Friday, February 12, 2021

Various Artists - Mill Valley Bunch Casting Pearls (1972 us, amazing electric blues rock)



In 1972 a group of American musicians united by friendship and a common passion for good music (blues, in particular), came together in Mill Valley to give life to these amazing jam sessions, which after more than 30 years have finally been made available again. The original LP was released with 7 tracks from the session, but now, thanks to the extended playing time available on CD, the complete session (16 tracks) has finally been restored to its entirety. Following Bloomfied's and Nick Gravenites' lead, the musicians alternate on the various tracks, bringing their unique style to each song and the relaxed studio atmosphere shines through in the music's natural flow. Musicians include: Barry Goldberg on piano, Michael Shrieve (ex-Santana) on drums, Spencer Dryden (ex-Jefferson Airplaine) on drums, Lee Michaels on piano, Mark Ryan (ex-Quicksilver Messenger Service) on bass, and more!
Tracks
1. Honky-Tonk Blues (Hank Williams) - 2:03
2. Betty And Dupree - 3:40
3. Ooh-Ooh-Ooh,La,La,La - 3:23 
4. Run For Cover - 3:36
5. What Would I Do Without My Baby - 5:23
6. Mellow Mountain Wine - 4:48
7. Let Me Down Easy - 6:31 
8. Jimmy's Blues - 2:58 
9. Young Girl's Blues (Jani's Blues) - 3:46
10.Letting Go Ain't Easy (Richard Dey) - 4:23
11.Bye Bye I'm Goin' - 2:20
12.Bells Are Going To Ring - 3:58
13.I've Had It (Ray Ceroni, Carl Boruna) - 3:33
14.Bedroom Blues (Nick Gravenites) - 7:14
15.Your Hollywood Blues (Nick Gravenites) - 4:29 
16.Go Home Blues (Nick Gravenites) - 5:05
All songs by Michael Bloomfield except where indicated

Musicians
*Michael Bloomfield - Bass, Electric, Rhythm Guitar, Piano, Vocals
*Nick Gravenites - Guitar, Vocals
*Barry Goldberg - Organ
*Mark Naftalin - Organ, Piano
*Pete Sears - Piano
*Ira Kamin - Organ, Piano
*Lee Michaels - Organ, Piano
*John Kahn - Bass
*Mark Ryan - Bass (Ex. Country Joe And Fish, Quicksilver M. S.)
*Spencer Dryden - Drums (Ex. Jefferson Airplane)
*Michael Shrieve - Drums (Ex. Santana)
*Bill Vit - Drums (Ex. Hooteroll)
*Rick Jaeger - Drums (Ex. AB Skhy, Crowfoot)
*Russell Dashiel - Guitar (Ex. AB Skhy, Crowfoot)
*The Pointer Sisters - Vocals
*Chicken Billy Thornton - Vocal 
*Dino Andino - Congas 
*Ace Of Cups - Vocals
*Ron Cimille - Acoustic, Rhythm Guitar
*Rick Dey - Bass, Guitar, Vocals
*Tony Doe - Drums 
*Dr. Rick Jaeger - Drums
*Jeffrey James - Drums
*Denise Jewkes - Vocals 
*Jeneatte And Co. Jones - Vocals
*Tom Richards - 12 String Guitar
*Craig Tarwater - Guitar
*Rev. Ron Stallings - Vocals 
*Blue Gravy - Piano, Drums, Bass
*Steve Doe - Piano
*Fred Doe - Lead Guitar
*Doug Doe - Bass

1964  The Original Lost Elektra Sessions
1965  The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
1966  East West
1966  The Butterfield Blues Band - East-West (2014 Hybrid SACD limited adition) 
1966-68  Strawberry Jam
1967  Electric Flag - The Trip
1968  The Super Sessions (2014 Hybrid Multichannel SACD 24/88) 
1968-69  Electric Flag - An American Music Band / A Long Time Comin'  
196?-7?  The Electric Flag - Live
1968  Al Kooper, Mike Bloomfield - The Lost Concert Tapes, Filmore East
1969  Mike Bloomfield And Al Kooper - The Live Adventures
1969  Michael Bloomfield with Nick Gravenites And Friends - Live At Bill Graham's Fillmore West
1969  Nick Gravenites - My Labors
1970-71  Big Brother And The Holding Company - Be A Brother / How Hard It Is 

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Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Outlaws - In The Eye Of The Storm / Hurry Sundown (1977/79 us, awesome southern rock, 2003 edition)


Tampa, FL-based band the Outlaws released their third album, Hurry Sundown, in 1977, and it's a fine work marked by strong songwriting and their unique country-based brand of Southern rock. All five members wrote material for Hurry Sundown: vocalist/lead guitarist Billy Jones, vocalist/guitarist Henry Paul, vocalist/lead guitarist Hughie Thomasson, new vocalist/bass guitarist Harvey Dalton Arnold, and drummer Monte Yoho. One significant influence on the album is producer Bill Szymczyk. It's obvious his work with the Eagles sharpened the Outlaws' harmony vocals on Hurry Sundown. "Gunsmoke" is a vibrant rocker with lots of guitar soloing; the Outlaws didn't feature three guitarists for nothing.

