Tangled by Brinsley Schwarz

Brinsley Schwarz returns with a new solo album Tangled this Autumn. His first album for Fretsore Records, the release follows on from the guitarist, singer and songwriter’s belated debut solo album Unexpected, released in 2016.

His passion for writing and recording reignited following two albums and tours with the reformed Graham Parker & The Rumour and following the success of his solo debut, playing most of the instruments himself, Brinsley worked with former Parker keyboard-player and Waterboys and Jackie Leven producer James Hallawell to deliver nine original songs of the richness and maturity of someone with decades of experience, of stage, studio and, well, life itself.

“Having written some songs but failed to record at home, I concluded that computers and I are not from the same planet,” says Brinsley. “To the rescue, through a chance meeting, came James Hallawell; he helped me record my first album Unexpected. We just carried on recording, this second solo album, Tangled, which includes my version of one of my favourite Graham Parker songs, 'Love Gets You Twisted', is the result.”

Released back in January, the first single, the observational ‘Storm In The Hills’, chimed perfectly with the state of the world as we learned to come to terms with a world health crisis and political bewilderment; it’s mirrored in the tender, optimistic ‘Crazy World’, written and recorded during full lockdown. ‘You Can’t Take It Back’, meanwhile, reflects on our own ecological threat to the planet, while the inspiration of ‘Stranded’ is closer to home, showcasing Brinsley’s familiar, exquisite guitar-playing.

Beginning his recording career in the mid-60s alongside schoolfriend Nick Lowe in the band that, through various line-up changes, would, as pub rock pioneers, come to be affectionately known as ‘The Brinsleys’, Schwarz enjoyed a successful career backing Parker in The Rumour. He’s continued to collaborate with Parker through four decades co-producing the landmark albums The Mona Lisa’s Sister and Human Soul and, more recently, touring as a duo. Beyond this, Brinsley has worked with a wide array of artists, including Carlene Carter (whose debut album he co-produced), Dr Feelgood, Kirsty MacColl, Garland Jeffreys, Ducks Deluxe and Desmond Dekker.

It’s not everyday a band takes on the eponym of their lead guitarist. A London-based pop outfit evolved into what would become pub-rock legends Brinsley Schwarz.

Remembered for their iconic performances and forging the foundations of London’s pub-rock scene, the Brinsleys brewed up a storm throughout the early 70s, with opening slots for the likes of Paul McCartney

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