The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Live at the BBC (1972-77 uk, astonishing perfomances, 2009 release)

 Two discs of 1972-1977 BBC performances by the Sensational Alex Harvey Band with excellent sound are collected on this set, though it's not quite as lengthy as you might assume, adding up to about an hour and a half in all (with only about half an hour on the second disc). There aren't great surprises in store for those familiar with Harvey's BBC work during this, his commercial peak. As was also true of his records, his reputation as a truly sensational live visual performer isn't quite mirrored by this audio-only document. Too, the only song that doesn't appear on his studio releases of this time is a 1972 cover of "Dance to the Music," which might be energetic but certainly wouldn't give Sly & the Family Stone cause to worry.

Disc one is entirely devoted to two performances at BBC's Paris Theatre, one in November 1972 and the other in October 1973, where they run through the bulk of the material from the SAHB's first couple albums. Some of his most celebrated songs, like "Framed" and "The Faith Healer," are naturally included, as well as his oddball cover of the early rock & roll hit "Giddy Up a Ding Dong," though Harvey's manic-tinged vocals are more impressive than the period hard rock backing. 

Disc two actually features 1973-1975 performances from the BBC television shows The Old Grey Whistle Test and Top of the Pops rather than radio spots, and the two songs from a December 1973 OGWT appearance -- an anguished cover of Jacques Brel's infamous "Next" and a second version of "The Faith Healer" that utterly outclasses the one on the first disc from just two months earlier -- are the highlights of the collection, though this "The Faith Healer" is actually a live Harvey vocal fronting a pre-recorded backing track. His 1975 U.K. Top Ten hit "Delilah" (from a 1975 OGWT broadcast) is another highlight, but take note that the final and least essential two tracks, from a 1977 appearance on the same program, are the SAHB without Harvey. 

by Richie Unterberger

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Midnight Moses (Alex Harvey) - 4:40

2. St. Anthony (Alex Harvey) - 6:24

3. Framed (Mike Stoller, Jerry Leiber) - 6:41

4. There's No Lights On The Christmas Tree Mother, They're Burning Big Louie (Alex Harvey, Jimmy Condron) - 3:54

5. Hole In Her Stocking (Alex Harvey, Ray Russell) - 5:44

6. Dance To The Music (Sylvester Stewart) - 7:30

7. The Faith Healer (Alex Harvey, Hugh McKenna) - 6:25

8. Midnight Moses (Alex Harvey) - 4:35

9. Gang Bang (Alex Harvey, Hugh McKenna) - 4:55

10.The Last Of The Teenage Idols (Alex Harvey, Alistair Macdonald Cleminson, Hugh McKenna) - 8:21

11.Giddy Up A Ding Dong (Pep Lattanzi, Frank R. Bell) - 3:27

Tracks 1 - 6 recorded for BBC Radio 1's In Concert at the Paris Theatre, London, 2 November 1972.

Tracks 7 - 11 recorded for BBC Radio 1's In Concert at the Paris Theatre, London, 2 October 1973. 

Disc 2

1. Next (Jaques Brell, Mort Shuman) - 4:01

2. The Faith Healer (Alex Harvey, Hugh McKenna) - 3:18

3. Give My Compliments To The Chef (Alex Harvey, Alistair Macdonald Cleminson, Hugh McKenna) - 6:08

4. Delilah (Les Reed, Barry Mason) - 5:04

5. Boston Tea Party (Alex Harvey, Hugh McKenna) - 3:48

6. Pick It Up And Kick It (Alex Harvey, Hugh McKenna) - 4:36

7. Smouldering (Chris Glen, Hugh McKenna) - 4:39

Tracks 1,2 recorded for BBC Television's "The Old Grey Whistle", 20th December 1973

Tracks 3,4 recorded for BBC Television's "The Old Grey Whistle", 30th May 1975

Track 5 recorded for BBC Television's "Top of the Pops", 10th June 1976

Tracks 6,7 recorded for BBC Television's "The Old Grey Whistle", 25th January 1977