The bright country-rock chorus is the foundation of "Hearin' My Heart Talkin'." Arnold's "So Afraid" is a strangely compelling country song with two distinctly different parts: emotionally fragile lyrics supported by happy-go-lucky music driven by Thomasson's cheerful banjo playing. Thomasson's excellent "Hurry Sundown," an edgy story song with piercing guitar lines, was a minor hit single. "Cold and Lonesome" is a relaxed, swaying tune contributed by Arnold. The major discovery on Hurry Sundown is Jones' startling "Night Wines." 

This mournful, haunting song features a regret-filled protagonist drinking at night while lamenting the sad inevitability of aging. "Night Wines" must be at least partly autobiographical, because Jones, an obviously tortured soul, battled alcoholism before leaving the band by 1982 and, ultimately, took his own life in 1995 at age 45. About the first half of "Man of the Hour" is slow country with twangy electric guitars and Thomasson's pedal steel guitar, but then the tempo shifts to a mid-tempo jam; along the way, guest Joe Vitale adds simple, effective synthesizer/strings fills.
by Bret Adams

"In The Eye Of The Storm" kicks off with the rollicking 'Lights Are On (But Nobody's Home)' which combines a driving rock feel with the bands trademark harmony work. Salem would chip in with 'Long Gone', a driving rocker he would revisit on his first solo effort 'Cat Dance'.

'It's All Right' shows the band deliver one of their catchiest efforts yet with some soaring vocals from Hughie Thomasson while the album's left turn comes in the form of a cover of Elvis Costello's 'Miracle Man'. While not an obvious choice on paper, The Outlaws guitar-heavy take works brilliantly and proves to be an inspired choice.

'Comin' Home' has a real swing about it while the brooding 'Blueswater' is another real standout. '(Come On) Dance With Me' waves the southern rock flag high and 'Too Long Without Her' tips it's hat to the earlier Outlaws sound, with Thomasson channeling the vibe found on the first three albums. Also of real importance is the phenomenal 'I'll Be Leaving Soon' which rocks hard and boasts a great guitar solo.

'In The Eye Of The Storm' is one of the most underrated efforts by The Outlaws in my book and it's presence here is worthy of the reissue price alone. However, the first half of the disc is made up of not the 1980 follow up 'Ghost Riders In The Sky' (which was reissued alongside 'Playin' To Win') but 1982's 'Los Hombres Malo'. It's fair to say The Outlaws were running out of steam at this point. Billy Jones had departed and, unlike Henry Paul, was not replaced, with Salem and Thomasson deciding their guitars and lead vocalists were enough. They did bring in keyboard player Gary Lyons however, and the album starts off well enough. Salem's hard hitting 'Don't Stop' sets the bar high, and the brilliant 'Foxtail Lily' benefits greatly on the infectious chorus from some female backing vocals, which help bolster the diminished harmony sound that was such a distinctive part of the band.
by James Gaden
Tracks
1. The Lights Are On (But Nobody's Home) (Darryl Rhoades) - 3:30
2. Long Gone (Freddie Salem) - 3:47
3. It's All Right (Hughie Thomasson) - 3:07
4. Miracle Man (Elvis Costello) - 4:09
5. Comin' Home (Billy Jones) - 3:25
6. Blueswater (Billy Jones) - 4:55
7. (Come On) Dance With Me (Billy Jones, Harvey Dalton Arnold, Hughie Thomasson) - 3:42
8. Too Long Without Her (Hughie Thomasson) - 2:39
9. I'll Be Leaving Soon (Billy Jones) - 4:30
10.Gunsmoke (Henry Paul, Monte Yoho) - 4:18
11.Hearin' My Heart Talkin' (Timothy Martin, Walt Meskell) - 4:11
12.So Afraid (Harvey Dalton Arnold) - 3:17
13.Holiday (Billy Jones) - 4:03
14.Hurry Sundown (Hughie Thomasson) - 4:04
15.Gold And Lonesome (Harvey Dalton Arnold) - 3:19
16.Night Wines (Billy Jones) - 4:51
17.Heavenly Blues (Billy Jones) - 3:48
18.Man Of The Hour (Billy Jones, Hughie Thomasson) - 6:13
Tracks 1-9 from the album "In The Eye Of The Storm" 1979
Tracks 10-18 from the album "Hurry Sundown" 1977

