Saturday, July 20, 2024

Reaction - Reaction (1972 germany, solid heavy bluesy rock, 2013 edition)



This is a Hamburg hard rock trio that presented their debut album in the spring of 1972. The cover of the LP is impressive: a white mouse on a blue cactus. However, the album was hardly noticed at the time, so it soon became hard to find. As a result, aficionados were paying a little more than usual. This German trio was an equally loud and aggressive band, eager to surpass the blues based guitar rock of Cream and Hendrix.
by Tom Cody
Tracks
1. Mistreated - 3:53
2. What's Going On Around - 3:14
3. Time - 3:29
4. The Mask - 2:40
5. Funeral March Of A Marionette - 3:11
6. My Father's Son - 2:40
7. Live Is A Wheel - 6:21
8. Keep On Trying - 3:45
9. On The Highway - 4:18
All songs by Luigi De Luca, Holger Tempel, Peter Braun

Reaction
*Luigi De Luca - Bass
*Holger Tempel - Drums
*Peter Braun - Guitar, Vocals

Friday, July 19, 2024

The Raik's Progress - Sewer Rat Love Chant (1966 us, rough garage psych, 2003 release)



Although the Raik's Progress only released one single in their brief career -both sides of which are included here-, Sundazed magically conjured the Sewer Rat Love Chant album out of their legacy by tacking on ten songs from a live 1966 performance at the Rainbow Ballroom in Fresno. It's the studio single, though, that's the highlight of this disc, as "Sewer Rat Love Chant" is an above average piece of early minor-keyed raga-rock () - and not as lyrically weird as its title indicates, with its flip side, "Why Did You Rob Us, Tank?," showing a more pronounced Byrds influence, particularly in the vocal harmonies. 

The live material actually boasts pretty good sound quality for a 1966 concert recording, and is comprised mostly of original material that's more in the standard raw garage mold than their sole 45. Although the performances and vocals are a mite unrefined, most of the tunes aren't bad at all. "Don't Need You" is soaked in the morose Farfisa organ swirl common to much 1966 garage, punctuated by what sounds like clanks of a rusty anvil, and several of the other group originals are overheated, semi-incoherent punk blues. There are also live versions of both songs from the single, as well as covers of songs by Them, the Byrds, and the Animals that testify to their good taste, though enjoyment of the version of the Byrds' "It's No Use" is compromised by the group's apparent unfamiliarity with all of the words and chord changes. On the other hand, there must have been few other American groups indeed who covered the non-LP Animals B-side "I'm Going to Change the World," done here with considerable guts. 
by Richie Unterberger
Tracks
1. Sewer Rat Love Chant (Duane Scott, John Kates, Steve Krikorian) - 2:39
2. Why Did You Rob Us Tank? (Alan Shapazian, Duane Scott, Nick Van Maarth, Steve Krikorian, Steve Olson) - 2:23
3. 'F' In 'A' (Alan Shapazian, Duane Scott, Nick Van Maarth, Steve Krikorian, Steve Olson) - 2:43
4. Baby Please Don't Go (Big Joe Williams) - 4:05
5. Don't Need You (John Kates) - 3:14
6. It's No Use (Gene Clark, Roger McGuinn) - 3:12
7. Call My Name (Tommy Scott) - 3:43
8. All Night Long (Alan Shapazian, Duane Scott, Nick Van Maarth, Steve Krikorian, Steve Olson) - 5:12
9. Prisoner Of Chillon (Alan Shapazian, Nick Van Maarth, Steve Krikorian, Steve Olson) - 2:44
10.Sewer Rat Love Chant (Duane Scott, John Kates, Steve Krikorian) - 2:29
11.Why Did You Rob Us Tank? (Alan Shapazian, Duane Scott, Nick Van Maarth, Steve Krikorian, Steve Olson) - 2:31
12.I'm Going To Change The World (Eric Burdon) - 4:26

The Raik's Progress
*Alan Shapazian - Vocals, Guitar
*Duane Scott - Keyboards, Vocals
*Nick Van Maarth - Guitar, Vocals
*Steve Krikorian - Vocals, Bass
*Steve Olson - Drums, Congas, Vocals

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Badfinger - Badfinger (1974 uk, fascinating power pop, 2014 japan SHM and 2018 remaster and expanded)



Badfinger (originally to be entitled For Love or Money) was the band’s first release on Warner Brothers. Due largely to internal troubles at the band’s former label, the album shipped a mere three months following Apple Records’ release of Ass. Overlapping promotional efforts floundered, and both albums suffered. The band’s deal at WB demanded a heavy workload, and development of Wish You Were Here was begun a mere two months following Badfinger’s debut. When Badfinger manager Stan Polley absconded with $100,000 of WB’s money, the label sued the band members and scuttled Wish You Were Here by pulling it from shelves. Worst of all, ace songwriter Pete Ham took his own life roughly six months later due to despair over the band’s problems.

