Bloozey Fun in1970
J.L. Smith | Detroit | 04/17/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Well I had my reservations since there had been a major shake-up in their line up.A new drummer, bass, guitar and no horns????? Ken Utterback replacing Glenn Schwartz on lead?
An unfounded concern, as Ken more than holds his own, filling those really Big Shoes, he's a soulful player with more than a few licks highly reminiscent of one John Dawson Winter III sans the slide.
Now to the real critical part:
Everyone knows that a proper sound check is crucial especially if you plan on recording & releasing a show.
Well...apparently someone forgot to tell the parties involved because it takes until the 3rd song to get their levels right. This is a shame, as this band was legendary for it's live performances.
Track 1: aptly named Old Slop in "A" (11:20 min.) has a wonderful groove marred by a criminally crappy mix ( someone should have been fired for it). And unfortunately this poor quality carries over into their "big" hit track 2: "Are You Ready?" Charlie's vocals are still way out front, fortunately there is only 6:25 of this to endure.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love live recordings, even marginal ones by recording standards.
The problem here is by the third track someone must have slapped the sound board tech and woke him up. The mix improves dramatically.
Too bad it didn't happen sooner. 'Cause this is a really fine band that ( in this reviewers eyes and ears) fell victim of an indifferent or untalented sound crew.
The rest of this release sparkles, but I almost didn't make it past the first couple of tracks.I imagine the execs at CBS didn't make it past 'em either. Maybe that's why these terrific tracks(well tracks 3 thru 8 anyway) have sat on a shelf for 37 years.
All that said, this is still a real historic gem that tho tarnished is a valuable addition to anyone's collection who lived & loved the live sounds of the late 60's and early 70's.
"
Don't overanalyze it....
Nels D. Peterson | Los Angeles | 04/12/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The liner notes indicate this live date took place while touring after "Are You Ready" was released, but with a revised line-up. No "guitar
glen", who was replaced by a very good Ken Utterback, but it is still a worthwhile purchase. It is a crude, undoctored disc, but very enjoyable, over an hour of great guitar blues-rock. It is a bit over-indulgent at times, but who wasn't at the time(8-'70). Well worth the time and expense!"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1