Life-Tracks
Of the Heart
Of the Heart
The story
Of the Heart was an evolution from where The Shattered Dreams left off, with Philip Joiner on lead guitar in place of Matthew Moore, adding a more polished sound and ambitious arrangements. Grant had an increasing role of writing lyrics and songs in addition to his role on vocals. The band line up was:
Bass – David Ezekiel;
Drums – Kevin Davis;
Lead Guitar – Philip Joyner;
Lead Vocals – Grant Wright.
This version of Death be Damned was recorded by Of the Heart in 1983. It was first recorded by the Shattered Dreams.
A deep dive into the archive found this track left unreleased by the band.
Grant commends the experienced combo of Kevin and David from The Shattered Dreams on drums and bass respectively and loves the intense guitar work and use of pedals by the late Philip Joyner.
The lyrics vividly record Grant’s observations while walking back from a night at New York’s Max’s Kansas City venue when Jimmy Carter was being driven into town.
It is believed that this might be a live recording or one where various instruments were recorded simultaneously.
Reflections by
This track was taken from the cassette only release of the EP "Of the Heart".
Grant's lyrics are partly about contemplating the past and how photographs can fuel creativity through art, words and music.
The idea was to create a freedom for the vocals to drift across the musical structure, giving a loose, jazzy feel.
Grant presented the lyrics to the band together with programmed drum tracks, melody lines and the song was then developed in the studio.
Philip Joyner's guitar work filled out the track to give an atmospheric feel.
New York/London by Of the Heart
This song was presented by Grant to the band at the rehearsal studios and this recording was made.
Having stayed with a friend in New York and visited the legendary Max’s Kansas City venue, Grant wrote this song which pairs the two cities as sisters and talks of their various attributes; as he dreams of returning.