Aside from the staggering cost of a life, it’s a terrible shame that these albums aren’t better known. Badfinger is brimming with melodies, tight harmonies, meaty rhythm guitar and world-class pop hooks. Badfinger were often slighted by critics due to their close association with the Beatles, though Ham had long ago proven his chops with hits like “No Matter What” and “Baby Blue.” 

Two songs reach the heights of brilliance we’ve come to expect from the band: the gorgeous ballad “Lonely You” and the dynamic “Give it Up.” There are some decent songs, such as “Shine On,” “Love Is Easy,” and “Why Don’t We Talk,” but the Badfinger magic is missing. 
by Jeff Elbel, 18 January 2019
Tracks
1. I Miss You (Pete Ham) - 2:35
2. Shine On (Pete Ham, Tom Evans) - 2:52
3. Love Is Easy (Joey Molland) - 3:08
4. Song For A Lost Friend (Pete Ham) - 2:52
5. Why Don't We Talk (Tom Evans) - 3:45
6. Island (Joey Molland) - 3:40
7. Matted Spam (Pete Ham) - 3:09
8. Where Do We Go From Here? (Tom Evans) - 3:24
9. My Heart Goes Out (Mike Gibbins) - 2:16
10.Lonely You (Pete Ham) - 3:47
11.Give It Up (Joey Molland) - 4:34
12.Andy Norris (Cathy Molland, Joey Molland) - 2:59
13.Love My Lady (Tom Evans) - 3:08
14.Shine On (Pete Ham, Tom Evans) - 2:51
15.Song For A Lost Friend (Pete Ham) - 2:53
16.Island (Joey Molland) - 3:37
17.Matted Spam (Pete Ham) - 3:44
18.Where Do We Go From Here (Tom Evans) - 3:28
19.My Heart Goes Out (Mike Gibbins) - 3:16
20.Lonely You (Pete Ham) - 3:11
21.Give It Up (Joey Molland) - 4:13
22.Andy Norris (Cathy Molland, Joey Molland) - 3:03
Bonus Tracks 13-22 only on 2018 Real Gone edition, 1973 work in progress mixes

Badfinger
*Pete Ham - Guitar, Piano, Vocals
*Tom Evans - Bass, Vocals
*Joey Molland - Guitar, Vocals
*Mike Gibbins - Drums, Vocals

1970  Badfinger - Magic Christian Music (2010 remaster and expanded)
1970  Badfinger - No Dice (2010 remaster and expanded)
1971  Badfinger - Straight Up (2010 remaster and expanded)

Saturday, July 13, 2024

Amish - Amish (1972 canada, hard psych with prog rock touches, 2007 digipak edition)



Following the demise of FJ & The Impressions at the end of the ’60s, Galt, Ontario natives keyboardist Ron Baumtrog and bassist Mike Gingrich were looking to head down a different musical path. Their old band was a covers band doing R&B, but when frontman Doug Stagg and drummer Jack Byrne came on board, Amish was born. They added guitarist Jack Botts, a draft dodger up from Michigan, and started out playing covers of more blues-based psych-driven rock, including McKenna Mendelson Mainline, The Doors, and James Gang.

They became fixtures on the Toronto circuit and with manager Bill Gefross, got them an audience at Detroit based Sussex Records. Dennis Coffey and Mike Theodore were both not only staff producers, but also had experience producing some of Motown’s hottest acts. Because of his boycott of the Viet Nam War, Botts had to stay behind, and session guitarist Joe Gutz was brought in to GM Studios.

The band was being courted with US tour offers, and so after returning home, replaced Botts with new guitarist Bob Norris, ex of Oasis. Distribution was picked up by Buddah Records, but by the time their self-titled debut album was in the stores in the summer of ’72, Kim Neil (also ex of Oasis) had replaced Byrne on drums.

