      Single 'Too Young Too Young'

The release of a David McWilliams Song 'Too Young Too Young' - a song for Princess Diana - will be released as a Down Load Single from http://www.almondgreenway.com if enough people buy it it could enter the charts.

          Album 'The Extraordinary Songs of David McWilliams'

The song is taken from an album to be released 01.08.07 'The Extraordinary Songs of David McWilliams' some free samples are available from http://www.indiestore.com/almondgreenway Usin' Me and Too Young Too Young and Almonds version of 'The Days of Pearly Spencer' can be heard at http://www.myspace.com/almondgreenway

The Great Feel Good Company Limited is proud to release these magnificent tracks recorded by Almond in 2006 Almond and David shared management in the 1970's and Almond's first 'Big Time' record was written by David McWilliams 'Didn't it Rain' .

Almond will be performing 8 concerts in the Edinburgh Fringe 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 August Understairs @ Euroscot 39 Palmerston Place Edinburgh EH12 5AU tickets 0131 527 6161 or http://www.understairs-arts.org.uk/ticketsales/cat_41245-music-live-2100-hours.html

The Extraordinary Songs
of David McWilliams

1. Using Me
2. I Love Susie in the Summer
3. Days of Pearly Spencer
4. Leave the Bottles on the Floor
5. Circles
6. She was a Lady
7. Oh What a Lovely Day
8. Joanne I Thought I Knew it All
9. Epitaph
10. Too Young Too Young

11. As I used to Know Her
12. Wounded
13. Such a Long Time Ago
14. Harlem Lady
15. Can I get there by Candle Light
16. Laugh at the Clown
17. Epitaph (Ralph's Version)
18. Didn't it Rain
19. Sweet Heart of the Rodeo

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Brian Houston to record Days of Pearly Spencer     (June 2007)

Brian Houstons version of “Days of Pearly Spencer” will be released the 23rd of July. It will be available for download from itunes and similar outlets from as early as the 3rd of July. You can download the song as an individual track or the whole single and both will count towards a chart placing. The great news is that Brian’s forthcoming single “Days of Pearly Spencer” has been re-mixed by Jeremy Wheatley (who also mixed Corinne Bailey Rae) and it’s sounding fab!

Brian has also been busy making a pop video to go along with it and the track is scheduled for release at the end of June. We’ve had lots of offers of support from David McWilliams Appreciation Societies in Ireland and the Netherlands and already local radio stations here in the North of Ireland are asking for it. We are very excited that the song (which features 3 of David’s grand children on Backing vocals) has stirred so much interest. We hope you’ll all help make it a hit by downloading it from itunes or other online sources when it’s available.

Video News The good news is that The Pearly Spencer Video is finished and will be available as part of the single release scheduled for July. The video will get an exclusive pre-release airing on local Belfast channel NVTV in Early June. There is a preview of the song and the video at this link http://www.myspace.com/brianhouston

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October 6, 2006 David McWilliams Tribute Stage     (April 16, 2006)

At this years Ballymena Arts Festival the DAVID McWILLIAMS TRIBUTE STAGE will feature-Anthony Toner, Bob Speers, Errol Walsh, Brian Houston,and Ursula Burns. ' IN THE ROUND ' Fri. 6th Oct 2006. Each artist will be singing original material and encouraged to talk about the inspiration behind their songs. They will also perform a cover version of their favourite David McWilliams composition. I plan to make this an annual event in the Arts Festival calender as a means of showcasing the very best N. Irish songwriting talent and of course as a lasting tribute to Ballymena's most famous musical son!

Colin Agnew

More information on the Tribute Stage can be found at navigation menu David - submenu Appreciation Society.

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Plans for tribute CD in memory of David McWilliams    (April 2006)

Despite David's early success and stardom, David never forgot where he came from and was immensely proud of his Ballymena roots.
As a means of paying a lasting tribute to Ballymena' s most famous musical son, Colin Agnew is trying to fund a tribute CD featuring his best loved recordings, sung by musicians who knew him and who share my enthusiasm and admiration for his talent as a songwriter.

