Peter Bruntnell and Robbie Macintosh duo playing songs from both their catalogues!
In an uncertain number of years time, it will be acceptably cool to say that you first got into non-Grammy-winning artist PETER BRUNTNELL through his classic 2024 album Houdini And The Sucker Punch, before then going back and discovering his back catalogue of yet more “classics”. And you were there! You saw him live. You were one of those “10” people who saw him play in that modestly-sized room, almost 30 years into his career.
So here we are again. Three years on, another album into Peter’s 13 or 14 album catalogue and shouldering the burden of even more sublime reviews. Every possible positive adjective has been called into play, although it must be noted that the word “sublime” can never be used enough. Not even 2021’s primarily solo, slightly synthy lockdown album succeeded in putting an end to his non-success, despite Mojo echoing the plea that, “Somehow, some way, this cult and infinitely class songwriter must get his due wider recognition”. The Scottish Daily Express with its 5 star review, slightly frustrated, said, or perhaps yelled, “I’m getting tired of saying this: He’s brilliant”. The Irish Times thoughtfully combined two quotes into one, saving us the trouble of going back and getting crushed under the sheer weight of Peter’s archive of press quotes: “With Journey To The Sun, the man whose songs NME once noted should be placed on school curriculums has done it again.” And he continues to do so. But not without a brief foray into dance music, in collaboration with mega pop-hit songwriter Rob Davies. A foray that succeeded in sneaking by, almost completely unnoticed, therefore providing us with no further fresh quotes. If veering off entirely into the dark world of autotune would have increased his chances of hitting the big time, we shall never know. But fortunately Peter’s taking his chances.
New album Houdini And The Sucker Punch sees Peter re-employing his long-term band members Mick Clews (drums), Dave Little (electric guitar) and Peter Noone (bass), along with a number of his favourite musicians. Cameos include pedal steel virtuoso Eric Heywood adding magic to Houdini, The Flying Monk
and Stamps Of The World, Son Volt / Uncle Tupelo’s Jay Farrar playing piano on Sharks, Peter’s old partner in crime (we suspect quite literally), James Walbourne of The Pretenders tearing up Yellow Gold, cellist Laura Anstee on Sharks and Jimmy Mac, Son Volt’s Mark Spencer’s Hammond organ and piano on Let There Be A Scar and mastering man Peter Linnane touching up the album with some added Hammond organ and synth.
Houdini And The Sucker Punch is out 4th October 2024 on Domestico Records
‘There’s Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Robbie McIntosh.’ – Chris Rea
‘The guitarist’s guitarist.’ – Q Magazine
Robbie McIntosh has legendary status among his fellow musicians. His career to date includes spells as guitarist with Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Tom Jones, John Mayer, and Norah Jones. Robbie has played many of the world’s top festivals and venues. Among his numerous TV and radio appearances, Robbie was with Sir Tom Jones on Jools Holland’s Hootenanny BBC TV show on New Years Eve 2015, and with Zucchero in 2016. As a long-term member of The Pretenders, Robbie played at Live Aid in 1985 and on their top-10 UK hit, Don’t Get Me Wrong.
Robbie takes his own special blend of music on the road with The Robbie McIntosh Band, and in trio and duo formats.
Doors open 7pm. Music starts 8.30pm. The venue is mixed seated and standing. Tables are limited and available on a first come first served basis so, if you’d like a seat, we recommend arriving early!
