Rockasteria

Monday, September 4, 2023

Burnt Suite - Burnt Suite (1972 us, misty rural stoner psych acid rock, 2023 digipak reissue)

Growing up in Canton, Connecticut was an ideal out in the country type of town. Like a lot of kids during that period, Isaw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show, heard all the girls screaming, and decided to make music my life! In seventh grade I had a trio with some friends, they were older than me. And then in 8th grade a quartet called the Hellions. And then in 10th grade Woody Andrews, Jym Cifaldi, and I started performing and writing songs together. We were all about the same age, very creative! We originally named the band, Strange Brew, after the song by Cream. But the principal of the high school didn't want the word 'brew', relating to beer, advertised on the walls of the high school for dances. So we changed the name Burnt Suite meant...hot music.

BJW stood for Billy, Jimmy, Woody. We made it up. We decided to record an album of the songs we had already written. Woody's father was a singer and director of plays and helped us produce The record. We actually got $1000 loan from the local bank in Canton to record the album!! Woody's father most likely co-signed for us. Both my father and Woody's father were always extremely supportive. We were still seniors in high school when we did that record. So it had to be 1970 or 1971 when we began recording. We actually took advance orders from other kids in high school to help finance the record.

We mostly performed locally at local events and dances. We sold the records our selves at the venues. We didn't really have somebody helping us to present our selves nationally. The band broke up because I decided I wanted to move to Massachusetts and be near the ocean and Cape Cod. I just needed to spread my wings, travel, and experience other parts of the country!

by William Florian

Tracks

1. Tonight (William Florian) - 3:49

2. Sally Salamander (Jym Cifaldi) - 2:22

3. Coming To An End (Jym Cifaldi) - 2:31

4. Finest Thing In Life (William Florian) - 2:58

5. Lightning (Jym Cifaldi) - 5:17

6. Enjoyment Of The Dawn (William Florian) - 2:59

7. Got Time (Jym Cifaldi, William Florian, Woody Andrews) - 3:35

8. Vindati Shanti (William Florian) - 6:29

9. It's What You Wanted (Jym Cifaldi, William Florian, Woody Andrews) - 4:06

Burnt Suite

*William Florian - Guitar, Piano

*Woody Andrews - Bass, Claves

*Jym Cifaldi - Percussion

Saturday, August 19, 2023

The Countdown 5 - Complete Recordings (1965-69 us, garage beat rock, r 'n' b, 2018 double disc release)

Members of the Galveston Bay, Texas’ rock scene of the middle to late 1960’s, The Countdown 5 were part owners of the renowned Houston recording studio Andrus Productions, where producer Walter Andrus recorded many bands, including the 13th Floor Elevators and Fever Tree. While the group never got the big break to record an LP, they did manage to release several singles on a variety of labels, and while none hit big in the US, years later the group did learn that one of their singles had actually topped the charts in Germany for a short period of time. Finally, nearly fifty years after the band called it quits, their entire recorded legacy has been compiled on a two CD collection by Gear Fab Records, and quite a treat it is.

The band consisted of Mack Hayes who possessed a wide, versatile vocal range and was quite comfortable fronting the band, while the rhythm section of bassist/vocalist Tommy Murphy and drummer Tommy Williams was indeed formidable, always solidly holding down the band’s bottom end sound, Left handed John Balzer was one of the most talented, versatile and innovative guitarists of the day as well as being a fine singer in his own right and Steve Long’s keyboards gave the band their special style of 1960’s Texas rock, while he also contributed saxophone to the group’s sound. The Countdown 5’s recorded repertoire was mostly original material, with Hayes and Balzer being especially prolific writers, mixed with tasty covers of tunes written by the likes of The Isley Brothers and Johnny Otis.

Disc one of the set opens with a series of rhythm and blues numbers, beginning with the saxophone led “Bamboo Hut,” a Balzer composition taking its title from the Galveston Beach club that the band often played. This was the Countdown 5’s debut single backed by a faithful cover of The Isley Brothers r & b standard “Shout,” highlighted by the band’s call and response vocals. “Do What You Do Well” was the a-side of their second single, with Long’s keyboards and the group’s vocal harmonies on display. These songs also contained the group’s Texas rock foundation reminiscent of Buddy Holly and The Bobby Fuller Four. Without question one of the collection’s highlights is the hard rocking “Uncle Kirby (From Brazil)” with its heavily echoed vocals from Hayes reminiscent of The Beatles and Balzer’s fuzzed out guitar filling the air. The tune contains a ‘George of The Jungle” chant giving it a danceable quality.

Balzer also contributes a couple of hot solos to the track which unbeknownst to the band at the time found its way into European discos in the 1970’s and was a hit in London and Paris among other places. The versatility of The Countdown 5 is apparent throughout. Their cover of Johnny Otis’ “Willie And The Hand Jive” has a Bo Diddley feel while remaining rather loyal to the original. By contrast “We Are All One” features delicate, melodic vocal harmonies and harpsichord while “Shaka Shaka Na Na” is a dance number with its title becoming a repeated chant, yet Balzer’s fuzz guitar and a driving beat driven by Williams’ drums gives it lots of energy. Like “Uncle Kirby (From Brazil)” the song found its way into European discos and in fact topped the German Billboard charts for a period of time in 1968, a fact not discovered by the band until long after the fact. In “Money Man” the band exhibits Eastern influences, its gentle guitar intro emanating a raga feel.

The songs repeated chorus of “Don’t Try To Impress Me” is accentuated by Balzer’s lead guitar slashing in and out, and the tune features not only another hot solo by Balzer but also a tasty organ interlude by Long. Two tracks from disc one come from compilation appearances, namely, “Candy” and “Sweet Talk” both feature Balzer’s guitar, snarling lead on the former, and hot dashes of stinging fuzz on the power pop latter. Also included on disc one are stereo versions of four of the single sides, with the bouncing beat, organ led “Time To Spare” and the previously mentioned “Uncle Kirby (From Brazil)” and “Money Man” in particular standing out. The track is rounded out by the acetate of “Something On Her Mind” a mid tempo keyboard driven tune spotlighting the band’s vocal harmonies.

