Description
Let the Days Go By is the solo debut album by the British singer, songwriter, and blues guitarist Bryn Haworth of Les Fleur De Lys fame, released on Island Records in 1974. The album was engineered by Richard Digby “Diga” Smith and Phil Ault at Island Studios in London, England; October 1973 and March 1974, with Bryn Haworth and Smith producing (except tracks B1 and B2 produced by John Porter). All songs written by Bryn Haworth except “I Won’t Lie (This Time)” co-written with Israel Zacuto and Tepp. Featuring well respected British session musicians like Gordon Haskell, John “Rabbitt” Bundrick, Pete Wingfield, as well as members of bands like Free, Kokomo, The Grease Band, and Fairport Convention.
Let the Days Go By has a beautifully mellifluous optimism fired by some truly adventurous and exhilarating playing. There’s nothing aggressive or mind boggling in the lyrics and many of the songs are genuinely laid back, all features which might otherwise be applied pejoratively but Haworth, like Alan Hull, writes with a northern grit that gives the material a definable edge…There’s so much to praise on Let the Days Go By, but even details like running order are just right and the instrumentation is combined to mutually enhancing effect so that at times you can hear strings or voices which aren’t there. I guarantee that this album will still be giving you pleasure when more immediately exciting records are long forgotten. File under expectant classic and you won’t be disappointed. [NME, 1974]
Bryn Haworth – Let The Days Go By + Sunny Side of the Street CD-reissue, Gott Discs.
I’ve labelled this blues, but really “country/folk/blues” is more accurate. These are the first two solo albums released by Bryn way back 30 years ago (in the case of ‘Let The Days.’). It is an amalgam of styles and is quoted by someone as being “laidback and unassuming.” I quite agree. The first album is more laid back than the second, but both bring a feeling of someone who loves what he does and feels very comfortable doing it. Influences come thick and fast, with almost every track showing some nod to his peers of the time – and later. I can hear Jethro Tull, Faces/Rod Stewart, Stealers Wheel, Gerry Rafferty. On the second album, there are strong hints of ‘Saved!‘ era Dylan and – wait for it – Whitesnake! Honestly. They used to do one boogie track (not necessarily heavy) on every album, strong backbeat and bass line with piano to the fore with a great (slide) guitar break. «Sunny Side Of The Street» is that track. Of course Ry Cooder is painted all over the albums, and along with the others – who although they don’t appear in person, do so in spirit – help Bryn and the band – and what a band! – play some fine music with thought provoking lyrics. Various subjects are covered with the odd nod here and there to more spiritual matters. Favourites – for me anyway – would include «Ee, I Love You Lass», «Miss Swiss», «Time Has Come» (which has a Doors piano solo on the fade out similar in style to «Riders On The Storm»), «Good Job», the aforementioned «Sunny Side…» and the last track «Thank The Lord» which is a gentle way to finish off things. Overall, not at all what I was expecting. In a couple of places it dips or drags, but not for too long. The second album is more mature in sound than the first, but overall whilst showing their ages to an extent, two timeless albums on one CD to add to your collection. [David Cranson, Cross Rhythms, September 2004]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Grappenhall Rag”
A2. “All I Want”
A3. “I Won’t Lie (This Time)”
A4. “Ee I Love You Lass”
A5. “Miss Swiss”
A6. “Let The Days Go By”
Side Two
B1. “Get Yourself A Man”
B2. “Time Has Come”
B3. “Whims And Ways”
B4. “All I Need Is A Home”
B5. “Anywhere You Want To Be”
Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Island Records. Later re-issued on CD featuring both Let The Days Go By and Sunny Side Of The Street (1975). Available at Bandcamp: https://brynhaworth.bandcamp.com/album/let-the-days-go-by
“All I Need Is A Home” (2023 Version) by singer/songwriter Bryn Haworth. ‘I first released this song in the 70’s based on my own experience of homelessness in London,’ says Bryn, ‘…But 50 years on nothing’s changed. I’ve made the video as a cry for change. Together we can make a difference’. Single available at Bandcamp: https://brynhaworth.bandcamp.com/track/all-i-need-is-a-home-3
CREDITS. Produced by Bryn Haworth, Richard Digby (Diga) Smith and John Porter. Engineered by Richard Digby Smith and Phil Ault.
Musicians: Bryn Haworth (vocals, guitar, electric 12-string guitar, 12-string guitar, mandocello, mandolin, harmonica); Alan Munde (banjo); Dave Swarbrick (fiddle); Mel Collins (alto saxophone); Pete Wingfield (piano); Graham Maitland (Fender Rhodes piano, Wurlitzer piano); Kevin Kelly (Fender Rhodes piano); Bruce Rowland (marimba, drums, percussion); Dave Pegg, Gordon Haskell, Alan Spenner (bass instrument); Freebo (fretless bass); Dave Mattacks, Terry Stannard, Bugs Pemberton (drums).
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