Record Reviews

MILLER ANDERSON ~ BRIGHT CITY MIG 00802 (Barcode: 885513008022) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of the debut album as a leader by British vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist, one of the great unsung heroes of the British Blues-Rock scene, who is still active at the time of writing. After spending three years with the Keef Hartley BandFind albums by this artist as its vocalist / lead guitarist and recording five splendid albums with the band ("HalfbreedFind albums with this title", "The Battle Of North West SixFind albums with this title", "The Time Is NearFind albums with this title", "OverdogFind albums with this title" and "Little Big BandFind albums with this title"), he recorded this album with a dream team of musicians which included Keef Hartley Band keyboardist Peter DinesFind albums by this artist and bassist Gary ThainFind albums by this artist, as well as drummer Eric DillonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Mick WeaverFind albums by this artist, guitarist Neil HubbardFind albums by this artist, vocalist Madeline BellFind albums by this artist and Jazz musicians: flautist Lyn DobsonFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist. The album presented seven original songs, all written and composed by Anderson and was originally released on the cult DeramFind albums on this label label. This reissue adds one bonus track, which is a live version of one of the album´s original songs, recorded almost four decades later. The album presents a stunning collection of songs which cover a diverse spectrum of music that thrived at the time, moving elegantly between Blues-Rock, Folk-Rock, Prog-Rock and Jazz-Rock, emphasizing the lack of stylistic snobbishness and pompousness. These musicians were able to play delicate Folksy ballads, heavy Rock riffs and Jazzy improvisations with the same ease, completely naturally and always with full dedication. No wonder this music sounds so much better than the garbage marketed on the music market today, as it belongs to a completely different universe of musical values. Anderson emerges on this album not only as a great vocalist and guitarist, but also as a superb songwriter. Each of these tunes is a little Rock gem, which lost absolutely nothing of its glamour over time. Sadly Anderson did not make another recording under his own name for almost three decades following the making of this album and returned to active recording career only by the turn of the Millennium. Although not mentioned on the album´s packaging, the original master tapes were probably remastered, as the CD has a great sound quality, faithfully retaining the unique sound of the early 1970s, which of course is absolutely brilliant. This album is an absolute must to connoisseurs of the British Blues-Rock scene in particular and British Rock in general, a great trip down the memory lane and an important glimpse at a point in history, when music simply kicked ass. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 23/04/2016Posted: 23/04/2016

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

JUICY LUCY ~ JUICY LUCY ESOTERIC 2215 (Barcode: 5013929731547) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2010 1st album by the incredible British Prog band Juicy LucyFind albums by this artist, formed around the US lap steel guitar player Glenn CampbellFind albums by this artist, resident in UK at the time. The first lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also vocalist Ray OwenFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Chris MercerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Neil HubbardFind albums by this artist, bassist Keith EllisFind albums by this artist and drummer Pete DobsonFind albums by this artist. Heavily Blues based, the band expanded into Hard Rock, Psychedelia and early Prog, playing mostly original material and superb arrangements of standards. Campbell´s guitar work is simply stunning and miles above anything done at the time. Owen´s throaty vocals are superbly expressive, and all the other band members play incredibly well, turning this album into a timeless masterpiece. In many respects this album encapsulates everything that was great in music by the end of the 1960s: originality, innovation, guts and talent. Over 40 years after I heard this album for the first time it´s still one of my all-time favorites. Essential music for body and soul!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend