Description

Brian Ritchie – The Blend – Compact Disc

The Blend is the third solo album by Brian Ritchie, best known as the bassist for the influential alternative rock band Violent Femmes. Released in 1987, the album showcases Ritchie’s eclectic musical style, blending elements of folk, jazz, world music, punk, and rock. Known for his unique bass playing and adventurous musical spirit, Ritchie brings his experimental sensibilities to ‘The Blend’, highlighting his skill as a multi-instrumentalist and composer.

While Violent Femmes were known for their acoustic punk-folk sound, ‘The Blend’ allows Ritchie to explore a wider range of musical genres and influences, resulting in an album that is both diverse and unpredictable.

As the title suggests, The Blend is an exploration of different musical genres and influences, with each track offering something unique. Ritchie’s approach is both intellectual and playful, with a focus on the versatility of the bass guitar as a lead instrument. The album moves between styles like jazz, punk, folk, and world music, reflecting his wide-ranging musical interests.

While some tracks are more structured, others are more experimental, giving the album an unpredictable quality. Ritchie’s technical proficiency as a bassist is on full display, as he incorporates unusual time signatures, improvisational elements, and creative arrangements into his compositions.

The Blend is an album that reflects Brian Ritchie’s boundary-pushing approach to music, much like his work with the Violent Femmes. Although it didn’t achieve widespread commercial success, the album has been appreciated by fans of experimental and alternative music for its bold and diverse sound.

For fans of Ritchie’s work with Violent Femmes, The Blend offers a deeper look into his musical personality and highlights his skill as a multi-instrumentalist. The album is a testament to his willingness to explore different genres and create something truly unique.

SST Records

Song List
1. Alphabet
2. Two Fat Hogs
3. Austrian Anthill
4. Days Of The Blend
5. Doin The Best We Can
6. Arab Song
7. Feast Of Fools
8. Nuclear War
9. Toad, The
10. John The Revelator
11. Song Of The Highest Tower