The second disc of the set features eighteen unreleased tracks recorded at Walter Andrus Studio and two radio spots for a New Year’s Eve show. The first track, the interestingly titled “Don’t Buy Meat From The Milkman” sounds like Crosby, Stills and Nash, well before their existence, with its gorgeous vocal harmonies, tasty guitar and delicate keyboards added for texture. “Big Big Man” is folk rock melody with banjo and keyboards complementing luscious vocals. “Unfair To Me” is a snappy rocker featuring numerous tempo changes and the group’s ever present vocal harmonies. “Good Woman” is a mid-tempo song with a fuzz intro by Balzer and Farfisa organ by Long leading up to a fuzz filled solo that plays the song out. “I Gotta Keep What I Take” shows more Eastern influence with its insistent guitar riff, another fine lead guitar line, more Farfisa and a restrained guitar solo. Long’s harpsichord, Balzer’s understated guitar and vocal harmonies give “So Pass Me By” a Beatlesque feel.

Just as quickly the band switches gears to the upbeat rocker “What Can You Do When You’re Down” with Balzer’s lead guitar pushing the beat as he throws the tempo into overdrive. The tune’s tempo slows, but only long enough for Balzer to fire it up, his lead guitar stabbing to and fro. The group’s mellower side shows through on “When I’m Gone Away” a ballad with handclaps and percussion taking charge. “Legs” is a real head shaker, and a nice dance tune, complete with an a capella section, yet filled with pumping Farfisa organ and fuzz guitar. “Sallazar” spotlights Balzer’s acoustic guitar and more Crosby, Stills and Nash style vocal harmonies. Despite its title “Stone Fire Garden” has a gentle acoustic intro which gives way to delicate vocal harmonies with horns added for accent. “One Way Traffic” brings Joe South to mind, as its vocals harmonies accompany pounding drums and driving guitar with a twist of organ added for good measure.

The disc closes with three gentle numbers, “These Few Things” with its delicate vocals and “I Gotta Leave You” with swirling organ, gentle rolling guitar and sensitive lead vocals, set the stage for the final song, a cover of the theme from the musical “Hair” another melodic tune with horns added for accentuation. The set closes with two radio spots for a New Year’s Eve gig by The Countdown 5, indicative of the group’s versatility and a most fitting end to the complete works of a sadly overlooked and underappreciated works of this talented, versatile Galveston Beach quintet.

“Complete Recordings 1965-1969” comes in a double slimline jewel case and is accompanied by an 8 page full color booklet containing a forward by Gear Fab owner Roger Maglio, an essay by Mack Hayes, wonderful photos of the band and artwork from the band’s singles released on the Toucan, Pic, Cinema, Hansa, Cobblestone, Polar, Saint Martin and Audiodisc labels, and other band memorabilia. This collection will be of interest to garage bands, especially the Texas variety, as well of fans of mid to late 1960’s rock in general and comes most highly recommended.

by Kevin Rathert

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Bamboo Hut (John Balzer) - 2:18

2. Shout (O'Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley) - 3:45

3. Do What You Do Well (Ned Miller) - 2:00

4. My Own Style Of Living (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long) - 1:43

5. Uncle Kirby (From Brazil) (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Tommy Murphy) - 2:41

6. Speculation (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Tommy Murphy) - 2:18

7. Time To Spare (Mack Hayes) - 2:16

8. Elevator (Mack Hayes) - 2:32

9. Maybe I'll Love You (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Tommy Murphy) - 2:25

10.Willie And The Hand Jive (Johnny Otis) - 2:40

11.We Are All One (David Mitchell, Gary Lum) - 3:29

12.Shaka Shaka Na Na (Mack Hayes, Steve Long) - 2:40

13.Money Man (Mack Hayes) - 3:10

14.Uncle Kirby (From Brazil) (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Tommy Murphy) - 2:58

15.Time To Spare (Mack Hayes) - 2:22

16.We Are All One (David Mitchell, Gary Lum) - 3:31

17.Money Man (Mack Hayes) - 3:09

18.Something On Her Mind (John Balzer, Tommy Murphy) - 2:19

19.Candy (Steve Long) - 3:18

20.Sweet Talk (John Balzer, Tommy Murphy) - 2:31

Disc 2

1. Don't Buy Meat From The Milkman (John Balzer, Mack Hayes) - 3:03

2. Big Big Man (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:32

3. Unfair To Me (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:18

4. Good Woman (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 3:24

5. Beneath My Rug (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 4:07

6. We're Just People (John Balzer, Mack Hayes) - 2:42

7. I Gotta Keep What I Take (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:32

8. So Pass Me By (John Balzer, Mack Hayes) - 2:44

9. What Can You Do When You're Down (John Balzer, J. Permemter) - 2:30

10.When I'm Gone Away (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:14

11.Legs (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 3:03

12.Sallazar (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:42

13.Sally Greene (Steve Long) - 2:21

14.Stone Fire Garden (Tommy Murphy) - 3:46

15.One Way Traffic (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:54

16.These Few Things (John Balzer, Mack Hayes, Steve Long, Tommy Murphy, Tommy Williams) - 2:26

17.I Gotta Leave You (Traditional) - 4:14

18.Hair (Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni, James Rado) - 2:09

19.Countdown's Radio Commercial - 0:34

20.New Years Eve Greeting - 0:36

The Countdown 5

*John Balzer - Guitar

*Mack Hayes - Lead Vocals

*Tommy Murphy - Bass, Vocals

*Tommy Williams - Drums

*Steve Long - Saxophone

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Valdy - Country Man (1972 canada, awesome folk country rock, 2020 korean remaster)

Valdy, was born of Danish parents, in 1946 as Valdemar Horsdal in Ottawa. He began his career playing guitar in rock and country groups. In 1966 he made his home in British Columbia, where he farmed for several years near Sooke. Adopting a country-folk style, he performed in Victoria coffee houses and in 1972 came to national notice with his 'Rock and Roll Song' (from the LP Country Man, Haida HL-5101). Other popular singles for Haida and A & M followed 1973-6: his own songs 'A Good Song' and 'Simple Life,' and David Bradstreet's 'Renaissance (Let's Dance That Old Dance)'. Valdy has also recorded several songs by Bob Ruzicka, including 'Yes I Can (Anyway You Want Me).'

