On February 27, former Republic Of Loose guitarist turned solo performer CC Brez formally launches his debut solo album The Nightfall with a gig in Whelan’s. A labour of love for the musician, the current chapter in his continuing musical story is an infectious fusion of funk and pop and it’s sure to get plenty of parties started in style over the months ahead. “When I was outlining the album I decided I wanted it to be one of those records that you put on before you go out,” says Brez. “The Nightfall is definitely an evening type of a record. I didn’t want it too uptempo, but I wanted the BPM to kinda groove, y’know? I was listening to a lot of James Brown and George Clinton, and that kinda seeped into the music a fair bit.”
Recorded over a period of about 18 months with producer Ger McDonnell in Beech Park Studios, Rathcoole, Brez admits to feeling trepidatious about releasing his first solo album but he’s also relishing the challenge.
“To be honest, I really enjoyed that The Nightfall took a while to record, because I could make sure everything was right and there were no surprises when I got the mixes back. I loved working with Gerry. It was probably my favourite studio experience so far.
“Yes, it’s a little bit stressful being on my own but the good points outweigh the bad,” he continues. “Being a solo act means you make all the decisions yourself. It’s intimidating in terms of putting it out and not knowing what the reactions will be like, but I tried to work off a lot of my own instincts. It’s enjoyable putting a new vibe together and creating this new thing. Being able to ring anybody any time I want to come over for a session is liberating and I’ve got a bunch of about 10 or 15 musicians that are trained up and ready to roll. It’s nice that there’s different people at the gig every time and it’s lovely bringing in younger players too who are fresh.”
With his sights already set on making a second album - “I’ve got maybe ten tunes on the boil for the next record,” he enthuses - Brez’s plan this year is take a leaf out of previous band Republic Of Loose’s book and put on one of the best live shows this island has ever seen.
“I want to up my game in terms of playing live,” he concludes. “I want it to be a bit like the Loose. When we got on the stage our attitude at the time was, ‘Right, you fuckers are ours’ and I have that same ambition to own a crowd. I’m not saying I’m Mick Pyro, he’s an incredible live performer, but down the line I want the live show to be an experience people talk about over a pint afterwards and dissect. Basically I want my gigs to make people forget their troubles.”

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CC Brez launches The Nightfall on February 27 in Whelan's