The second If album came out within the same year as the first, and continues in the same distinctive jazz-rock vein the band worked on its debut.
The playing is excellent, with the sax and flute work of Dave Quincy and Dick Morrissey carrying the group's sound to a level unmatched by other, better known contemporaries like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears. J. W. Hodkinson's unique vocals continue to sail through the music, while Terry Smith employs a deeper, grittier guitar tone than he used on the first LP.
The material here is not as interesting as on the earlier release, but the soloists have plenty of space to stretch out and strut their stuff over John Mealing's organ/electric piano bed of chord changes.
Jim Richardson lays down some inventive basslines and drummer Dennis Elliott keeps the band on track through various rhythmic twists and turns
by Jim Newsom
1. Your City Is Falling (Dave Quincy) - 5:05
2. Sunday Sad (Dick Morrissey) - 8:23
3. Tarmac T. Pirate And The Lonesome Nymphomaniac (John Mealing, Preston) - 4:34
4. I Couldn't Write And Tell You (Dave Quincy) - 8:20
5. Shadows And Echoes (Margaret Busby, Lionel Grigson) - 4:27
6. Song For Elsa, Three Days Before Her 25th Birthday (J. W. Hodkinson) - 5:40
If
*Dennis Elliott - Drums
*J.W. Hodkinson - Vocals, Percussion
*John Mealing - Organ, Electric Piano, Backing Vocals
*Dick Morrissey - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute
*Dave Quincy - Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute
*Jim Richardson - Bass
*Terry Smith - Guitar
1970 If - If (Repertoire remaster)
1968 Terry Smith - Fall Out
1974 Zzebra - Zzebra
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If this is one of the most exciting bands of the 70s Founded by young British musicians fascinated by jazz. Frontman of the group was lead singer J. W. Hodkinson , who was accompanied by , among others. Dick Morrissey ( tenor saxophone , flute ) and Terry Smith (guitar) . This was a decent seven- band, was a worthy competition for the American bands Chicago and Blood , Sweat & Tears
ReplyDeleteResumption of real pearls , which appeared for the first time in 1970,on record label Island. Successful self-titled album surpassed expectations during the U.S. tour so quickly herded musicians into the studio recording in New York that recorded the second LP. Saxophonist and flutist Dave Quinmcy wrote two of the six songs : "Your City Is Falling " and " I Could not Write and Tell You" , and Dick Morrissey "Sunday Sad " . Although famous for their members If instrumental solos , all the songs from the singer performed a great sense of JW Hodkinson . ‘If 2’ remains a gem of an album and a worthy tribute to the late Dick Morrissey.
@Marios nice job :)
Many Thanks Marios for these if post. If it's possible, if 3...if4...if...if...
ReplyDeleteAll the best
Witold
Gracias, esta vez desde Valencia...
ReplyDelete/Jorge