Born in 1948 Giltrap came through the early
days of the UK folk revival, and established himself in rock music circles.
His first guitar was a present, at the age of 12, from his mother. Leaving
school aged 15, he wanted to pursue a career in art, but had insufficient
qualifications, so spent time working on building sites. As his interest
and ability, developed, he started playing regularly at Les Cousin's, in
London's Greek Street. There he met a number of singers and musicians who
were later to become household names in the folk and blues world. Names such
as Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, John Martyn and Al Stewart were just a few
such notables.
Giltrap was later to pay homage to Jansch
with a selection of songs on the CD
'Janschology'
Although still only semi-professional,
Giltrap signed a deal with Transatlantic Records and released Early days
and Portrait. Playing the college, folk club and university circuit, and
establishing a growing following, Giltrap had begun to write mainly instrumental
pieces by the '70s. This change of direction led to
'Visionary', an album based on the work of William
Blake, the 18th century English artist and poet. |
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By now Giltrap was receiving favourable
reviews for his style of blend classical and rock music, and this led to
him being commissioned to write for a number of special events. This fusion
produced further works in a similar vein including 'Visionary',
'Fear Of The Dark' and 1981's
'Peacock Party'.
It was 'Heartsong,' from 1977's
'Perilous Journey' that just failed to make
the Top 20 in the British singles charts in 1978. The tune, a Giltrap
composition, was later used by BBC Television in the UK, as the theme tune
to the Holiday programme during the '80s. It has become very much Giltrap's
signature tune and has been re-recorded over the years including a version
in 1993 with several well-known friends and musicians among them Brian May
and Rick Wakeman.
Many of Giltrap's other compositions have
been used for UK television work, including ITV's 'Wish You Were
Here'.
He performs live regularly in the UK promoting
his music and his albums, many of which have been reissued in recent years
with bonus tracks.
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