Colin Agnew

More information on this plan can be found at navigation menu David - submenu Appreciation Society.

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Mobile Ring Tone     (8th September 2003)

I have discovered a "Days Of Pearly Spencer" mobile ring tone at this address:
http://mobiilisivut.com

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August 28, 2003:

If everything goes according to plan, a new album from David will be released on the
8th September.
More information can be found at CDs button, CD nr 6.

July 5, 2003:

If everything goes according to plan, a new album from David will be released this month.
More information can be found at CDs button, CD nr. 5

March 5, 2003

The latest news on the David McWilliams compilation from RPM:
The album is called "Reflections of David McWilliams" RPM 257.

January 28, 2003:

The latest news o n the David McWilliams compilation from RPM, is that it is scheduled for April release, the title being worked on is 'Farewell To Harlem-Reflections of David McWilliams' .
A track listing with approximately 25 songs is scheduled for the CD.

December 11, 2002:

Quick update tribute night for David McWilliams Friday 3rd January from 8.30 pm at the Errigle Inn, Ormeau Road, Belfast.
Michael Robinson, who lives in Holland and was a long term music friend of Davids, is flying in for the tribute night.
He played with David many times and will be performing a range of his songs including Pearly Spencer at the tribute.

Regards
Graham Slane
©http://www.causewaymusic.co.uk/

December 6, 2002:

David McWilliams Tribute
This is the state of play as at Thursday 5th Dec‚ 02 Friday 3rd January from 8.30 pm at the Errigle Inn, Ormeau Road, Belfast.
Sound by Creggan Black who will be available for pre event sound checks as required 24 channels available for all instruments with pre amps as well as mikes.

Artists confirmed so far:
Tony McCauley. [Compere]
Gil and Nanno McWilliams
Ken Haddock [singer songwriter]
Henry McCullough
Patsy Melarkey and Colin Higgins
Hugh Jordan
3 Old Men [ex Blackthorn includes Graham Slane]
Bobby Spears

Tickets available at:
Knights Records, Botanic Avenue,
The Errigle & John Higgins in Ballycastle
Saks at David Lloyd
Or reserve to email: grahamslane@yahoo.com
Price £10 all proceeds to Drake [charity providing access to music for
physically and handicapped people]
Raffle on the night 1st prize - so far! donated by Saks at David Lloyd Leisure,
Belfast a beauty treatment [boys or girls] value approx £100 +

NB
I understand that a bus is being organised from Ballycastle - contact grahamslane@yahoo.com
Graham Slane
©http://www.causewaymusic.co.uk/

November 23, 2002:

If you have misted the Ballycastle memorial concert, I've got good news:
A tribute to David McWilliams [unplugged] will be held in a prominent Belfast
music venue called the " Errigle Inn" on Friday 3rd January commencing 8.30
in the evening. It will feature numerous artists who knew David singing various
examples of his compositions.

Tony McAuley the well known local B.B.C. Television producer and Broadcaster
will act as compere and the list of performers will be provided soonest.
©http://www.causewaymusic.co.uk/

November 17, 2002:

Friday: David McWilliams memorial concert - Central Bar, Ballycastle.

BALLYCASTLE
Along the Coast in Ballycastle, a whole host of musical friends, from near & far, of the late great, & sadly missed, local hero David McWilliams, are putting on a night to remember the great man in the Central Bar, Ann Street, Ballycastle. Anyone who is under the illusion that he only wrote one great song, namely the 'Days of Pearly Spencer', would be well advised to go along & hear many of his friends pay tribute to him by singing many of his other wonderful songs on the night. David was taken from us suddenly, earlier this year, & Friday night is sure to be a very moving, & memorable evening. All the money collected on the night, will go to a childrens charity. I had the pleasure of teaching three of David's daughters how to play the Fiddle, so got to know the family quite well, & I had a lot of time for David as a person, as well as a lot of admiration for him as a wonderful songsmith.
I'll leave you with some words David quoted on the cover of his 'Working for the Government' album:

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it's because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away" - Thoreau

Fair play David