A mix of organ-driven fuzzy guitar-laden songs that crossed the psychadelic fence over to greener pastures of ‘mature melodies.’ Although “Down The Road” was intended to be released as a single, none were. Still, with a cover of Traffic’s “Dear Mr Fantasy” and a good blend of production and tight writing was evident in other tracks like the lead-off “Sad Girl,” “Help Me” and the Uriah Heepish “The Sea.”

A handful of American dates complimented some more touring around southern Ontario, and the band recorded some sessions around the Toronto area. But when Buddah folded, they were left with an album in the can, and no one to pick it up. By mid ’73, Baumtrog left and Gerry Mertz was brought in as the new keyboardist. They carried on the road for a couple of years while trying to find a new label. Mertz’s departure dropped the band to a foursome, and by the end of ’75, everyone went their separate ways.

Everyone got out of the business all together, except for Gingrich. After finishing out the ’70s with a brief stint in Nightwinds, he toured with Klaatu for a year, then re-surfaced on the West Coast in the early ’80s. There, he stayed busy for the rest of the decade touring with the likes of Headpins and Holly Woods and Toronto, among others. Doug Stagg passed away in 1999.
by James Bedard, Clark Faville, Chris Gerbig, Vernon Joynson
Tracks
1.Sad Girl (Doug Stagg, Jack Byrne, Mike Gingrich) - 2:54
2.Black Lace Woman (Doug Stagg, Jack Byrne, Mike Gingrich, Ron Baumtrog) - 4:06
3.Wise Man (Doug Stagg, Ron Baumtrog) - 5:44
4.Help Me (Doug Stagg, Ron Baumtrog) - 2:40
5.I Don't Need Nobody (Doug Stagg, Ron Baumtrog) - 2:53
6.Dear Mr. Fantasy (Chris Wood, James Capaldi, Steve Winwood) - 2:46
7.The Sea (Doug Stagg, Ron Baumtrog) - 6:14
8.Down The Road (Doug Stagg, Ron Baumtrog) - 3:24

Amish
*Doug Stagg - Vocals 
*Jack Byrne - Guitar
*Mike Gingrich - Bass
*Ron Baumtrog - Keyboards
*Joe Gutz - Guitar

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Babe Ruth - Babe Ruth / Stealin' Home (1975-76 uk, exciting blend of funky bluesy hard prog rock, 2000 remaster)



Third album, titled simply Babe Ruth, is an altogether more straightforward rocky affair, but does have some strong material. Dancer gives Jenny Haan an opportunity to show her range and versatility, and Somebody’s Nobody manages to rhyme ‘guitar’ with ‘Hedy Lamarr’ – genius! There’s another nod to Morricone with a cover of A Fistful of Dollars which romps along engagingly, and this is followed by a slightly risky cover of Curtis Mayfield’s protest song We People Darker Than Blue. They get away with it, largely down to Haan’s sincere and passionate interpretation, and it ends up a triumph. Jack O’Lantern is an energetic rocker about a peeping tom, but it’s followed by a rather pedestrian cover of Booker T’s Private Number. Apparently the record label wanted them to do it to provide a single, but it really doesn’t suit them. Turquoise is a much better song, again highlighting Shacklock’s excellent Spanish guitar skills. Sad But Rich is quite a heavy rocking tune, with great electric guitar flourishes and another theatrical workout for Haan. The album closer is probably the best track, The Duchess of Orleans, and it’s quite a touching break up song. The yearning melody is enhanced by Mellotron, and Janita Haan gives another spirited vocal display. 
by Graham Thomas, 27 September 2022

