Pig Iron “Pig Iron” 1970 US Psych Jazz Blues Rock

Pig Iron “Pig Iron” 1970 US Psych Jazz Blues Rock

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The only self-titled album from New York. A highly professional and talented team, unfairly pushed into oblivion. Headed “Pig Iron” was drummer Alan Abrahams. He was also lead vocalist and main songwriter and musical director of the group. 
In 1970, “Pig Iron” recorded an album which was well received by critics, but somehow went bad on sale. 
Firm and publisher, as usual, did not renew the contract, and by 1971 the band broke up. Alan Abrahams went on to become a professional producer, worked at RCA, Capitol and Columbia Records, recorded by Miles Davis, BB King and many others … As for the fate of the other musicians: keyboardist-trumpeter Adam Ippolito and bassist Gary Van Scyoc trumpeter joined a group of “Plastic Ono Band”, when John Lennon finally settled in New York. Saxophonist Marty Fogel made ??a career in a group of Lou Reed. Unknown only to the further fate of no less talented members “Pig Iron”: guitarist Bill Peters and leading trumpeter Paul Squire. 
Album “Pig Iron” is half of foreign things, half of your own original material written by Alan Abrahams co-authored with his colleagues, not the band. The group is very different from whales jazz-rock “Chicago” and “Blood, Sweat & Tears” by the fact that they play a more hard rock, heavily involved on the blues and rhythm and blues. This blues-rock with the active participation of the wind instruments. The album cover used the same technique of “introduction”, and that on the cover of “Led Zeppelin II”, but here the band “Pig Iron” infiltrated “the picture, taken from the collection of the museum railway” Union Pacific. “In the photo was captured historical time of the merger of two "crutches” construction of this important route to the United States, will connect the central states to the Pacific coast. band’s name, though it is in the word “Pig”, has nothing to do with pigs, but refers to the steel industry. “Pig Iron” (if literally - “pig iron”) means “pig iron” - the first pig iron smelting, intended for conversion into steel. pity that this short-term “pig iron” is not brought to a durable steel …~

Αυτό είναι το μοναδικό album που κυκλοφόρησαν εν έτη 1970, οι Hard Rockers Pig Iron από την New York (USA). Τα μέλη της μπάντας, Van Scyoc και Adam Ippolito θα συμμετάσχουν αργότερα στο σχήμα Elephant’s Memory και ο Marty Fogel αργότερα θα εμφανίζετε με το σχήμα του Lou Reed. 
Ένα μεγάλο Hard Rock LP με πολλά στοιχεία από Blues και Jazz Rock, δυστυχώς ένα album που έχει σε μεγάλο βαθμό αγνοηθεί, λίγοι έως ελάχιστοι το γνωρίζουν και σίγουρα αξίζει την προσοχή σας, αν ακούτε όμως Heavy Metal με τη στενή έννοια του όρου τότε αυτό το LP, πολύ απλά δεν είναι για εσάς. 
Το album αυτό από τους Pig Iron προσφέρει ένα μπρούτζινο Hard Rock ήχο στο στυλ των Chicago και των Blood, Sweat & Tears. Η μπάντα περιόδευσε στην Αμερική παίζοντας σε μεγάλα υπαίθρια φεστιβάλ, όπου headliners ήταν οι Rascals, οι Blodwyn Pig, ο Bob Seger και οι Chicago, αλλά αυτό δεν κράτησε πολύ και Pig Iron δυστυχώς διαλύθηκαν το 1971. 
Ο ταλαντούχος τραγουδιστής Alan Abrahams κάνει αργότερα επιτυχία και εκτενή καριέρα με τους Pure Prairie League, την Joan Baez και τον David Cassidy μεταξύ άλλων. 
Ο πληκτράς Adam Ippolito και ο μπασίστας Gary Van Scyoc θα ενταχθούν στους Elephant’s Memory τη μπάντα των John Lennon και Yoko Ono, ένα σχήμα που ήταν για το δικό τους προσωπικό μουσικό όραμα. Τελευταίος αλλά όχι λιγότερο σημαντικός, ο σαξοφωνίστας Marty Vogel είχε μια καριέρα στην μπάντα του Lou Reed, ενώ η μετέπειτα τύχη του κιθαρίστα Bill Peters και του τρομπετίστα Paul Squire, είναι ένα μυστήριο αφού κανείς δεν γνωρίζει τι έκαναν και που πήγαν. 
Ο δίσκος των Pig Iron είχε πολλά θετικά στοιχεία γι’ αυτούς που αρέσκονται στο καλό ’70s Hard και Blues Rock, εξαιρετική μουσικότητα ενώ σε όλο το δίσκο και μια ικανότητα για έξυπνες, ωραίες συνθέσεις. 
Η διασκευή στο τραγούδι του Screamin’ Jay Hawkins “I Put A Spell On You” είναι απολύτως μοναδική και ευχάριστη ένα μείγμα Blues με Hard Rock στοιχεία, είναι καλύτερη από το πρωτότυπο (κατά τη γνώμη μου) και οποιαδήποτε άλλη διασκευή έχετε ακούσει. Το ‘’I Can’t Make It Alone'’ είναι ένα άλλο αγαπημένο τραγούδι με μια μελωδία που ακόμα ηχεί φρέσκο και πρωτότυπο μετά από σχεδόν 45 χρόνια. Η δεύτερη πλευρά του δίσκου έχει περισσότερες μουσικές απολαύσεις, το ευχάριστο “Easy Time Now”, το “Abe’s Blues” με πολλά gospel στοιχεία και το “Top Of The World” το οποίο δεν είναι τίποτα λιγότερο από μια εκπληκτική Hard Rock και Jazzy σύνθεση. Ένας δίσκος που δεν θέλει κόπο για να ακουστεί αλλά ευχάριστη διάθεση και τρόπο….Αντώνης Δριβελόπουλος -….~

