The Original Songwriters at Orange Club
The Original Songwriters (TOS) was started up in 1991 by Pam Robbins and Lisa Boni, being based for many years at The Orange Club in North End Road, W14 London.
From 1994 to 2000, Chris clocked up 21 performances at this showcase, where he performed alongside other artists, mainly TJ Davis, Emma Stace, Kat, Sandra Shields, Shelly Nelson, Simon Green, Dal Shields and Billie Myers.
Chris - “I remember Bonnie Raitt being in the audience one time and Pam asked me to take a photo of her with Bonnie (see pic below). I also remember seeing Una Stubbs, Kenny Lynch, Mariella Frostrup and Howard Jones in the audience”.
There were also appearances by Leona Lewis, Gabrielle, Jody Lei, Imogen Heap, Tori Amos, Peter Cunnah of D'Ream, Chaka Khan, Midge Ure, The Feeling, Sandie Shaw, Angie Brown and Howard Jones.
The format of the showcases, with a fantastic house band and backing vocalists comprising the cream of London's musicians and singers, was also unique and virtually unmatched.
Host - Meli James, Helena Paul, Rita Campbell
Drums - Dylan Howe, Jeremy Stacey, Greg Leppard
Keys - Gordon Hulbert
Bass - Steve Walters, Steve Lamb
Sax - Sean Freeman, Jimmy Gallagher
Guitar - Ian Iredale, Chris Newland
1/21 - First Performance - ‘Talking ‘bout that Feeling’ & ’Haunt Me' 18th April 1994.
Meli James host, Dal Shields BVs, Sandra Shields BVs, Gordon Hulbert keys, Dylan Howe drums, Steve Walters bass, Ian Iredale guitar, Sean Freeman sax.
2/21 - ‘Talking ‘bout that Feeling’ & ’Haunt Me' 8th May 1994.
Meli James host, Dal Shields BVs, Sandra Shields BVs, Gordon Hulbert keys, Dylan Howe drums, Steve Walters bass, Ian Iredale guitar, Sean Freeman sax.
3/21 - ‘Talking ‘bout that Feeling’ & ’Haunt Me' 4th July 1994.
Meli James host, Dal Shields BVs, Sandra Shields BVs, Gordon Hulbert keys, Dylan Howe drums, Steve Walters bass, Ian Iredale guitar, Sean Freeman sax.
4/21 - ‘Secret Love’ & ‘Gently Fade Away’ 15th August 1994.
Meli James host, Dal Shields BVs, Sandra Shields BVs, Helena Paul BVs, Gordon Hulbert keys, Dylan Howe drums, Steve Walters bass, Ian Iredale guitar, Jimmy Gallagher sax.