What does it sound like?:
I’ll come to that in due course, but this is more than a review, it’s a request, cos the recording I talk about is all but unavailable. I refer to “Unexpected”, a disc that was for sale and that I picked up at last weeks Graham Parker (&BS) duo gig a week ago. Played (quietly) as pre-show music and featured by one song within the understandably Parker predominant set, I gave it a punt, abetted by the support act’s statement that it was unavailable via the usual tax-dodging outlet etc. I should add I am one of those off folk who enjoys the other guy, if you understand and forgive the phrase. I have the albums by the Rumour and the one by the Attractions minus their modus. And i liked what I heard. On closer listening I liked it better. Crafted and honed old guy rock music, neither scary nor innovative, nether noisy nor challenging, just very well played, soothing and sound, songs to mellow to. Schwarz can certainly play guitar, has an unassuming voice and can rhyme a near-cliche with aplomb. OK, he isn’t ever going to tear the charts apart, but it is a better record than many who think and hope they might. Largely guitar, bass, keys, drums, stringed instruments courtesy Brin, it is just as comfy as old slippers, forgotten and found after decades seeking snappier shoes. OK, it’s 2 songs too long, the last 2 over-egging the hint of formulaicism, but still good by any comparisons with similar.
What does it all *mean*?
Nowt. 40 minutes soaking in a warm bath.
Goes well with…
Slippers, feet up, headphones or a drive in the car.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Brinkley Schwarz (the band), the Rumour, similar sidemen solo projects like Henry Priestman or Anto Thistleshwaite
Dunno how to get it mind.
Love to be able to listen to this.. my heartfelt thanks for being there.
Top bloke. Nice to see him getting stuck into the business end of a Les Paul too. Brinsley has modded most of my guitars. If you’re ever in Kew, Chandler Guitars is worth popping by.
I did his series wire / master volume /tone mod on my Strats. Really good.
If you’re ever in Kew, @Bartleby, ask him the AW were asking how to get hold of ‘Unexpected”. I would feel mean dropboxing it to anyone……
I’ve moved out of town now, but I don’t mind calling and asking him. I’ll report back…
Quick update – I spoke to Brinsley earlier and the only place you can get hold of Unexpected is directly from him at Chandlers. He works part time, so it might be a little hit and miss, but the other tech (Andrew) is good at passing on notes. The number, if you’re not local, is 020 8332 6255.