Outlaws
*Hughie Thomasson - Lead Guitar, Vocals
*Billy Jones - Lead Guitar, Vocals
*Monte Yoho - Drums
*Harvey Dalton Arnold - Bass, Vocals
*Henry Paul - Electric, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
With
*Joe Vitale - Synthesizers, Strings Arragements
*Manuel Labour - Percussion

1973-81  Outlaws – Anthology / Live 'n' Rare (2012 four disc set release) 
1975  The Outlaws - The Outlaws (2001 remaster)

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Monday, February 8, 2021

Chicken Bones - Hardrock In Concert (1976 germany, excellent guitar drivin' hard blues prog space rock, 2016 bonus tracks remaster)


Chicken Bones hailed from a small town at the northern end of the Ruhr area roughly 30 km northeast of Dortmund. For many year their sole album ,,Hardrock In Concert' had been characterized as obscure but not so much essential. But over the years people found out, that Chicken Bones were a lot better than the reputation that preceded them and their album became quiet a sought after obscurity. Despite the title ,,Hardrock In Concert' Chicken Bones were not at all mundane hard rock but were highly creative and often moved very close to May Blitz, early Ufo or Wishbone Ash with lots of nice moves and flowery guitar work-outs (Freeman brothers in the ,,Crack Of The Cosmic Egg'). 

Performed in the good old tradition of the early seventies heavy progressive scene. Most of the album is instrumental, and offers Rainer Geuecke plenty of opportunities to reveal his musical skills. The two longest tracks are the highlights: "Water" with the whisper of the sea and some beautiful acoustic guitar and "Factory Girl" which was in a more typical hard rock vein. This release comes with 6 bonus tracks by Revanche, a unit featuring Chicken Bones' leader Rainer Geuecke. The release also includes a band story, and rare photos.
Tracks
1. Feeling - 4:41
2. I'm Falling - 6:07
3. Water - 9:46
4. Factory Girl - 10:09
5. Drive - 4:21
6. The Day Is Cold - 4:47
7. Stoned Kids - 6:56
8. Intro - 2:34
9. Memories Of Dreams - 3:59
10.On The Road Again - 3:31
11.Brooklyn - 2:54
12.Return To The Past - 4:26
All songs by Rainer Geuecke, Siegfried Guntner
Tracks 8-12 as The Revanche

Chicken Bones
*Rainer Geuecke - Lead Guitar, Vocals
*Hilmar Szameitat - Rhythm Guitar
*Werner Hofmann - Bass
*Wolfgang Barak - Drums


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Saturday, February 6, 2021

Ian And Sylvia - Greatest Hits! (1970 canada, woderful folk rock)



One of the most popular acts of the early-'60s folk revival, Canadian duo Ian Tyson (b. 1933) and Sylvia Tyson (b. 1940) made several fine albums that spotlighted their stirring harmonies on a mixture of traditional and contemporary material. While these recordings can seem a tad earnest and dated today, they were overlooked influences upon early folk-rockers such as the Jefferson Airplane, the We Five, the Mamas and the Papas, and Fairport Convention, all of whom utilized similar blends of male/female lead/harmony vocals. They were also inspirations to fellow Canadian singer/songwriters such as Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and Gordon Lightfoot. Like most acoustic folkies, after the mid-'60s they moved into folk-rock and country-rock, though the results were less impressive than their early work.

Tyson took up folk music in his 20s while convalescing from a rodeo injury, and teamed up with Sylvia Fricker after moving to Toronto in the late '50s. In 1960, they moved to New York, where they were signed by Albert Grossman, famous for managing Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul, and Mary. Their self-titled debut (1962) began a successful series of recordings for Vanguard, on which they helped expand the range of folk by adding bass (sometimes played by Spike Lee's father Bill) and mandolin to Ian's guitar and Sylvia's autoharp. Just as crucially, they ranged far afield for their repertoire, which encompassed not just traditional folk ballads, but bluegrass, country, spirituals, blues, hillbilly, gospel, and French-Canadian songs.

Ian and Sylvia were among the first to cover songs by Dylan, Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, and Phil Ochs, and also began writing material of their own. Although original compositions were never at the forefront of their early LPs, a couple of them would become very influential indeed. Ian's "Four Strong Winds" would be covered by the Searchers and (in the '70s) Neil Young, and Sylvia's "You Were on My Mind," given a far poppier treatment by the We Five, became one of the first big folk-rock hits.

