Ipanema

IPANEMA’s self titled discography CD is one of the releases we’re most proud of, but also a release I wish I'd never had to do... after the sudden and tragic death of singer Darren “Wiz” Brown in December 2006, plans were put afoot for Lawrence and Rauf from the band to re-record and work around the demos that Wiz had recorded for what was to be the debut full length IPANEMA album, and combine these with the recently sold out “Me Me Me” mini album and original “Baseball Bat vs Skull” single. After a year of painstaking recording work, the CD was released on what would have been Wiz’s 46th birthday on January 18th 2008, as a benefit to the Forward 4 Wiz Trust, a charity set up in the great man’s name which strives to offer help and advice to new and young bands, much in the same that Wiz did himself throughout his years not only in IPANEMA, but also MEGA CITY 4 before them.

The CD has raised a substantial amount for the charity, so both them and I thank you. And urge you if you haven’t already purchased this CD to do so – not only does it help a great cause, it’s a great final testament to one of the best songwriters this country produced who was taken from us far too early…