The Booze Brothers

The Booze Brothers
Studio album by Brewers Droop
Released 1989
Recorded 1973
Genre Blues, Rock
Label Red Lightnin'
Producer Dave Edmunds, Kingsley Ward and Alimony Slim

The Booze Brothers, featuring Mark Knopfler & Dave Edmunds, is the second album released by Brewers Droop, an English blues band. Although most of the tracks were recorded back in 1973 the album was only released in 1989 when it was discovered that the album had involved the renowned producer/rocker Dave Edmunds and the line-up had included Pick Withers and Mark Knopfler, later of Dire Straits.[1] Ron Watts, the founder of the band, became much better known later in the '70s as a punk rock promoter at venues such as 100 Club. Steve Darrington continued as a professional musician, appearing on over 50 albums, and is the organizer of the Swanage Blues Festival.

Soon after this recording the band had all gone their own way and, despite the optimistic note of the album notes, there will never be a resurrection of this lineup. It is an interesting footnote in the career of the participants and, for better or worse, an indication of their potential.

Contents

Track listing

  1. Where Are You Tonight
  2. Roller Coaster
  3. You Make Me Feel So Good
  4. My Old Lady
  5. Sugar Baby
  6. Rock Steady Woman
  7. Louise
  8. What's The Time
  9. Midnight Special
  10. Dreaming

Musicians

Alimony Slim - Vocals, Guitar
Steve Darrington - Accordion, Organ, Saxophone, Mellotron, Clarinet, Piano, Background Vocals.
Derik Timms - Bass, Lead Guitar,Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Backup Vocals.
Gerry Hogan - Pedal Steel
Bobby O'Walker - Drums
Pick Withers - Drums, Spoons
Ron Watts - Vocals
Mark Knopfler - Guitar
Steve Norchi - Bass
Dave Edmunds - Harp, Banjo, Double Bass,Fender Pedal Steel,Jaws Harp Background Vocals

Recording

Recorded in and around Wales, circa 1973
1, 3, 6, Produced by Kingsley Ward and Alimony Slim
2, 9, 10, Produced by Dave Edmunds
4, 5, 8, Produced by Kingsley Ward
7, Produced by Dave Edmunds and Kingsley Ward

Liner notes

The Droop began in the late sixties with Big Ron and various other players being dragged out of the pub in High Wycombe area and forced to play. In 1971 the situation became serious and they became one of the hardest gigging bands in the country and unable to spend much time in the pub.

An album was released which reflected the live stage act and enjoyed some commercial success, but circa 1973 times changed and new men arrived in the band.

At an audition in the Nags Head, High Wycombe, Mark Knopfler auditioned with a red guitar, a flat hat, and joined the band.

Around this time the Droop were in the middle of recording tracks in an unknown location in the U.K. These tracks were done with Mark and a new bass player—Steve Norchi, with production help from Dave Edmunds. Some of these tracks are featured on this album.

Brewers Droop began as a Cajun band and progressed to what is recorded on the disc.

References

  1. ^ The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music, ISBN 0851129396

http://www.boozebetter.com

External links