BAKERLOO

3.5 stars. A tough one to rate because they were an influential band although short lived with one album to their credit. A power trio playing bluesy rock this was released in 1969 and featured guitarist Clem Clempson who would leave after this album to join COLOSSEUM and eventually he would end up in HUMBLE PIE. The drummer would go on to play on URIAH HEEP's "Salisbury" record. If my copy sounded better I might consider the fourth star just because this was the music I was into when I was in my 20s, that blues based rock where the singer and lead guitarist were everything. CREAM seems to be the standard because they came on the scene so early and also because they were so awesome! So many bands though from the early seventies like FREE, LED ZEPPELIN and on and on played in this style.

I like the jazz references on here too with the walking bass at times and more. They did mix it up a little for sure. What a display of talent though when it comes to the guitarist. He is all over this soloing at will. Funny how the jazz guys were so academic and keeping within themselves, no showing off while the blues guys loved to strut their stuff and had such an attitude. Jazz fusion is where jazz crossed that line in my opinion and why I love that sub genre so much. I always thought BAKERLOO seemed like a silly name before realizing it's the name of a subway line in London. The band originally called themselves the BAKERLOO BLUES LINE before shortening that title.

That opener is a tough one and the one song that on my copy that sounds off. The drums especially. We get that jazz bass here. The most straight up blues tracks are that cover "Bring It On Home" with harmonica and slide guitar along with "This Worried Feeling" which has very bluesy vocals and guitar along with piano. Some guest trumpet on "Drivin' Bachwards" as we get more jazzy moments. "Gang Bang" has a drum solo in it and is quite a heavy track with lots of guitar. Best track by far is that 15 minute closer "Son Of Moonshine", I mean this was my music back in the day and while this record is patchy just to have it for this track back then would have been special. Just a light show when it comes to the guitar.

Even sites that aren't prog call this bluesy progressive. For fans of COLOSSEUM and the like.