The Senstational Alex Harvey Band

*Alex Harvey - Lead Vocals

*Zal Cleminson - Lead Guitar

*Hugh McKenna - Electric Piano

*Chris Glen - Bass Guitar

*Eddie McKenna - Drums

1972-73  Framed / Next 
1974-75  The Impossible Dream / Tomorrow Belongs to Me
1974  The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Hot City / The Unreleased Album (2009)
1975-76  Live / The Penthouse Tapes
1976/78  The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Stories / Rock Drill (2002) 

1979  Alex Harvey The New Band - The Mafia Stole My Guitar

Related Act
1970  Tear Gas - Piggy Go Getter (2019 remaster)
1971  Tear Gas - Tear Gas (2019 remaster)

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The Tangerine Zoo - Outside Looking In / Tangerine Zoo (1968 us, marvelous organ drivin fuzz psych rock)

Boston psychedelic band the Tangerine Zoo formed in 1967 in nearby Swansea, MA. Guitarist Robert "Benny" Benevides, bassist Tony Taveira, and drummer Donald Smith first collaborated in the Ebb Tides, which the previous year issued "My Baby's Gone" on the Arco label. With the additions of singer/guitarist Wayne Gagnon and keyboardist Ronald Medeiros, the group renamed itself the Flower Pot, abandoning the Ebb Tides' garage rock sound in favor of a more psychedelic approach. In addition to serving as the house band at the local Venus de Milo restaurant, the band also opened for the likes of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Van Morrison, and Deep Purple.

Their growing popularity was buoyed by a large fan base in Boston, and in late 1967 signed with the New York City-based Mainstream label. While recording their debut LP, label execs demanded another name change, fearing backlash from the obvious marijuana reference in the Flower Pot moniker; after setting on the Tangerine Zoo, the group released its self-titled debut in early 1968. Taveira exited the lineup prior to recording the follow-up, Outside Looking In. In mid-1969, the Tangerine Zoo was invited to play the Woodstock festival, but were forced to decline due to prior commitments. The band dissolved in 1970, with Gagnon soon resurfacing in Wadsworth Mansion, which scored a Billboard Top Ten hit with 1971's "Sweet Mary." The original Tangerine Zoo lineup reunited in 1988 to play a charity fundraiser, intermittently reconvening during the decades that followed. 

by Jason Ankeny

Tracks

1. Birth (Ronald Medeiros) - 2:41

2. Like People (Robert Benevides) - 2:43

3. Wake Up Sun (Robert Benevides, Wayne Gagnon, Ron Medeiros, Donald Smith, Tony Taveira, Vic Armen) - 4:25

4. Another Morning (Ray Thomas) - 2:51

5. Confusion (Wayne Gagnon) - 4:54

6. You I Love (Ronald Medeiros, Vic Armen) - 3:54

7. Farther Down The Road (Vic Armen, Wayne Gagnon) - 4:26

8. Can't You See (Ronald Medeiros, Wayne Gagnon) - 3:49

9. Young Dream (Wayne Gagnon) - 9:25

10.Gloria (Van Morrison) - 6:11

11.Trip To The Zoo (Robert Benevides) - 3:56

12.Please Don't Set Me Free (Wayne Gagnon) - 3:54

13.Nature's Children (Donald Smith, Ronald Medeiros) - 3:54

14.The Flight (Ronald Medeiros) - 4:26

15.Mommy And Daddy (Ronald Medeiros) - 1:46

16.Symphonic Psyche (Wayne Gagnon) - 3:56

17.Crystalescent Heaven (Wayne Gagnon) - 4:49

18.One More Heartache (Marvin Tarplin, Robert Rogers, Ronald White, Warren Moore, William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr.) - 2:31

The Tangerine Zoo

*Robert "Bob/Benny" Benevides - Lead Guitar

*Wayne Gagnon - Guitar, Fuzz Pedals

*Ron Medeiros - Organ, Harmonica

*Donald Smith - Drums

*Tony Taveira - Bass Guitar

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Nattura - Magic Key (1972 iceland, splendid psych tinged heavy prog rock, 2020 japan SHM remaster)

Fantastically rare Icelandic album from 1972, featuring members of Trubrot but unlike of Trubrot releases where they used their home language, here all the songs are in English with the ethereal female vocals by Shady Owens. The production is cool and clean like the Icelandic water, a fundamental aspect that is cherished and protected as a sacred medicine-the holy source that gives and sustains all life-and respected as a force of nature.

