Record Reviews

JOE COCKER ~ MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN (DELUXE EDITION) A&M 886006 (Barcode: 602498860069) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005 This is one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded! Following Joe CockerFind albums by this artist`s Woodstock appearance in 1969, which was one of the musical highlights of the festival, a US tour was arranged for him the following year (1970). The accompanying band, led by the mighty Leon RussellFind albums by this artist, provides Cocker with a perfect vehicle for his vocal pyrotechnics. The lad really shows the Yankees the true meaning of Rhythm And Blues! His husky voice and almost demonic ability to express feelings and emotions are unique and overpowering. The tour was filmed (and later a movie was released) and recorded and this album is a perfect document of that event. This new edition adds previously unheard material, creating two solid hours of some of the best music of the 1970`s one can ever hear. Heartworming, breathtaking and absolutely essential!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

RITA COOLIDGE ~ RITA COOLIDGE / NICE FEELIN` BGO 0846 (Barcode: 5017261208460) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2009 This is a reissue of the first two albums by American Rock vocalist Rita CoolidgeFind albums by this artist, both released in 1971. Together the twofer presents twenty wonderful songs written for her by the best songwriters of the period and she is accompanied by a stellar lineup which includes keyboardists Leon RussellFind albums by this artist and Booker T. JonesFind albums by this artist, guitarists Spooner OldhamFind albums by this artist, Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist, Marc BennoFind albums by this artist and Clarence WhiteFind albums by this artist, bassist Chris EthridgeFind albums by this artist, drummer Jim KeltnerFind albums by this artist and many others, as well as brass and string sections. Coolidge was discovered by the team Delaney & BonnieFind albums by this artist and very quickly became a permanent part of the American Rock scene singing backing vocals on countless classic Rock albums by Leon Russell, Joe CockerFind albums by this artist, Graham NashFind albums by this artist, Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist, Stephen Stills and many others. She was blessed by a wonderfully expressive voice and a superb feeling for Soul / Rhythm And Blues / Rock, which she expressed both as a backing vocalist and a lead singer. This reissue is a wonderful reminder of these wonderful days when American Rock was most productive and capable of creating lasting music. Although Coolidge enjoyed a successful career in the years that followed these two early albums and her work with the a.m. artists are for me the pinnacle of her artistic achievements. Overall this is a great glimpse at the days when everything sounded better, looked nicer and tasted sweeter then ever. An absolute Classic Rock bonanza!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 20/09/2020

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DELANEY & BONNIE ~ HOME (RESEQUENCED AND EXPANDED EDITION) STAX 025218862622 (Barcode: 025218862622) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2006 This is a reissue of the debut album by American couple: vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Delaney BramlettFind albums by this artist and his wife vocalist / songwriter Bonnie BramlettFind albums by this artist, known as Delaney & BonnieFind albums by this artist and later on as Delaney & Bonnie & FriendsFind albums by this artist. This album, their only release on StaxFind albums on this label Records, which was primarily associated with Afro-American artists, presents their early recordings, supported by a formidable set of musicians, including the Stax house band Booker T. & The MG`sFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Leon RussellFind albums by this artist (who brought them to Stax in the first place), keyboardist Isaac HayesFind albums by this artist, bassist Carl RadleFind albums by this artist and others, including the Memphis HornsFind albums by this artist brass section. This expanded and resequenced reissue includes the ten original tracks and six bonus tracks and a new order of tracks to create a more coherent listening experience. About half of the tracks are originals written by Delaney Bramlett or co-written with Bonnie Bramlett, the rest were mostly contributed by the musicians playing on the album, with the exception of the legendary "Piece Of My Heart", which gets here a fabulous interpretation. The music of Delaney & Bonnie was a wonderful amalgam of American Country, Rock (which in America also derived from Country) and the entire palette of what was considered as "black" music at the time, i.e. Rhythm And Blues, Soul, Funk and Gospel. The fact that they were "white" musicians did not help them, while America was still swamped by the racial bigotry at the time, and this album failed to succeed on the music market, in spite of its excellent material and musicianship. Only after Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist engaged them to perform as the opening act during the US tour of Blind FaithFind albums by this artist in mid-1969, they gained considerable public attention. This led to the recording of their third album "Live On Tour With Eric ClaptonFind albums with this title" and their involvement in the recording of Clapton´s eponymous debut album ("Eric ClaptonFind albums with this title"). In retrospect this music sounds as fresh and vital today as it did when I first heard it five decades ago. It is full of great vocal performances and harmonies and superb instrumental work, and most importantly honesty and no bullshit attitude, which simply does not exist in music today. Considering the fact that Delaney & Bonnie left a limited recorded legacy, every album of theirs is a musical treasure, especially for people who have no problem to listen to music without preconceptions and snobbish stylistic restraints. Superb stuff!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 30/05/2018

