Matthew Canty

Hello Sam, Thanks for your message. Sorry to inform you but Laurence passed away on December 17th, 2023. There is a Guardian obituary and lots of good reads on this thread which has been contributed to gradually over the last few years. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/feb/23/laurence-canty-obituary We did talk about that cabinet, I think it's the same one he might have used at his Albert Hall did with Homer's Odyssey...!? I also have drawings of a speaker cabinet design, which I think were drawn by John Stoddard, did you know of him? I don't suppose you're the same person who might have something to do with his John Birch replica EB0 bass guitar? I believe it was sold to a pupil around the time. Regards Matt

He was. And I just found what appears to be a complete archive down the back of some shelves.

Hello everyone. Sad to be saying that my dad has passed away. He died on Sunday 17th December around 1pm - just in time for a coffee. It's been a really tough few years. I want everyone who said something on this thread to know it's been really important for me to hear these kind words, stories and memories. I had to no doubt he was a kind, inspirational and talented person. Liked by so many. I want you all to know that he was a wonderful dad who taught me so much about the world, life and of course bass guitar. If you're in any doubt as to how you might remember him in any way in light of this news, perhaps you'll find something in his Desert Island Discs, curated by him: I also kept track of any music that was discussed or mentioned during his stay at the care home: And finally, he recorded a gig back in 1991 at the Tower Hotel in London. It was mixed recently and I'm hoping to have it mastered soon and pressed to vinyl. Nothing commercial, just a very special keepsake. The tracks are SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/matthewcanty1988/sets/tower-hotel-1991-vinyl I'm celebrating with music.

Thanks Derek. Here’s some photos you might find of interest… The poster was framed recently by me and hangs above my desk. And I’m guessing that’s you on guitar? I’d be interested in making contact with Friz. You have both been mentioned often over the last 2 years.

Nice one! Whenever I stumble upon the letter you sent I’ll be sure to send this through. I don’t think I’m familiar with DJ Guitars, although I’m currently gig-lagged and not really thinking about much today 😂

Laurence had a band based in Lancaster with long-time musical friend Fred Binley. The band was called Quay Change. There's not a right lot of material out there, but here is a little bit of phone footage I just found from 2016. Must have been during the 2016 Lancaster Music Festival. Jane hopped on the mic for one song that day, however she was also a regular vocalist with the band around 2009-2011. Fred is still a great friend of mine and my dad's. Video Link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/kxiNg5BNAvGveuox6 Quay Change 15th October 2016 Wagon & Horses Jane Dodson - Vocals Laurence Canty - Bass Fred Binley - Keys Tim Franks - Drums

I've been away for a month or so. Thanks for the recent messages. Saw him the other day and it's funny how the condition produces illusions of familiarity. Happy to report he thought he'd seen @frannie01 the weekend before! I just smile these days... unless, maybe he did!? Thanks for your detailed and kind message @Wyndham Price. I read it out to him and he commented that it must have been 37 years since seeing you "Wyn", mid-80s. Sound about right? I can't remember who... but he did say one of you wouldn't switch from 3 to 4-finger patterns on the left hand 🤣 Even today, I still feel like I'm being taught.

Hello everyone, Just thought I'd throw a little update out, as it's been nearly a year! Thank you so much for all those who have continued to drop in and say a few things. It really means a lot to me to hear that he impacted so many players in a positive way. He would absolutely love to talk "degrees of separation" with all this. I sometimes like thinking about the "chains of inspiration" which must exist from one player to the next... @Ace Bass, 1976/77, that is early! You must have been a guinea pig for some of his thoughts. I tried to find Neville Wills, are you referring to the guitarist associated with Bowie (https://www.bowiebible.com/features/live-band-personnel-1962-2006/)? Looks like the internet doesn't go back that far 😆. Anyway I'll keep an eye out for something in the house and report back. I have his diaries back to 1972 so I'll surely find something. Dad is in stable condition. I mean dementia only goes one way, but he is comfortable and doesn't know much else. I see him every Friday, and always have a nice chat about music theory or music history. I have many hours of voice recordings on my phone. We also made a start on the Beatles doc. However I only really get an hour of useful time out of him so it could take another year to finish that! Keep playing everyone, and have fun! That is all he ever wanted. Best Matt

@Basses Id Like To Pluck marvellous! Thanks for posting this. I have found drafts of this magazine, but not this one. I’ll get this one printed out for the “This Is Your Life” red binder. incidentally I know this story well, I’ve been told it many times!! Next time I see him I’ll mention it for you. Thanks Matt

Epic! I can probably track down your letter easily if it’s there. I’m moving into his house on the 4th June. Once dust has settled I’ll have a look through. Matt

There was a regular-headed fretless as well. However I have found letters indicating he was particularly happy about it. Don’t think the choice of wood worked out. I think this bass was part of some wild imagination with the left over body. There are 3 basses now and it’s going to take some detective work to piece it all together. Most of the involved people have passed away.

IMG_9946.MOV Here is that infamous bass at the studio on Friday. He’d had it fretted a while ago but I restored it. (I should know better about my LH thumb position! I play a lot of guitar these days…) It needs some finesse, longer strings should have been used and the action is a bit challenging. 😂

Hello Joe! I’ll have to admit not remembering that occasion in the bar but there was a lot to occupy the mind on that job. Maybe there is a figment of a memory… Trains yes and coffee yes. We built a train set together when I was a child. I was also brought up on a diet of “mini-caps” which I think are commonly known as “baby-cinos” today. Prefer our name!

Disclosure, I worked with @toneknob 😄 Thanks again! I remember it happening very quickly. Hope I'll one day see and play that bass...

Woah! That's quite a stint. I'm glad for you as well, what a great opportunity.