Shev and the Brakes were formed in 1984 by singer songwriter, Tony "Shev" Shevlin in south London.His plan was simple. He would poach the best players from other bands on the London live circuit; they would make a name for themselves as a great live act, playing original material, and wait to get signed by a major label. Track 11 - 13: BONUS TRACKS: The first part went well. Guitarist, Andy Williams was found in a blues club in Clapham; much sought after drummer, Mark Walker was also tempted on board. Bass player, Nigel Pierce was rescued from the cabaret circuit, and Shev's sister, Jules would provide the vocal harmonies. They gigged endlessly, honing their stagecraft, and gaining a reputation as one of the best live acts around the capital. After gaining a production deal with a major US label, the band enjoyed making demos at Power Plant, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Boy George, Terence Trent D'Arby, Sam Brown, and XTC. Unfortunately, a top American record producer had commented unfavourably on the band's rhythm section, and the label insisted on the recruitment of some name session players being used instead. The five band members agreed that the deal was too good to walk away from. Mark and Nigel would remain as band members, and while Shev, Andy and Jules recorded the album, they would tour with another band, ready to come back fighting for a tour topromote the record's American release. Tony called in drummer Pete Thomas, and bassist Bruce Thomas, who as two thirds of The Attractions, had made Elvis Costello's records sound so vibrant. Recording took place in the summer of 1988. With Mark and Nigel back in the fold, the band started rehearsing for the US tour, and recording demos for the follow up album. The release date of early 1989 was suddenly cancelled. A huge Japanese corporation had bought the American label, the release was postponed and the band was dropped. The Shev and the Brakes album was never released. Until now...
MUSICIANS: TONY SHEVLIN, PETE THOMAS, BRUCE THOMAS, BOB ANDREWS, ANDREW WILLIAMS, JULES, MARK WALKER,NIGEL PEARCE, PAUL BANGASH, PETE BROWN
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