I understand why you say this IanS, and I am sure that this would be Bryan's instinctive reaction, but if he stops to think about it a little he will see that there is a lot of merit in Bob's suggestion.

There have been a number of comments / suggestions made in this forum over the past 12 months which, if woven together, produce the basis of a really good project for 2012; one that is achievable in terms of timescale (giving him plenty time at home with the new Mrs F) and which would maximise interest and therefore hopefully, profits (which is never too far down Bryan's priority list, I suspect).

I am talking about a Roxy Unplugged (or semi accoustic) album where a selection of the songs we all know and love are re-worked. The material is already there (so no potential writer's block), the stripped back arrangements suit Bryan's voice best nowadays, and anything released under the Roxy banner will naturally command a lot more attention than Bryan's solo output. I also think, if Bryan looks back at his legacy, the one thing that might irk him most will be the sparse uptake by other performers of his songs. We all know what a good song-writer he can be and this might give him an opportunity late in his career to underline that. I suspect too many of his songs are too stylised for others to try to interpret - but surely if anybody can put a new spin on Bryan's songs and showcase what can be done with them then it is Bryan himself !

I would also suggest that he gives Colin Good a wee rest in 2012 and works with the old team on this. I suspect that Andy in particular would be able to offer some sensitive ideas here, and Phil will be able to contribute his fair share as well if given a chance. What chance Eno getting involved at some level?

If Bryan just can't bring himself to work so closely with the guys again (or finds that he is unwilling to surrender too much artistic control) then maybe he should do this as a solo project. It would not have quite the same appeal but that way he would have a wider songbook to choose from. However, this is the 40th anniversary of the 1st album so if ever there was a right time to do this with the guys then it is now.

I understand why you say this IanS, and I am sure that this would be Bryan's instinctive reaction, but if he stops to think about it a little he will see that there is a lot of merit in Bob's suggestion.

There have been a number of comments / suggestions made in this forum over the past 12 months which, if woven together, produce the basis of a really good project for 2012; one that is achievable in terms of timescale (giving him plenty time at home with the new Mrs F) and which would maximise interest and therefore hopefully, profits (which is never too far down Bryan's priority list, I suspect).

I am talking about a Roxy Unplugged (or semi accoustic) album where a selection of the songs we all know and love are re-worked. The material is already there (so no potential writer's block), the stripped back arrangements suit Bryan's voice best nowadays, and anything released under the Roxy banner will naturally command a lot more attention than Bryan's solo output. I also think, if Bryan looks back at his legacy, the one thing that might irk him most will be the sparse uptake by other performers of his songs. We all know what a good song-writer he can be and this might give him an opportunity late in his career to underline that. I suspect too many of his songs are too stylised for others to try to interpret - but surely if anybody can put a new spin on Bryan's songs and showcase what can be done with them then it is Bryan himself !

I would also suggest that he gives Colin Good a wee rest in 2012 and works with the old team on this. I suspect that Andy in particular would be able to offer some sensitive ideas here, and Phil will be able to contribute his fair share as well if given a chance. What chance Eno getting involved at some level?

If Bryan just can't bring himself to work so closely with the guys again (or finds that he is unwilling to surrender too much artistic control) then maybe he should do this as a solo project. It would not have quite the same appeal but that way he would have a wider songbook to choose from. However, this is the 40th anniversary of the 1st album so if ever there was a right time to do this with the guys then it is now.