ONE LIVE BADGER

Badger was a British progressive rock band formed in the early of the 70's with a very short life. They were co- founded by keyboardist Tony Kaye after he left Yes. Tony Kaye did obviously have some problems with finding out what bands he wanted to play with in the early 70's. After leaving Yes when they really started to get the grip, he formed Flash with former Yes' member Peter Banks. Flash released three albums in the 70's, but after just one album, their eponymous debut, Kaye left Flash, obviously unhappy with the result, and then he formed another progressive rock band, Badger. For some strange reason, probably a cheaper way to make an album, Badger chose to record their album with original tracks, live in concert instead of in the studio. The Yes' connection via Tony Kaye is abundantly evident. The album was co-produced by Yes' singer Jon Anderson and as was usual on Yes' albums it has the obligatory Roger Dean art cover.

'One Live Badger' was recorded supporting Yes, another link with Yes, over two nights at the Rainbow, in December 1972. The quartet was exceedingly well rehearsed and played with a functional tightness which only the between songs the applause reveals as live. The drawback is that probably it lacks any of the sparkle some studio magic might have sprinkled. But the most important is that the songs are solid and so-so rather than inspired, and Badger comes across as a competent outfit, but much closer in spirit to blues rock than to the mountains that Yes was moving at that time.

The line up on the album is Brian Parrish (lead vocals and electric guitar), Tony Kaye (keyboards and mellotron), Dave Foster (lead vocals and bass) and Roy Dyke (drums).

On the album, Kaye's flourishes are often striking, and as a fascinating live document, this has a certain charm, really. The material is strong and the band's sound as if they have been playing and writing together for years. As expected, Kaye's signature Hammond organ sound is to the fore on most of the tracks, although the use of other keyboards to add different textures, like the mellotron, the electric piano and the Moog synthesiser, are evident on some tracks too. Guitarist Brian Parrish plays some great solos, although nothing too flash or overburdened with technical virtuosity. The solid and efficient rhythm section are quite prominent in the mix, as one would expect from a live recording, and the sound of Foster's bass is particularly clear and superb and probably that could only be possible on a live recording.

'One Live Badger' can be classified as progressive rock, but not overwhelmingly so. Yes, most of the songs are of an extended length and contain longer instrumental passages, plus Kaye's Hammond is prominently featured throughout. The themes on the album are around two focal points that are quite typical for the time, social issues and spirituality. That said, there is more of a straightforward early 70's rock vibe to be found in Badger. This isn't to imply that it's a bad album by any means. Quite the opposite, 'One Live Badger' is a very entertaining album. It showcases a band that had a lot of promise, which regrettably went unfulfilled. Badger's first and only studio album was released in 1974 with the disappointing 'White Lady'. But, by that time, the band's line up had changed as had their overall musical direction too.

'One Live Badger' opens with 'Wheel Of Fortune', a very energetic track with catchy melody lines and extended solos. It's quite representative for the rest of the album. 'Fountain' impresses with its entertaining instrumental guitar and keyboard solos. It includes some very tasty playing of Moog and synth solos of Kaye. 'Winds Of Change' is probably the most interesting track for a Yes' fan, and definitely the most progressive rock track on the album. It shines through his past on Yes. 'River' is a more basic and rocking track. It also has its progressive instrumental moments and is an infectious rocker. 'The Preacher' borders on blues rock territory. It features some muscular guitar riffs from Parrish and floating atmospheric organ and Mellotron from Kaye. I think 'River' and 'The Preacher' are the least interesting tracks on the album. 'On The Way Home' is one of the best tracks. The first part varies between a heavy riff and a wonderful melodic ballad before the track builds up to a very energetic finale with some Kaye's excellent organ playing.

Conclusion: I wouldn't rank 'One Live Badger' up there with the best of Yes in terms of overall quality, but their debut is nonetheless very good. It's a solid album, beautiful earthy and rocky with pretty jams of organ and guitar. The music is bluesy, partly soulful rock, which is spiced up by elongated guitar and keyboard solos. Prog rok is only available in homeopathic doses, and is then usually contributed by Kaye with his keyboards. What lacked to them was the visionary look ahead. But, they offer solid rock from the safe side. It isn't a classic album by any means, and it loses a few points for the less than perfect sound quality, but it still is a worthwhile addition to any progressive or hard rock collection. Containing great keyboard work from Tony Kaye, ripping guitar work from Brian Parrish, and above average vocals, this is an enjoyable slice of the 70's memorabilia. Plus, having one of the Roger Dean's best covers don't hurt either, really.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

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