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

DELANEY & BONNIE ~ THE ORIGINAL DELANEY & BONNIE: ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE ELEKTRA 4943674139804 (Barcode: 4943674139804) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2013 This is the second album by American singer / songwriter couple Delaney BramlettFind albums by this artist and Bonnie BramlettFind albums by this artist, known as Delaney & BonnieFind albums by this artist and later on as Delaney & Bonnie & FriendsFind albums by this artist. This album, their only release on ElektraFind albums on this label Records (founded and run by Jac HolzmanFind albums by this artist), took them away from the image associated with Afro-American music which their previous label, StaxFind albums on this label Records, symbolized. The album was recorded by a dream team of top American musicians, which included pianist Leon RussellFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jerry McGeeFind albums by this artist, bassist Carl RadleFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Bobby WhitlockFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bobby KeysFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Jim PriceFind albums by this artist, drummers Jim KeltnerFind albums by this artist and Jim GordonFind albums by this artist and the incredible vocalist Rita CoolidgeFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten songs, most of which were penned by the Bramletts. Musically the album continues the direction put forward by the debut album, which amalgamates Rhythm And Blues, Soul, Gospel and Blues with Pop and Rock, adding this time some American Southern Rock accents. The resulting fusion produced some of the most perfect American Rock music ever. With the Bramletts´ writing talents, Bonnie´s incredible husky vocals, which at their best rival Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist, superb arrangements and perfect, soulful and inspired instrumental work, production and sound quality, the album is a timeless gem. The album was not very commercially successful at the time of its release, but fellow musicians and music industry figures recognized its sublime qualities. George HarrisonFind albums by this artist offered Delaney & Bonnie a contract with AppleFind albums on this label Records, which was even signed, but subsequently voided of course in view of the already signed Elektra contract. Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist loved the album, which led Delaney & Bonnie and the crew (to be called together Delaney & Bonnie & Friends) to play as an opening act on the Blind FaithFind albums by this artist American 1969 tour and later on to participate in the recording of his debut eponymous solo album "Eric ClaptonFind albums with this title". In order to get a full view of the talents of the musicians playing on this album, it is worth to remember that they were involved in making the following milestone recordings, all recorded in 1970: Joe CockerFind albums by this artist´s "Mad Dogs & EnglishmenFind albums with this title", Eric Clapton´s (as Derek And The DominosFind albums by this artist) "Layla And Other Assorted Love SongsFind albums with this title" and George Harrison´s "All Things Must PassFind albums with this title" – all this and more in just one incredible year! In retrospect this is a milestone recording in American music, which eradicated the racial discrimination between American Country and Folk music and the Afro-American Rhythm And Blues, Soul and Gospel traditions, creating, perhaps for the first time, a true all-American music. This album is an absolute must have in any serious Rock music collection and its everlasting values are still in full bloom five decades later. Essential!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 01/06/2018

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS ~ MOTEL SHOT (EXPANDED EDITION) REAL GONE MUSIC 0516 (Barcode: 848064005162) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2017 This is fifth album by American singer / songwriter couple Delaney BramlettFind albums by this artist and Bonnie BramlettFind albums by this artist, known as Delaney & BonnieFind albums by this artist and later on as Delaney & Bonnie & FriendsFind albums by this artist. This album, their third and last release on AtcoFind albums on this label Records, was recorded in 1970 and released in 1971 with a new version of "Friends", which includes, keyboardist Bobby WhitlockFind albums by this artist, bassist Carl RadleFind albums by this artist, drummer Jim KeltnerFind albums by this artist and guests like pianist Leon RussellFind albums by this artist, guitarists Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist and Dave MasonFind albums by this artist, vocalists Gram ParsonsFind albums by this artist and Joe CockerFind albums by this artist and others. The original album presents twelve songs, which are the usual mixture of Bramletts´ originals and Rock / Rhythm And Blues classics. This expanded and remastered version adds eight bonus tracks, taken from the earlier recording session of the same material, done during the couple´s short lived ElektraFind albums on this label days. Musically the album presents the already established Delaney & Bonnie formula, mixing Rhythm And Blues, Soul and Country music with Rock instrumentation and featuring the duo´s vocal harmonies and Bonnie´s heartwrenching vocal pyrotechnics. Combined with superb instrumental work by the "Friends", the music is full of energy and genuine enthusiasm spiced with talent and good taste, which at that time was still around. The concept of this album being almost entirely acoustic and "informal", recorded during impromptu jam sessions in motel rooms, is nor really reflecting the reality. In spite of the success of a couple of singles taken out of this album it did not sell well and remained highly regarded by some critics and Delaney & Bonnie devotees, but in retrospect disappeared into oblivion, which is a great pity as the music it offered was excellent all through and certainly worth being remembered. On the other hand considering the quality of music that was being produced at an incredible rate at the time, many classic Rock albums shared the faith of this one. It is great to see that the album is available on CD thanks to the outstanding work by the Real Gone MusicFind albums on this label reissue label, which means it can be enjoyed by people who still remember it when it happened in real time as well as being (hopefully) discovered by some younger listeners. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 13/07/2018

