Brian Fitzpatrick-Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Lead Vocals
Ed Fritz-Piano, Organ, Accordian, Tin Whistle, Backup Vocals
Matty Z-Electric Guitar, Mandolin
Gene Quintin-Violin
Freddy-Bass Guitar
Scott Minafri-Drums & Percussion
Influences
The Who, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Band, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd ..
It’s long been said, “Good things come in small packages” – and seldom has there been a finer example of this adage than Brian Fitzpatrick’s latest release, Worse For Wear. Comprised of just 9 songs, the longest of these barely in excess of 3 minutes, this musical “novella”, of sorts, offers a succinct glimpse into personal insights, friendships and a tale or two of love gone wrong. What’s more, each “chapter” proves surprisingly complete, a feat rarely achieved in such short compositions.
One thing the album is by no means “short” on, however, is creativity. Featuring imaginative arrangements and accomplished instrumentation, each song takes the listener on a journey all its own, one that might even be argued to encompass time-travel via the vintage feel of “Laughing Out Loud” – a song that somehow manages to sound fresh and innovative while recalling vivid images of a bygone era. The same could be said for the campfire sing-along “Hey Mary”, and “Jesus Is a Friend of Mine”, a spirited homage to “old-time gospel”. Of course, those familiar with prior Fitzpatrick works will also recognize his uniquely intelligent songwriting – epitomized here on the multi-layered “My Liver’s Killing Me”, as well as his own signature sound on the jaunty lead-off track, the delicate ballad, “Two”, and longtime live show staple, “Faith” – a song first recorded in the mid-nineties, at last here immortalized on disc more than a decade later.
As with his last two albums, Worse For Wear was recorded at legendary Big Blue Meenie studios in Jersey City, NJ and mixed by sound engineer extraordinaire Tim Gilles. An audiophile famed for his pursuit of sonic purity, Gilles and Big Blue have become key collaborators in bringing Fitzpatrick’s visionary sound to fruition. And never has the union proved more successful in capturing a warm and appealing musical experience.
Also joining Fitzpatrick this time around is a band configuration that includes newcomers Scott Minafri on drums/percussion, Fred Machetto on bass guitar and Gene Quintin on violin, plus long time members Matty Z. on mandolin and Ed Fritz ..boards/accordion. Fritz, in fact, has been a major “player” on every Fitzpatrick album, from the introspective 1998 debut, Otherside to its slightlier edgier 2000 follow-up When I Bleed, 2002 breakthrough State of Grace and, most recently, the 2004 standout Further Down The Line.
Prior to emerging as a solo artist, Fitzpatrick spent his early twenties touring Europe and the U.S. with several prominent bands. Although this endeavor proved highly successful – during these years Fitzpatrick played every major European festival and received many prestigious accolades – the experience left him ultimately feeling empty, and a bit confused. One thing he wasn’t confused about was the need to end this portion of his career, despite the fact he had yet to tailor a plan for what might come next. He abruptly changed musical directions in 1997; the rest, as they say, is history.
Thankfully for Fitzpatrick’s now well established fan base that history continues to be written – and re-written – as he challenges both himself and listeners by stretching his artistic borders and exploring uncharted musical waters. “I don’t want to make the same record over again,” Fitzpatrick said during a 2006 appearance. “I’m anxious to make a new album soon, but it has to be something I’ve never done before.” That said, this record indeed represents something “different” as an entry in the Fitzpatrick catalog. Yet, the fact remains it’s likewise evidence this artist has stayed ever the same: a fine singer/songwriter who consistently releases inventive and listener-friendly works. And, that’s a quality no one – and everyone – is about to characterize as, indeed…Worse for Wear.
Brian Fitzpatrick and the Band of Brothers-My Liver's Killing Me ..
Hey, if Jesus is such a good friend of yours, how come he is not on your friends' page? How come he's never had you open for him? I was friends with a cat named Jesus once. He borrowed some gear from me and never gave it back!
Hi Brian, Here's the update. Went in Wednesday for the surgery and got home Thursday night. So far so good. Discomfort as expected, but the pain killers are doing their job it seems. Can't wait to be back to normal and see you play soon.
you need to stop this jealousy act..lol..of course i want you to come to the party..i just figured you would forget...so i told meliss about it because i know she wont..lol...and where is this bar you are playing at in clifton on the 26th????
Love the new song and video. Can't wait to get my hands on the new album - the missus and I will make our way back to Jersey to catch a show sometime soon!
Brother Fitz! I couldnt believe how much energy Bruce D had he was all over the place the whole show.. They were really really good.. Wish I could have talked to you longer.. Anyway I will have to come to one of your shows soon I know I have said it before.. but well you know.. Later bra
Just awesome...love the songs and love the sound...band of brothers, this is like you sound bro, a great band of brothers havin' a great time playin' great great songs
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