Credits 
Bass [Fender], Trumpet [3rd], Vocals – Gary Van Scyoc 
Lead Guitar, Vocals – Bill Peters (2) 
Saxophone – Marty Fogel 
Trumpet, Brass [Misc] – Paul Squire 
Vocals [Lead], Drums – Alan Abrahams (2) 
Vocals, Keyboards, Trumpet [2nd] – Adam Ippolito

Tracklist 
A1 People Gonna Talk 3:01 
A2 I Put A Spell On You 4:45 
A3 Neighbor, Neighbor 2:48 
A4 I Can’t Make It Alone 4:58 
B1 Easy Time Now 3:18 
B2 Abe’s Blues 5:20 
B3 Wake Up Mr. Charlie 2:49 
B4 Out Of Town 1:34 
B5 Top Of The World 2:43 

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Born Again “Born Again Pagan” 2011 (Recorded in 1969-1972) US Heavy Psych Blues Rock

Born Again “Born Again Pagan” 2011 (Recorded in 1969-1972) US Heavy Psych Blues Rock

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The group was formed in Marin County (Northern California) under the name “Red Mountain”. They went to Los Angeles in the hope of finding success there and glory. Local producer Roger Dollarhide took the guys under his wing and recorded with them several tracks in late 1969 and early 70s in “Sun West Studios” in Hollywood, which first appeared on the album “Born Again Pagan” in 2002. In addition, guitarist Larry Otis participated in the recording of the soundtrack for the film “The Velvet Vampire”, and these entries were also included in the collection. In 2005, it was reissued by the Shadoks Music company with the addition of seven bonus tracks….~

This release is primarily a mix of heavy blues/psych hard rock, with fuzz guitar, and some more conventional country rock and blues rock with psych influences, harmonica, and guitar. The major portion of this album (and best part, to my ears) was recorded between 1969~72. Five of the seven bonus tracks were recorded between 1999~2004 and are, for the most part, off the pace of the earlier tracks. Still, two of them: “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Milk & Honey”, are good. Of the other two, the alt. mix of “Sandcastle” is also good, but not so much as the released version. But it’s the ‘69~'72 stuff that really hits the spot, particularly “Boiling Point”, “Barnyard Blues”, “No Good reason”, and “Sandcastle”, all of which are superb. Also included is a nice 4 page booklet with lots of band history and some pics - unusual for a Shadoks release. But if your thinking about this for the bonus mat'l, you could do worse things with your money, but better things too….by…tymeshifter ….~

This once elusive CD, pressed in very finite units as it were, was a surprise for me to find at a reasonable price. As expected, and as described by the seller, this release by Pagan does not disappoint. That precious era of 1969-71, psych fading to progressive heavy rock, is represented here in their 1970-71 recording of this album. There may be one or two lesser tracks on the disc, but it is 90% heavy-blues psych, a satisfying mix of the two with plenty of fuzzy bass and guitar, similar to Blueberry Pancake (heavy fuzz-bass). Don’t hesitate to buy this gem, and recommend it to all collectors you know of the specified era….~

It seems to confuse, Born Again is the band name and Pagan (Born Again Pagan) is the album title. 7 bonus tracks were added to the analog board (released in 2002) from Rockadelic by the unexploded sound source of 69 to 70 years and it was made into a CD. 
Basically it is a heavyweight with keynote blues, but it can be said that it was a band that had a wealth of talent with a wide range of expressive power, from acoustic psychedelic tone to high acid value instincts, Marine County in California). There are vocals and guitars, and the songs themselves are glossy and sexy, so you can feel the majestic style. Especially Larry Otis’ expressive guitar work looks like Paul Kozov was improved….~

Personnel: 
Brice Sullivan — vocals, harmonica, keyboards 
Larry Otis — guitar 
Steve Avery — guitar 
Stuart Ramsay — bass 
Rod Moxie — bass, guitar 
Lloyd Wick — drums

Tracklist 
A1 Barnyard Blues
A2 Radio X
A3 No Good Reason
A4a Boiling Point
A4b Three Pipers
A5 Laurie Waltzing
B1 Sand Castle
B2 Good Blues
B3 She’s Gone
B4 Comin’ Back Strong
B5 Lie Me Down 

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Terry Brooks & Strange “Rock The World” Live 1980 US Hard Rock,Heavy Psych

