Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Baker Gurvitz Army – Live 1975 (Esoteric Recordings)


 

Baker Gurvitz Army was an amazing power rock band from the 1970s.  Consisting of Cream’s, Ginger Baker, and the Gurvitz brothers who already made their name in Gun, plus Peter Lemer on keyboards, and Mr. Snips on lead vocals.  This was an explosive combination of talent, as it can be heard on this very record.  The recordings come from Reading University, and some supplemental tracks from London’s Victoria Theatre.  Nearly 80 minutes in all, this will rock you hard!

Baker Gurvitz Army was a very dangerous band!  On stage, they appear unpredictable, and are not afraid to jam and improvise.  There is a lot of potential here, and the players feel each other well.  At times, they get funky, and stretch it here and there.  You feel the atmosphere, and the very loose approach the band takes.  Yes, there is some crazy soloing, and drumming, and the bass gets wild too when it needs to. 

Live 1975 is now a living document as to how the rock music was presented nearly 50 years ago.  It was a very special time that will never be repeated.  A lot of lessons were learned since, but the newer bands still struggle trying to top or even get close to that level.  This simple fact makes releases like this amazing.  Live 1975 is a timeless capture of a band firing up on all cylinders!

Mark Kadzielawa

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