Page 9 - July 2021

whose verdict on the number was ‘beautiful song, but not commercial enough to be a hit.’ They were right, of course; it never made the charts -but I was more than satisfied with the comment ‘beautiful song’ coming from two such successful and highly- rated professionals.
The story of Moon Goddess could have finished there. Although we played Steppin’ ‘n’ Stridin’ on stage frequently, I can recall very few opportunities when we encountered an audience of the appropriate timbre to appreciate the melodic poetry of its sister track. ‘Neon Rainbow’ disbanded in 1979, and although there were various other combos before
I finally hung up my bass (to pursue a university 9
degree course at the age of 38), neither number was performed live again.
I retained a fond affection for the song, however, and would often play it on my six-string acoustic. When Helena -who had been familiar with the words and melody since she was a
toddler, began compiling songs for her Wash Away The Years album, I asked her if she could utilise some studio time to record Moon Goddess, as I was curious to hear what it would sound like with a female vocal.
When she sent me the recording a few weeks later, I was delighted with the quality of her lead and harmony vocals, and knocked out by the piano and strings accompaniment of Matt Black’s production.
Needless to say, I was both thrilled and flattered when she informed me she wanted to include it on her album.
Rob Atkins. ß