STAGG

It´s hard to believe that Staggs sole album, recorded in 1974, was shelved and released only in 2018. For listening to it now shows a band that was very professional, with good songs and an interesting sound. Although they are classified as jazz rock, there are more elements in the mix like some psychedelic, krautrock and progressive leanings. Even the vocals are present here and while they´re not exceptional, they are not bad either. The fact that keyboardist Joe Weser uses a Hammond organ instead of the more common Fender Rhodes electric piano in the genre also helps to set them apart.

The production is also very good for the time and the remastering is a work of love. One can only wonder what would have happened if such fine piece of music was released at the time. For the band does deliver a powerful performance: the songwriting is good, vocalist Manfred A. Weisz proves to be an excellent guitarist, handling very well both the rock and jazz parts. Freddy Hohn plays mean sax and flute. The rhythm section is tight and strong. I can´t call Stagg, the album, a classic, but it is far more than a promise and anyone who likes jazz rock, or good music in general, should try to get this one.

It´s a shame they did not have the record out during the early to mid-seventies. It was the height of jazz rock and I am almost sure it would make some impact and would certainly at least opened the door for a follow up. Alas, that was not to be, but at least it was made available in 2018. Like they say, better late than never!

Rating: although I´m not a jazz rock fan, I would personally rate it somewhere between 3,5 and 4 stars.