AHEAD RINGS OUT

3.5 stars. This is the band that guitarist Mick Abrahams formed after leaving JETHRO TULL because of musical differences with Ian Anderson. That divorce happened after TULL's debut "This Was", and "Ahead Rings Out" was released in 1969. An album of blues rock tracks along with some folk and jazz too. Jack Lancaster adds a lot here with flute, sax and violin.

This record gets off to a bad start with "It's Only Love" a shot at a single? A boogie woogie, uptempo blues track, and my least favourite song on the album. Next is "Dear Jill" a slow bluesy piece which isn't my thing but then "Sing Me A Song" saves side one from being below average. This is more powerful with sax and vocals standing out. Side one ends with "The Modern Alchemist" a jazzy track and a hint at what their second record would sound like.

Side two is much better starting with "Up And Coming" which if not for that repeated theme of stuttering like guitar and more, it would be outstanding. "Leave It With Me" is a good rocking tune with that blues flavour, then we get two tracks that are average before ending with the bluesy "Ain't Ya Coming Home, Babe?" trying to be American I guess, but hey this is blues. Love the extended instrumental section with sax first then guitar, so good!

In related news I just read an interview with Geddy Lee who said "Thick As A Brick" was his favourite album. He saw them in Toronto at some time in the 70's and was blown away with Anderson's stage persona and sonically with "Thick As A Brick". Mick Abrahams would not come close to the success of his former band, but he did it his way, playing the style of music he was into. "Ahead Rings Out" is well worth checking out.