Haan's last album fronting for Babe Ruth still shows her in top form, and this album both kicks off and ends with a pair of fine rockers, "It'll Happen in Time" and "Tomorrow." The latter is the best tune on the album, featuring some burning guitar leads over an orchestral backing. "Fascination," based over a percussion loop and crunching guitar, shows the band stomping the same ground as female-fronted bands like Empire and Cold Blood, though none of them quite achieved the success of slicker contemporaries like, say, Heart. It doesn't help that the album is weighted down with some stultifying keyboard ballads and instrumentals like "Caught at the Plate," but when they stick to tightly structured and overdriven guitar rock, Babe Ruth sound very good indeed. 
by Paul Collins
Tracks
1. Dancer (Alan Shacklock) - 6:05
2. Somebody's Nobody (Alan Shacklock) - 3:10
3. A Fistful Of Dollars (Ennio Morricone) - 2:42
4. We People Darker Than Blue (Curtis Mayfield) - 4:48
5. Jack O'Lantern (Alan Shacklock) - 3:20
6. Private Number (Booker T. Jones, William Bell) - 3:45
7. Turquoise (Dave Hewitt, Janita Haan) - 3:12
8. Sad But Rich (Ed Spevock) - 3:54
9. The Duchess Of Orleans (Alan Shacklock) - 5:03
10.It'll Happen In Time (Dave Hewitt, Janita Haan) - 5:35
11.Winner Takes All (Bernie Marsden) - 4:01
12.Fascination (Ed Spevock) - 6:07
13.2000 Sunsets (Janita Haan) - 3:47
14.Elusive (Ed Spevock, Steve Gurl) - 6:45
15.Can You Feel It (Dan Seals, John Bettis, Troy Seals) - 4:19
16.Say No More (Alan Shacklock) - 2:41
17.Caught At The Plate (Steve Gurl) - 2:57
18.Tomorrow (Joining Of The Day) (Janita Haan) - 5:05
Tracks 1-9 from LP "Babe Ruth" 1975
Tracks 10-18 from LP "Stealin' Home" 1975

Babe Ruth
*Janita Haan - Vocals, Bells
*Alan Shacklock - Guitars, Mellotron, Moog, Percussion, Vibes, Vocals (Tracks 1-9)
*Bernie Marsden - Vocals, Guitar (Tracks 10-18)
*Steve Gurl - Keyboards, Moog, Grand Piano
*Dave Hewitt - Bass, Fuzz Bass
*Ed Spevock - Drums, Percussion
With
*Angelito Perez - Congas (Tracks 3,7)
*The Hatfield Symphony Orchestra (Tracks 13,18)
*Alan Shacklock - Orchestral Arranger, Conductor (Tracks 13,18)
*Chrisostomos Karanikis - Percussion (Tracks 12,14)


Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Babe Ruth - First Base / Amar Caballero (1972-73 uk, stunning hard prog rock with brass parts)



Babe Ruth was formed in 1970 and went on to make three impressive albums and several singles, for the Harvest record label. Their musical style was an engaging blend of hard rock, soul, and progressive and jazz rock, marked out by Alan Shacklock’s flammable guitar work, and arranging skills, and Janita ‘Jenny’ Haan’s powerful soaring vocals. They were a remarkable band in many ways, that deserved considerably more recognition, for what was a unique and expansive musical style.

First Base was their stunning 1972 debut album. Opening track Wells Fargo, is a stomping rock song, with some splendid soul aspects, supplied by Brent Carter’s saxes. The rhythm section of Dick Powell on drums and bassist Dave Hewitt adds some thumping propulsion to the song, while Gaspar Lawal adds some subtle rhythmic accents on the congas. Add into the mix, Alan Shacklock’s staccato guitar riff and Janita Haan’s superb soulful vocal, and you have the complete rock classic. The liquid guitar solo is the icing on the cake of this striking album opener. 

The following track, The Runaways, begins with Dave Punshon’s gentle piano chords and Harry Mier’s undulating oboe. Janita Haan’s jazz like vocal phrases float over a haunting and elegiac cello quartet. The instrumental section melds the cello’s, with cymbal driven percussion, and Dave Punshon’s quite beautiful piano refrain, which he later punctuates with some sparkling solo playing. This is seven minutes plus of gorgeous music, with the oboe and string arrangements put together by the very talented Alan Shacklock.

Then we move onto Babe Ruth’s dazzling interpretation of the Frank Zappa classic King Kong, originally to be heard in multiple versions on The Mothers of Invention, Uncle Meat album. While respectfully retaining many of the elements in Zappa’s original, it adds in a jazz rock sheen, with the guitar and electric piano to the fore, and a driving blues backbeat. The piano and guitar solos are fast and inventive. It is a very good interpretation indeed. Black Dog is another inventive cover, this time of a Jesse Winchester song, where Janita Haan’s vocal becomes like another solo instrument in the band, spiralling upwards and driving the song forward.  Dave Punshon delivers another stunning piano solo, that is full of syncopated lush melodies. 

