The Driving force behind “ The Next Phase “ is the singer-songwriter Patrick Cannell who on occasion is assisted by supporting artists Karen Sheader and Simon Reed.
Patrick began composing music in his mind at the age of 11. His mother bought him an acoustic guitar for his 16th birthday, “I already knew I could write music before I played the first note on a guitar. The task then was for my musicianship to catch up with my imagination.” Over the next couple of years Patrick had to learn the principles of playing music, as opposed to imagining the sound of it.
“Perhaps because I was a late starter as a musician, my playing skills, although competent, are some way behind my compositional skills. So midi is the ideal tool for me. You don't have to play like a virtuoso as long as you know how music works.” There were several attempts at forming bands and playing live but Patrick felt his true medium was the recording studio. He enjoys the lack of restriction a midi set-up gives him, “If I want a string section it's no problem.”
He is foremost a songwriter rather than a performer and does not confine his output to any particular style but many identify an “old” feeling in his music, which is not surprising as his influence draws from the rock and pop of the 1960's and 1970's. What of the future? “My long term ambition is to go completely insane but it's easier said than done.”
Lyrics
WAIT FOR ME
Wait for me, (Why don't you wait for me?) My darling. (Because I won't be long.) Wait for me, (A little patience, Dear) My honey. (Will help to make you strong.) Wait for me, (I'm gonna catch a train) My sweetheart. (When I have saved the fare) Hold on. (And yes I do declare) Hold on. (That I will soon be there.)
I'm gonna stick to you forever, It'll be as though we've always been together And we'll make believe I've never been away at all. (So won't you?)
Wait for me, (Why don't you wait for me?) My darling. (Like I would wait for you,) Wait for me, (A lover should be true.) My honey. ('Cause it's the thing to do.) Wait for me, (And when the train pulls in.) My sweetheart. (Can't wait to see you grin.) Hold on. (And I will take you out,) Hold on. (No need to hang about.)
We're gonna celebrate forever, It'll be as though we've always been together And we'll make believe I've never been away at all. (So won't you?)