By 1966, Ian & Sylvia had started to rely primarily on original material, and begun to use electric instruments. While some of these tracks were outstanding, generally their folk-rock lacked the focus and consistency of their acoustic recordings. In the late '60s, they would take stabs at country-rock and straight country music, even hooking up with young producer Todd Rundgren for the 1970 album Great Speckled Bird. The quality of their records, and the size of their audience, declined steadily after they ended their association with Vanguard in 1967. In the '70s, they split up, professionally and personally (they had married in 1964). Both have since pursued solo careers: Ian's was far more successful, as he moved into country music, recording albums of songs with cowboy and rodeo themes that received much popular and critical acclaim in Canada.
by Richie Unterberger

This compilation (CVSD 5/6) captures much of their best work. Do not confuse it with the identically titled Vanguard album 73114, which includes only half the material found on this set. 
by William Ruhlmann
Tracks
1. Early Morning Rain (Gordon Lightfoot) - 3:55
2. Tomorrow Is A Long Time (Bob Dylan) - 3:15
3. Little Beggarman (Tom Makem) - 2:20
4. The Mighty Quinn (Bob Dylan) - 2:46
5. Nancy Whiskey (Traditional) - 2:35
6. Catfish Blues (Traditional) - 3:33
7. Come In Stranger (Johnny Cash) - 1:52
8. The French Girl (Ian Tyson, Sylvia Fricker) - 2:40
9. The Renegade (Ian Tyson, Sylvia Fricker) - 3:34
10.Mary Anne - 3:10
11.You Were On My Mind (Sylvia Fricker) - 2:45
12.Four Strong Winds (Ian Tyson) - 3:27
13.Short Grass (Ian Tyson, Sylvia Fricker) - 2:15
14.Southern Comfort (Sylvia Fricker) - 5:00
15.Some Day Soon (Ian Tyson) - 2:18
16.Ella Speed - 2:24
17.Circle Game (Joni Mitchell) - 2:58
18.90° X 90° (David Rea) - 2:26
19.Cutty Wren (Traditional) - 2:55
20.Un Canadien Errant - 2:55
21.Lonely Girls (Ian Tyson, Sylvia Fricker) - 2:43
22.Spanish Is A Loving Tongue - 3:25
23.This Wheel's On Fire (Bob Dylan) - 3:44

Personnel
*Sylvia Fricker - Vocals, Guitar
*Ian Tyson - Vocals, Guitar
*Monte Dunn - Guitar
*Russ Savakus - Bass
*Al Rogers - Drums
*John Herald - Guitar
*Erisc Weissberg - Bass
*David Rae - Guitar
*Fred Carter - Electric Guitar
*Norbert Putman - Bass
*Ken Buttrey - Drums
*Robert Bushnell - Bass
*Peter Drake - Steel Guitar
*Billy Lee - Bass
*James Lewis - Bass
*Rick Turner - Guitar
*Felix Pappalardi - Bass
*Harold Bradley - Electric Guitar
*Tommy Jackson - Fiddle
*Buddy Spicher - Fiddle

1967-68  Ian And Sylvia - Lovin' Sound / Full Circle

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Sunday, January 31, 2021

The Illusion - If It's So (1970 us, solid hard classic rock with psych shades)



If you aren't familiar with The Illusion (not to be confused with the UK band of the same name), enjoy a trip back in rock history with this little known, underappreciated band from Long Island, New York. 

Known for their sweet harmonies and stellar musicianship, the band drew a large & loyal following on the East Coast. Lead by John Vinci on vocals, the band featured fine drummer, Mike Ricciardella. Rounding out the rhythm section was Chuck Alder on bass and background vocals. The most versatile member was Mike Maniscalco who sang occasional lead but was the voice that stood out in the harmonies. Mike played rhythm guitar, keyboards & sax. Giving Illusion the edge over all other Long Island bands was a most underrated guitar player Rich Cerniglia.

Having a top 40 hit on Jeff Barry's Steed label, "Did You See Her Eyes", gave them the opportunity to do their first tour with Mitch Ryder. Illusion later went on to open for such acts as Chicago, The Who, Savoy Brown, The Allman Brothers and Sly and the Family Stone just to name a few. Also, along with Cactus, the Illusion were a support act for Jimi Hendrix at the Boston Garden in 1970, shortly before his tragic death. The Illusion went on to record two more albums for Steed Records- Together (As A Way Of Life) and perhaps their finest album, If It's So. Shortly after the release of what should have been Illusion's break through LP, the band disbanded.
Tracks
1. Man (John Vinci, Chuck Alder, Mike Maniscalco, Mike Ricciardella, Richie Cerniglia) - 7:13
2. Let's Make Each Other Happy (Richie Cerniglia, Chuck Alder) - 3:26
3. When I Metcha Babe (Jeff Barry, John Vinci, Richie Cerniglia) - 6:33
4. Collection (John Vinci, Chuck Alder, Mike Maniscalco, Mike Ricciardella, Richie Cerniglia) - 5:13
5. If It's So (Mike Maniscalco) - 5:06
6. Life Cycle Theme (Mike Maniscalco) - 1:40
7. Dr. Stone (John Vinci, Mike Maniscalco) - 3:52
8. Excerpt From Recuerdos de Alhambra (Francisco Tárrega) - 1:10

