Search - Steamhammer :: Mk II

Another good Steamhammer release

bruceski | FLA United States | 05/14/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Steamhammer's second offering featured new drummer Mick Bradley, who added a sense of timing similar to Ginger Baker, and saxaphonist/flutist Steve Joliffe, who brought some jazz touches. The band stretched into new territory on this one and mostly did so successfully. A couple of the arrangements get a bit "busy" ("Johnny Carl Morton" in particular), but the rest of the disk is an excellant blend of blues, jazz and folk. Kieran White's vocals continue to have a warm/earthy feel and his lyrics have a searching troubador quality to them. Guitarist Martin Pugh is excellent throughout and his acoustic/ instrumental gem "Sunset Chase" rivals Steve Howe's "Mood for a Day" and Jimmy Page's "White Summer/Black Mountain Side" in terms of beauty and emotionalism. Other highlights are the extended jam (clocking in at 16:30) "Another Travel Tune," which is a hypnotic reworking of "Louisiana Blues," (and features a strong performance from bassist Steve Davy), "Supposed to be Free" and "Contemporary Chick Con Song." The later two feature the contemplative lyrics of the late Kieran White. The CD release contains four bonus tracks. The best to my ears being the wonderful jazz/blues instrumental hybrid "Blues for Passing People." This one contains all the best elements of Steamhamer: great playing, experimentation and an appreciation for a variety of influences. It starts out jazzy, brooding and slow and progresses into a fine tasteful blues jam without ever being flashy. Mark II is another fine disc from this 70s band that deserved more attention."