Although less prominent during the 1980s, Valdy remained a fixture on the Canadian folk circuit and also appeared for children and, on occasion, with symphony orchestras, maintaining a yearly itinerary of some 200 performances. He released three more LPs: Valdy (1980, Sloth SL-1001), Valdy's Kid's Record (1982, Sloth SL-1003), and Notes from Places (Duke Street DSR-31010, which included a version of Ron Hynes's 'Sonny's Dream,' a country hit in 1985). To his early concern as a songwriter for environmental and social causes, he added a decided political slant with such titles as 'Living Next to a Candy Store' (re the Canada-US Free Trade agreement, 1988), 'Ten Little White Men - The Ballad of Meech Lake' (1990), and 'Hey Mr. Michael Wilson' (re the Goods and Services Tax, 1990). His, however, has generally been a voice of concern and caution rather than anger, the passion of his message moderated by his sweet, relaxed tenor.

Tracks

1. Country Man - 2:38

2. Place At The Table - 2:30

3. A Good Song - 2:08

4. Mm-Mm-Mm-Mm - 2:31

5. Rainmaker - 5:40

6. Rock 'N' Roll Song - 3:00

7. Hello Mr. Record Man - 2:07

8. See How The Years Have Gone By - 3:03

9. Goin Down Slow - 3:03

10.Bruce And The Green Stock - 2:41

11.Goin To The Country - 2:35

12.Country Man - 1:43

All songs by Valdemar "Valdy" Horsdal

Personnel

*Valdy - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano

*Jim Gordon - Drums

*Max Bennett - Bass

*Brett Wade - Acoustic, Electric Guitars

*Claire Lawrence - Organ, Flute

1978 Bob Hughes - The Kids Are Ok! (2011 korean remaster)

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Bob Hughes - My Old Man (1976 uk, nice folk rock, 2011 korean remaster)

My Old Man is the first release of Bob Hughes, a great musician and singer/songwriter. It was recorded in only one session of 12 hours - two sessions for the The Kids Are Ok!, with the help of the guitarist Ron Turner - aka The Boy and Carmen Cinque - Chic who added extra vocals. What is very impressive, regarding the quality of the LP, a lost folk classic album? There is not much to say except it's beautiful, touching and poignant.

Tracks

1. Satori - 4:12

2. Pierre Laval - 5:10

3. Drifting Away - 2:38

4. Send Away My Passport - 3:53

5. Ask For God - 2:19

6. High Clay Lands - 3:34

7. Dear Friend - 3:35

8. Why Don't We Do It - 2:47

9. High And Dry - 4:17

10.You're Following Me - 3:31

11.That's How Life Flows - 3:24

12.My Old Man - 4:52

Words and Music by Bob Hugues

Personnel

*Ron Turner - Lead Guitar

*Carmen Cinque - Vocals

*Bob Hugues - Vocals, Guitar

1970 Don Cooper - Bless The Children (2008 reissue)

Friday, July 7, 2023

Don Cooper - Howlin' At The Moon (1969-73 us, fascinating groovy jazzy folk rock, 2005 release)

Laden with sunshine soaked melodies, round-the-campfire guitars, troubadour vocals and hip hop beats, despite being recently sampled by the likes of hip hop giants MC Search and Dilated Peoples, Don Cooper has previously been resigned to obscurity, but no longer… Howlin’ At The Moon is first ever “best of” of this enigmatic singer/songwriter.

A must-have compilation taken from only 4 albums (’69-’73) he ever recorded. Side-men include: Terry Plumeri, Toots Thielman, Davis Sanborn, the genius of Richard Davis and one of the world’s most important drummers ever to do it, Bernard Purdie.

Compiled by, and featuring original artwork and sleevenotes from Andy Votel (Twisted Nerve) and Chris McBride (45 Kings), This compilation on Delay 68 is an enthralling collection of songs from this forgotten sensation.

Tracks

1. Rhinstone In The Rough (Ken Shephard) - 2:30

2. A Better Way - 1:39

3. Fat Love Birds (Michael Cochran) - 5:39

4. Bless The Children - 3:56

5. A New Gun - 2:05

6. Blueberry Pickin' (Don Cooper, Thomas Whitfield) - 4:16

7. Captain Spangles Crystal Song - 2:47

8. Easily Said - 2:00

9. Mad George - 2:34

10.Rapid Rainbow Times - 2:20

11.Howlin' At The Moon - 2:23

12.Step Away (Ken Shephard) - 4:07

13.Cotton Candy Dreams - 3:11

14.Revelation - 2:30

15.Tin Cans And Alleyways (Ken Shephard) - 2:39

Music and Lyrics by Don Cooper except where noted

Personnel

*Don Cooper - Vocals, Guitar

*Elliott Randall - Guitar

*Terry Plumeri - Bass

*Bobby Notkoff - Fiddle

*Dixon Van Winkle - Bass

*Richard Davis - Bass

*Terry Plumer - Bass, Double Bass

*Al Rogers - Drums

*Bernie Purdie - Drums

*Herb Lovelle - Drums

*John Plutonia - Guitar

*Toots Theilman - Harmonica, Guitar

*Hugh McCracken - Guitar

*Paul Griffin - Keyboards

*Gary Malabar - Vibraphone

*Tom Daws - Bass

*Frank Owens - Keyboards

*Gordon Edwards - Bass

*Neal Larsen - Keyboards

1971 Raw Material - Time is...

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Raw Material - Raw Material (1970 uk, exceptional prog psych bluesy rock, 2020 double disc digipak, plus two more editions)

Not many may remember Raw Material, an early British prog band who, along with similar groups like Cressida and Spring, helped shape the sound of the legends that were shortly to follow. Perhaps themselves inspired by such 60's stars The Doors as well as The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Raw Material's songs were rooted in jazz and blues, yet a touch of classical mixed with rock firepower evolved into progressive rock as we now know it.

