Singer – songwriter and actor Brian Protheroe, best known for the cult ‘70’s hit ‘Pinball’ has made his eagerly awaited return with the release of his new single ‘Don’t Look Down’, recorded with producer Julian Littman and featuring British blues legend Paul Jones on harmonica, is the first new material since the ‘Sad Song’ single from 2016. Digitally available at all the usual major outlets, the new track comes backed with ‘Backaway’ which was originally recorded in 1975, but has been remixed with added horns. Inspired by Cliff and The Shadows, in his early teens Brian was the lead singer of a UK band called The Coasters in 1961 and at the same time also enrolled in an amateur theatre group called The Studio Theatre. He joined Folk Blues Incorporated (FBI) when he was nineteen and came to London, playing in folk music clubs in and around the city. In 1966, Protheroe began his acting career and spent the next five years in various theatre companies developing his musical skills as well as becoming an experienced actor. In 1973, Protheroe was playing the part of a pop singer in a play, Death on Demand, when a Chrysalis Records rep heard a song he had written for the show and the label signed him. The debut single ‘Pinball’ was released in August 1974 and peaked at number 22 in the UK Singles Chart. He released three albums over the next couple of years, but a developing acting career had found him and he temporarily shelved his career in music and focused successfully on theatre, television, and film.The advent of the internet saw a resurgence in interest for his music and he released the ‘Citysong’ album in 2005 followed by a greatest hits collection called ‘Pinball and Other Stories’ in 2006. A recent addition to ‘The London Playlist’ on Robert Elms BBC Radio London Show, Noel Gallagher recently cited ‘Pinball’ as an influence on the opening track on his ‘Chasing Yesterday’ album from 2015 after being introduced to the song by Morrissey.
‘Don’t Look Down’ is a shuffling bluesy number drenched in rich warm melodies and catchy little jingles. Filled with soul and swagger this track charms its way into your brain with its catchy chorus, vibrant guitar strums, lush backing vocals and shaky rhythm. Protheroe’s smooth vocals coo’s through the darkened mysterious country-esque soundscapes while a glorious sweet toned harmonica injects a twanging warmth and thrilling whine into this rich tune. It’s a satisfying, swanky return from Brian Protheroe
Stream ‘Don’t Look Down’ below
