BREWSTER BROTHERS

BREWSTER BROTHERS

This year iconic Aussie rockers the Brewster Brothers bring their Blowin’ in the Wind tour to Sydney. A tribute to Bob Dylan, Rick Brewster tells how he was diligently studying piano at school while John was captivated by Dylan’s music.

“I was 16, he was 18, and he would sit up in his bedroom listening to Dylan. He’d get his guitar and harmonica and learn the songs. He was manic about it – almost fanatical! I learnt acoustic guitar at the same time – that was my main focus. But Dylan’s influence stayed with John all his life,” says Rick.

Rick and John started the Brewster Brothers ten years ago as a side project to their famous band The Angels.

“We made some records – a few years ago we decided to pay tribute to the master and recorded the album Blowin’ in the Wind,” he says.

The brothers’ long career with The Angels has shaped who they are today. Rick was the only member who never left, even John left for a while in the 80s.

“The Angels are an evolution – we’ve gone through a lot of changes but basically what we do is riff-driven rock. As brothers we have a certain affinity, and it’s a particular sound. Doc Neeson left three years ago, he didn’t want to record, we had no option but to stop or find another singer, and we were fortunate to find Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets). Chris Bailey, our bass player sadly passed away last year, so now Sam Brewster, John’s son, plays the bass and very well too. We’re working on the first Angels release for 14 years! I’m sure die-hard fans will enjoy it. I won’t reveal the title, but I can say it’s not without meaning!” Rick says.

Hardworking rockers, Rick and John have constantly been on the road with The Angels and now Brewster Brothers.

“I’ve been through periods of long tours where you get sick of airports, hire cars and suitcases – but now when we tour we go away for a weekend. I’m home every week with my family. I’m extremely happy with Brewster Brothers, The Angels and my family. I feel like I’m in paradise!” says Rick, tongue-in-cheek.

Rick and John will “put the fairy dust on the Angels album”, then they’ll work on a new Brewster Brothers record.

“The key is continuing to create. Everyone in the Brewster Brothers writes, and John sounds amazingly like Dylan. A lot of people say they prefer his voice to Dylan’s. John would never admit that, but I think he sounds fantastic. We didn’t try any amazing rearrangements; we’re just tipping our hat to the master. Even if people don’t like Dylan – they’ll love this.” (SC)

Nov 23, Lizottes Dee Why, 4/5 629 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why, $34-92, brewsterbrothers.com.au

BY SAM CRASSWELLER

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