Dave Salmon had become a familiar sight on the streets of Cardiff. Six feet eight inches tall, half American Indian with long hair and if it wasn't big enough for a tattoo (which didn't leave much), he had it pierced. Dave, originally from California via Alaska, New Orleans and Ireland (the journey from there to Wales becoming complicated when it transpired that driving we whole way was made slightly difficult owing: to the unexpected appearance of 'The Irish Sea'... !). Dave had refined busking to a fine art, playing along to his own backing tracks of blues instrumental and, aside from his physical presence, drew much comment owing to his ability to play two guitars at the same time. Or at least in quick succession—one left handed, one right handed, slung diagonally across his chest, first fretting with one hand, then the other, clever. Dave's appointment was not given the absolute thumbs up by some of the other Cardiff musicians— one, who had been turned down for the job, earnestly advised them that they were at risk of turning the whole thing into a circus.
Having had their choice of guitarist so succinctly endorsed, it was bass player time...
Rob Khoo was a well known Cardiff figure. Not usually to himself after 10 o'clock on a Friday night, but working in the infamous Clwb ifor Bach (where we recorded the Live Album and Video), he had occasionally introduced Bluehorses to the audience. Unfortunately it was usually by some other name, but they never bore a grudge and when he heard they were looking for a new bass player and said PleasePleasePlease for several days, they relented and he was in.
The bands already distinctive appearance was now considerably enhanced... Nic and Jonathan became the shortest males in the ensemble, even tho' they are both six foot tall, and a reputation as the folk band with the big sound and even bigger hair soon followed. During an interview after a festival performance, the young lady of the press commented "Its such a sexy band. Tho' I'm a bit scared of Nic, 'cos he looks like a Viking". Liz says she should be scared.
Bluehorses shows took on a novel format: Rob would take to the stage on his own and proceed to attack his bass with a violin bow. The rest of them would wait outside the doors at the back of the hall and then make a big entrance in procession... First Jonathan emitting mournful wailing sounds from something which used to be a goat. Dave was next, towering over everyone with crossed guitars, Liz and Em following in his wake. Nic took up the rear with a big rope strung tabor— a mediaeval marching drum, similar to those used at hangings and the like.
They soon realised that Rob found this whole procedure highly embarrassing. Particularly as he was made to wear a hangman's hood when he made his lone entrance and recognising that sport was to be had, the remaining members processional entrance became delayed more at every gig sometimes leaving Rob to swelter for two or three minutes. This may not seem long to anyone who doesn't have experience of being on stage... alone... all eyes on them, but I'm sure Rob'd put them right! Often Rob would accidentally forget to bring his hood, but luckily Jonathan had made a spare which was always quickly produced, much to Robs, erm... relief!
It was after one of these gigs, at the Fleece and Firkin in Bristol, that Nic was approached by a member of the audience. Big happy bloke. Loved the band. Did they ever need a driver? A few weeks later he turned up again at a show in Trowbridge. having spent £50 on a taxi to get there! Then a week later, there he was in Worcester, then Bristol, then... Well, then we gave him the job! And you all know Stan! Since then, Stan's been with the band at just about every gig first just driving, then as back-line technician, mat means setting up the drumkit and amps, taking care of all the tuning changes and passing instruments to and fro during the live show. The band (and the fans!) regard Stan as an additional member of Bluehorses, a much loved friend and totally indispensable.
At a gig at Club ifor Bach, David Wheeler, who was the director of BBC's 'Top Gear" introduced himself and said he'd like to make a video of the band—only it had to be soon! After a frenetic couple of weeks, finding a location, making costumes and writing a script, we trekked down to Margam Park near Port Talbot and with Beeb cameraman John Couzens spent a day shooting a dramatic and evocative film to the original electric 'Helen'. Visually the video is first class, but unfortunately in the rush, the soundtrack was less than favourable, leading to the video not being released. You can see an excerpt from it on the 'Live Video' (also directed by David) - its the bit with Liz and Em dancing in raggedy dresses, if you look carefully you can spot Dave and Jonathan in there too!
A year or so later, Jonathan became involved in traditional Welsh group 'Fernhill' and decided to concentrate his efforts in that direction, so for the first time, Bluehorses became a five-piece. Although this caused the band some trepidation, the first show passed without any hiccups and despite Jonathans considerable stage presence and eclectic instrumentation, the rest of the band were able to fill in the gaps without too much of a problem.
Chapter 1 can be read here
Chapter 3 can be read here