"Magic Key" was recorded in London, UK, and was planned to release world wide. The album is a cross between Canterbury scene -like "Delivery"-  and "Camel". Psychedelic sounds, filled drums, clear organs, stretched electric guitars, and refreshing female vocals. Of course, elements of Progressive and space rock appear, and especially on "ButterfIy", a treasure of Progressive Rock. Nattura released one more LP called Nyphenburger in 1982.

Tracks
1. Could it Be Found (Björgvin Gíslason, Albert Aðalsteinsson)  - 5:11
2. Out of the Darkness (Björgvin Gíslason, Ólafur Garðarsson) - 5:36
3. Gethsemane Garden (Karl J. Sighvatsson, Albert Aðalsteinsson) - 4:44
4. Butterfly (Björgvin Gíslason) - 6:47
5. My Magic Key (Karl J. Sighvatsson, Albert Aðalsteinsson) - 2:39
6. Tiger (Björgvin Gíslason, Shady Owens) - 3:12
7. Confusion (Sigurður Árnason) - 2:44
8. Since I Found You (Björgvin Gíslason, Jóhann G. Jóhannsson) - 5:59
9. A Little Hymn for Love and Peace (Karl J. Sighvatsson) - 3:09

Nattura
*Shady Owens - Vocals
*Björgvin Gislasson - Guitar, Flute
*Karl J. Sighvatsson - Organ, Piano, Moog, Vocals
*Sigurður Árnason - Bass
*Ólafur Garðarsson - Drums

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Farmyard - Back To Fronting (1972 new zealand, remarkable blend of baroque folk prog fuzzy psych rock)

The second and final album from New Zealand's Farmyard – a record that continues some of the jazzy spirit of their debut, but which also goes into territory that's a bit more rough and raw too! It's almost as if the group were getting their wind a bit more – and finding a way to make a statement that was bolder than before, but still had a quality to set them apart from the rest – plenty of flute and tenor from Andrew Stevens, but mixed with more electric guitar and bass – on a set of tunes that have hard rock appeal, but also plenty of sharp proggy changes! 

After Farmyard disbanded, Tom Swainson joined Wellington underground band Arkastra in February 1972, and Redeye in 1976.

Tracks
1. All In Your Head (Paul Curtis) - 5:17
2. Me, The Dog, Ma And Dear Old Dad (Rick White) - 2:33
3. Nothing Happening Here (Milton Parke) - 5:10
4. Too Much Wrong (Rick White) - 3:45
5. Feeling Pretty Good (Paul Curtis, Rick White) - 3:30
6. Fantasia (Georg Philipp Telemann, Rick White) - 5:00
7. Looking For A Place (Paul Curtis, Rick White) - 8:27

Farmyard
*Rick White - Bass, Vocals
*Tom Swainson - Drums, Percussion, Harmony Vocals
*Milton Parker - Lead Guitar, Nylon String Guitar
*Andy Stevens - Saxophone, Flute
*Paul Curtis - Vocals
With
*Rufus Rehu - Piano, Organ
*Wiki Randall - Chorus
*Myra Winners - Chorus

1970  Farmyard - Farmyard 

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Farmyard - Farmyard (1970 new zealand, magnificent folk psych prog rock)

Hailing from Wellington, the windy city and capital of New Zealand, Farmyard's initial line up consisted of Rick White on bass and vocals, Tom Swainson on drums, Milton Parker on lead guitar, Andy Stevens on sax and Paul Curtis on rhythm guitar and lead vocals. Rick White who formed the band, and Milton Parker were originally in fledgling beat combo The Relics. After being kicked out of the Relics, Rick went on to form Tom Thumb. Tom Thumb moved from R&B, to pop, to progressive rock, and their 1970 Ludgate Hill EP is considered one of the first prog recordings in the country.

