Summer with 'Alchemy': An Interview with David Clifford
1. How did your adventure with 'Alchemy' start?
I have known Clive since about 1993, one of his bands 'Shadowland' and my own 'Red Jasper' were both on the Dutch S.I. Label and toured together several times. Both bands reformed around 2010 and by chance we met up. I was formerly the drummer in my band (have since moved to lead vocals), so Clive did not really know I was a singer, this by chance was mentioned by Clive's keyboard tech and mutual friend Iain. Clive and I met up and started talking about 'Alchemy'. he originally cast me as Ben Greaves, but this was early on. The first thing I did was demo 'Amelia' at which point I became William Gardelle. In the interim period (1997 - 2010) during which time my band had split up, I had worked solidly as a vocalist, including musical theatre, this was a good fit and Clive and I changed 'Caamora' into 'The Caamora Theatre Company'. During the 'Alchemy' demoing process, I also produced and directed the full theatrical version of 'She', which debuted in the UK in February 2012. Musical theatre has always been my 'thing' and as the songs were so good I needed little persuasion.
2. How did your work routine look like while recording the album and preparing for the Katowice concert?
I have been balancing the whole thing with my band (as most of the cast are), and have lived a long time with this; I demoed 'Amelia' in late 2010, so this has been a long ride for me. Really pleased with the result though it sounds fantastic as I am sure the DVD will too.
3. Do you expect the theatre version of 'Alchemy' in Cheltenham to be more difficult than the Katowice show?
Very much so. This will be (as with 'She') full production so, 11 principals, 22 chorus, 4 musicians and 10 scene changes to direct and choreograph. It makes the DVD version look simple!
4. Do you think 'Alchemy' will affect your future career and did your past musical experience help in the 'Alchemy' project
This of course comes at a very good time for me. My band has been around since 1988 and released 5 albums, but only now for the first time on the new one ('The Great and Secret Show') do I become the lead vocalist. Therefore my work with 'She' and 'Alchemy' helps me a great deal as it shows me as a vocalist when most of the 'prog' community will remember me as the drummer. My previous experience of musical theatre of course helped hugely with this role.
5. Was it your first visit to Poland and how will you remember it?
It was my first time, yes. I travelled all over Europe with Red Jasper but never to Poland. I can honestly say that it was a wonderful trip. I enjoyed the company of the people I was with and also the locals. I look forward very much to the Red Jasper DVD in Katowice, that will hopefully happen in the future.
Photo by Neil Palfreyman