The Mexican, tells the story of The Alamo, from the Mexican soldier’s perspective, and includes an excerpt from Ennio Morricone’s For A Few Dollar’s More. It has a cool dance beat and was re-recorded in 1984 by John “Jellybean’ Benitez, with Janita Haan providing new vocals, and becoming a dancefloor hit in the process. The final track on the album, Joker, has the band returning to the hard rocking style of Wells Fargo, accompanied by Alan Shacklock’s most stinging guitar workout. 

Across the tracks on this debut album, Babe Ruth demonstrated a wide range of musical reference points, strong songwriting and interpretive musical skills, aligned with great musicianship, and Janita Haan’s incredible vocal range. It is a rock classic that deserves to be heard and appreciated much more than it was on its release in 1972, and hence the space given to reflecting on its merits in this review.  

The sophomore follow-up album, Amar Caballero, is of similar musical range and richness. By this time the line-up had changed a little, with Ed Spevock coming in on drums, and Chris Holmes playing keyboards on part of the album.  At the core of the album is the three-part title track. The first section, El Caballero de la Reina Isabella, was written by Janita Haan and Alan Shacklock, and has a very evocative lyric by Janita Haan, which is sung with a wonderfully poetical and storytelling voice. Alan Shacklock’s Hombre de la Guitarra section, includes some very fast-paced classical guitar playing, underpinned by Ed Spevock and Gaspar Lawal’s, inspirational drums and conga shuffle.  The final section, El Testament De ‘Amelia, is based on Miguel Llobet’s arrangement of this traditional song. Alan Shacklock’s playing has a gentle rising and falling, creating a meditative and open soundstage. 

Other key album highlights include Broken Cloud, cowritten by Alan Shacklock and Janita Haan. It is a quite beautiful ballad, orchestrated with horns and strings by Alan Shacklock. Janita Haan’s voice here is it at its very best, sometimes whispered, and understated, and at other times ascending with incredible power. A raucous cover of the Capitols classic rhythm and blues track, Cool Jerk, is led by Ed Spevock’s meticulous funk-driven drumming. Janita Haan’s delivery of the lead and backing vocals, aligned with the rolling piano accompaniment of Dave Punshon, creates a fantastic soulful performance. 
by Gareth Allen, 4th July 2022
Tracks
1. Wells Fargo (Alan Shacklock) - 6:16
2. The Runaways (Alan Shacklock, David Whiting) - 7:28
3. King Kong (Frank Zappa) - 6:46
4. Black Dog (Jesse Winchester) - 8:04
5. The Mexican / For A Few Dollars More - 5:48
.a. The Mexican (Alan Shacklock)
.b. For A Few Dollars More (Ennio Morricone)
6. Joker (Alan Shacklock) - 7:43
7. Lady (Alan Shacklock, Janita Haan) - 3:37
8. Broken Cloud (Alan Shacklock) - 3:57
9. Gimme Some Leg (Alan Shacklock, Janita Haan) - 6:01
10.Baby Pride (Alan Shacklock, Janita Haan) - 3:50
11.Cool Jerk (Donald Storball) - 2:27
12.We Are Holding On (Alan Shacklock) - 3:26
13.Doctor Love (Alan Shacklock) - 3:00
14.Amar Caballero (Sin Ton Ni Son) - 9:19
.a. El Caballero De La Reina Isabella (Alan Shacklock, Janita Haan)
.b. Hombre De La Guitarra (Alan Shacklock)
.c. El Testament De N'Amelia (Traditional)
Tracks 1-6 from LP "First Base" 1972
Tracks 7-14 from LP "Amar Caballero" 1973

Babe Ruth
1972 First Base
*Janita "Jennie" Haan - Vocals, Castanets (Track 5)
*Alan Shacklock - Acoustic, Electric Guitars, Hammond Organ, Percussion, Vocals
*Dave Hewitt - Bass Guitar
*Dave Punshon - Electric Piano, Keyboards
*Dick Powell - Drums, Percussion
With
*Gasper Lawal - Conga, Bongo, Cabasa
*Brent Carter - Saxophone
*Harry Mier - Oboe
*Peter Halling - Cello
*Clive Anstee - Cello
*Manny Fox - Cello
*Boris Rickleman - Cello
*Jeff Allen - Drums (Track 2)