The Illusion
*John Vinci - lead vocals
*Chuck Alder - bass
*Mike Maniscalco - keyboards, rhythm guitar
*Richie Cerniglia - lead guitar
*Mike (Sylvester) Ricciardella - drums, percussion


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Friday, January 29, 2021

The Marshall Tucker Band - A New Life (1974 us, impressive southern country guitar jam rock, 2002 bonus track remaster)



Perhaps the only reason that New Life isn't quite as memorable as its self-titled predecessor is that the band's debut was just so startling when it appeared. By the time New Life was issued in 1974, to the band's credit, it seemed like the Marshall Tucker Band sound had always been a part of America's rock & roll scene. 

New Life is earthier than the first album, and country music is less layered over by the trappings of jam-band rock. "Blue Ridge Mountain Sky" is only eclipsed by Dickey Betts' "Ramblin' Man" as the ultimate road song from the period. Likewise, the pedal steel blues of "Too Stubborn" echo an earlier era altogether, as the ghost of Bob Wills comes into Toy Caldwell's songwriting.

The whining guitars and lilting woodwinds of the title track bring the jazzier elements in the band's sound to the fore and wind them seamlessly into a swirling, pastoral country music. The Muscle Shoals horns lend a hand on the Allman Brothers' Brothers and Sisters-influenced "Another Cruel Love," and guest Charlie Daniels' fiddle cooks up a bluegrass stew on "24 Hours at a Time." The sound is fantastically balanced and warm, and like its predecessor, this album has dated very well.
by Thom Jurek
Tracks
1. A New Life - 6:43
2. Southern Woman - 7:53
3. Blue Ridge Mountain Sky - 3:39
4. Too Stubborn - 3:54
5. Another Cruel Love - 3:59
6. You Ain't Foolin' Me - 7:02
7. 24 Hours At A Time - 5:01
8. Fly Eagle Fly - 4:25
9. Another Cruel Love (Live) - 4:25
All songs by Toy Caldwell
Bonus Track 9

The Marshall Tucker Band 
*Toy Caldwell - Vocals, Electric, Acoustic, Steel Guitars
*Tommy Caldwell - Vocals, Bass Guitar
*George McCorkle - Electric, Acoustic Guitars
*Doug Gray - Vocals, Percussion
*Jerry Eubanks - Saxes, Flute, Vocals
*Paul Riddle - Drums
With
*Jai Johanny Johnson - Congas
*Paul Hornsby - Keyboards
*Charlie Daniels - Fiddle 
*Oscar Jackson - Tenor Saxophone
*Earl Ford - Horns
*Harold Williamsl - Horns
*Todd Logan - Horns

1974  The Marshall Tucker Band - Where We All Belong (2004 remaster with bonus track)
1975  Marshall Tucker Band - Searchin' For A Rainbow (2004 remaster and expanded)
1976  The Marshall Tucker Band - Long Hard Ride (2004 extra track remaster)

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Wednesday, January 27, 2021

The Marshall Tucker Band - Long Hard Ride (1976 awesome country southern rock, 2004 extra track remaster)



The Marshall Tucker Band had a wider palette of musical influences than any other Southern rockers. The eternally high-spirited Wet Willie (of "Keep On Smilin'" fame) mixed r&b, gospel and pop into their rock and roll stew. Even the granddaddies of the genre, The Allman Brothers Band, forged their style from the three distinct, albeit open-ended, sources: English hard rock ala The Jeff Beck Group, blues from Muddy Waters et, al, and the pure openness of free-jazz ordained by John Coltrane.

MTB, however, had a sure grip on rock, blues, gospel, bluegrass and mainstream jazz(including swing and big band). As demonstrated on their very first album the group was able to write credible material in each of those genres (or mix it up convincingly)as well as play as if each was their forte. The versatility becomes even more evident on their comparatively understated follow-up A New Life and there the band's studio artistry takes full flower with the exhilarating likes of "Another Cruel Love." The remastering of the Marshall Tucker catalog, the release of a hot time left in the vaults as well as a new studio effort form the current lineup provides additional insight into the workings of the group.

