⭐ BIG PIANOS CRY
Big Pianos Cry is a rare glimpse into the secret life of songs — the moment before the world hears them, before production transforms them, when melody and emotion first take shape at the piano.
This collection presents the original Chris Braide productions of songs co-written with Sia Furler, including early instrumental versions of Unstoppable, Big Girls Cry, Helium, Flames, She Wolf and more.
These recordings were never created for release. They are the private blueprints — melodic frameworks, harmonic structures and emotional sketches — captured instinctively in the writing room as each song was being born.
Stripped of vocals and studio polish, the music reveals something rarely heard:
the architecture behind the songs.
Chord shapes, counter-melodies, suspended tensions, the internal logic of a phrase — the quiet engineering that would later carry these tracks across the world.
Rather than polished demos, these are working documents: spontaneous, intimate, and honest. They show how the songs actually began — at a piano, with harmony, feeling, and instinct leading the way.
For the first time, these blueprints are gathered together as a songwriter’s archive:
the foundations of some of the most recognisable anthems of the last decade, presented exactly as they were created.
Big Pianos Cry is not a retrospective.
It is a window into the creative process —
a record of where the music truly started.
Man on the Moon · EP
Chris Braide - Producers
The 2006 Sessions — plus rare mixes and an unheard live performance from the Albert Hall
“Man on the Moon” was written on one of those rare, charmed days in 2006 when time seemed to stop inside Sarm Studios.
Lol Creme and I ended up at the piano together, almost by accident, and before long we were throwing musical ideas back and forth the way only two musicians can when something is in the air. I had the lyric almost immediately — a meditation on loss, on what it feels like to be cut adrift from someone you truly love. That image appeared to me in a flash: a lone figure on the moon, watching the Earth turn without them.
Lol and I wrote the music side-by-side at the keys, building the song as if we were discovering it rather than composing it. Ash Soan wandered in between takes and announced, with absolute certainty, that man had never landed on the moon — which sparked a whole conversation about myths, conspiracies, and what we choose to believe. Somehow that energy fed right back into the mood of the song: the beautiful uncertainty of what is real and what is remembered.
This EP gathers the original 2006 recording, alternative mixes from the period, and — for the first time ever — a very rare live version captured at London’s Albert Hall, performed only once and long thought lost. Hearing the song in that setting, stripped back and unfiltered, reveals just how personal it always was.
Man on the Moon is a snapshot of a moment: a piano, two writers, an unexpected conversation, and a lyric that landed faster than the pen could move. A small piece of studio history — and a song that still feels like it carries its own quiet universe.
Chris Braide & Dean Johnson - The Upside
One of the last albums to be recorded at the original Townhouse studios in London before it’s closure. Originally written in 2005, and now revised with 20 years of experience behind them, the original ‘Upside’ album seems something of a false start. Extensive remixing and fresh overdubs, including drums by the acclaimed Ash Soan (Snow Patrol, Squeeze, Downes Braide Association), and special guest The High Llama’s leader Sean O’Hagen (formerly of Microdisney) adds sublime acoustic guitar to ‘Made Your Life Hell’, along with the endless possibilities at hand in Chris’s state-of-the-art studio; the vision is fully realised, but the modern sheen still retains the spirit of those final days of recording at the hallowed Townhouse, as liquidators stripped the studio of its period gear, with legends like Bryan Ferry among those claiming trophies. This is one of the last albums ever to be recorded at the now legendary studios in London. Additional recording and mixing was completed in Los Angeles at Magical Thinking Studio.
The Boy in the Sky & the Vanishing Town:
is a hauntingly personal work — a cycle of piano-and-orchestral pieces that drifts through the fading landscapes of a childhood that can no longer be found. Set against the twilight streets of Warrington, the album unfolds like a dream of a disappearing world: a town dissolving into mist, a mother figure dancing away into the moonlight, and the child left rising slowly into the sky in search of what was lost.
These are tone-poems of memory and absence — Walton in Winterlight, Flight Above The Town, Dance on Twin Top Hill — where every note feels like a step further into the past, or a step closer to understanding it. Braide’s piano becomes both the narrator and the witness, guiding the listener through a landscape where nothing stays, where the familiar becomes spectral, and where love lingers even after it has vanished.
It is a requiem for a place, a childhood, and a mother who can’t be reached — but also a quiet miracle of beauty, resilience, and the way music holds whatever the world lets slip away.
All musical pieces written and performed by Chris Braide
Andy Partridge & Chris Braide: Return to Planet Wow!