After a successful single, Polydor issued Farmyard’s first LP in 1971 which came housed in a silk screened plastic bag, and is an amazing psych/prog -rock killer, with superb musicianship, great tunes and a splendid production by Peter Dawkins.

Tracks
1. Those Days Are Gone (Paul Curtis, Rick White) - 4:23
2. Through My Window (Milton Parker) - 7:46
3. Which Way Confusion (Part 1) (Rick White) - 3:48
4. Which Way Confusion (Part 2) (Rick White) - 3:35
5. Learning ‘Bout Living (Paul Curtis) - 3:14
6. Da Woirks (Rick White, Milton Parker, Andrew Stevens, Tom Swainson) - 2:52
7. I Sit Alone (Andrew Stevens) - 9:37

Farmyard
*Paul Curtis - Lead, Harmony Vocals, Congas
*Milton Parker - Nylon String, Electric Guitar, Congas, Bass
*Rick White - Bass, Maracas, Lead Vocals, Acoustic, Electric Guitar, Vibes, Handclaps
*Andrew Stevens - Flute, Tenor, Baritone Saxophone, Piccolo, Woodblock
*Tom Swainson - Drums, Maracas, Harmony Vocals, Woodblock, Indian Bells, Percussion
With
*Terry Condon - Handclaps
*Peter Dawkins - Congas, Tambourine, Handclaps

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Plus - Plus (1973-74 belgium, impressive jazz funk with a solid blues rock tint, 2019 bonus tracks remaster)

Often referred to as Bruno Castellucci’s band, Plus’ music was slightly more rock-infused than his work on Placebo and Solis Lacus, most of the tracks on their first and only album – 1972’s self-titled Plus – edging ever so subtly towards fusion funk and prog-rock territory. Featuring Francis Goya (Francis Weyer) on guitar and vocals, Douglas Lucas (who played with The J.J. Band, The S.S.O Orchestra as well as pan-European touring outfit Mombassa) on trumpets as well as Ralph Benatar (also of The J.J. Band) on guitar, this one’s a bit of a holy grail amongst connoisseurs.

Castellucci’s name circulates not only on the entire European jazz scene as a reliable and professional drummer for live concerts but he is also a very sought-after studio musician.

He is still active as a teacher and he is not yet prepared to miss the stage for anything in the world. As a matter of fact, he will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of his career along with a few fellow musicians.

Francis Goya (Francis Weyer) born of musician parents in the city of Liege (Belgium). He receives his first guitar at the age of 13 and takes guitar lessons over a one year period to become a true auto dictate. At the age of 16, he forms his first rock band with his brother and a few friends, "The Jivaros". In 1970, Francis is taken on by a professional soul band, "The J.J.Band", With whom he tours Europe and Africa. Their second album is produced by Brian Bennet (The Shadows) for CBS International in London. Thanks to all this he becomes a studio guitarist, accompanying various artists on the international scene, Demis Roussos, Three Degrees, Barry White, Vicky Leandros.

Tracks
1. The Search (Ralph Benatar, Douglas Lucas) - 4:45
2. Gimme Some More Of That (Yvan De Souter, Douglas Lucas) - 4:35
3. What Did You Do (Francis Weyer, Douglas Lucas) - 11:21
4. Open Letter (Leslie Kent, Douglas Lucas) - 7:00
5. Put Everything Together (Leslie Kent, Douglas Lucas) - 3:16
6. Enjoy Yourself (Douglas Lucas) - 8:25
7. Kentucky Woman (Francis Weyer, Alan Ward) - 2:45
8. Changing (Mike Butcher, Leslie Kent) - 3:28

Plus
*Bruno Castellucci - Drums, Percussion, Vocals
*Francis Weyer - Guitar, Vocals
*Leslie Kent - Guitar, Vocals
*Yvan De Souter - Bass
*Douglas Lucas - Flugelhorn, Trumpet
*Ralph Benatar - Tenor Saxophone
*Mike Lovell - Trombone

Related Acts
1968-69  Jess And James​ -​ Jess And James (2010 remaster) 
1968-70  The J.J.Band - The J.J.Band (2009 digipak remaster) 

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Mom's Apple Pie - Mom's Apple Pie #2 (1973 us, exceptional funky blues brass rock)

Mom's Apple Pie were a horn rock group that played many concerts opening for national recording artists and released a couple LPs on the Brown Bag label.