Terry Brooks & Strange “Rock The World” Live 1980 US Hard Rock,Heavy Psych 

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What a blistering “live” album Rock the World is and what an apt title. The lead guitar blazes away from one tune to the next. I guess this long play was recorded during a concert in 1980. I think I would have enjoyed that concert very much. 
I love a good recording of a good band in concert and this is a good recording of a good band in concert. Air guitar enthusiast should get off on this release….by…rod45 …~

0hmygoshohmygoshOHMYGOSH…. You don’t know my surprise ultimate delight, when an unexpected package containing this arrived here at KOTJ Central (just as I was wrappin’ up the log!) from The Man himself … I tell ya, my brothers & sisters in rock, it was a joyous occasion … my rock & roll hear started dancin’ doubletime & all but cartwheeled across my jam pad … i had all but given up on ever seeing this stuff I used (after hearing “teasers” from this gig ished on various hard-to-find records in the ‘80s, I’d urged Terry on more than 1 occasion over the past 14 years to get this out-OUT-OUT so that the world could dig these supremely awesome, with sounds & experience The Jammeister live) … it’s a brand-new-issue 2LP live set recorded in Florida in '8O when Terry was at or near his peak as an Almighty Riffmeister. Trace the timeline yourself from his records listed here, by Criteria (AWESOME ballsy, heavy guit sound, the best of all his records!) on a night when Our Hero was hittin’ on all cylinders. If you’ve heard the live cuts on the “No Exit” & “Blastin’ Thru” comps. & the “Mr. Strange” 12", then you KNOW what the hubbub is about, as all of that material is included here–PLUS another 5 cuts/30:00+ unished 'til now (incl. song never even ished as a studio cut). In all, 9 cuts/77:00 (figure out the Jam Quotient fer yourself!) Title cut= killer, intense, smokin’ 14:00 guit-led instro; awesome 17: 00 (!) “You Will Be Loved”; extended versions of “Mr. Strange”, “Bottom Line”, & “Child Of The City” … Not one of those live LPs consisting of carbon copies of the studio versions; Terry takes these tunes to another level, w/extended versions & mucho jammin’. If I were limited to one descriptive phrase (I know, I know–it’s kinda late fer that, at this point!) But, that’s cuz the excitement level on the my jamroom’s rockometer just got pushed outta the red zone & into the neighbor’s yard!! Then it would be: “Jammin’ his brains out” …he jams almost non-stop like A Man Possessed … fingers flyin’ up & down the frets, coverin’ more ground than a fat man’s shirttails… rippin’ out incredible licks … playing as if there were no tomorrow … as though he thought this would be his last-ever gig on Earth & he thought he could ignite the world with his passion before the power within him explode & propelled him into the galaxies … the antithesis of clueless guitar wankers w/ their “pigsqueal” licks who’re fulla “technique” but whose cookbook pages are blank when it comes to combining fire, power, & passion into the awesome majestic technique that is hardrock at its best. It’s beasts like this that separate the contenders from the pretenders in the hardrock sweepstakes. If I was allowed to buy 1–& only l–record this year, then this baby Just might be it….~

The 2-LP Rock The World set, released by Akarma Records in 1998, documents a 1980 concert in Orlando, Florida that was made up of songs from Terry’s 1980s and onward albums. Take the descriptions I gave about the live tracks on the Rock Force CD and know that that is precisely what this ENTIRE set is about. I have to believe audiences at these shows were left drained, catatonic, and wholly, blissfully satisfied. The album is available for digital download, but vinyl junkies should try to track down a copy because it comes housed in a beautiful gatefold, with thick-as-a-brick colored vinyl (one red and one lime green), and a poster…..~

This is the first release of this ultra rare live material from Terry Brooks and Strange. You get two high quality LPs, which are green and red, a 50 x 70 poster, and colored pictures of Brooks performing inside the gatefold sleeves. 
Brooks reminded me of Ian Hunter with his corkscrew hair and shades in place. He plays one mean guitar on “Rock The World,” which was recorded live in Orlando, Florida in 1980. You will get a real good taste of what he sounded like on the four sides offered here. The one drawback was his overuse of the echo on his voice. On just about every song, he used that effect and I cannot figure out why because he proves what a great rock voice he has towards the end of the recording on “Dream” and “New York Connection,” minus all of the big sounding effects. I guess you can attribute it to the overkill factor and his efforts to make an impression on his audience, which he succeeds in doing regardless. 
He appreciated Hendrix and emulates his hero on many occasions during the course of the concert. The inner sleeve of the LPs has a quote from the great one as well. If you have always appreciated guitar pyrotechnics and psychedelic blues tinged rock you will have a good time spinning these platters….~


Credits 
Bass – Donnie Cappetta 
Drums – Mark Bishop (4) 
Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals, Written By – Terry Brooks

Tracklist 
1 Mr. Strange 7:57 
2 Child Of The City 8:11 
3 You Will Be Love 17:35 
4 Rock The World 13:49 
5 Down And Dirty Blues 7:21 
6 Rock And Roll Woman 5:51 
7 Bottom Line 7:02 
8 Dream 4:53 
9 New York Connection 4:39 

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