THE ROCKFIELD MIXES PLUS

Clear Air Turbulence' was the second album from the fledgling Ian Gillan Band, the one where Ian made a concerted effort to move away from being just as the singer in a hard rock band. This was the one where jazz and funk made it's way to the forefront ? and it is probably the addition of one Colin Towns who brought this element in with him. But 'CAT' isn't the album I'm reviewing here, or is it? This is the album as it was originally mixed, before Ian decided that he wasn't happy with it and took it back to Kingsway Recorders. Instead of releasing it and going on tour, Ian cancelled the gigs and the album wasn't released until April 1977 ? a different beast to the one now in the player. Somewhat unusually for Angel Air, this is a reissue of one of their own albums, as it originally came out in 1997 but here it contains there extra songs and an interview with Ray Fenwick.

This is an album that is quite experimental in nature, but what is never in doubt is that at this point Ian was still in his prime, with some great vocals and don't be in doubt, there are some fine songs on here. "Money Lender" has a funk and rock style with some great horns and percussion. This outfit was really tight and while it may not be one that Purple fans will readily pick up, this is a strong release. Mind you, the live version of "Smoke" does show that Ray could distort it and crank it up with the best of them. www.angelair.co.uk.

Originally appeared in Feedback #79, June 2004