Album Notes

Brian's latest CD is practically a cross continent phenomenon, with a reunion with his old partner from The Makers days - Eddie Rayner, contributing keyboards at Neil Finns studio in New Zealand, to Larry Bates, a pedal steel guitar player residing in Upstate New York. It's taken just on a year to complete - the bush fires raging around his studio in the Dandenong Ranges slowing down progress somewhat during the early part of 2009.

The songs on the new CD - where it all begins and ends for Brian - have emerged as something special. After attending several Pat Pattison songwriting seminars, and researching the art of song for himself, Brian's writing has become more rounded and complete, with his usually powerful lyrics developing into more accessible areas. Not many artists dare to take a song from a previous release and rewrite it, fewer can make the initial inspiration better, but Brian has worked to make "Ghost Life" and "Long way home" seem like new songs, fully realized.

The rhythm tracks were recorded at David Briggs' studio in Melbourne, the band - see video below - were Fallon Williams (ex Humble Pie and Steve Marriott) on drums, Mark Smith on guitar and Michael Arvanatakis on bass. Brian has been working with these excellent musicians for the last 3 years including doing some full on live shows. From there Brian traveled back to his birth land, New Zealand, to record the keyboards with Eddie Rayner. Eddie plays keyboards for Split Enz, and worked together with Brian in the early nineties as The Makers, releasing 2 CDs for Warner's. His input saw much change in the structure of the songs, including contributing to the title track, "Hard Light" and some great acoustic piano performances, which were recorded at Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios in Auckland.

Then it was back to Melbourne for vocals, and extra tracking in Brian's studio, before the final mixes were mastered at David Briggs's new mastering studio.

The CD is a triumph of perseverance for Baker, who, despite any major recognition for his songs, has continued to work and hone his considerable skill. While chart success and industry attention have not been fellow travelers, it's great to see an artist dedicated to his craft, and with this CD we can witness the benefits of Brian's steadfast passion for his work.

Hey - just something else - there's a video for "Nothing Comes Easy" on YouTube - here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXvk8z92JhE Hope you enjoy it - bb