1987 Helen Watson – Blue Slipper

Blue Slipper is the 1987 debut album by Helen Watson. Like its follow up The Weather Inside the album is notable for its stellar cast of session musicians including Richie Hayward, George Hawkins, Paul Barrere, Michael Landau, Ethan Johns, Bill Payne, Bernie Leadon, Jerry Donahue and Steve Lukather. The sessions for this album were the first time members of Little Feat had worked together since Lowell George died in 1979. Produced by Glyn Johns, the record was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles.

All songs were written by Helen Watson and Martin McGroarty, except “Chrome Solder” (Watson). “You’re Not The Rule”, “I’m Jealous Dear” and “When You Love Me I Get Lazy” were released as singles. The former was championed by BBC TV show No Limits which played the accompanying video on several occasions.

The album was reissued on CD by Fledg’ling Records on 19 September 2006 featuring two tracks originally released on 12″ singles and two previously unreleased demo recordings.

Tracks

1  You\’re Not The Rule (You\’re The Exception) (Helen Watson, Martin McGroarty) 4:09
2  Boys Own World (Helen Watson, Martin McGroarty) 2:30
3  When You Love Me I Get Lazy (Helen Watson, Martin McGroarty) 5:01
4  The New Rock Island Line (Helen Watson, Martin McGroarty) 4:03
5  Blue Slipper (Helen Watson, Martin McGroarty) 5:13
6  Don\’t Stop Now (Helen Watson, Martin McGroarty) 3:35
7  I\’m Jealous Dear (Helen Watson, Martin McGroarty) 2:57
8  Sway (Helen Watson, Martin McGroarty) 4:20
9  Chrome Solder (Helen Watson) 3:44
10  Don\’t Forget To Say Your Prayers (Helen Watson, Martin McGroarty) 3:38
11  Rock Myself To Sleep (Helen Watson, Martin McGroarty) 4:15

Media

Musicians

1 You\’re Not The Rule (You\’re The Exception)

BassGeorge Hawkins
DrumsRichie Hayward
GuitarMike Landau
KeyboardsBill Payne
KeyboardsPaul Wickens
SynthesizerPaul Wickens


2 Boys Own World

BassGeorge Hawkins
DrumsJR Robinson
GuitarSteve Lukather
KeyboardsPaul Wickens


3 When You Love Me I Get Lazy

BassGeorge Hawkins
DrumsRichie Hayward
GuitarMike Landau
KeyboardsPaul Wickens
SynthesizerPaul Wickens
SaxSnake Davis


4 The New Rock Island Line

BassGeorge Hawkins
DrumsRichie Hayward
Acoustic GuitarMartin McGroarty
GuitarJerry Donahue
KeyboardsPaul Wickens


5 Blue Slipper

BassGeorge Hawkins
DrumsRichie Hayward
GuitarMike Landau
KeyboardsPaul Wickens
PercussionPaul Wickens


6 Don\’t Stop Now

BassGeorge Hawkins
DrumsRichie Hayward
GuitarMike Landau
GuitarJerry Donahue
KeyboardsBill Payne
KeyboardsPaul Wickens
SaxSnake Davis
Background VocalsChyna Gordon


7 I\’m Jealous Dear

BassGeorge Hawkins
DrumsJR Robinson
GuitarMike Landau
SynthesizerPaul Wickens


8 Sway

DrumsJR Robinson
GuitarMike Landau
KeyboardsBill Payne
KeyboardsPaul Wickens
PianoBill Payne
SynthesizerPaul Wickens
PercussionJR Robinson


9 Chrome Solder

BassGeorge Hawkins
DrumsRichie Hayward
GuitarJerry Donahue
KeyboardsPaul Wickens
Acoustic GuitarBernie Leadon
Acoustic GuitarHelen Watson
PercussionEthan Johns


10 Don\’t Forget To Say Your Prayers

DrumsJR Robinson
GuitarMike Landau
KeyboardsBill Payne
SynthesizerPaul Wickens
PercussionJR Robinson


11 Rock Myself To Sleep

BassGeorge Hawkins
DrumsCarlos Vega
DrumsRichie Hayward
GuitarPaul Barrere
PianoBill Payne
SynthesizerPaul Wickens

Liner Notes

Producer – Glyn Johns
Producer (Co-ordinator) – Ivy Skoff
Engineer – Shelly Yakus
Engineer (Assisted By) – Mark DeSisto
Mastered By – Doug Sax
Mixed By – Glyn Johns
Mixed By (Assisted By) – Dan Nash
Recorded By (Overdubs, Assisted By) – Ethan Johns
Recorded By (Overdubs) – Glyn Johns

Artwork By (Original Concept), Art Direction – Jill Arlon
Design (Sleeve Design) – Bill Smith Studio
Photography By – Brian Aris

Mixed at A&M Studios Los Angeles.
Mastered at the Mastering Lab Los Angeles.