In early December 2020, the native of Basseterre turned 70 years old. You can say about the singer Joan Armatrading - six in one: singer, music writer, lyricist, producer, guitarist and pianist.
Despite unstable popularity, she has impressive musical trophies (Ivor Novello Awards 1996, Order of the British Empire 2001). She remains a dark-skinned singer who has earned her rightful place in the list of musicians, along with white performers, with high positions in Britain.
The fateful meeting of Joan Armatrading
Joan is the third child in a large Armatrading family. At the age of 8, in Birmingham, she begins to learn to play the guitar. Two years later, under the influence of an immigrant from the Caribbean, P. Nestor came into close contact with pop music.
Their acquaintance becomes decisive for the young Joan. From that moment on, she finally decided on the creative choice of her life. Together they compose songs from separate compositions. Then they prepare for the main debut at that time in their lives - participation in the musical "Hair" in London.
Debut work by Joan Armatrading
The result of their joint work was the album "Whatevers For Us". But it was he who caused their breakup. Producer Gus Dudgeon favored Armatrading's vocals. This event in her career in 1972 was the beginning of a great career for the singer. The first solo album was predicted to be a success. However, the songs, accompanied by guitarist Dave Johnston and Ray Cooper on drums, did not cause delight among the public. The disc did not sell.
Recording studio "Curb", three years later, to remedy the situation decides to sell the album to the US concern "A & M". Joan enters into a contract with them. The first result of the contract is "Back To The Night", an album assisted by producer Pete Gage. But even he does not live up to expectations, despite the participation of Andy Summers and Gene Rossel. They don't buy records again.
A certain thaw in her career comes in 1976. Namely, when "Joan Armatrading", one of four collections under producer Glyn Johnson, hit the top 20 British LPs. The composition "Love & Affection" was among the top ten songs.
Black Stripe Joan Armatrading
The following compilations, "Show Some Emotion" and "To The Limit", diverged better than their predecessors, but did not contain hits. "Steppin' Out" was the final collaboration with the producer while touring the United States, but was not a hit. The black bar has come into its own again. Talent did not bring popularity to Armatrading.
For some time she collaborated with Henry Dewey, but this does not bring results. "Rosic" gets only in the bottom lines of the ratings, a small album "How Cruel" is released in limited quantities in the US and Europe.
The next choice of the producer turned out to be successful. Richard Gotterer, of The Strangeloves and producer of Blondie. "Me, Myself, I" entered the Top 30. The composition "All The Way From America" became, if not a hit, then at least popular in Britain.
At the age of 31, Armatrading recorded the next work - "Walk Under Ladders". Jamaican bassist Sly Danbury and vocalist Andy Partridge are recruited for the recording. Two singles were released from this album at once - "I'm Lucky" and "No Love and The Key" (1983)
The record and compilation "Track Record" finally established Joan's position in the UK. She has acquired the status of a musician who has her admirers. It was a narrow circle, but extremely grateful to her for her creativity.
What is the reason for the instability of the talented Armatrading?
No one has exactly answered this question. Perhaps a frequent change of producers. She never managed to connect creativity with one or two people. Or the reason is in its overly modest manner of performance and versatility - everything is smooth, there is no fire. Simply put - boring: good performance on the guitar, keyboards. But all about the same thing - love and life, to be more precise, everyday life. It does not highlight the technique of the voice, although it undoubtedly exists, but gives priority to the author's style in performance.
Secret Secrets 1985, re-released with new producer Michael Howlett. The composition "Temptation" has, to put it mildly, a moderate success. The involvement of a well-known photographer for the cover did not help. And he was destined to go into oblivion.
The next creative process she produces herself. In 1988, Joan invites Mark Knopfler and Mark Brezhiski to work together, but this does not save either. "The Shouting Stage" fails, like many previously released.
It becomes clear that what consumers want to hear is not compatible with the concept of the quality of Armatrading's music and songs. The failure of "The Shouting Stage" confirmed this version once again.
Armatrading managed to slightly rectify the situation between the leagues of British rock. On the one hand, the critics did not scold her. There was no recognition from the audience. Music lovers wanted a different reproduction, and not calm and, somewhere, boring melodies and songs of Joan.
Another chance for success
Charity tours by the royal family and Amnesty International played into the hands. Mandela's associates in 1988 supported her positions in the same way. But nothing is free - in four years, Joan sees herself on the lists of supporters of the British party's conservatism. Although she was always far from political intrigues, she never participated in such events.
But this is where it ends again. The following years do not become successful for her in terms of creativity, individual attempts to return and gain the love of listeners are not justified. Everything is repeated, despite her efforts and the involvement of famous musicians and performers. Nothing helps.
Singing became her strongest side. Possessing a deaf alto, she resembled Nina Simone. The strongest voice of a physically fragile dark-skinned woman made conversations stop and fascinated those who understood at least something in vocals.
She doesn't seem to despair. Armatrading still has its fans, all the same devotees as before. She continues to do what she loves and does not leave hope for a revival. Perhaps it will be another that no one knows, and she will be able to surprise everyone and remind of herself. At least Armatrading strives for this.
