Graham Parker has issued a few concert records over the last half-century, yet it’s been more than a decade since his last stage report saw the light of day. It’s only logical, then, for the veteran to mark the 50th anniversary of his first album, “Howlin' Wind” from 1976, with a new set delivered in front of an audience. Not that “Quality Footwear: Live At The Brook” – which was preserved for posterity during Parker’s short UK tour he embarked on in September 2023 – focuses on this classic, although “Back To Schooldays” and “Soul Shoes” are here, with the latter featuring Brinsley Schwarz, who played on the original longplay. The new offering contains pieces from various eras of Graham’s career, including four off "Last Chance To Learn The Twist" 2023.
& THE GOLDTOPS –
Quality Footwear:
Live At The Brook
Accompanying the singer on the album are THE GOLDTOPS – apart from a drummer, the same personnel as on its predecessor: former THE RUMOUR guitarist Martin Belmont, FAIRGROUND ATTRACTION bassist Simon Edwards and Geraint Watkins on keyboards. Looks like the platter, scheduled for release on June 26th, will be made available only on vinyl and as download, so the CD aficionados have to worry a bit.
1. Hotel Chambermaid
2. Black Lincoln Continental
3. Get Started. Start A Fire
4. It Mattered To Me
5. Lost Track Of Time
6. Sun Valley
7. Back To Schooldays
8. Don’t Ask Me Questions
9. Since You Left Me Baby
10. Boogie Shoes
11. Soul Shoes