Persevering through multiple tragedies like their Dixie rock brethren ABB and Skynyrd titular leader Toy Caldwell died of heart problems in early 1993. On Long Hard Ride, The Marshall Tucker Band's country influences come to the fore, resulting in a strong record that failed to gain many hits. Still, the final product is well worth listening to -- it's one of their better releases. Be sure to listen for Charlie Daniels' guest appearance. 
Tracks
1. Long Hard Ride - 3:53
2. Property Line - 3:02
3. Am I The Kind Of Man - 4:26
4. Walkin' The Streets Alone - 5:09
5. Windy City Blues (Doug Gray, George McCorkle, Jerry Eubanks) - 4:58
6. Holding On To You (George McCorkle) - 3:52
7. You Say You Love Me - 4:02
8. You Don't Live Forever (Tommy Caldwell) - 4:02
9. See You One More Time (Albert Savoy, Wardell Quezergue) - 4:54
All songs by Toy Caldwell except where noted
Bonus track 9

The Marshall Tucker Band 
*Doug Gray - Lead Vocals, Percussion
*Toy Caldwell - Electric, Acoustic Guitars, Steel Guitar, Lead Vocals 
*Tommy Caldwell - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
*George McCorkle - Electric, Acoustic Guitars, Banjo
*Jerry Eubanks - Flute, Alto, Baritone, Tenor Saxophone, Backing Vocals
*Paul Riddle - Drums

1974  The Marshall Tucker Band - Where We All Belong (2004 remaster with bonus track)
1975  Marshall Tucker Band - Searchin' For A Rainbow (2004 remaster and expanded)

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Monday, January 25, 2021

Bryan Ferry - These Foolish Things (1973 uk, glam rock with folk 'n' soul touch covers, 2015 japan SHM remaster)



Much like his contemporary David Bowie, Ferry consolidated his glam-era success with a covers album, his first full solo effort even while Roxy Music was still going full steam. Whereas Bowie on Pin-Ups focused on British beat and psych treasures, Ferry for the most part looked to America, touching on everything from Motown to the early jazz standard that gave the collection its name. Just about everyone in Roxy Music at the time helped out on the album -- notable exceptions being Andy Mackay and Brian Eno. The outrageous take on Bob Dylan's "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," with Ferry vamping over brassy female vocals, sets the tone for things from the start. 

All this said, many of the covers aim for an elegant late-night feeling not far off from the well-sculpted Ferry persona of the '80s and beyond, though perhaps a touch less bloodless and moody in comparison. In terms of sheer selection alone, meanwhile, Ferry's taste is downright impeccable. There's Leiber & Stoller via Elvis' "Baby I Don't Care," Lesley Gore's "It's My Party" (with narrative gender unchanged!), Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' "The Tracks of My Tears," and more, all treated with affection without undue reverence, a great combination. Ferry's U.K. background isn't entirely ignored, though, thanks to two of the album's best efforts -- the Beatles' "You Won't See Me" and the Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil." Throughout Ferry's instantly recognizable croon carries everything to a tee, and the overall mood is playful and celebratory. Wrapping up with a grand take on "These Foolish Things" itself, this album is one of the best of its kind by any artist. 
by Ned Raggett
Tracks
1. A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall (Bob Dylan) - 5:19
2. River Of Salt (Irving Brown, Bernard Zackery, Jan Zackery) - 1:48
3. Don't Ever Change (Gerry Goffin, Carole King) - 2:15
4. Piece Of My Heart (Jerry Ragovoy, Bert Berns) - 3:06
5. Baby I Don't Care (Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller) - 1:50
6. It's My Party (Walter Gold, John Gluck Jr., Herb Weiner) - 2:00
7. Don't Worry Baby (Brian Wilson, Roger Christian) - 4:13
8. Sympathy For The Devil (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards) - 5:50
9. The Tracks Of My Tears (William Smokey Robinson, Jr., Warren Moore, Marvin Tarplin) - 3:04
10.You Won't See Me (John Lennon, Paul McCartney) - 2:32
11.I Love How You Love Me (Barry Mann, Larry Kolber) - 3:02
12.Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever (Ivy Jo Hunter, Stevie Wonder) - 3:06
13.These Foolish Things (Eric Maschwitz, Jack Strachey) - 5:41
 
Musicians
*Bryan Ferry  - Harmonica, Piano, Vocals
*Eddie Jobson  - Keyboards, Synthesizer, Violin
*Henry Lowther  - Horn, Trumpet
*Phil Manzanera  - Electric Guitar
*Angelettes  - Vocals
*Roger Ball  - Horn Arrangements, Alto Sax, Baritone Sax, Bass Sax, Saxophone
*Jesse Ed Davis  - Vocals
*Malcolm Duncan  - Tenor Sax, Saxophone
*Robbie Montgomery  - Vocals
*Ruan O'Lochlainn  - Alto Saxophone
*John Porter  - Bass, Guitar
*John Punter  - Drums
*Dave Skinner  - Piano
*Paul Thompson  - Drums