1973 Amar Caballero
*Janita Haan - Lead Vocals
*Alan Shacklock - Guitars, Celesta, Electric Piano, Organ, Mellotron, Percussion, Tambourine, Vocals, Orchestration, Strings Conductor
*Chris Holmes - Keyboards, Organ 
*Dave Hewitt - Bass, Fuzz Bass 
*Ed Spevock - Drums, Percusion, Timpani 
With:
*Dave Punshon - Electric Piano (Track 1), Grand Piano (Track 5)
*Dave White - Flute (Track 1)
*Steve Gregory - Flute (Track 1)
*Brian Warren - Flute (Track 2)
*Jack Ellory - Flute (Track 2)
*Duncan Lamont - Flute (Track 6)
*Keith Christie - Trombone (Track 1)
*Ray Premru - Trombone (Track 1)
*Ray Harris - Trumpet (Track 1), Flugelhorn (Track 2)
*Bud Beadle - Baritone Sax (Track 5)
*Steve Gregory - Tenor Sax (Tracks 5,7)
*Ron Carthy - Trumpet (Tracks 5,7)
*John Georgiadis - Violin, String Section Leader (Tracks 1,2)
*Raymond Vincent - Violin (Track 6)
*Gaspar Lawal - Percussion (Tracks 1,3), Congas (Track 7), Vocals (Track 3)
*Nick Mobbs - Tambourine (Track 6)
*Angelito Perez - Congas, Cowbell, Vocals (Track 8)
*Chris Bushen - Backing Vocals (Track 4) 

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

A-Austr - Musics From Holyground (1970 uk, delicate multicolored psychedelia, 2005 edition)



With an issue of only 99 copies, this is one of the rarest records to emerge from the UK that contains some interesting music. The elaborate packaging and the general care which went into the record betray, if nothing else, at least a heartfelt love of recorded music as a means of self-expression. Being a low-budget enterprise, a fact which is never really masked throughout the production, A-Austr went for diversity rather than sales figures. The music is strongly eclectic, with more influences than can be listed. No less than 15 tracks within a broad spectrum of styles can hardly be unanimously satisfying. 

In general the music is gentle and even folky, without drawing upon traditional material. At its best it's nothing less than brilliant, though in an unobtrusive sort of way. These highlights include almost all the songs which do not try to be "progressive" or severely emotional, but which instead opt for a simpler approach, thereby succeeding to convey a subtle and almost mythical atmosphere. As soon as the instrumentation gets denser, the sound tends to clog up or even becomes chaotic, being charming still, but nothing more than that. Definitely a very interesting record, though it's near to impossible to dig up an original. A few years ago a limited repro was manufactured, which now sells for a collector's price itself and is worth picking up.
by Marcel Koopman
Tracks
1. Bird (Brian Calvert, Mike Levon) - 2:45
2. Judy (Brian Calvert, Mike Levon) - 2:16
3. Mini (Brian Calvert, Mike Levon) - 2:51
4. Prelude To Change For Arthur (Chris Coombs) - 0:10
5. Thumbquake And Earthscrew (Chris Coombs) - 2:47
6. Change For Arthur (Chris Coombs) - 0:39
7. Between The Road (Chris Coombs) - 2:30
8. Hawaiian War Chant (Brian Calvert) - 1:12
9. It's Alright (Brian Calvert, Mike Levon) - 6:45
10.Reprise Of Bird (Excerpt) (Brian Calvert, Mike Levon) - 0:20
11.Essex Queen (She Dances) (Brian Calvert, Mike Levon) - 3:08
12.D Minor Minuet (Brian Calvert) - 1:00
13.A Curse On You (Brian Calvert) - 3:18
14.What Did You Go? (Chris Coombs) - 7:56
15.Grail Search (Chris Coombs) - 4:36
16.Essex Queen (Brian Calvert, Mike Levon) - 2:48
17.Grail Search (Chris Coombs) - 3:34
18.Judy (Brian Calvert, Mike Levon) - 0:46
19.It's Alright (Brian Calvert, Mike Levon) - 6:46
20.Aren't You Glad You Stayed? (Brian Calvert, Mike Levon) - 4:01

Personnel
*Brian Calvert - Guitar 
*Denise Calvert - Vocals
*Yvonne Carrodus - Vocals
*Chris Coombs - Keyboard, Guitar, Vocals, Harmonium, Tambourine, Clapselectric Guitar
*Ted Hepworth - Drums 
*Mike Levon - Saxophone, Drums
*Brian Wilson - Bass 