The band was started by Dave Mazzochi (keyboards - Hammond B3) and Tony Gigliotti (vocals) from the Shaddows. The group included Bob Fiorino (vocals), Joe Ahladis (guitar), Roger Force (sax, flute), Greg Yochman (bass), Pat Aulizia (drums), Fred Marzulla (trombone), Bob Pinti (trumpet), and Bob Miller (lead guitar).  One of the ways the group stood out was the vocals, as the group had two lead singers, with Bob Fiorino being the primary lead, and with other member providing backing vocals.

The group was managed by Larry Patterson from Hermatige, PA, just over OH/PA boarder. Most of the band members were from Warren and like Mazzochi and Gigliotti they had been in other bands. Sometime during 1972 the band was recording some demos at Cleveland Recording and according to legend, they were heard by the wife of former Grand Funk manager Terry Knight, whose connection with Cleveland Recording went back to the mid 1960s. Knight was just starting his Brown Bag record company and the group was signed by Knight for the label. 

Unfortunately, the group's 1st LP is somewhat known for reasons that have nothing to do with the music. The original artwotk showed a woman holding a pie with the front slice opened to look like a vagina........go ahead and look it up, and return when you're finished......OK, now that you've seen it, we can talk about the music, which included mostly original songs, with Dave Mazzochi as the primary writer. The LP did get some airplay - it was relssued with the offending cover art redone to look like bricks - and the band embarked on several short tours that took them to New York City and many places inbetween, especially college campuses. 

The group recorded a second LP in 1973 and apparently Knight and co wanted to avoid any controversy so the packaged the LP to look like a tape box and named it the somewhat uninspired "No 2". The LP included all original songs. This LP did not sell as well as the first. It's not clear why, but in general Brown Bag was not having much success and it's possible that they were not able to get the promotion strength.

The group continued to play locally and regionally. A third LP was recorded but not released until 2011. The group disbanded in 1974.

BuckEye Beat

Tracks
1. Come With Me (Joe Ahladis, Bob Fiorino) - 3:46
2. Variations In Name (Bob Fiorino, Greg Yochman) - 2:53
3. Love Plays A Song (Rob Parissi) - 3:53
4. Rain (Bob Fiorino, Tony Gigliotti, Dave Mazzochi, Greg Yochman) - 7:05
5. Can You Help Me? (Bob Fiorino, Tony Gigliotti, Dave Mazzochi, Greg Yochman) - 5:25
6. Happy Days (Roger Force) - 3:18
7. Every Mother's Son (Tony Gigliotti, Greg Yochman) - 3:45
8. My Times (Tony Gigliotti, Dave Mazzochi) - 5:25

Mom's Apple Pie
*Joe Ahladis - Guitar
*Pat Aulizia - Drums
*Bob Fiorino - Vocals
*Roger Force - Saxophone, Flute
*Tony Gigliotti - Vocals
*Fred Marzulla - Trombone
*Dave Mazzochi - Keyboards, Vocals
*Bob Miller - Lead Guitar
*Bob Pinti - Trumpet, Vocals
*Greg Yochman - Bass

1972  Mom's Apple Pie - Mom's Apple Pie (2015 remaster) 

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The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - The Lost Cabin Sessions (1972 us, excellent folk country southern rock. 2003 remaster)

The Lost Cabin Sessions are the Ozark Mountain Daredevils’ first studio recordings from 1972. To my knowledge these early recordings were first officially released sometime in 2003 off the Varese cd label. The band would go on to become a well known and very successful country pop group similar in sound to the Eagles or the Pure Prairie League. While that sound is a bit commercial and somewhat formula driven, these early recordings represent something a little different. These 18 songs highlight a wonderful group whose sound was caught between the less bluesier aspects of early Little Feat and the astute folk country leanings of the Byrds, circa 1970.

