There’s a tribute show called ‘Glasgow Dreamer’ being broadcast on Radio 4 (Sunday 26 March 2006 20:30-21:00) it is presented by comedian Arnold Brown with contributions from Stewart Lee, John Hegley and the late John Peel.

Ivor Cutler’s relationship with Peel went back to Peel’s private radio days of The Perfumed Garden. The Peel Radio sessions were a collection of the surrealist folk music and the odd storytelling, particularly the series of ‘Life In A Scotch Room’ tales from a the point of view of Cutler, aged 5.

Other admirers included philosopher Bertrand Russell, John and Paul of the Beatles, fellow Scottish comedian Billy Connolly and even Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand).

Cutler was born and raised in Glasgow in a Jewish family of Eastern European decent. He joined the RAF as a navigator after leaving Rolls Royce as an apprentice fitter but found he didn’t have the concentration for such a job. He then trained as a teacher, which he did for 30 years teaching music, African drumming, poetry and drama to primary school children. It was often his child like humour that audiences related to the most, as he could be equally sinister and bleak in his work.

Ned Sherrin apparently ‘discovered’ him and booked him for TV shows like Late Night Line-Up and The Acker Bilk Show in the 1960’s. From this he had a cameo part in the Beatles’ film Magical Mystery Tour as a bus conductor. In addition to his classic Virgin Records period of the early 1970’s releasing albums Jammy Smears and Velvet Donkey, he also appeared on Robert Wyatt’s Rock Bottom release.

Cutler’s distinctive voice and harmonium trade mark are obvious choices for any offbeat or experimental mix tape such as the compilation CD Miniatures or N-E-X-T-W-O-R-L-D Vol. 1 (see links below). I put this tape together in February this year and included ‘Women Of The World’ as its message is as relevant today as it will always be.

He made his last public performance at the Queen Elizabeth Hall two years ago that was subsequently broadcast on BBC4. Also check out Ivor’s web site with sound clips and details of the BBC sessions.

He had been living in North London near Hampstead Heath for many years and was known as a keen member of the Noise Abatement Society and cyclist. He was often seen on a bike in his sartorial finery of plus fours and badge-covered hats. He’s reported as saying, “Yes, I am an eccentric. No, I am not a nutter”. Ivor Cutler, another free spirit that will be sadly missed, RIP.

Ivor Cutler, born 15th January 1923; died 3rd March 2006.

Links
Listen Again [Radio 4]
www.ivorcutler.org and www.ivorcutler.org/sessions.html
Miantures Vol 1 (Cherry Red Records)
Minatures Vol 2.
N-E-X-T-W-O-R-L-D Vol. 1 - “your mix is cool man! Very very cool! Nice selection!” MOD X, 26th March 2006
1. N-E-X-T-W-O-R-L-D (Intro)
2. Fink - ‘Pretty Litte Thing’ (Ninja Tune) [2006]
3. Dwele - ‘I Think I Love U’ (Neon Heights vs. Zap Zeeland rmx) (CDr)
4. D’Nell - This Thing’ (Aaron Jerome Remix) (BBE) [2006]
5. Dorondo - ‘Let My People Go’ (Luv n’ Haight) [2006]
6. Brand New Heavies - ‘It’s Getting’ Hectic’ feat. Gangstarr
7. The Blacknificant Seven - ‘U Wot’ (Dark Horizon) [2006]
8. Tony Laven - Bass Solo (Unknown)
9. Madtone - ‘Dark Dread’ (Blossoms Kitchen) [2005]
10. Miles Davis - ‘Black Satin’ (CBS) [1972]
11. Roy Budd - ‘Get Carter’ (PYE) [1971]
12. Al-Haca - ‘126’ (Bomb Mitte) [2005]
13. Makossa & Megablast - ‘Like A Rockit’ (G-Stone) [2006]
14. Paul Murphy - ‘Seven Samurai’ (Afro Art) [2006]
15. Modeslktor - ‘Earth’ (Dalbin) [2005]
16. Linda Hirst / Ivor Cutler - ‘Women Of The World’ (Rough Trade) [1983]
17. Lupen Crook - ‘Folk Singer’ (XFM Session)