Ian joined The Brinsleys for their first great album, “Silver Pistol”. He brought more depth to their sound with his guitar playing and vocals, and while Nick Lowe is viewed as the band’s major songwriter, this shouldn’t overshadow Ian’s contributions which include a co-write on ‘Cruel To Be Kind’ with Nick. It is sometimes forgotten that this song was recorded by the band but only released on a Nick Lowe B-side before he re-recorded it in its definitive version on “Labour Of Lust”. What are readers views on Brinsley Schwartz? You can also read Ian Gomm’s recollections in December when Americana UK posts our interview with him.
Always loved the Brinsleys and don't think they really got the recognition they deserved. They were always much more than Nick Lowe's songwriting. They were trying to be a British version of The Band at a time when music was moving in a different direction. I think they would've been much more widely appreciated if they'd been starting out today. It's always the problem with music fashions. Too many people in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I've met Brinsley himself a few times. Lovely guy and a very, very good player.
Although these things change daily for all of us I think that "Surrender To The Rythym" has a very good chance of being on my desert island
@rick-bayles A lot more influential as a band than people give them credit for.
@paul-villers A high hit rate of great songs on each album once they hit their stride. Mind you “Country Girl” from their second album still brings a tear to my eye.
@paul-villers A high hit rate of great songs on each album once they hit their stride. Mind you “Country Girl” from their second album still brings a tear to my eye.
Yes Martin - I posted that in my 'hangover cures' thread. Top stuff
I really enjoyed Brinsley's solo album Tangled from 2021 (shameless plug here, https://paulkerr.wordpress.com/2021/08/31/brinsley-schwarz-tangled-fretsore-records/) and I've just received a copy of his latest which I'm looking forward to listening to.
@paul-kerr Not forgetting his time with Ducks Deluxe in both centuries. As Rick said, a very fine guitarist, and a late flowering songwriter.
