Bryan Ferry Returns With 'Avonmore' And An All-Star Cast Of Friends

Bryan Ferry Returns With 'Avonmore' And An All-Star Cast Of Friends

Bryan Ferry

Fans of Bryan Ferry most likely first heard his unmistakable voice on the records he made with the adventurous and experimental yet highly romantic group, Roxy Music. Or, perhaps their first encounter with the experimental English pop musician was with his solo material, covering the music of other artists and writing his own original hits.

Now, four years after his last solo record, Ferry is taking an original turn on his latest album, Avonmore. The record follows up Ferry's 2012 album, The Jazz Age, on which he reinterpreted many of his his past classics as jazz songs. Avonmore features eight new compositions and just two covers -- a very unusual reinterpretation of the Stephen Sondheim standard “Send In The Clowns" and a collaboration with Norwegian DJ Todd Terje, on the late Robert Palmer's "Johnny and Mary." In addition, Ferry showcases an all-star cast of collaborators, including Ronnie Spector, guitarist Nile Rodgers, bassist Flea, Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Dire Straits leader Mark Knopfler and saxophonist Maceo Parker.

In a conversation with Soundcheck host John Schaefer, Ferry talks about his upcoming album (out Nov. 17), his collaborators on that album and the prospect of reuniting with Roxy Music.

press play for the interview with Bryan Ferry and Soundcheck

Interview Highlights

Bryan Ferry, on a reunion or release of old tapes with Roxy Music: 

There might be one or two lying around in the vaults. You never know. I guess the main thing is I've been so busy the last few years working on my solo tour and in the studio. There are one or two items that are unfinished that would be nice to be completed.

On his love for Broadway and "Send In The Clowns": 

I’ve covered quite a lot of songs in my career so far. It adds a different dimension to my own writing. Although this record was supposed to be a record of all my new songs -- and eight of them are -- I added two covers. One is “Send In The Clowns.” I’ve always liked Broadway and some of the greatest pop songs are written for Broadway hits. “Send In The Clowns” is a very dark tune. I remember hearing it by Sinatra, he did a great version of it. The Barbra Streisand version was very good.

On working with big names on the album: 

Johnny Marr, he’s a key person in the line-up on the record and Marcus Miller, he’s a brilliant player. He used to play with Miles Davis so his credentials are very high. You build up relationships with people for years. And at the same time you’re always  on the lookout for young players as well who will kind of join the club. My son Tara, he’s in his early 20s, and he's playing drums on the records. He’s really good.

 It’s good to have young guys who bring some youthful enthusiasm to the record. But a lot of them are... old friends of mine. Chris Spedding, Flea -- we did a couple of tracks previously. I met him in LA and London. We have friends in common, he’s a great friend of Damien Hirst. Flea is a character, great player as well. Flea was playing this beautiful guitar that’s customized by Damien it has butterflies on it, pretty much a priceless guitar.