ESTES BROTHERS-TRANSITIONS-

This four piece Hard/Blues/Psych rock act originates from Ohio US and this album is from 1971. A hard beaten album when it comes to the freedom of Music craftmanship and this odd bird is almost an impossible album to find. The rumour has it that only 100 copies where made and that, ladies and gentlemen, is right up my Alley!!

The Estes Brothers comes from a musical family with 7 brothers and 5 sisters and the members passing by during the years has surpassed over 38 …. talk about renewal! 🙂 The album is great mix in both the heavier side of Hard rock but eventually ends up in great bluesjams with a seasoning of Psych effects during faboulus guitarjamming. The production is avarage for the timeperiod but there must be an extra Point for the bass, sounding just Amazing…Good Job!!

Whatabout the drummer, Joe Estes?? Sharing the vocals is Always a hard task and to able to bring the funky stuff in the rhythm department is a bit impressive. This fellow possess both the drive and striking abilities for this outfit. The hitratio and Dynamics are splendid and the technical skills are good. This is a great drummer who will put a smile upon your face, from time to time that is. Impressive !! 🙂

As this album is a true “Holy Grail” we mortal souls have to settle for reissues and CD´s. The reissues aren´t cheap but if you find this Hard/Blues/Psych rock record tickle your kind of choice so, why not? It is not a bad album but there are limitations within the songwriting. There are worse records out there with more famous bands on them.

As the Estes Brothers still continuing to play to this very day, you just have to hail the statement: ” If you keep showing up, we keep on playing” Respect!!! 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

ALBATROSS- ROCKIN´THE SKY-

Take aim at the sky as this outfit, originated from America, delivers on their sole album from 1975. The great mix of Hard/Blues/Southern rock puts these fellows in the same category as Black Oak Arkensas and Molly Hatchet.

Great Music craftmanship lift this poor produced album up several notches. The soundframe are a bit hollow and in some of the songs , the organ seems to disappear. But the vocals together with the guitars are amongs the better for this genre. Some standards in the blues department are a bit saggy but the overall impression is very nice. Good Job!! Great nostalgia… 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Joe Cambell?? The “Jazz” feeling that will hit you is hard to get rid off. This fellow got some very good striking abilities but there are a bit of anxious behaviour when it comes to the drive. The hitratio and Dynamics are solid but nothing to bring back to the table. The impression is that the guitars are Calling the shots. Another producer would drastically change the album input from the drums…To bad…

If you got a thing for American Hard/Blues/souther rock Music this is your companion. Original copies are rare to find at a descent pricetag but there are good reissues on CD and it is Worth an investigation. This album got what it takes in the swinging department. Don´t forget to but a sixpack of brewsters… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-

GUN-GUN-

Before the turning into the seventies, the Music scene in Great Britain was a boiling frontrunner within the progressive/blues/rock scene and this is just what the doctor orders. Gun was the the first attempt by the Gurvitz Brothers in releasing albums and this time with drummer Louis Farell. This their first release from 1968 perhaps will not be reminded as the best out of 1968 but the record reveals some hidden Progressive/Blues/Hard rock gems which has been seasoned with a lot of Contemporary Music influences.

The band experienced a top ten hit with “Race with the devil” but to be honest this album does just bring to many different inputs. The album was release at least five years to early and by that you can say it was way Before its time. The production and soundframe got Everything you need but as I wrote erlier, the arrangements doesn´t do the trick at this timeperiod.

Whatabout the drummer, Louis Farell?? This fellow sure does bring the memories back from when I first Heard Ringo Star. A competent drummer with nice striking abilities, great drive but without the drama and excitement such as Ginger Baker or Keith Moon. The hitratio and Dynamics are all fine but there are a lack of personality which makes this an avarage affair. There are better drummers along with the Gurvitz Brothers further up on the road…

This odd bird in the pond deserves a better recognizion for it´s Progressive/Blues/Hard rock achievment at the time period but there is a chance this is not up your Alley at all. The benefit is the Music craftmanship which is up with the best and some very good songs splattered around this album. This one´s for the searchers and obscure collectors that Think they have Heard it all. Good original pressing is hard to find at a reasonably cost but there are both CD and album reissues to save the day.