Andy Partridge and Chris Braide’s collaborative EP is a labor of love, spanning nearly a decade. Initially started in 2014, the songs lay dormant until Chris revisited the original sketches in 2023, bringing the project to fruition. This treasure trove of early versions, plus the original ep is a testament to the duo's creative chemistry. As a longtime admirer of XTC, with a particular fondness for the iconic 'Skylarking' album, Chris's collaboration with Andy Partridge is a dream realized.
Written, produced and conceived by Chris Braide & Andy Partridge
Chris Braide: This Isn’t Acting:
Chris Braide, the Grammy-nominated British songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his emotive collaborations with global icons, unveils My Songs, My Take—a personal collection of original piano versions of some of his most celebrated compositions. Stripped down to their haunting, bare essence, these tracks capture the intimate magic of their studio births, revealing the raw vulnerability and craftsmanship that define Braide’s songwriting prowess.
Originally penned and produced for other artists, the album reimagines hits such as “Unstoppable” (Sia), a soaring anthem of resilience that topped the US Adult Pop Airplay chart after amassing over 1.5 billion Spotify streams; “Ten Feet Tall” (Wrabel and Afrojack), a Billboard Dance Chart top-10 smash blending heartfelt lyrics with electronic pulse; “Flames” (David Guetta featuring Sia), the UK’s #7 hit and Europe’s most-played radio track of 2018 with 1.8 billion streams; and “Helium” (from the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack). Performed solely on piano with Braide’s soulful vocals, these versions eschew orchestral layers and production flair, allowing the songs’ emotional cores to shine through in a way that feels both timeless and profoundly moving.
Produced by Christopher Braide
Sia: This Is Acting
Sia’s critically acclaimed, Billboard # 1 album “This Is Acting” features the iconic #1 hit single “Unstoppable”, written by Christopher Braide & Sia. This Is Acting is Sia’s biggest selling album, with over 3.5 million copies sold worldwide. The album also features Space Between, another Chris Braide co-write, originally written for, and recorded by Rhianna.
‘Unstoppable is a towering anthem, but This Is Acting also has room for quieter moments, like Space Between, a haunting ballad that showcases Sia’s vocal range and emotional vulnerability’ - Rolling Stone
Chris Braide: Life in a Minor Key (Expanded Edition)
Produced by Chris Braide and the legendary Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), this album is a masterclass in lush, soulful pop that showcases the raw talent of a young Braide, already a songwriting force at just 24.
The 2025 mix breathes fresh life into every track, with the US radio track If I Hadn’t Got You (featuring Natalie Portman). This track, later covered by Lisa Stansfield, is a heart-tugging anthem of longing, blending Braide’s emotive vocals with irresistible melodies. From the cinematic sweep of Heavenly Rain to the introspective title track, Life In A Minor Key is where it all began, revealing the scope of Braide’s artistry as a writer, performer, and producer.
Lana Del Rey: Born To Die
Lana Del Rey’s Masterpiece, Born To Die, remains her biggest album to date by far, with over 20 million copies sold. The debut album catapulted her to global stardom, thanks to its hauntingly beautiful soundscapes.
A key factor in the album's success was Del Rey's collaborations with a talented team of songwriters and producers, including Chris Braide, once described by Lana as her “very favorite super producer”.
Together, they crafted a sonic landscape that was both timeless and cutting-edge, with the standout track, ‘Million Dollar Man,’ written & produced by Braide. Born to Die has been certified multi-platinum worldwide, selling millions of copies and cementing its place as a modern classic.
‘Million Dollar Man is a gorgeous, jazz tinged song that showcases Lana’s vocal range and emotional depth’ - NME
Produced by Christopher Braide
Sia & R3HAB: Unstoppable
R3HAB remix of the iconic #1 song, written by Christopher Braide & Sia
The R3HAB remix ignited a viral sensation, topping charts at Top 40, AC, and Hot AC and selling over 3 million copies.
Marc Almond's album "The Velvet Trail" marked a triumphant return to form for the Soft Cell frontman. Produced by Christopher Braide, this critically lauded album signaled Almond's renaissance as a solo artist.
‘The Velvet Trail is a sophisticated, nuanced and frequently brilliant album...the album's varied sound is largely down to producer Chris Braide, who helps Almond navigate everything from sweeping orchestral arrangements to sparse, electro-pop soundscapes.’ - The Quietus
‘Almond's 14th solo album is a lush, cinematic affair... His voice remains a potent instrument, capable of conveying vulnerability and intensity.’ (4/5 stars) - Mojo
‘The Velvet Trail, produced by Chris Braide, is a richly atmospheric album... Braide’s production brings a sense of cohesion to the album’s varied styles.’ - The Arts Desk
‘The Velvet Trail is a rich, varied and deeply personal album.’ (4/5 stars) - The Guardian
Produced by Christopher Braide
David Guetta: Nothing But The Beat: Ultimate
The multi million, platinum selling album, featuring the worldwide smash - She Wolf (Falling To Pieces).
Co- written and produced by Chris Braide
Sia: This Is Acting: Deluxe Edition
Expanded version of the #1 album Includes - Unstoppable, Space Between, Confetti and Midnight Decisions -
Co- written and produced by Christopher Braide
Chris Braide: There Was A Time - The Songs of Marc Bolan
A heartfelt tribute to the legendary T. Rex frontman. Braide's passion for Bolan's music began in the late 1980s, when he and a school friend discovered "Electric Warrior" and became obsessed with the singer's unique voice, style, and songs.
With Braide playing most instruments, and joined by Ash Soan on drums and Andy Hodge on bass, "There Was A Time" is a labor of love that showcases Braide's talent as a singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. The album is a testament to the enduring power of Bolan's music and the impact it had on Braide's life.
‘A beautiful tribute’ - Fireworks magazine
Produced by Christopher Braide.
Downes Braide Association - Halcyon Hymns
DBA was formed by YES keyboardist, Geoff Downes and Chris Braide and has now released five critically acclaimed studio albums and a live album. The project draws on Downes’ and Braide’s rich musical heritage to create a delightfully accessible brand of progressive rock. Chris Braide is a British singer, songwriter & producer and has worked with – well, everyone really – from Lana Del Ray and Sia to Hans Zimmer and Beyonce – while progressive rock legend Geoffrey Downes plays keyboards for the iconic bands, Yes and Asia.
Halcyon Hymns is their 5th album, and is widely regarded in progressive rock circles as their finest. Includes the song “Love Among The Ruins” which achieved a #1 chart position on the Heritage rock charts.
‘Contender for album of the year’ - Louder Sound
‘Welcome escape from a turbulant real world’ - Classic Rock
‘Masterpiece’ - Northern Life
‘Magnificent’ - Progressive Aspect
‘Musical geniuses’ Spill Magazine
‘Experts in sogcraft’ - Get Ready To Rock'
‘Superior’ - Prog Magazine
Produced by Christopher Braide
Sia & David Guetta: Flames
The iconic #1 hit single became the most performed song of 2018 on European radio.
Co-written and produced by Christopher Braide
Andy Partridge & Chris Braide: Queen Of The Planet Wow!
Andy Partridge and Chris Braide’s collaborative EP is a labor of love, spanning nearly a decade. Initially started in 2014, the songs lay dormant until Chris revisited the original sketches in 2023, bringing the project to fruition. This special 10-inch vinyl release is a testament to the duo's creative chemistry. As a longtime admirer of XTC, with a particular fondness for the iconic 'Skylarking' album, Chris's collaboration with Andy Partridge is a dream realized.
Produced by Christopher Braide
Sia, David Guetta & Afrojack: Helium
This iconic song, written by Christopher Braide & Sia, for the movie Fifty Shades Darker, was remixed by David guetta and Afrojack, and used for the worldwide MAC cosmetics advertising campaign.
Chris Braide & Ash Soan: Universal Mind
Chris Braide and Ash Soan had developed a strong musical connection as founder members of Producers, before Braide moved to the US in 2010. When they linked up again, the old chemistry was still there and the idea of forming a new band immediately took shape.
Put Down The Gun was nominated for the anthem award at the classic rock awards.
‘Crafted tunes and hooks that burrow into the brain’ - Louder sound
‘Sophisticated’, ‘some long lost record by The Police?’,’Echos of Yes’ - Ramzine
‘One of the strongest albums I've heard all year’ - Sea Of Tranquility
‘Outstanding!’ - Rocktopia
‘Refined, melodic, artistic and well-crafted’ - Grande - rock
‘One of the best albums of 2015’ - DPRP
‘Waves of approval’, ‘Highly recommended’ - Odayrox
‘Accessible, yet so intelligent and entertaining’ - Weekend Prog
Produced by Christopher Braide
Sia: Music
After the hits Unstoppable, Flames, She Wolf (Falling To Pieces), Helium, Big Girls Cry etc, written with Chris Braide, Sia got the directing bug. The Adelaide native co-wrote a screenplay and eventually signed on as director. The drama follows a recovering drug dealer named Zu (Kate Hudson) who becomes the sole guardian of her autistic sister Music (Maddie Ziegler). At some point during filming, Music became a musical, and who better to provide a powerhouse soundtrack? The album features the haunting title song ‘Music’, written by Christopher Braide & Sia, and
Co produced by Christopher Braide and Labrynth.
