Stroke can't stop Chris Knox singing

LIESHA WARD-KNOX

NO STOPPING HIM: Kiwi musician Chris Knox who suffered a stroke in June. A compilation album of his songs, performed by well known artists was released this week.

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Being unable to speak will not stop Chris Knox singing.

The Kiwi musician, 57, can say only a few words after suffering a stroke at his home in Auckland in June, but has still provided some vocals on a new compilation album.

Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox was released last week and features well-known artists singing Knox' songs.

And there are two new recordings by Knox' bands, The Nothing and Tall Dwarfs, featuring Knox himself.

Family friend and Flying Nun record label founder Roger Shepherd said although Knox's speech is limited to yes and no, his ability to hold a tune remained, and he could makes sounds along with music. "His musical faculties seem completely unaffected."

Knox's friend Roy Martyn, a member of The Nothing, spearheaded the two-CD album and said it was a privilege to see Knox back doing what he loved.

"Chris doesn't have words but he is still very musical."

The first track with The Nothing was made up as it was recorded, Martyn said. "Chris just joined in and had a great time vocalising along with the band. It made him very happy."

Knox also helped write the Tall Dwarfs track and played keys on it, he said.

"It was wonderful to see Chris back in a studio and leading his band again."

A vegetarian who exercises regularly, Knox's stroke was caused by a blood clot in his neck, which travelled to the brain. He was left silent, and unable to walk.

Since then, he has regained mobility, walking up to 500 metres at a time. His use of his right arm and hand is limited, but he can draw with his left.

He is able to say yes or no, and occasionally some other words, and is enjoying the odd beer and chocolate icecream.

Shepherd said the inability to communicate was the biggest hurdle. "His speech has been impaired horrifically."

But despite the hardships, Knox's spirits remained "remarkably high", and his personality was unchanged. "It's definitely him – the same sense of humour and mischievousness."

It is also tough on his partner Barbara Ward and their two adult children John and Liesha Ward Knox. But the album had provided a positive focus, he said.

Martyn said getting people involved in the album was easy. "Chris is a songwriter's songwriter, so lots of the artists were very pleased to be able to show their love of him and his music."

The road ahead for Knox is long, but Martyn is looking forward to continuing to make music with him. "He's such a great singer and musician, and the knowledge that musical activity aids his recovery is an encouragement for me to do more work with him."

Knox was one of five New Zealanders to receive an Arts Foundation laureate award, worth $50,000, last week. –  Dominion Post

» Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox includes artists Jay Reatard, Shayne Carter, The Mountain Goats, The Verlaines, Boh Runga, David Kilgour, Don McGlashan and Will Oldham. All proceeds from sales go towards Knox's recovery.

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