Related Acts


Monday, July 8, 2024

Wally - Valley Gardens (1975 uk, dreamy cool prog rock, 2015 japan SHM remaster)



For their second album Valley Gardens, Nick Glennie-Smith replaced Paul Gerrett on keyboards. This line-up change led to a far more progressive rock sound, although the country and folk influences are still present. The impact of touring with Yes can be noticed as well on the entire album. The bass sounds a lot like Chris Squire's and Rick Wakeman-like synthesizer parts can often be enjoyed like on the strong title track and the epic piece The Reason Why which filled the entire B-side of the original LP. Due to the strong guitar parts and the female backing vocals the influences of the music of Pink Floyd can be heard as well on many compositions. There's even a link with Kansas caused by the use of an electric violin. All in all Valley Gardens is an enjoyable album for devotees of progressive rock. This remastered version contains two bonus tracks as well: strong live versions of the unknown piece Green Room Smiles and from the album track Nez Perce.

Continuously touring finally took its toll and led eventually to a split after which Atlantic decided to cut their losses and pulled the plug. However, only few people know that they kept playing as the backing band of the popular French singer Michel Polnareff during a tour in Japan in 1975. Maybe it's interesting to know what became of the members after they broke up. Well, Roy Webber set up a graphic design company primarily working for Yorkshire Television, but also with the Royal Armouries Museum. Pete Sage went to Germany to work as a sound engineer for the pop group Boney M. Nick Glennie-Smith was proposed to be the potential replacement for Wakeman in Yes, but he went on to be a leading session musician and soundtrack composer. Guitarist Pete Cosker died in 1990 as a consequence of an overdose of heroin. Drummer Roger Narraway metamorphosed into a talented lead guitarist and Paul Middleton retreated to the North Yorkshire Dales, becoming a carpenter and occasionally venturing out to play with Roy Webber in the country rock band Freddie Alva And The Men From Delmonte. He now gigs on a regular basis with his own band The Angst Band, featuring fellow band member Frank Mizen on pedal steel guitar and banjo. Paul Gerrett died of a heart attack in 2008.

After a thirty year hiatus, the surviving members of the original line-up − complemented by Frank Mizen on pedal steel and Will Jackson on guitar − performed to a full house in April 2009 in their home town of Harrogate. A DVD of the concert called That Was Then was released later that year. In February 2010 the band released Montpellier comprising new recordings of demos from the band's earlier incarnation, along with new material by both Webber and Middleton. I was very curious to know how this new album would sound because I liked Wally's second album. However, as soon as I got a copy of the album it turned out that the sound of Montpellier was quite similar to that of their debut album. In a way the overall sound of the new album strongly tends to progressive folk rock, even more than on their debut. The music is still rather strong as you can especially hear on the opening tune Sailor. Even bands like Iona and Clannad crossed my mind while listening to the album, but as one of the song titles already indicates: the Thrill Is Gone.   

A second 'reunion' concert took place in April 2010. Funds from ticket sales were used to erect a permanent memorial for Cosker and Gerrett. A recording of the 2010 reunion was released as a live album called To The Urban Man. A third reunion concert was scheduled for 2011 again in Wally's home town. What the future will bring to this British band is still unknown, but I'm glad that they returned and hopefully, someday, they will release another stunning album like Valley Gardens. Until that moment I'll play their back catalogue on a regular basis. 
by Peter Willemsen
Tracks
1. Valley Gardens (Pete Cosker, Paul Gerrett) - 9:50
2. Nez Perce (Roy Webber) - 5:03
3. The Mood I'm In (Roy Webber) - 7:07
4. The Reason Why - 18:28
.a. Nolan (Roy Webber, Pete Sage
.b. The Charge (Pete Sage, Nick Glennie-Smith
.c. Disillusion (Roy Webber

Wally
*Roy Webber - Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
*Pete Cosker - Lead Electric, Acoustic Guitars, Vocals, Bass Guitar
*Paul Gerrett - Fender Rhodes Electric Piano, Hammond Organ, Mellotron, Harmonium, Grand Piano, Harpsichord, Vocals
*Pete Sage - Electric Violin, Bass Guitar, Mandolin
*Paul Middleton - Lap Steel Guitar, Bass Guitar
*Roger Narraway - Drums, Percussion


Friday, July 5, 2024

CWT - The Hundredweight (1973 uk, heavy brassy bluesy rock)



CWT were an English band who recorded their only album in Hamburg, which was then released on Kuckuck.