The first trhree songs of their eponymous debut album, from the London based quintet, includes three strong, long tracks: "Time And Illusion", which had a long instrumental break and vibraphone on leading role; "I'd Be Delighted", which featured strong vocals, good flute and sax work and "Fighting Cock", which builds in strength after a mellow beginning.

Their classic debut album was originally issued in October 1970, and receives its definitive reissue with this deluxe double-CD. As well as the full album, it features both sides of all three singles they'd made to date, as well as the whole of the Sounds Progressive LP they'd released under a pseudonym. The set includes a 16-page booklet offering detailed background notes (drawing on original interviews) and copious photos and promo materials, as well as a reproduction of the promo poster sent to a few UK record shops at the time.

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Time And Illusion (Vic Coppersmith) - 7:30

2. I'd Be Delighted (Ed Welch) - 5:06

3. Fighting Cock (Ed Welch) - 3:48

4. Pear On An Apple Tree (Ed Welch, Phil Sawyer) - 2:58

5. Future Recollections (Colin Catt, Phil Gunn) - 3:54

6. Traveller Man (Yash Klodzinski, Larry Page, Dave Green) - 6:13

7. Destruction Of America (Colin Catt, Herbie Flowers, Phil Gunn) - 2:20

Disc 2

1. Time And Illusion (Vic Coppersmith) - 3:11

2. Bobo's Party (Melanie Safka) - 3:13

3. Hi There Hallelujah (Ed Welch, Michael d'Albuquerque) - 2:46

4. Days Of The Fighting Cock (Ed Welch) - 3:09

5. Traveller Man (Part 1) (Yash Klodzinski, Larry Page, Dave Green) - 3:21

6. Traveller Man (Part 2) (Yash Klodzinski, Larry Page, Dave Green) - 2:59

7. Who Do You Love? (Ellas McDaniel) - 2:06

8. Living In The Past (Ian Anderson) - 3:26

9. Man Of The World (Peter Green) - 2:29

10.I'm A Man (Jimmy Miller, Steve Winwood) - 2:59

11.Spirit In The Sky (Norman Greenbaum) - 3:43

12.Let's Work Together (Wilbert Harrison) - 2:31

13.Second Generation Woman (Rick Grech) - 2:22

14.Sympathy (Graham Field, David Kaffinetti, Steve Gould, Mark Ashton) - 2:23

15.Badge (Eric Clapton, George Harrison) - 2:15

16.Race With The Devil (Adrian Gurvitz) - 3:01

The Raw Material

*Colin Catt - Vocals, Keyboards

*Mike Fletcher - Saxophone, Flute, Vocals

*Dave Green - Guitar

*Phil Gunn - Bass, Guitar, Mellotron

*Paul Young - Percussion

With

*Frank Ricotti - Vibraphone

*Colin Catt - Mellotron

*Peter Flowers - Mellotron

*The Ladybirds - Vocals

1968 The Bleu Forest - A Thousand Trees Deep (2016 release)

Friday, June 16, 2023

The Bleu Forest - Ichiban Live At Jimmie's (1967 us, exciting rough garage psych rock, 2017 release)

I’m betting most of you have heard the Bleu Forest’s “A Thousand Trees Deep,” which was issued in 2016 on the Golden Pavilion label. Initially recorded in 1968, the disc duly renewed interest in the otherwise obscure Ventura County, California band. Prior to the birth of “A Thousand Trees Deep,” the Bleu Forest laid down a recording, that like “A Thousand Trees Deep,” had been hiding in the vaults for years.

Recorded one night in August 1967 at producer Jimmie Haskell’s house, the effort portrays the band in all their bare bones bravado. Employing only a two track reel to reel tape machine and a pair of microphones, the fellows poured their hearts and souls into the performance as though they were courting a massive crowd at Madison Square Garden. Despite the limited technology and spontaneity of the session, the results are mighty impressive. The tone is punchy, while the Bleu Forest approaches their songs with a concentrated focus. Original material, matched by a solid vision, presents the musings of a self-contained band.

The dual influences of raggedy garage rock and psychedelic exploration prevail throughout “Ichiban – Live At Jimmie’s,” directing the tracks to shimmer and sizzle with West Coast cool. Thoughtful lyrics, occasionally flashing a flowery poetic quality, lend a sense of mystique to the mix.

Chiming Byrds styled licks snuggle side by side with aggressive acid-informed frequencies, recalling the barbed bite of Jefferson Airplane and the latter day Vejtables. Detached British inspired vocals, backed by excitable harmonies, along with free-flowing tempos and compact jamming seal the set.

My favorite songs on “Ichiban – Live At Jimmie’s” are “When I’m Alone,” “Bitter Street,” “A Woodland Spring” and “One I Love,” but the whole collection is a satisfying listen.

Not a speck of dead space appears here, as the Bleu Forest rock relentlessly to a high energy level. A valuable piece of history, “Ichiban – Live At Jimmie’s” offers an enjoyable look at a great band that was not only hip to the sounds of the time period in which they were active, but capable of expressing themselves with genuine conviction.

by Beverly Paterson

Tracks

1. Bitter Street - 3:21

2. Story Of A Sort - 2:37

3. When I'm Alone - 3:10

4. One I Love - 3:16

5. I Need Sunshine - 2:52

6. You Said You're Leaving - 3:54

7. Looking In - Introspection Song - 3:41

8. For You - 2:30

9. A Woodland Spring - 3:35

10.At Times - 4:13

11.Colored Rings - 3:05

All songs by Mike Cullen

The Bleu Forest

*Mike Cullen - Guitar, Lead Vocals

*Jack Caviness - Drums

*Gary Heuer - Guitar, Vocals

*Ed Steele - Bass

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Bob Hughes - The Kids Are Ok! (1978 uk, magnificent folk silky rock, 2011 korean remaster)

An obscured English singer songwriter Bob Hughes, was thirty-two years old at the time he recorded his first album (My Old Man) at Spaceward Studios in 1976. This was followed in the same Cambridge studios by In For a Penny with the group Hooknorton in 1977 and The Kids Are Ok! 1978, which was recorded in two sessions only!!

