AI brings hidden song back to life after 50 years

It’s a little told story in Scotland’s music scene – the time a folk-rock band from East Kilbride opened for David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust tour in the 1970s.

Now, decades on, a piece of the JSD band’s legacy is coming to life – thanks to Leif Coffield, who is the great nephew of the group’s former member, Des Coffield.

'Only Fascination' is a song that was written by Des Coffield following the band’s split.

The track lay hidden for 50 years until it was finally rediscovered.

Leif was well aware of the song’s legendary status within his family.

He said: “I had heard of this song for as long as I can remember and it held some kind of mythical status in my family.

“When my dad was on holiday in the 80s, he would play the song to his pals and they were all raving about it.

“On the last day of the holiday he told them ‘you know that song we've been listening to... that's actually my uncle’ and they couldn't believe it because it sounded like it would just fit perfectly on the radio at the time.”

However, the song was subsequently lost until its recent rediscovery during a clear-out of Des Coffield’s belongings.

Upon finding the tape, Leif was captivated by the track and was inspired to honour his uncle’s musical legacy through a collaboration.

"It was almost criminal that it wasn't released at the time", he said.

Plans for this joint project were tragically cut short by Des' death to cancer last year.

Leif was still determined to involve his great-uncle in his version of the song in some way.

Inspired by the way The Beatles used AI technology to include John Lennon's vocals in their 2023 song, "Now & Then", Leif decided he would merge Des' vocals with his own.

He said: “I pulled my great uncle's original vocal from his demo and then just layered it in with my own vocals.

"So on the track you can subtly hear his vocals.”

Leif explained how he wanted to get some of his other family members involved too.

“The remake includes my dad and cousin on guitar, my mum on cowbell, and myself on the production, guitar and vocals."

Leif said he thinks his great-uncle Des would be happy with how the track turned out and hopes it brings a little piece of the JSD Band into the 21st century.

Emerging from East Kilbride, the JSD Band had been an influential part of Scotland’s music scene in the late 60s and early 70s.

The group was made up of five childhood friends and gained recognition for their electric-rock approach to traditional Scottish folk music.

They played on the club circuit with other Scottish artists such as Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty of the Humblebums, and Barbara Dickson.

Their talent let them to make appearances on BBC Radio 1 with DJ John Peel and they were the support act for the UK leg of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust tour.

Former drummer of the JSD Band, Colin Finn, says the remake of ‘Only Fascination’ is good for Des’s legacy.

He said of his friend: “Des was a natural - a great songwriter, a great musician.

"He was a talented guy and I don't think he got the credit he really deserved.

“We held him back!"