They were one of the heaviest acts on the label, which was also known to be the home of Out Of Focus, Armageddon, Murphy Blend and Ihre Kinder.

The band was actually a hard rock trio, but for the album Hundredweight they had reinforcements in the form of Cy Payne, who was responsible for the brass arrangements. This is exactly what gives the band its unique sound.

In addition to the fantastic guitar and vocal work of Graham Jones, the brass section lends the heavy
rock with a touch of Motown soul and a heavy groove.
Tracks
1. Widow Woman - 3:17
2. Take It Slow - 3:49
3. Roly Poly - 4:12
4. Signed D.C (Arthur Lee) - 4:11
5. Steam Roller - 3:57
6. Simon's Effort - 3:03
7. Mind Cage - 3:36
8. Mephistophales - 5:15
All songs by Graham Jones, Peter Kirk, Collin White except where stated

CWT
*Graham Jones - Guitar, Organ
*Peter Kirk - Bass
*Collin White - Drums
With
*Cy Paine - Brass Arrangements

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Chris Smither - Honeysuckle Dog (1973 us, splendid guitar bluesy rock, 2004 release)



Recorded with producer Michael Cuscuna in two sessions — Woodstock, December 1972, and New York City, Spring 1973 — this was to be Smither’s third album for Poppy. Soon after it was finished, the label folded, parent company United Artists took over the masters, and the album was shelved. The Cambridge-via-New-Orleans guitarist, singer and songwriter subsequently recorded ten of its twelve songs on later albums, but this is the first time Honeysuckle Dog has been released intact. It suggests that with a few breaks labelwise and a less self-destructive personal life, Smither could even then have been a contender, at least on a John Hammond/Ry Cooder level.

On the former, his complex, elegiac fingerpicking style interpolates his own deft instrumental theme with four of the pacific Delta bluesman’s calling-card songs. The latter, with a full band that includes Little Feat’s Lowell George on electric guitar, confirms that even though Smither didn’t have much of a blues voice, he did invest it with tremendous blues feeling of his own. He sounds like nobody but himself, true to his influences without aping them, as did most of his misguided white blues peers. This track and its solo acoustic successor, a knowing interpretation of Randy Newman’s “Guilty” that was recorded before either the composer’s or Bonnie Raitt’s versions, provide the album’s emotional core.

The rest of the set balances originals such as the title song (featuring Dr. John) and the deeply estranged “Homunculus” with Smither readings of Bessie Smith’s “Jailhouse Blues”, Danny O’Keefe’s “Steel Guitar” and the like. Honeysuckle Dog fills a gaping hole in the Smither discography, and most of it can stand with anything he’s done in the three-plus decades since.
by John Morthland. 
Tracks
1. Sunshine Lady (Paul MacNeil) - 3:51
2. Tribute to Mississippi John Hurt (John Hurt) - 3:40 
3. Honeysuckle Dog - 4:04
4. Rattlesnake Preacher (Eric Von Schmidt) - 4:39 
5. Rosalie - 3:05
6. Guilty (Randy Newman) - 2:13 
7. It Ain't Easy (Ron Davies) - 3:57
8. Lonely Time - 3:22 
9. Homunculus - 3:10 
10.Braden River - 3:41
11.Steel Guitar (Danny O'Keefe) - 2:41 
12.Jailhouse Blues (Traditional) - 5:39
Written by Chris Smither except where noted

Personnel
*Chris Smither - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar  
*John Bailey - Acoustic, Electric Guitars, Autoharp 
*Dave Holland - Acoustic Bass, Double Bass 
*Jackie Lomax - Electric Bass
*Richard Anthony Davis - Electric Bass 
*Richard Davis - Bass
*Ralph Mcdonald - Tambourine 
*Maeretha Stewart - Background Vocals 
*Lowell George - Electric Guitar 
*Robin Kenyatta - Flute; 
*Eric Kaz - Harmonica, Piano, Electric Piano 
*Perry Robinson - Clarinet 
*Pat Rebillot - Piano, Organ 
*Dr. John - Piano 
*Bill Payne - Piano 
*Mike Mainieri - Vibraphone 
*Chris Parker - Drums
*Ray Lucas - Drums 
*Dede Puma - Background Vocals 
*Patti Austin - Background Vocals 
*Hilda Harris - Background Vocals