The Kids Are Ok! is a step in a new world. Firstly, it's the work of a band, The Bob Hughes Band which comprised of Bob Hughes (12 string guitar, 6 string guitar and vocals) and 5 talented musicians: John Kaliski (lead guitar, bass guitar, vocals), Alan Buxton (same as John), Gary Moore (drums), Adrian Nash (keyboards and vocals) and Ron Turner (lead guitar). Secondly, this album is much more folk rock than My Old Man, with plenty of electric guitar. Melodies are so catchy they will stay in your head for days.

Tracks

1. When I Get There - 3:25

2. Jeannie - 3:48

3. Black Haired Girl - 3:34

4. The Kids Are Ok - 3:06

5. Belinda Blue Eyes - 3:24

6. I Ain`t Got You - 3:55

7. Losing You - 4:10

8. French Wine - 4:22

9. Jacqueline - 5:05

10.Nichola`s A Place - I Know - 3:09

11.In Love With You - 3:01

12.You Broke My Heart - 4:12

Words and Music by Bob Hughes

Personnel

*Bob Hughes - 12-String Acoustic Guitar, Guitar, Vocals

*Gary Moore - Drums

*Adrian Nash - Keyboards, Vocals

*Ron Turner - Lead Guitar

*Alan Buxton - Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Vocals

*John Kaliski - Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Vocals

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Farm - Farm (1971 us, superb heavy jammer blues rock, 2022 remaster)

Tasty rural boogie blues rock with Crazy Horse influences, this lone album from Illinois’ sextet Farm is an air-guitarist’s delight. Intricate, dual guitar interplay is the order of the day, with lots of meandering solos full of those West Coast druggy vibes. If you’ve worn out all your bootleg outtakes of David Crosby and The Pure Earth Rock and Roll Orchestra’s Wally Heider sessions, then this is the next logical step for your musical mind expansion.

Side one opens with the lengthy headnodder “Jungle Song” and the more traditional, Canned Heat style blues courtesy the self-explanatory “Let That Boy Boogie”. Flip the album over and the band flash their Allman Brothers’ influences on more structured and accessible tracks like “Sunshine In My Window” and “Cottonfield Woman”, which are both full of dueling fuzz guitars and emotional, bluesy vocals. Their faithful interpretation of “Statesboro Blues” reiterates their influential nod towards the Allmans, and is just another highlight on this fun album. Put on your boogie shoes, darling, break out the Jack Daniels and party the night away. Yee hah!

by Jeff Penczack, October 18, 2013

Tracks

1. Jungle Song - 7:50

2. Let That Boy Boogie - 8:15

3. Sunshine In My Window - 4:00

4. Cottonfield Woman - 4:04

5. Statesboro Blues (Blind Willie McTell) - 4:25

All songs by Del Herbert, Gary Gordon, Jim Elwyn, Roger Greenwalt, Steve Evanchik, Mike Young except track #5

Farm

*Del Herbert - Lead Guitar, 12-String Acoustic Guitar

*Gary Gordon - 2nd Guitar, Bottleneck Guitar, Vocals

*Jim Elwyn - Bass, Vocals

*Steve Evanchik - Congas, Timbales, Cymbals, Mouth Harp

*Roger Greenwalt - Organ, Piano

*Mike Young - Drums

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Drywater - Backbone Of The Nation (1973 us, essential rural garage rock, cool folky texture switches between a great slightly surf-tinged ringing reverb tone and frenetic fuzz figures, 2017 digipak remaster)

Recorded in 1973 by guitarist/vocalists, Dennis Cheplick and Jack Sarvis, aided by Cheplick’s brother, Greg, on drums and Sarvis’ future brother-in-law, Ken Turcic on bass, Backbone Of The Nation was originally released on the RPC label in a limited pressing of 25 copies. The album was recorded “live” by the quartet at a local Pennsylvania studio, Marjon Records, with the LPs ten tracks being recorded in 3 hours with no overdubs or editing, at a total cost of $100. In this Gear Fab Records reissue the album’s ten tracks are supplemented by two bonus tracks, for a total run time of slightly over 41 minutes.

The original album opens with the four and a half minute title track, which features nice fuzz guitar by Sarvis, and is the heaviest number on the LP. Turcic and Greg Cheplick supply a driving beat, supplemented by solid rhythm guitar from Dennis Cheplick, and a very tasty lead line by Sarvis, who also delivers a fuzz filled solo. The band also features a more mid-tempo side, as evidenced by “If Only I Had Told You” with its jangling 12-string acoustic guitar by Cheplick. The tune includes gorgeous vocal harmonies by Cheplick and Sarvis. “I Don’t Love You Anymore” is a mid-tempo number, with a country rock feel, more vocal harmonies and a restrained lead guitar line courtesy of Sarvis. “Too Much Of Nothing” is another mid-tempo number showcasing the jangling 12-string guitar of Cheplick and a gentle lead line by Sarvis. Side one of the LP closed with “Airplane Rider” a return to more up-tempo material fueled by Sarvis’ fuzz guitar and Cheplick’s jangling rhythm guitar.

Side two opens with a straight ahead rocker, “Untitled Love.” Dennis Cheplick’s gorgeous lead line is joined by Turcic’s bass, which booms over top of Sarvis’ husky vocals. “The Stones You Throw” another mid-tempo rocker features more booming bass from Turcic and a nicely textured lead line by Sarvis. “Hooky Player” showcases jangling rhythm guitar by Cheplick and more restrained lead from Sarvis, who also supplies a tasteful solo. “Sweet And Free” is a mid-tempo ballad with jangling 12-string guitar by Cheplick and a gentle, nicely picked solo from Sarvis. The original Backbone Of The Nation closes with another mid-tempo number “How Many More Years.” The tune is a return to the band’s more country rock side with ballad style vocals and a withheld lead line by Cheplick, supported by Sarvis’ rhythm guitar and gorgeous harmony vocals. The original LP is supplemented by two bonus tracks, “Like A Vine” and “Deception.” Both tunes feature gentle acoustic guitar and restrained lead lines as well as showcasing the band’s vocal harmonies.