Sia & David Guetta; She Wolf ( Falling to Pieces)
The iconic #1 single was Co-written and produced by Christopher Braide
Britney Spears’ eighth studio album is front-loaded with glittery pop bangers created in collaboration with a roster of first-call pop producers (Dr. Luke, will.i.am, William Orbit, and Christopher Braide). Spears’ emotional range—from the demanding sass of “Work B****” to the wounded plea of “Perfume”— co- written by Sia and Chris Braide, gives the album a sweeping range, as does the list of impressive cameos.
Produced by Christopher Braide
Kate Pierson: Radios and Rainbows
"Radios and Rainbows", the sophomore solo album from B-52's icon Kate Pierson, features four tracks co-written and produced by Christopher Braide, including the title track, marking the second time Pierson and Braide have collaborated on an album. Their previous partnership yielded Pierson's debut solo album, "Guitars and Microphones", which included four Braide co-writes, such as the title song, crafted with Sia and Pierson.
Standout track "The Beauty of It All" (co-written and produced by Christopher Braide) distills the album's essence, offering a deeply personal message of support: "When you're feeling down, I'll be there." - The Guardian
Notably, Rolling Stone magazine recognized another Braide co-write, "Give Your Heart To Science", with a coveted "R" designation, underscoring the song's impact and Pierson's enduring talent.
Produced by Christopher Braide
GRAMMY®-nominated music supervisor of Fifty Shades of Grey, sheds light on picking songs for the sequel, Fifty Shades Darker:"We wanted to find classic, quality, and timeless songs. Similar to Fifty Shades of Grey, we only pursued new and original music for Darker and it was important that every song on the soundtrack also be in the film. In the story.
The soundtrack features the original version of the song Helium, written by Christopher Braide & Sia.
‘Sia’s Helium is a soaring, emotional ballad that ranks among the album’s best tracks.’ - Billboard magazine
‘Sia’s Helium is a haunting ballad that showcases her signature vocal acrobatics.’ - Rolling Stone magazine
‘Sia’s Helium is a typically intense, emotionally charged ballad that’s one of the soundtrack’s standout tracks.’ - NME
Produced by Christopher Braide
Vox Lux: Various Artists
The iconic movie, directed by award winning director Brady Corbet, with a soundtrack produced by Christopher Braide, and featuring Natalie Portman as a lead vocalist.
Portman spent five or six days in a recording studio, working with producer Christopher Braide, feeling intimidated at having to match Sia in the songs the Australian singer had written for the film.
“I kept apologising and he was so sweet and we always telling me, ‘don’t worry, we can fix everything later’, But it was really fun and it was exciting to see how he works — he’s so talented” - Natalie Portman
Produced by Christopher Braide
Yuna: Yuna
Yuna occupies a mellow zone between afternoon and evening, a laid-back, golden-hued groove that’s equal parts kicky folk and breezy funk. The Malaysian artist’s debut has sway and soul, with her vocals melting on the much loved “Lullabies”, plus - “Favourite Thing”, “Decorate”, “Island”, and “Loud Noises”, co-written and
Produced by Christopher Braide
Marc Almond's 2017 compilation album "Hits and Pieces" is a testament to the iconic singer's enduring legacy. The album features a curated selection of Almond's most beloved tracks, including all the Soft Cell hits, and two standout songs co-written, and produced by Christopher Braide.
The album's lead single, "A Kind Of Love", is a masterclass in atmospheric, synth-infused pop. Braide's production brings a modern, yet nostalgic sheen to Almond's signature dramatic flair, resulting in a BBC A listed radio hit that propelled the album to number 3 on the UK charts.
Produced by Christopher Braide
David Guetta: 7: Anniversary Edition
The multi million selling anniversary edition of #1 album 7, featuring the worldwide smash hit Flames, co written and produced by Chris Braide. Also includes Light Headed, also co written and produced by Chris Braide.
David Guetta: Essentials
All the massive hits, including Flames and She Wolf (Falling To Pieces) co-written and produced by Chris Braide
Afrojack: Essentials
Includes the hit single Ten Feet Tall, co written and produced by Chris Braide
Wrabel: Ten Feet Tall
The original version of the hit song Ten Feet Tall, co written and produced by Chris Braide. The song was remixed by Afrojack and became a huge dance hit.
Lana Del Rey: Born To Die: Paradise Edition
Includes Million Dollar Man,
Co-written and produced by Christopher Braide
Sky Show: EP BIO（日本語版・豪華ライナーノーツ風）
In the twilight of a legendary career, as Stan Lee’s final animation took shape in Japan, the production team sought a theme worthy of his immortal heroes.
For this honour, they turned to two masters of musical imagination: Trevor Horn and Chris Braide.
What followed was a collaboration forged in creativity and respect — a meeting of melody and vision.
From this union emerged “Sky Show”, a theme that rises with heroic brightness, carrying the emotional weight and boundless wonder of Lee’s universe.
The recordings presented here are the earliest, untouched versions — the very first interpretations offered to the creators in Japan.
Written by Chris Braide and Trevor Horn, and performed with striking clarity and heart by Chris Braide, these tracks capture the moment inspiration first crystallised into sound.
A rare document of creation.
A song born for legends.
A Sky Show...
The Great Gatsby: Music from Baz Luhrmanns film
When it came time to sort out the soundtrack for his adaptation of The Great Gatsby, Baz Luhrmann and executive producer JAY-Z had a clear goal: “Translate jazz, which was African American street music, into a hip-hop sensibility,”
Emeli Sandé’s 1920s-hot version of Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” makes the connection explicit, but songs like Sia’s “Kill and Run” - (co written and produced by Christopher Braide) are just as pertinent: The only real difference between alienation then and now is the date on the calendar.
Produced by Christopher Braide
Sia: 1000 Forms of Fear
The #1 album Includes Big Girls Cry and Eye Of The Needle, co written by Christopher Braide
Sia: Big Girls Cry: Remixes
Written by Sia and Christopher Braide
Hugel & Diplo: Forever (feat. Malou and Yuna)
The new Diplo single for 2025 was co- written and produced by Christopher Braide
Nicki Minaj: Queen
Throughout her meteoric rise and even more impressive reign as one of the most formidable voices in hip-hop, female empowerment remains a constant in Nicki’s messaging. It was a motivating factor in the making of this album, which includes the gorgeous ballad “Come See About Me”,
co-written and produced by Christopher Braide
Yuna: Lullabies: ep
The Yuna classic, co written and produced by Christopher Braide, and including the Adventure Club remix.
Marc Almond: Chaos and a Dancing Star
‘Chaos and a Dancing Star’ is the captivating album from the iconic Marc Almond. Released during the start of the worldwide pandemic in 2020, this flew under the radar but garnered much critical acclaim, including a stellar review in The Times. Notably, Marc Almond has cited Chaos and a Dancing Star as his personal favorite album from his vast catalogue, a testament to the albums emotional resonance and artistic innovation. With Christopher Braide’s detailed production, Chaos… is a must-listen for fans of Almond’s work.
‘Marc Almond says hello to goodbye on his brilliant new album’ - The Times
‘A work of disaster, romanticism’ - Mojo Magazine: 4/5 stars
‘Almond’s voice remains a thing of wonder”, further elevated by Braide’s nuanced production’ - Uncut Magazine
‘Almond’s most sonically adventurous album in years…. a triumph’ - Classic Pop Magazine
Produced by Christopher Braide
Halsey: Room 93
Halsey plays the seductress on this dark and sultry electro-pop EP. She beckons toward the bedroom from the start, cooing, "Could we pretend that we're in love?" over sluggish booms and rumbling bass. On "Ghost", she shows a rapper's sense for rhythm and swagger, while "Hurricane" has her admitting "I'm a one-night stand" with the slinkiness of Lana Del Rey. "Empty Gold" reveals Lorde-like fierceness over sparkling synths, and closer "Trouble (co-written and produced by Christopher Braide)" uses piano to underscore her vocals, which crack ever so gently with vulnerability.
Produced by Christopher Braide
Halsey: Badlands (Live From Webster Hall)
Includes a rousing live version of the song Trouble, co-written by Christopher Braide & Halsey
Yuna: Nocturnal
Yuna’s 2013 breakthrough, a delectable confection of luminous, soulful pop. Includes the lead single Rescue, Colors and Escape,
Co-written and produced by Chris Braide
Toni Braxton: Spell My Name
Ten albums in, and Toni Braxton's voice still sounds like a revelation, at once contemporary and classic. It's the centrepiece of Spell My Name, and the production is largely elegant and creates space for the singer to show off her chops. Songs like “Saturday Night”, co-written and produced by Christopher Braide, capture the feeling of being drawn back into that person's arms in spite of yourself, with Braxton's naturally sultry tones imbuing them with steamy drama
‘Possibly her strongest album since her halcyon period…’ - Variety
‘Saturday Night’ showcases Braxton’s signature smooth, soulful vocals’ - Billboard
Produced by Christopher Braide
Yuna: Sixth Street EP
An EP released between Yuna’s debut and sophomore albums, Includes “Let Love Come Through” (feat. Kyle),
Co written and produced by Christopher Braide
Ballerina (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
From the hit movie Ballerina (aka Leap), includes You Know It’s About You, Blood Sweat and Tears,
Written and produced by Christopher Braide
Selena Gomez: Revival
The Billboard # 1 album from Selena Gomez, includes the haunting song “Camouflage”, written by Christopher Braide & Bibi Bourelly.
Produced by Christopher Braide
Kate Pierson: Guitars and Microphones
Debut solo album from the B52’s legend, Kate Pierson. Featuring 3 songs written by Chris Braide, Sia and Kate Pierson (including the title track), and Wolves, written by Braide & Pierson.
Delta Goodrem: Child Of The Universe
The #1 album, Includes ‘Hunter and the Wolves’, ‘Control’, ‘Speed Of Life’
“Hunters And The Wolves” sees Delta immersing herself in the sultry side of being single. The stamping-drumming-clapping instrumental gives the song a tribal element. The song is excellently produced and wildly atmospheric — arguably the best track on the album.
The dark ballad of “Control” is a stunning closer, with eerily echoing backing vocals that make it easy to imagine a music video - The AU Review
Produced by Christopher Braide
'THE' PRODUCERS — Ghosts Of Basing Street
“The Producers” began, as most unlikely things do, with a conversation in a studio thick with tea steam and optimism.
Back in 2003, Stephen Lipson was producing a song I’d written for a Simon Fuller pop project. Mid-session, Steve casually asked:
“Fancy being in a band?”
I replied — repeatedly —
“No, Steve. Truly. I’ve put the artist thing to bed. I like writing hits. I like paying my mortgage.”
But Steve, being Steve, pressed on.
Before I knew it, he’d invited Trevor Horn and Lol Creme, and I’d invited Ash Soan, and suddenly we were a band.
And so began the great creative marathon:
2006: rehearsing & writing
2007: more rehearsing, more writing
2008: rehearsing, writing, recording, gigging
2009: writing, recording, gigging, writing
2010:
At which point I said, politely but firmly:
“STOP. Chaps, this has been lovely — the spliff smoke, the laughter — but I really must return to my actual career.”
I left on good terms (or so I thought).
What happened next is one of those mysteries of British rock folklore:
various contributions I’d made were… how shall we say… filed elsewhere?
Luckily, time has a way of sorting out the shelves, and in 2023 Steve Lipson heroically restored the original album — including my vocals — exactly where they belonged. A gentleman and a friend.
Presented here, for the first time, are the unreleased 2007 mixes from before the album went on its famously scenic route to completion.
Symphony in Black is a solitary, nine-minute meditation — wistful, unhurried, and quietly unresolved. It feels like a memory suspended in air: innocence glimpsed from a distance, in a world that has largely misplaced it.
At its centre is the piano — not as an instrument, but as a constant. For Chris Braide, the Yamaha C7 has been a lifelong companion, shipped across continents and studios, following him wherever life and work have led. Without it, he has often said, he would be lost. It is the one fixed point in a life defined by motion.
The piece unfolds slowly, like a thought that refuses to be rushed. There is no urgency here, only reflection — a lament for a moment already passed, for a state of being that can be remembered but never re-entered.
Rather than building toward resolution, Symphony in Black drifts, circles, and gently fades, allowing space for the listener’s own memories to surface.
The B-side, Empty Rooms, acts as an after-image — an echo rather than a reply. Sparse and reflective, it carries a trace of mid-century melancholy, with a subtle nod to Joe Harnell’s Lonely Man. Where the A-side moves through open sky, Empty Rooms remains indoors, resonant with absence and quiet reverberation.
Together, the two pieces form a self-contained artefact:
a brief journey, a held breath,
and a piano — still playing — as the world moves on around it.