BOTH HANDS FREE

3.5 stars. Rick Kemp from STEELEYE SPAN was on tour and in Manchester when an ex-musical colleague approached him about seeing this amazing Jazz Rock band, so off they went to the basement of a pub in Manchester where this four piece played every Sunday morning. Rick was so impressed that he asked the band if he could record an album for them. He would Produce it and this is the result from this band called BOTH HANDS FREE. The band had this philosophy about their music that it was simply made for the moment never to be heard again and totally dictated by mood. They even wondered if they should release it after it was finished but Rick convinced them.

There's so much variety on here and for me that's what keeps this at 3 stars and not 4 stars. Just a lot of hits and some misses. That striking cover art along with the opening track called "Space" must have confused a few Psychedelic fans out there. The song is sparse and experimental, unlike anything else on here really. Not very melodic. Some Funk on "City Slickers" and some traditional jazz bits too on this record. The sax player is nothing short of amazing with his different styles of playing and the sounds he produces. The electric piano is really good too. I just feel that while the music might be 4 stars my enjoyment level is not 4 stars. A tough one to rate but in the end 3.5 stars is just right.