OTIS SPANN WITH FLEETWOOD MAC/THE BIGGEST THING SINCE COLOSSUS S 7-63217 (-69) UK

Otis Spann (1930-70) was one of the forces behind the Chicago blues scene, through his career working with artists as Bo Diddley, Howlin' Wolf and Big Mama Thornton and for sixteen years a full time member of Muddy Waters band. His piano play, song writing and style also provided a big inspiration for the white blues genre. After death he was forgotten by the community and his body laid in an unmarked grave for thirty years till blues enthusiasts from all over the world got together and donated for a head stone. This LP became his last studio effort. He met with Fleetwood Mac through the "Blues Jam At Chess" recording, they hit it off and it was decided the group backing him up for an album, although he wanted his friend S.P. Leary on drums so Mick Fleetwood did not attend. The recordings took place in Tempo Sound studios New York, produced by Mike Vernon. Eight of the songs are written by Spann who also provides vocals and piano. Against all that background it may seem unfair the main reason it's sought after today is the Fleetwood Mac participation. I have to admit - till I got the full story I always saw this as a kind of follow up to "Mr. Wonderful". Leary's drumming is a little more relaxed than Mick Fleetwood's and Spann's vocals gives it a darker taint, but the atmosphere and teamplay is there. It is one of the group's best ventures - they give it all they got and Peter Green's guitar works wonders - no doubt inspired by playing with an idol. Early US on Blue Horizon had different front cover carrying a "With Fleetwood Mac" sticker (BH 4802). On CD Columbia Rewind (475972 2). First UK had label as shown here and laminated cover. (FXÄC*) (BLÖH*)