US Elektra sampler combining early demos from some well known US groups and artists with recordings from the shortlived UK "Powerhouse" project. I love issues like this - odd mix of artists, some very rare tracks and a peek into beginnings or important periods of superstars to be. Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Tom Rush were the only acts on it who stayed with Elektra, the rest went on to fame with other labels. Here's the first four recordings Loving Spoonful made - lacking the obvious hit feeling of later days, but the signature is already there. The Al Kooper cut made between his participations in "The Blues Project" and "Blood Sweat & Tears" and is good basic piano blues. "Powerhouse" was instigated by US producer Joe Boyd as a help to launch Elektras new London office. The combo consisted of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Paul Jones, Steve Winwood and Pete York. They only recorded four tracks, three of those are on here - all top notch white blues. Ginger Baker was supposed to play drums for the session, but unable to attend the recording. It's a good guess the meeting between Clapton, Bruce and Baker around this venture was one of the reasons for "Cream" taking off shortly after. UK first on Elektra (EKL 4002). Vinyl re-issue on Sundazed (LP-5167), CD on Collectors Choice (CCM 622). Premiere US had ridged glossy label as shown here, thick glossy cover and info insert. (SÄM*)(TXÄW*) (YZÄ*) (ÖXCÅ*) (ÄLCÖ*)
The 5 Butterfield tracks are from the abandoned original sessions from the first album. Good stuff.
SvaraRaderaElektra owner reveals some details how this album came about in his autobiography "Follow the Music". It was on-line in its entirely but seems to have gone off now. A heartily recommended read though, and not just because of the most obvious artists that were on that label.
I've never heard of that autobiography before. Thanks for the tip. For a long time all I played from this was the Powerhouse cuts, excited about the collaboration and knew every note. It was first decades later I started to get into the rest of the album. I really dig the Al Kooper cut now - simple and down to earth with lots of feeling.
SvaraRadera