The Ropes was born this past year on Wolfe Island where the three neighbours have become an in-house house rhythm section for Wolfe Island Records, recording tracks for the constant flow of artists through Brown’s island studio, The Post Office.
Brown had written a collection of songs on the Steinway B at the island hotel, where he, Mercer and Bowers would gather after closing time for frequent jams following recording sessions. Eventually, the trio moved recording equipment into the hotel to capture what was happening, and the album was begun.
Following the initial after hours hotel sessions, Brown took the music to New York, working arrangements with Tony Scheer, Michael Blake, Teddy Kumpel and lifelong music partner, Kate Fenner. Further contributions were made by Teilhard Frost, Craig Rocky Roberts and legendary harmonica player, Mickey Raphael.