| The blues pianist and keyboard player was wowing audiences across the UK and the Continent with his band Roll Wyn James a decade ago when a stroke cut short his professional career.
He was left unable to play or sing, and the father-of-two said today that, for several years, he thought he would never make music again.
However, with the help of Dundee City Council’s Mackinnon Centre, in Broughty Ferry, Alwyn is back recording and moving closer to his musical roots.
“For four years after it happened I didn’t think I would be making music,” said Alwyn. “It took time, but I started to pick up playing and recording.
“I have been studying music again at the Mackinnon Centre and have relearned to manage a keyboard with my left hand. I am back composing and recording.
“This makes me feel very good because, when people hear it, they usually compliment it.”
Using computerised drums, bass, organ and harmonica, and his left hand — Alwyn’s right hand was affected by his stroke — he is making the kind of music he enjoys.
His second CD, Fine, Fine, Fine by the Blues Two, which features Roll Wyn James guitarist Paul Henderson, adopts a style of music similar to the original band.
Sales of its predecessor, My Life and the Blues, raised over Ł1400 and enabled the Mackinnon Centre to buy a computer for their music department.
Social Work Convener, Councillor Helen Wright, today joined a group of Alwyn’s friends at the centre to listen to the new CD and thank him for the fund-raising efforts. |