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Sunday, January 24, 2021

The Amazing Rhythm Aces - Toucan Do It Too / Burning The Ballroom Down (1977-78 us, awesome southern country classic rock, 2000 reissue)


Although the Amazing Rhythm Aces remained firmly in touch with their country and Southern rock roots, they began shedding their twang in favor of some harder and edgier material, which they matched with equally aggressive execution. The airy and slightly calypso "Never Been to the Islands (Howard and Hugh's Blues)" -- which opens their third long-player, Toucan Do It Too -- demonstrates that the Aces had not strayed too far afield. Both "Living in a World Unknown" and "Who's Crying Now" provide a contrast with solid, propulsive rockers led by the dual electric fretwork of Russell Smith (guitar/vocals) and Barry Burton (dobro/guitar/mandolin/pedal steel/slide guitar/vocals), who left the band shortly after the Aces recorded their follow-up to this disc.

They recall the sunny and carefree southern California sound of the Eagles, and blend that force with their trademark country-rock leanings. The Aces could also pull off lean blue-eyed soulful numbers, such as the midtempo "Never Been Hurt," featuring some tasty keyboard inflections from future Nanci Griffith collaborator and Blue Moon Orchestra member James Hooker (piano/electric piano/clavinet/vocals). There are a number of decidedly more traditional-sounding sides, which are among the album's zeniths. "Everybody's Talked Too Much" offers somewhat of a retreat into an increasingly laid-back country-rock vibe, while the high and lonesome "Last Letter Home" is instrumentally bolstered by Burton's lilting and acoustically lyrical mandolin runs, which are tucked behind Jeff Davis (bass) and Hooker's sonic accoutrement. "Geneva's Lullaby" is an achingly tender ballad from Smith, whose criminally underappreciated guitar work and songwriting are given a well-deserved showcase. His compositional versatility is evident on the LP's closing track, "Two Can Do It Too," which boasts a healthy syncopation that could have easily been covered by the likes of Little Feat or -- thanks to the funky shuffle groove -- even the Neville Brothers.

On their fourth long-player, the Amazing Rhythm Aces continued the trend of presenting well-crafted pop songs leaning toward laid-back country and Southern rock. Burning the Ballroom Down was the final long-player from the "classic" incarnation of the band, featuring Barry Burton (dobro/guitar/mandolin/steel guitar/slide guitar/vocals), who departed shortly after this disc was recorded, Jeff Davis (bass/vocals), Billy Earheart (organ/keyboards), James Hooker (piano/keyboards/clavinet/vocals), Butch McDade (percussion/drums/vocals), and Russell Smith (guitar/vocals). The Aces' Memphis roots are evident throughout the album and are revealed in a variety of styles, ranging from the blue-eyed soul of the opening title track to the gospel-tinged waltz balladry on "Out of Control." The even more sacred "Spirit Walk" is particularly notable for aptly displaying Burton's multi-stringed mastery. Moving away from the harder edge of their previous long-player.

Toucan Do It Too, the Aces retreat into more regional acoustic folk and bluegrass styles on the tongue-in-cheek "I Pity the Mother and the Father (When the Kids Move Away)" as well as the tropically inspired "Ashes of Love." Along the same line is Smith's hauntingly poignant and minor-chord masterpiece "Red to Blue (When Dreams Come True)." Other highlights include the slinky rocker "A Jackass Gets His Oats," which bears some striking resemblances to a typical Lynyrd Skynyrd deep-fried rocker. The easygoing "Della's Long Brown Hair" features a sweet pedal steel solo from Burton, who had exited the combo by the time the Aces hit the road in support of Burning the Ballroom Down. Enthusiasts should search out the live disc Between You & Us, which includes a show from this tour and features Burton's replacement, Duncan Cameron, in one of his earliest gigs with the band. In 2000, Collectors' Choice Music issued a two-fer that paired this album with its predecessor, Toucan Do It Too, on a single compact disc.
by Lindsay Planer
Tracks
1. Never Been To The Islands (Howard And Hugh's Blues) (Russell Smith, Butch McDade, James Hooker Brown Jr.) - 3:54
2. Never Been Hurt (Russell Smith, James Hooker Brown Jr.) - 4:17 
3. Living In A World Unknown (Russell Smith, James Hooker Brown Jr., Jeff Davis) - 4:27
4. Everybody's Talked Too Much (Russell Smith, James Hooker Brown Jr.) - 5:18
5. Last Letter Home (Butch McDade, James Hooker Brown Jr.) - 3:54
6. Who's Crying Now? (Russell Smith) - 4:28
7. Just Between You And Me And The Wall, You're A Fool (James Hooker Brown Jr.) - 4:43
8. I'm Setting You Free (Harold Allen, J.T. Watts, Jimmy Grimes) - 3:00
9. Geneva's Lullaby (Russell Smith) - 3:17
10.Two Can Do It Too (Russell Smith) - 4:30
11.Burning The Ballroom Down (Russell Smith, James Hooker Brown Jr.) - 5:21
12.A Jackass Gets His Oats (Russell Smith, James Hooker Brown Jr.) - 4:53
13.Ashes Of Love (Jim Anglin, Jack Anglin, Johnnie Wright) - 3:05
14.All That I Had Left (With You) (Jeff Davis) - 3:35
15.I Pity The Mother And The Father (When The Kids Move Away) (Russell Smith) - 2:09
16.Della's Long Brown Hair (Russell Smith) - 3:18
17.Out Of Control (Billy Earheart) - 4:00
18.Red To Blue (When Dreams Come True) (Russell Smith) - 5:20
19.The Spirit Walk (Russell Smith, James Hooker Brown Jr.) - 5:57
Tracks 1-10 from Toucan Do It Too 1977
Tracks 11-19 from Burning the Ballroom Down 1978