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

GLORY-ON THE AIR-

As this outfit, which originated from Michigan US, formed in the late 60´s. One thing is eminent at the very first listen. These fellow´s means business and there are plenty of good stuff on this”live” recording during the radioshow of the underground station of KPRI, released in 1970. The overall impression is a dark and menace album with great vocals and a terrific rhythm section. Hard/blues/funk elements are the straight forward ingredient and if this is the live performance level I´m a bit jelous of those who watch these frontrunners in action back in the day. Lucky bastard´s…… 🙂

I can´t tell who produced this forgotten gem, but there are not much to ask for. The guitars are great sounding with the splendid vocals by Mick Millsa. personal songs together with great cover versions just sets this album on fire. Never Before has the live impression been such a great pleasure to endure..and back in 1970 on top!! Way to go!! Terrific. 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Jack Pinney?? Holy smoke!! This is a like finding a well of water when long lost in the desert.. This fellow just impresses with a faboulus drive and splendid striking abilities. The hit ratio is a bit withdrawn but still present and the technical skills are just impeccible. A true display of great drumming. Both thumbs up and a big smile..Great job!! 🙂

This is one of those albums that was never intended for the major public listener. Originals are impossible to find but there are rare reissues by Rockadelic records who share a faint light down the dark path of this obscure masterpiece. If you ever get a chance to buy this album don´t hesitate. It is a much better option to starve a month….:-)

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-7-VERY GOOD!!-GAME, SET AND MATCH-

GROOTNA-GROOTNA-

This outfit originated from Berkeley California and formed around 1971 with vocalist Anna Rizzo at the front with a good help from both Vic Smith and Allen Chance. This shortlived Creation released their sole album in 1971 and ended their collaboration in 1972.

A plain, nice and terrific mix of west coast Blues/funk/soul/folk rock Music just set the barr at an avarage level in excitement. Manager Bill Graham got his claws in the band and they ended up with a lucrative record deal with Columbia records and the record Company immediatelly draw a couple of singles from the album. Rizzo´s comparison with Janis Joplin is not intentional but it´s there and you can´t help get the feelin´of an itchin´of recognizable sound frame and Music craftmanship. But this album does give more  beat and swing for the Money than the lot out there.

Whatabout the drummer, Gregory Leroy Dewey DaGreaze?? Well this an experienced drummer with the Feeling in the right Place. Cool backbeating with a sweet harmony and great interaction with the rest of the band. The striking abilities are great and the Dynamics are so good. The hit ratio and technical skills is at an avarage level but not bad at all. This is just the balm my soul needs after a hard Days work..Very good job.. 🙂

If you have an itch for west coast Blues/funk/soul/folk rock Music from early 70´s, this album is up with the best from the time period. Great production by Marty Balin just gives it the right edge without to much of punsch. This is something to put in the record Collection. Great copies are out there for less Money so don´t hesitate to long. A beer to go with the album??? No, make that two… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-7-VERY GOOD-GAME, SET AND MATCH!-

BLUES ADDICTS-BLUES ADDICTS-

As a unkown journeyman band from denmark, this album perhaps lack the intensity and consistancy to be knowned as a long lost Classic but this is truly an obscure Diamond in the rough. Released in 1970 this is all in all a private affair with some great fuzzy guitars and great vocals.

The benefit of not giving in to cover versions but stick to original songs must be counted as an extra enefit to this album. The Sharp edge to recognize this album as a proto/hard rock album more towards a blues based rock album is really thin. The superb jams and great rock riff on the guitar will leave an impression on you and perhaps this will put Blues Addicts in the same category as Blue Cheer or maybe even Cream in their most out spaced  out songs.

Whatabout the drummer, Henning Aasbjerg??? This drummer certainly knows how to beat thedrums in a great way. Dynamics and striking abilities are very good. And the drive is there though the poor sound mixing quality reveal some gretness in the hitratio and technical departments. This is a good drummer that has found his Place within the band. A very good job!

And should you get this album? Well if you´re in for the blues and not for this Psych/Hard/Blues rock interpretation this is nothing for you. This is more a a psychadelic form of great jamsessions and Psych form of the blues. But this is a good album so why not give this one  a try if you dig the Jimi Hendrix era of great guitar work and sound experimenting. I dig it.. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

AINIGMA-DILUVIUM-

This four piece outfit originates from germany. At the lower age between 15-17 years with the members, this is quite an achievement. Great organ driven Music with an exceptional naiv production certainlay brings the spotlight on the songs. Of course this is a bit simple in it´s performance and perhaps they should have kept the vocals in their native tounge.  But as Always with talanted Young musicians there are no respect for what is popular at the time and this is also the fresh breath of air.

Not all songs fall through but there are glims of light in this recording. The intro song ” Prejudice” and the ballad ” All things are fading” are true gems in the style of this Prog/Kraut/blues rock record. The album was released in 1973, one year after they formed this outfit, and they survived until 1974 before they self-imploded. The great impression with youth and bringing the elements of Psych/Kraut and hard rock into this early age is impressive but there are as I said not entirely good all together. The organ-nisation is there but how to top this album?? Well they never did and perhaps that is the reason for its greatness nowadays.

