Massachusetts Turnpike

[UlrichS]

Bruce Welch Demo Tape pic 2.jpg

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If you have a look at the handwriting on this tape box it suggests that a studio recording of "Massachusetts Turnpike" has been made.
What I could find out is that it is a composition by Bruce Welch and John Rostill.
Following the notes in Mike Read's 'The Story Of The Shadows' (p. 207) the song was probably written between John's return from his US tour with Tom Jones in July 1973 and his untimely death in November 1973.
The song was recorded by Des O'Connor for his LP "Another Side Of" (NSPL 18559, 1978), produced by Hank Marvin.

Am I right in presuming that "Massachusetts Turnpike" was planned for a follow-up single for Bruce's "Please Mr. Please"?

Also, I have a note that the Bruce and John composition "Rose, Rose" was recorded by Bruce as an vocal on 17. March 1974 (and later as an instrumental by the Shadows for their LP "Specs Appeal). Should there be some hope that both tracks are there somewhere in the EMI vaults?

[iefje]

Very interesting! Is it certain that Bruce's single "Please Mr. Please"/"Song Of Yesterday" was recorded on or around March the 17th, 1974? Have you heard this recording of "Massachusetts Turnpike"?

[UlrichS]

Very interesting! Is it certain that Bruce's single "Please Mr. Please"/"Song Of Yesterday" was recorded on or around March the 17th, 1974? Have you heard this recording of "Massachusetts Turnpike"?

Ivo,
I have no information regarding the recording date of "Please Mr. Please" and "Song Of Yesterday". I only know about "Rose, Rose".

Yes, I have heard "Massachusetts Turnpike". IMHO it is a pity that it has not been released.

[iefje]

I think it's a pity Bruce didn't release more of his own songs as a solo artist. This was probably because his one and only single to date did not chart in England. He and John Rostill wrote some great songs during that period, which in any case were recorded by other artists, mainly Olivia Newton-John.