The group had gotten together in the early 70s when Larry Lee and Steve Cash had met John Dillon at a local pizza parlor. At the time Dillon had said to both Cash and Lee “Look, I’m playing in a pizza parlor, they’re not paying me anything but I get to eat and drink all I want,” Lee replied, “Well I will play with you!” Eventually Buddy Brayfield, Randy Chowing and Michael Granda came into the fold. The Ozarks had five strong songwriters who individually brought something new and fresh to the pizza table. Being isolated in the mountains meant that they could only rely on each other for influence. Over a short period of time they would develop into a strong, cohesive unit, whose sound was highly original and roots based. The groups’ strength were their harmonies, songwriting chops, and a unique ability to fuse mountain boogie with both current and traditional country, folk, and pop music. The Lost Cabin Sessions takes 18 of the 28 tracks recorded during this fruitful early period.

It’s difficult to single out highlights on such a strong collection but personal favorites are the gorgeous country folk ballad Someday Darlin’ and the chugging country-rocker Long Time To Here. The latter’s catchy chorus and fine harmonica playing make it a near classic. A Satisfied Mind, the discs’ one cover, is given a good, sparse reading with great harmonies and a nice harmonica solo. Manager Paul Peterson remembers the recording sessions: “We were at a management office, showing our wares and Leatherwood was playing. I was sitting there, then, I felt somebody come in the room and sit behind me. And then as they got up and walked out, I heard their voice say ‘That’s a really good sound.’ I turned around to see that it was Neil Young.” Leatherwood is one of the more rock influenced numbers but it’s a good one, with catchy guitar figures and a hummable melody. Other tracks like Fly Away Home and Chicken Train hit a good authentic bluegrass vibe with rugged banjo playing and down-home mouthbow.

This is a terrific disc and probably better than any of the studio albums they would soon release. The performances are superb, the sound is underground country-rock and the playing is lived-in and timeless. 

by Jason Nardelli

Tracks
1. The Rhythm Of Joy (Steve Cash) - 3:08
2. Lovin' Again (Randy Chowning) - 2:35
3. On Our Carousel (Larry Lee, Steve Cash) - 3:39
4. Someday Darlin' (John Dillon, Steve Cash) - 3:42
5. Keep On Churnin' (John Dillon) - 2:47
6. Outside My Country Home (Randy Chowning) - 4:05
7. Lost Cabin (Steve Canaday, Steve Cash) - 4:38
8. You Know Like I Know (Larry Lee) - 4:58
9. Leatherwood (Randy Chowning) - 4:03
10.Fly Away Home (John Dillon) - 2:31
11.Chicken Train (Steve Cash) - 3:22
12.Feelin' Good (John Dillon, Steve Cash) - 4:56
13.Sheriff's Comin' (Larry Lee) - 5:56
14.Walking In The Morning (Randy Chowning) - 2:22
15.(I Threw Away) The Cahins (John Dillon) - 2:37
16.Rainbird (Larry Lee) - 5:32
17.Long Time To Here (Randy Chowning) - 2:46
18.A Satisfied Mind (Jack Rhodes, Joe Hayes) - 3:42

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
*Steve Cash - Harmonica, Harpsichord, Percussion, Vocals
*John Dillon - Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle, Dulcimer, Autoharp, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals
*Larry Lee - Guitar, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Saw
*Randle Chowning - Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
*Michael Granda - Bass, Percussion, Vocals
*Buddy Brayfield - Piano, Keyboards
*Elizabeth Anderson - Backing Vocals
*Jody Troutman - Backing Vocals

1973-74  The Ozark Mountain Daredevils / It'll Shine When It Shines (2004 double disc set) 
1975-76  The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - The Car Over The Lake Album / Men From Earth (2006 remaster)

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Mighty Joe Young - The Sonet Blues Story (1972 us, awesome electric chicago blues. 2005 remaster)

Mighty Joe Young (Young was using the name well before the movie of the same name was released) arrived on the Chicago blues scene from Louisiana a bit late in the game and never really received the critical attention he deserved. Add in health problems related to a pinched nerve in his neck, and Young's solo recording dates were relatively few (he was, however, an active sideman, working for a time as Otis Rush's rhythm guitarist) given his obvious talent as an electric guitarist and as a strong and sturdy vocalist.

This solid set, The Sonet Blues Story, was tracked in Chicago in 1972 and was originally released as part of Samuel Charters' Legacy of the Blues series on the Stockholm-based Sonet Records imprint. It features Young with the rhythm section from his club band at the time: Sylvester Boines on bass and Alvino Bennett on drums, along with Chicago session pianist Bob Reidy, and horn men Charles Beechham (trumpet) and Walter Hambrick (tenor sax). Together they produce a classic South Side sound. Highlights include the elegantly done opener, "Rock Me Baby," a solid cover of Percy Mayfield's "Baby, Please," and a pair of horn-augmented gems, the instrumental soul piece "Just a Minute" and the blues/R&B blend of "Lookin' for You." Nothing here is too flashy, but that ends up being part of the charm. 

by Steve Leggett

Tracks
1. Rock Me Baby (Traditional) - 2.57
2. Baby, Please (Percy Mayfield) - 3:20
3. Just a Minute (Mighty Joe Young) - 6:20
4. Drivin' Wheel (Roosevelt Sykes) - 4:18
5. Wishy Washy Woman (Mighty Joe Young, Oscar Wills) - 3:04
6. Early in the Morning (Eddie Silvers, Mighty Joe Young) - 4:28
7. Sweet Kisses (Maurice Simpkins) - 5:30
8. Lookin' For You (Mighty Joe Young) - 4:30
9. It's Alright (Traditional) - 4:13
10.I Have the Same Old Blues (Traditional) - 5:01

Personnel
*Mighty Joe Young - Vocals, Guitar
*Bob Reidy - Piano
*Sylvester Boines - Bass
*Walter Hambrick - Tenor Saxophone
*Charles Beecham - Trumpet
*Alvino Bennett - Drums

1970  Mighty Joe Young - Blues With A Touch Of Soul 

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Various Artists - Strange Pleasures Further Sounds Of The Decca Underground (1966-75 uk, pioneer prog psych blues classic rock, 2008 three disc box set)

Watching major labels attempt to plug in to the exploding underground music scene from 1966 onwards was often hilarious as groups changed their uniforms to go with current trends and, in the time span of this follow-up to 2003’s Legend Of A Mind, their music from innocently bonkers garage-psych to convoluted greatcoat stodge. Decca did a better job than many, running the Deram and Nova labels to represent myriad strains in the sonic spectrum from folk to proto-metal.

The beauty of this compilation is not so much getting another chance to hear The Moody Blues, Genesis or Caravan, but getting weird and wonderful delights by the likes of standout Disc One’s Curiosity Shoppe, The Accent, World Of Oz or ever-startling Tintern Abbey, while being reminded what a magnificent band East Of Eden were at this time. Other names include many then trudging round the nation’s clubs, including Chicken Shack, Principle Edwards, Curved Air, Keef Hartley, Ten Years After and Thin Lizzy. It’s also uncannily revealed that The Egg invented deep house with I Will Be Absorbed! By Disc Three there is obviously a need for punk rock, but this is a mighty, astutely-compiled picture of an era which many today can only dream of.

by Kris Needs

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Genesis - In The Beginning (Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks) - 4:04

