Brinsley Schwarz is probably best known as a member of the pub rock pioneers that shared his name who kicked off their career with a bizarre hype which involved flying a ‘plane-load of inebriated journalists to New York to watch them open for Quicksilver Messenger Service.
While bassist and singer Nick Lowe became a household name, Brinsley himself enjoyed a busy career as a sideman and producer – working with Carlene Carter, Desmond Dekker, Kirsty MacColl and, for many years, Graham Parker – with and without The Rumour. He also established himself as one of the UK’s foremost guitar repairers.
Unsurprisingly, a solo career hadn’t been at the forefront of his mind. Following The Rumour’s recent resurrection, however, Schwarz’s thoughts turned to a solo album, aptly titled Unexpected. Five years later he follows that up with Tangled, due out this September through Fretsore Records, which he now heralds with the single and video ‘You Drive Me To Drink’.