Gear Fab’s reissue Of Backbone Of The Nation features a foreword by label owner Roger Maglio and an informative essay by Jack Sarvis and Dennis Cheplick. The digipak package is rounded out by complete song annotations and gorgeous photos of the band members. A wonderful example of home-made garage/psych music, original copies of the album have gone for as much as $1000. Thankfully, Gear Fab has made it available at a much more realistic cost. This release will appeal to fans of garage and psychedelic rock and be a welcome addition to fans of these genres.

by Kevin Rathert, August 30, 2017

Tracks

1. Backbone To The Nation (Jack Sarvis, Dennis Cheplick) - 4:24

2. If Only I Would Have Told You (Jack Sarvis, Dennis Cheplick) - 2:54

3. I Don't Love Her Anymore (Jack Sarvis) - 2:41

4. Too Much Of Nothing - 3:44

5. Airplane Rider (Jack Sarvis, Dennis Cheplick) - 3:27

6. Untitled Love (Jack Sarvis) - 3:57

7. The Stones You Throw - 4:11

8. Hooky Player (Jack Sarvis, Dennis Cheplick) - 2:51

9. Sweet And Free - 2:36

10.How Many More Years - 3:07

11.Like A Vine (Dennis Cheplick, E. Webber) - 3:41

12.Deception - 3:38

All songs by Dennis Cheplick except where noted

Drywater

*Dennis Cheplick - Vocals, Rhythm, 12-String Acoustic Guitars

*Jack Sarvis - Lead, Rhythm Guitars, Guitar, Vocals

*Greg Cheplick - Bass, Percussion, Backing Vocals

*Ken Turcic - Percussion, Bass

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Ben Atkins - Patchouli (1971 us, sweet silky folk r 'n' b, 2021 korean remaster)

Curious the case of Ben Atkins . And it is that if he has gone down to posterity for something, it is for being the first non Afro-American artist signed by Stax (through its subsidiary Enterprise), and not for his magnificent debut « Patchouli » (1971). Curious and unfair, because despite the modest success of the album, his "melting pot" of southern music deserved to climb higher and provide him with a solid career, which he never achieved (he only released another album in 1982, "Reachin' for the feeling ", under the name of Big Ben Atkins).

The cover already gives us an idea of its content: southern soul, swamp rock and touches of gospel and folk. An authentic sound delicatessen that sails through all the possible styles of the southern United States, and that was recorded between two of the great temples of American black music, Muscle Shoals and Stax Studios.

He is accompanied on this journey by legendary musicians such as David Hood, Donald »Duck» Dunn, Jimmy Johnson and Barry Beckett among many others, allowing the powerful voice of the singer from Vernon (Alabama) to be the main axis of the LP.

A sublime and sweaty instrumentation, the genuine feminine gospel choirs and a borrowed repertoire (which he makes his own) of jewels from people like Dan Penn, Bobby Manuel (who also acts as producer of the whole group) or Howlin' Wolf gives the album a halo of timelessness still in force today. An authentic and natural trip that Ben Atkins proposes to us: bordering the Mississippi without leaving home. Good times are coming…!!!

by Albert Barrios, April 25, 2023

Tracks

1. I Love This Song (Dan Penn, Jimmy M. Johnson, Len Renfro) - 2:29

2. Cross My Mind (Dennis Lambert, Brian Potter) - 4:39

3. Shine On (Carson Whitsett, Eric Mercury) - 2:35

4. Holding On To Friends (Bob McRee, Cliff Thomas, Ed Thomas) - 3:24

5. Smokestack Lightnin'/Brighter Side Of It All (Howlin' Wolf/Charles Feldman, J. Wiker, Steve Smith, Tim Smith) - 4:12

6. Solid Ground (Bob McRee, Cliff Thomas, Ed Thomas) - 2:57

7. That Brings Me Down (Jerry Puckett) - 3:39

8. A Long Way To Go (Bettye Crutcher, Bobby Manuel) - 4:14

9. Would I Be Better Gone? (Bobby Manuel, Darryl Carter, William Brown) - 3:11

10.Good Times Are Coming (Bobby Manuel) - 3:22

Musicians

*Ben Atkins - Vocals

*Barry Beckett - Keyboards

*Joe Correro - Drums

*Donald "Duck" Dunn - Bass

*John Gaston - Bass

*Jeanie Greene - Vocals

*Roger Hawkins - Drums

*Ginger Holladay - Vocals

*Mary Holladay - Vocals

*David Hood - Bass

*Al Jackson, Jr. - Drums

*Alan Jackson - Guitar

*Jimmy Johnson - Rhythm, Acoustic Guitars

*Bobby Manuel - Guitar

*Wayne Perkins - Guitar

*Temple Riser - Vocals

*Marvell Thomas - Keyboards, Piano

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Tony Kelly - Bring Me Back (1972 uk, a splendid mixture of folk, soft rock and psych, 2014 korean remaster)

Tony Kelly’s “Bring Me Back” Is an album that has been secretly known among people who like this kind of music for a long time, but for some reason it's extremely less exposed compared to other artists from the same genre.

His voice is similar to Ernie Graham in a slightly nasal area. Sound creation is also a feeling that made Ernie Graham a little more swamp-oriented. Produced by Grease Band's Bruce Rowland this 1972 album, released by polydor, has something in common with Gerry Lockran's "Wun".

Terry Stannard (drums) is also familiar with albums by Roger Morris, Gerry Lockran, Bryn Haworth. A melancholy British swamp masterpiece album. The photo of the jacket that looks cold matches well with the content and is the best. Increasingly popular in recent years. It continues to be difficult to obtain.