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS ~ TO BONNIE FROM DELANEY WOUNDED BIRD 326 (Barcode: 664140032620) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2016 This is fourth album by American singer / songwriter couple Delaney BramlettFind albums by this artist and Bonnie BramlettFind albums by this artist, known as Delaney & BonnieFind albums by this artist and later on as Delaney & Bonnie & FriendsFind albums by this artist. This album, their second release on AtcoFind albums on this label Records, was recorded and released in 1970 with a new version of "Friends", since the previous version of "Friends", which accompanied them on the live album "On Tour With Eric ClaptonFind albums with this title" was practically hijacked by Leon RussellFind albums by this artist to accompany Joe CockerFind albums by this artist on his US 1970 tour, which produced the legendary "Mad Dogs & EnglishmenFind albums with this title" album. The new "Friends" retained only keyboardist Bobby WhitlockFind albums by this artist from the previous band, but offered an impressive list of players, such as guitarists Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist (who played slide guitar) and Charlie FreemanFind albums by this artist and many others, including the Memphis HornsFind albums by this artist brass section, which took part in the recording of their debut album "HomeFind albums with this title". The album presents twelve songs, which are the usual mixture of Bramletts´ originals and Rock / Rhythm And Blues classics. Musically the album presents the already established Delaney & Bonnie formula, mixing Rhythm And Blues, Soul and Country music with Rock instrumentation and featuring the duo´s vocal harmonies and Bonnie´s heartwrenching vocal pyrotechnics. Combined with superb instrumental work by the "Friends", the music is full of energy and genuine enthusiasm spiced with talent and good taste, which at that time was still around. In spite of the success of the preceding live album, this album did not come near to the same level of success and remained highly regarded by some critics and Delaney & Bonnie devotees, but in retrospect disappeared into oblivion, which is a great pity as the music it offered was excellent all through and certainly worth being remembered. On the other hand considering the quality of music that was being produced at an incredible rate at the time, many classic Rock albums shared the faith of this one. It is great to see that the album is available on CD thanks to the outstanding work by the Wounded BirdFind albums on this label Records reissue label, which means it can be enjoyed by people who still remember it when it happened in real time as well as being (hopefully) discovered by some younger listeners. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 02/06/2018

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JONATHAN GEFFEN / DANNY LITANI ~ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR NMC (ISRAEL) 70144 (Barcode: 7290003299102) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 1993 This album documents the second cooperation project between writer / poet / satirist Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist and singer / composer Danny LitaniFind albums by this artist, combining forces and presenting a live show, which included music, sketches, standup comedy and a lot of political satire, which also proved to be immensely successful with the Israeli public. This album presents a live recording of the show, with the leaders supported by excellent musicians and friends, including ex-ChurchillsFind albums by this artist bassist Miki GavrielovFind albums by this artist and guitarist Haim RomanoFind albums by this artist. Litani wrote all of the original music in the show except one song by Gavrielov and one by Leon RussellFind albums by this artist, with lyrics translated into Hebrew by Geffen, who wrote also all the original lyrics and spoken texts. This is a great document of the time and a great fun, with most of the satire being completely relevant today, so many years later.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AL JARREAU ~ WOW!: LIVE AT THE CHILDE HAROLD RESONANCE 2075 (Barcode: 617270123171) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by American Jazz vocalist / songwriter Al JarreauFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1976 at the legendary Washington D.C. venue Childe Harold, in an intimate climate with Jarreau accompanied only by an electric piano trio, which comprised of pianist Tom CanningFind albums by this artist, bassist Ben AtkinFind albums by this artist and drummer Tom DrakeFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, seven of which are original songs by Jarreau and for are his unique interpretations of songs b others, including two Jazz standards and two Pop songs, one each by James TaylorFind albums by this artist and Leon RussellFind albums by this artist. The performance followed the release of his 2nd album “GlowFind albums with this title” and includes material from that album, as well as from the debut album “We Got ByFind albums with this title”. The album is accompanied by an extensive booklet, which interviews and background information, as is usual the case with the ResonanceFind albums on this label label releases. The performance is absolutely sensational and presents perfectly the early period of Jarreau’s early career, when his singing consisted primarily of a unique form of improvised vocalese, which was simply divine. His interpretation of Dave BrubeckFind albums by this artist’s “Take Five”, which is present here, illustrates that technique perfectly and I remember hearing him performing it live, it knocked me out completely. He was also blessed with an incredible sense of humor, which dominated his live concerts. The album also portrays the superb songwriting talent of Jarreau, which often was overlooked in view of his performing strength. This live recording is a beautiful tribute to Jarreau’s legacy and his tragically premature demise robbed the music lovers of his charm and incredible talent. Overall, this is a charming a most valuable document of the early period of Jarreau’s career, with the music performed in an intimate climate and perfectly recorded, for us to enjoy. It is definitely one of the best live albums in his recorded legacy. Not to be missed!