The Amazing Rhythm Aces
*Barry Burton - Dobro, Guitars, Mandolin,  Vocals
*Jeff Davis - Bass, Vocals 
*Billy Earheart - Keyboards, Organ, Piano
*James Hooker Brown Jr. - Clavinet, Keyboards, Piano, Vocals
*Jim Kershaw - Guitar
*Butch McDade - Drums, Percussion, Vocals
*Russell Smith - Guitars, Harmonica, Vocals
With
*Billy Earheart III - Accordion
*Buddy Spicher - Fiddle


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Saturday, January 23, 2021

Freeport - Freeport (1970 us, excellent classic rock, Vinyl edition)



The short-lived Freeport can trace its roots to the Cleveland-based band Paper Sun which featured the talents of bassist Craig Holt, singer/keyboardist Kevin Raleigh, and drummer Bill Stallings (along with singer/guitarist Phil Okulovich, aka Eric Janson).  

 Unfortunately a national deal with Chess Records fell apart and by early 1969 Okulovich was gone, replaced by former The Poppy singer/guitarist Roger Lewis and lead guitarist Dennis Stredney.  At that point the band dropped the Paper Sun nameplate, morphing into Freeport Express and then simply Freeport.  With support from longtime manager Otto Neuber they scored a contract with Bob Shad's Mainstream label.

Produced by Shad, 1970's cleverly titled "Freeport" featured a mildly entertaining mixture of original pop and rock numbers.  With Lewis, Raleigh, and Stredney all contributing to the writing chores, exemplified by tracks like 'It's a Brand New Morning', 'Just What You Need' and '' the album underscored the band's affinity for harmony-rich pop-rock.  Comparisons to Eric Carmen and Raspberries weren't that far off, though these guys leaned a bit more to the rock side of the equation.  At the same time, they were much more mainstream and commercial than the majority of Mainstream acts, which may have been somewhat of a letdown if you were expecting to hear a collect of psychedelic oriented material like The Art of Lovin', or The Tiffany Shade. 

While the liner notes credited three lead singers (Lewis, Raleigh, and Stredney), Raleigh seems to have handled the bulk of the material, though many of the songs featured the band's distinctive multi-part vocal arrangements (What She's Done').  Quite unlike anything else on the LP, 'Forty Long Faces'  offered up a nice mixture of pop melody, sweet harmony vocals, crunching guitars, and just enough progressive flavor to make it interesting.  Freeport released one more non-LP single 1970's 'Now That She's Gone' b/w 'Misunderstood'  and the band was history.
Tracks
1. It's a Brand New Morning (Kevin Raleigh) - 4:26
2. I Need Your Lovin' (Eric Carmen) - 2:44
3. Just What You Need  (Kevin Raleigh) - 2:14
4. What She's Done  (Kevin Raleigh) - 2:59 
5. Nonsense (Roger Lewis, Dennis Stredney) - 3:45
6. Old Man  (Kevin Raleigh) - 3:47
7. Call Yourself the Wind (Roger Lewis) - 4:51
8. Forty Long Faces  (Roger Lewis, Kevin Raleigh) - 4:00
9. Lend a Hand  (Kevin Raleigh) - 3:02

Freeport
*Craig Holt - Bass, Backing Vocals
*Roger Lewis - Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar
*Kevin Raleigh - Lead Vocals, Keyboards,
*Dennis Stredney - Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar
*Bill Stalling - Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals


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