Tracks

1. Not Knowin` What`s Goin` On - 5:00

2. Makin` The Same Mistakes - 3:14

3. The Way It Is - 4:16

4. Blue Bird - 3:56

5. Bring Me Back - 3:12

6. The Elements - 3:13

7. Blues Run The Game (Jackson C. Frank) - 2:10

8. One Love - 5:19

9. Further Down The Road - 5:03

Lyrics and Music by Tony Kelly except track #7

Personnel

*Tony Kelly - Vocals, 6, 12 String Acoustic Guitars

*Paul Millins - Keyboards

*Jack Mills - Electric Guitar

*Keith Evans - Bass Guitar

*Cody Congas - Percussion, Harmonica

*Terry Stannard - Drums

*Claudia Lennear - Backing Vocals

*Kathi MacDonald - Backing Vocals

*Linda November - Backing Vocals

*Helen Miles - Backing Vocals

*Hilda Harris - String Arrangements

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Shaggy - Lessons For Beginners (1975 sweden / uk / austria, thunderous hard rock with some blistering guitar assaults and great vocals, 2020 remaster and xpanded)

Yet another album from way back that has been rereleased! LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS by SHAGGY was originally from the era of the 70s’ and has been released once again for the general public to be able to feast their ears on. This album has a different sound and a different feel throughout, and that’s not only due to the time period that the album is from. SHAGGY certainly has a unique sound that is their own and here that flaunt that well, you’ll just have to listen to it for yourself to see what it’s all about, but until then I guess you could read my words if you are into that sort of thing.

Bringing us into the album we have “Destination Nowhere”. We are brought into this track with a nice mellow guitar intro playing off some soft drums in the background. Once we get to the lyrics we are welcomed with the sounds of an era distinct voice that surely sounds like it is from the time period that it is. The lyrics are powerful, but the music is peaceful. Two things that I feel are getting harder and harder to find in today's music and this band does it all so well. In the next song “Vengeance” there is an upkick in pace and all around tone of the song, driving a sense of urgency and power throughout the rendition.

Further along we get to the rocking sounds of the title song “Lessons for Beginners” which is a well placed instrumental about halfway through the album. Riveting and intriguing guitar blaring around the sounds of a band you can tell puts a lot of work and emotion into their music. I am not typically one for instrumentals but this one here is done very well. Once past this instrumental you will eventually find yourself at the song “Nobody Cares” which has a highly nostalgic sound, almost as if it was pulled from a conglamoration of older music, but given a twist that makes it very personal and unique to the sounds of SHAGGY.

Closing out with a bang with have the song “Sunshine”. This song is fast and frantic! Guitar all over the place, drums all over the place and vocals all over the place. Giving you a song of chaos to take you away from a rather peaceful and chill album otherwise. If melody and nostalgia is what you are in for, then you should most certainly give this album a try!

by Jordan Rogers, 23 February 2021

Tracks

1. Destination Nowhere - 4:41

2. Vengeance - 3:11

3. Bitch - 4:14

4. No Strings - 3:50

5. Lessons For Beginners - 2:54

6. On The Road (Janne Gustavsson, Thomas J. Ryan) - 4:33

7. Nobody Cares - 3:50

8. I Can Feel - 3:05

9. Brink Of Nowhere (Janne Gustavsson, Thomas J. Ryan) - 7:40

10.I Don't Know - 4:36

11.Sea Queen - 3:48

12.Sunshine - 2:42

13.Lessons For Beginners (Craig, Johannes Brahms) - 2:44

All songs by Jan Rognas, Thomas J. Ryan except where indicated

Shaggy

*Janne Gustavsson – Bass, Vocals

*Kurt Kastner – Drums, Backing Vocals

*Jan Rognas – Lead, Acoustic Guitars

*Thomas Engstrom – Lead Vocals

*Thomas J. Ryan – Organ, Backing Vocals

1973 B.W. Stevenson - My Maria

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

B.W. Stevenson - Lead Free / B.W. Stevenson (1972 us, marvelous country folk rock, 2004 release)

Best remembered for his 1973 smash "My Maria," singer/songwriter B.W. Stevenson (the "B.W." reportedly stood for "Buckwheat" -- his real first name was Lewis) was born October 5, 1949, in Dallas, TX. As a teen he played in a variety of local rock bands before attending college, eventually joining the U.S. Air Force; upon returning from duty Stevenson settled in the Austin area, where he became a frequent attraction on the city's thriving club circuit. Upon signing to RCA he was marketed primarily to country listeners, enjoying little success with either his 1972 self-titled debut or its follow-up, Lead Free.

by Jason Ankeny

This two-fer CD combines B.W. Stevenson's self-titled 1971 debut album with Lead Free, released the following year. Originally these LPs were released separately on RCA, and had been out of print until they were reissued in 2004 on Collectables. This pleasant and lite country-pop set highlights many original Stevenson compositions, including "Early Morning Memphis," "Highway One," "Save a Little Time for Love," and "Lonesome Song."

by Al Campbell

Tracks

1. Like What You Do - 2:38

2. Early Morning Memphis - 2:31

3. My Feet Are So Weary - 3:51

4. Waitin' For Spring - 4:33

5. Gypsies - 3:25

6. Don't Go To Mexico (Dan McCrimmon) - 2:38

7. August Evening Lady - 3:21

8. Peaceful Easy Feeling (Jack Tempchin) - 3:23

9. A Touch Of Pennsylvania (Dave Loggins) - 3:42

10.Minuet For My Lady - 2:54

11.Maybe Mexico (Jerry Jeff Walker) - 2:46

12.Jackson - 2:12

13.Save A Little Time For Love - 2:18

14.Lonesome Song - 3:11

15.Wasted Too Much Time - 4:06

16.Long Way To Go (Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil) - 2:20

17.Highway One - 3:37

18.Two Track Road (B.W. Stevenson, Brian T. Atkinson) - 0:39

19.Say What I Feel (Mike Murphey) - 2:10

20.Texas Morning (Boomer Castleman, Mike Murphey) - 3:26

21.Home Again (Carole King) - 2:28

22.On My Own - 4:52

Words and Music by B.W. Stevenson except where indicated

Musicians

1972 Lead Free

*B.W. Stevenson - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

*Dean Parks - Acoustic Guitar

*Larry Murray - Vocals

*Linda Dillard - Vocals

*Thad Maxwell Vocals

*Emory Gordy, Jr - Bass

*Jimmy Gordon - Drums

*Dennis St. John - Drums

*Gib Guilbeau - Fiddle, Backing Vocals

*Mickey Raphael - Harmonica

*Larry Muhoberac - Piano

*Red Rhodes - Steel Guitar

1972 B.W. Stevenson

*B.W. Stevenson - Guitar, Vocals

*Ronald Steele - Acoustic, Rhythm Guitars

*Ed Shook - Vocals

*Kitty Appling - Vocals

*Shane Appling - Bass

*Sid Sims - Bass

*Don Simmons - Drums

*Pat Ferreri - Electric Guitar

*Mickey Raphael - Harmonica, Noises

*Ray Tate - Pedal Steel Guitar

*Ed Shook - Percussion

*Richard Silen - Percussion

*Pat Ferreri - Rhythm, Twelve-String Guitars

*Brian Christian - Tambourine

1974 B.W. Stevenson - Calabasas

1971 Buddy Miles - A Message To The People (2021 remaster)

Friday, April 21, 2023

Buddy Miles - Them Changes (1970 us, best qualities of funk and blues rock, 2003 digipak remaster)

Born in September 1947, Buddy Miles is most renowned for his role as drummer in Jimi Hendrix's Band Of Gypsys. His playing career began in his father's jazz band, but by the mid 60s he was playing in the backing bands of soul vocal groups such as Ruby and the Romantics. In 1966 he joined the band of Wilson Pickett, and it was here that Mike Bloomfield spotted him and asked Buddy to join the band that he was forming after leaving the Butterfield Blues Band. This band became the Electric Flag , who were planning to create an eclectic blend of blues, psychedelia, rock and jazz. The debut album cooked, but the band disintegrated after that - with Miles remaining for a second album without Butterfield.

After this, with the help of the Electric Flag horn section he formed his own outfit The Buddy Miles Express. The debut album was produced by Jimi Hendrix and was called 'Expressway To Your Skull'. Released on Mercury this was the first of a number of collaborations with the legendary guitar man. Hendrix also produced the 2nd Buddy Miles Express album 'Electric Church' and appeared on Hendrix's 'Electric Ladyland' LRWhen the guitarist disbanded his original group the Experience, Miles along with Buddy Cox were recruited to his new outfit The Band of Gypsy's'.This funkier rock group did not last long releasing only one live album before Miles was replaced.

The drummer's next move was to record this album Them Changes' which remained on the chart for over a year making the drummer a star. On the back of this Miles hit the road with Carlos Santana and the pair recorded the top 10 live album 'Carlos Santana & Buddy Miles! Live!' for CBS. After this Miles continued to record for CBS and even took part in a 1974 Electric Flag re-union. He then switched labels to Casablanca for two albums. However after this he kept a reasonably low profile for the next decade, releasing only one album for Atlantic in 1981.

He suddenly found himself on the charts once more in 1986 when he voiced a version of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” for a dried raisin commercial, that when released as by the California Raisins became a worldwide hit. The last few years have seen Miles in demand with a reformed Buddy Miles Express. Them Changes' the album was Buddy Miles signature tune, and the album was his most successful. It contained both the funky and the sublime. There are two fantastic cover versions of Neil Young's 'Down By The River' and Greg AlIman's "Dreams". But the music conveyed within the tracks swings with the power of rock and the nuance of soul. Them Changes' the track is furiously funky and this and other originals show a more than capable songwriter. What's more to fans of Miles work with Hendrix and the Electric Flag it is a pleasure to hear his voice. A classic slice of funky rock.

by Dean Rudland

Tracks

1. Them Changes (Buddy Miles) - 3:22

2. I Still Love You Anyway (Charlie Karp) - 4:15

3. Heart's Delight (Buddy Miles) - 4:09

4. Dreams (Gregg Allman) - 4:53

5. Down By The River (Neil Young) - 6:22

6. Memphis Train (Bonny Rice, Rufus Thomas, Willie Sparks) - 2:57

7. Paul B. Allen Omaha Nebraska (André Lewis, Buddy Miles) - 5:34

8. Your Feeling Is Mine (Otis Redding) - 2:14

Musicians

*Buddy Miles - Bass, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals

*Fred Allen - Vocals

*Lee Allen - Saxophone, Trumpet, Vocals

*Teddy Blandin - Trumpet

*Peter Carter - Trumpet

*Billy Cox - Bass, Fuzz Bass

*Tom Hall - Trumpet

*Tom T. Hall - Trumpet

*Marlo Henderson - Electric Guitar, Vocals

*Duane Hitchings - Organ

*Bob Hogins - Keyboards, Organ, Electric Piano, Soloist, Trombone, Vocals

*David Hull - Bass, Vocals

*Dwayne Hutchings - Organ

*Charlie Karp - Acoustic, Electric Guitars, Soloist, Vocals

*Andre Lewis - Clavinet, Organ, Electric Piano, Soloist, Vocal Harmony, Vocals

*Robin McBride - Electric Harpsichord, Keyboards, Piano, Vocals

*Jim McCarty - Guitar

*Bob Parkins - Organ

*Robert Pittman - Alto, Tenor, Saxophone

*Roland Robinson - Bass

*Wally Rossunolo - Lead, Rhythm Guitars

*James Tatum - Tenor Saxophone

*Mark Williams - Tenor Saxophone, Vocals, Wind

*Phil Wood - Flugelhorn, Piano, Vocals

*Philip Woods - Horn

*Toby Wynn - Baritone Saxophone

1974 The Electric Flag - The Band Kept Playing (2002 edition)

1972 Carlos Santana And Buddy Miles - Live! (2005 japan remaster)