Updated: 18/05/2025Posted: 18/05/2025

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

JIMMY PAGE ~ OUTRIDER GEFFEN 720642418826 (Barcode: 720642418826) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1988 Released: 1988 This is the debut solo album by guitar legend Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist, which raises the question: is there life after Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist? In case of Page a retrospective view at his post-Zep career, including the Zep reunion, would have to be, unfortunately, negative. The album presents nine tracks, eight of which are original compositions by Page and one is a Leon RussellFind albums by this artist song. Page is supported by vocalists John MilesFind albums by this artist, Robert PlantFind albums by this artist (on one track only) and Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist (with his name misspelled repeatedly in the album´s booklet), bassists Tony FranklinFind albums by this artist, Durban LavedreFind albums by this artist and Felix KrishFind albums by this artist and drummers Jason BonhamFind albums by this artist and Barriemore BarlowFind albums by this artist (with his name also misspelled – ridiculous and disrespectful!). Three of the tracks are instrumentals and six feature vocals. The music is a much expected mixture of typical Zep Rock and Blues signatures, all quite ordinary and not especially impressive. There is little solo work by any of the participants, most surprisingly by Plant himself, so any fan looking forward to extensive guitar madness will be deeply disappointed. The only point of relative satisfaction can be found in Farlowe´s vocals, which unfortunately is more than often hated by Rock fans, for reasons that are completely beyond me, as he is in my opinion one of Britain´s most exceptional vocalists, with a superb feel for the Blues. The album made little impact at the time of its release and is today mostly forgotten, which in this case is mostly justified. Of course it has some moments, which are worth spinning the disc occasionally, but no more than that. The fact that Page did not evolve with time and found a proper stage for his extraordinary talents is a true tragedy of sorts, especially in view of the impact his playing made on whole generations of guitar players the world over.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

LEON RUSSELL ~ LIFE JOURNEY UME 602537764716 (Barcode: 602537764716) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2012 Released: 2014 This is an incredibly sad album, being an epitaph of the American iconic Rocker / singer / pianist / songwriter Leon RussellFind albums by this artist, read by the artist himself. Russell´s remarks on the album liner notes are basically a farewell to this world, summing up his life, and the music on this album is also a summary, including (as he puts it) "…pieces of things that I have done and thing I never did…", which is as accurate as music descriptions go. Although not specified on the album´s cover, the music was apparently recorded in 2012, i.e. a couple of years before it was actually released, which under these circumstances is a bit macabre, as if the record label was waiting for Russell to actually cross over to the other side and then capitalize on that; go figure. Russell´s voice and piano playing did not change much over the years and his strength was more as a "behind the scenes" person, which made great thing happening. In retrospect he had a wonderfully diverse career but at the same time he is probably one of the most underappreciated Rock icons in the American history. In fact he was always appreciated more in England than in the US, both in the early days of his career (see his cooperation with Joe CockerFind albums by this artist on "Mad Dogs & EnglishmenFind albums with this title") and at the very end of it (see his recording "The UnionFind albums with this title" with Elton JohnFind albums by this artist). Ironically Russell is an epitome of American music, if ever there was one, and therefore the lack of respect from his own People is ever more painful. The album includes twelve songs, only two of which are Russell´s original compositions. The rest is a bizarre, but somehow wonderfully cohesive collection of American Pop songs, Jazz Standards and other ditties. They are all beautifully arranged, using a simple Rock team and up to a fully scaled Big Band. Russell´s croaky voice sounds simply wonderful and the thought that this might be the last recording he made is simply heartbreaking. But if one has to say goodbye, after over sixty years of musical journey, this is probably as good a way to go, as one can imagine. This is a true soundtrack of his life, as much as mine. Thank you Leon!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend