Scotland seems to be on my radar right now, with recent posts and discoveries. Barbara Dickson first came into my radar nearly 40 years ago on 'The Two Ronnies' TV series when in the mid 70's she performed a song every week for a season. But it was the 'Chess' track 'I know him so well' with Elaine Paige that brought Barbara & Elaine for that matter, to international prominence. Chess was a special experience, as it was the Abba men returning to pop culture 3 years after unofficially disbanding the Super Swedes. The album and the duet single was HUGE everywhere, and reminded me of what a great singer Barbara was. I then hunted down several of her other recordings, including the Alan Tarney produced run in the early 80's. I have some treasured tracks from Ms Dickson, including her lovely version of the classic ballad 'It might be you' (from 'Tootsie). When i discovered Barbara had recorded an album of Gerry Rafferty songs, i was most excited; with Mr Rafferty being my all time favourite male singer. The opus 'To Each & Everyone' has an eclectic mix of selections from Gerry's discography - favouring the early LP 'Can I have my money back', but some notable inclusions such as the signature hit 'Baker Street', and this superb ballad 'The Light of Love' from his under-appreciated 'On a Wing & A Prayer'. Barbara and Gerry's association went back decades, and I recall reading her name on the liner notes for 'Night Owl' et al. I lost track, as one does, of Barbara's career, but it has been illuminating to see how much work she has undertaken, and her dabbling and excelling in different genres, entertainment platforms. And Ms Dickson is still going strong!