Whatabout the drummer, Michael Klüter?? This is a Young, self tought drummer with the main purpose to strike hard. This is common due to the non existing ability to reflect on your own performance with the rest of the band. The striking abilities are ok but the drive and Dynamics are poor and the hit ratio is just not quit there yet. The lack of keeping tempo and time is eminent but if you consider the low age this is not a bad recording. I remember my first demorecording and it sounded horrible…But there are better drummers from this time period and at this level of age too. Good job though but nothing more.

This is one of the most strange and searched for albums in German krautrock history. Due to low distribution it is very hard to find a good original copy but thanks to reissues we don´t have to worry.

This is a must have record if you have any interest in the german Psych/Kraut/blues/hard rock Music scene from this time period. Actually some songs are up at the top with no comparison. I Like this record because of it´s diversity and boldness from these Young guns. This is a terrific record in that sense. Thumbs up!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

SUMMERY-2017-

As this, the first day of the new year, there are Always a Place for a retrospective look back on the year that haved past. As this have been the first full calender year of my blog why not try a summary of what was written.

I do realise that not Everything is the favourite  piece of Music to everybody but then again, the benefit of expanding your mind and perhaps your senses is the biggest reasons I do this. Mainstream Music is one of the greatest inspirations when Words no longer could describe the feelings or maybe the moment you just encountered. There is also the low under radar Music scene that just brings the curiousity to investigate what and where these people and musicians Went and why.

So my gift to you on this lazy, hazy day of recreation is the very best playlist of 2017. Do sign up or just press play and give it a few hours to marinate in your mind and just maybe you´ll be a believer to, that these efforts must not be forgotten. Headphones recommended!! 🙂

Play and enjoy!

PS/ A suggestion is to hit the”random” button for an even bigger mix of Music/ DS.

PETER KAUKONEN-BLACK KANGAROO-

If you put all your nutritious vegetables in your blender, you´ll probably get a more flovoured taste than just eating them one by one. This album is the vinyl concept of the very same thing. A good wholesome mix of Everything and in between. Hard/Blues/Psych/prog rock songs share the space together with softer tunes. A Brilliant mix!!

Peter Kaukonen is the younger brother of Jorma Kaukonen from Jefferson airplane/Hot tuna and is a multitaskin instrumentalist with a mile long collaboration sheet. This is his first solo effort and released in 1972. The production is a top notch story with dynamic bass together with a great drum sound and a perfect harmony with the other instruments. The vocal input is like a sugar coating on top of Everything. This is truly a producer´s wet Dream. Impressive work!! 🙂

Whatabout hte drummers, Shelley Silverman and Joey Convington?? The immediate response would be that there are very Little to seperate these fellows behind the drumkit. The striking abilities are similar and the drive together with a Heavy approach brings this album up several notches and the hit ratio is an impressiva affair. I like what I´m hearing and these fellows got some really good tricks to bring back to the rehearsal room. A big thumbs up!! Very solid work!! 🙂

So is this something to invest in? The answer is no unless you are a fan of Hard/Blues/psych/prog rock Music with a differential songs that really get you nowhere in sense of direction. This is a free falling experience with a recognaciable feeling of Carlos Santana and Jimmy Hendrix. A bit spacey…. But yet, the musical craftmanship is up with the best and the album sound so good that just this might convince you for a tryout. Great copies are out there, both reissues and original so why not give it a try. You certainly will be one of the lonely owners….. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-5-OK!-WORTH EXPLORING-

SLEAZE-SLEAZE-

Reaching down in the bottom of the barrel of mysterious and obscure bands this one´s gotta to have a Place on the list. As Tim Smith later on would earn his fame under the name T.V Smith of the Adverts, this selfreleased album recorded during a two hour set in the studio for the reasonable sum of  £38,88 and only pressed into 50 copies, it is a true rarity! The release year is 1975…just Before the door would burst into punkrock.

The production is plain story but with a distinct sound of proto Punk/Glam/Hard rock. The impressive delivery with no overdubs and great vocals just fits the bill. The songs are strong in a timetypical manor. Nothing strong enough to rock the World but as a sideline in the Commercial ´70s this is really good. Influences of Iggy Pop and David Bowie is unintentional but very charming. This is a great record in that sense with no intention to reach for the hit lists. Impressive work!!

Whatabout the drummer, Dave Heath?? Well as this is pretty much a Demo deLuxe recordig, this fellow is running like a Volvo. Not exciting at all but safe, predictable and just plain “working class hero”. The striking abilities are avarage and the hit ratio together with the Dynamics is just like cheese and ham. Nothing spectacular but it works. If this drummer was a to be a weekday he would end up like a tuesday…:-)

This is a timepiece with strong personality and great songs “out of the mainstream”. There are good reissues for less Money and why not? Give your self a challenge for christmas and spin this album a few times on your turntable. It is Amazing how much more you will discover and especially with a few beers under your waistcoat..:-)

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-