The Bathers | Artist

The Bathers are a Scottish chamber pop band formed 1987 in Glasgow, UK, by Chris Thomson (vocals), Calum McNair (guitar), Barry Overstreet (saxophone), Robert Henderson (trumpet), Ken McHugh (bass) and Hazel Morrison (drums, vocals). The vehicle for singer-songwriter, Chris Thomson, they are sometimes referred to as "the best-kept secret in Scottish music" and have received much critical acclaim. Initially active between 1985 and 2001, they reformed in 2016. Thomson came from former band Friends Again, along with James Grant and other members who would go on to form Love and Money. Thomson secured a solo deal with Go! Discs Records, using the project name of "The Bathers" and drew on a pool of musicians, including Grant, to flesh out his songs for the debut album Unusual Places to Die, released in '87. Thomson then moved to Island Records for one record, 1990's excellent Sweet Deceit. Thompson then signed to the German label Marina Records and released three excellent albums; Lagoon Blues (1993), Sunpowder (1995) and Kelvingrove Baby (1997). The band had added string players and arrangers Mark Wilson and Iain White, keyboard player Carlo Scattini and drummer/percussionist Hazel Morrison, giving them a much fuller chamber-pop sound. Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins recorded several tracks on Sunpowder, and performed live with them in Glasgow. The band continues to perform and has released six studio albums. The 2002 compilation Desire Regained is highly recommended.

Artist Website: wikipedia/The_Bathers

Featured Albums: The Bathers

Related Artists: James Grant, Love and Money, Cocteau Twins