Turn The Lamp Down Low
Background
In addition to the rich musical influences of the Middle East, the blues served as a cornerstone of The Tea Party's distinctive sound from their inception. Jeff Martin was introduced by his stepfather to the legendary blues pioneers like Robert Johnson, B.B. King, and Muddy Waters, and he also accompanied his father to local blues concerts. This early exposure to blues profoundly shaped Martin's musical development. Muddy Waters' composition provided the melodic foundation for "Turn the Lamp Down Low." When comparing the original track with The Tea Party's rendition, the blues lineage remains unmistakable. However, The Tea Party's version is transformed by Jeff Martin's unique lyrical contributions and Jeff Burrows' powerful, driving percussion, which builds to a mesmerizing, ecstatic crescendo that spirals to new heights as the song concludes.
The Tea Party themselves have recorded the song in different variations. In addition to the regular album version, there is also an acoustic version that found its way onto the “Alhambra” EP.
In 1999 EMI Germany requested an exclusive, previously unreleased track for the release of 'Triptych.' As a result, the Promo single 'Touch' was released, featuring a blues version of "Turn the Lamp Down Low" as the B-side.
Finally, the Tea Party version of the song itself was covered. In 2012, the US band 'Murder by Death' recorded a version of Turn The Lamp Down Low that is largely based on the Tea Party version.
In a memorable appearance on the Bruce Dickinson Show in Manchester, UK, the band delivered a captivating rendition of the song that left listeners spellbound. For years, devoted fans treasured a radio recording that circulated within the community as a rare gem—until it finally received its place on the official 20th anniversary edition of "The Edges Of Twilight." Those curious about the original magic can explore the vintage bootleg recording here:
The Tea Party - Turn The Lamp Down @Bruce Dickinson Show
Releases
The Tea Party - Alhambra
1. The Grand Bazaar*
2. Inanna*
3. Silence*
4. Turn the Lamp Down Low*
5. Time (w/Roy Harper)
6. Sister Awake Remix
Label: EMI Canada
Format: CD
Released: 1996
Touch (Promo)
01. Fire In The Head
02. The Badger
02. Sister Awake
Label: Chrysalis – CDTPDJ 2
Format: CD, Single, Promo
Released: 1995
The Tea Party – The Edges Of Twilight (20th anniversary edition)
CD 2:
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06. Turn the Lamp Down Low – Alternate Blues Version
[…]
15. Turn The Lamp Down low – Live (at the Bruce Dickinson Show)
Label: Universal Music
Format: CD
Released: 2015
video
Band commentary on the video