2. Al Stewart - Turn Into Earth (Paul Samwell-Smith, Rosemary Simon) - 2:52

3. The Accent - Red Sky At Night (Allan Davies, David Birkett, John Hebron, Peter Beetham) - 3:12

4. Tintern Abbey - Vacuum Cleaner (Dave McTavish) - 3:04

5. Virgin Sleep - Secret (Tony Rees) - 2:21

6. The Moody Blues - Twilight Time (Ray Thomas) - 3:18

7. Bill Fay - Some Good Advice (Bill Fay) - 2:20

8. 23rd Turnoff - Michaelangelo (Jimmy Campbell) - 2:23

9. Ten Years After - The Sounds (Alvin Lee) - 4:28

10. The Curiosity Shoppe - Baby I Need You (Malcolm Rabbitt) - 3:28

11. World Of Oz - Like A Tear (Chris Evans, David Kubinec, David Reay, Tony Clarkson) - 3:09

12. Touch - Down At Circe's Place (Don Gallucci, Jeff Hawks, Joey Newman) - 4:01

13. The End - Under The Rainbow (Colin Richard Giffin) - 3:48

14. The Deviants - Opening (Mick Farren, Sid Bishop, Stephen Sparkes) - 0:10

15. The Deviants - I'm Coming Home (Ian Bishop, Mick Farren, Sid Bishop) - 5:54

16. East Of Eden - Northern Hemisphere (Ron Caines) - 5:05

17. Sunforest - Magician In The Mountain (Vic Smith) - 4:13

18. Davy Graham - Jenra (Davy Graham) - 3:08

19. The Moody Blues - The Best Way To Travel (Michael Pinder) - 3:12

20. Egg - I Will Be Absorbed (Clive Colin, Dave Stewart, Hugo "Mont" Montgomery-Campbell) - 5:09

21. Ten Years After - Bad Scene (Alvin Lee) - 3:31

Disc 2

1. Caravan - If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You (David Sinclair, Pye Hastings, Richard Coughlan, Richard Sinclair) - 3:07

2. The Moody Blues - Gypsy (Justin Hayward) - 3:35

3. Bill Fay - Garden Song (Bill Fay) - 3:10

4. Denny Gerrard - Atmosphere (Denny Gerrard, J.J. Mackey) - 7:07

5. Galliard - Skillet (Geoffrey Brown) - 3:44

6. Satisfaction - Sharing (Derek Griffiths, John Michael Beecham) - 6:16

7. T2 - J.L.T (Peter Dunton) - 5:50

8. Keef Hartley Band - The Time Is Near (Miller Anderson) - 10:10

9. Clark Hutchinson - First Reminder (Andrew Clark, Michael James Hutchinson) - 3:00

10. Ashkan - Practically Never Happens (Bob Weston, Ron Bending, Steve Bailey, Terry Sims) - 5:59

11. Stud - Harpo's Head (James Cregan, J. Wilson, R. McCracken) - 7:17

12. Egg - Contrasong (Clive Colin Brooks, Dave Stewart, Hugo "Mont" Montgomery-Campbell) - 4:23

13. East Of Eden - Marcus Junior (Dan Drummond) - 5:09

14. Caravan - Winter Wine (David Sinclair, Pye Hastings, Richard Coughlan, Richard Sinclair) - 7:36

Disc 3
1. Thin Lizzy - Things Ain't Working Out Down At The Farm (Phil Lynott) - 4:30
2. Ten Years After - I'm Coming On (Alvin Lee) - 3:45
3. Khan - Space Shanty (Steve Hillage) - 9:00
4. Zakarrias - Cosmic Bride (Robert Haumer, Samy Birnbach) - 6:08
5. Bill Fay - Time Of The Last Persecution (Bill Fay) - 3:52
6. Caravan - Waterloo Lily (Pye Hastings, Richard Coughlan, Richard Sinclair) - 6:46
7. Pete Brown - Ballade For The Queen Of Outer Space (Max Middleton, Pete Brown) - 8:34
8. Darryl Way's Wolf - Steal The World (Darryl Way, John Hodkinson) - 4:18
9. The Parlour Band - Spring's Sweet Comfort (Peter Filleul) - 5:02
10. Chicken Shack - Crying Won't Help You Now (Hudson Whittaker) - 5:09
11. Thin Lizzy - Sarah (Version 1) (Phil Lynott) - 2:51
12. Principal Edwards - Triplets (Richard Jones) - 2:24
13. Curved Air - Marie Antoinette (Darryl Way, Sonja Kristina Linwood) - 6:52
14. Michael Chapman - New York Ladies (Michael Chapman) - 9:28

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