First official issue of ten cuts earlier appearing on the fifteen track 1966 private press "Sky High" album (Spot JW 551). I'm not familiar with the circumstances behind the premiere private release, but in hindsight it's hard to understand why they couldn't get it out on a major label from the start. Alexis Korner then considered founder of British r&b and Duffy Power had already been involved in a large number of records, solo or as part of constellations. When coupled with prominent musicians Danny Thompson, Terry Cox, Alan Skidmore and Chris Pyne it just had to be good. The result is pure jazz/r&b fusion, going from acoustic blues over soft electric to modern jazz. Some reminds of John Mayall's early work, but steadier and less smooth and some resembles the earlier "Alexis Korner Blues Incorporated" LP (Ace Of Clubs ACL 1187). I get the impression much of it was recorded live in the studio with the advanced saxophone and trombone licks as well as Power's mouth-harp play coming right from the heart. The label is mono, but sleeve says "stereo also playable mono". No doubt the Spot recordings were mono only and they're the ones used here. It is a fake stereo, but not bad at all - most of the time sounding like an enhanced mono and pushing the mono button just narrows it down a bit. Separation is fine and audio enjoyable. Also released in Germany on Karusell (2495002) and Brunswick (2911506) with alternate cover designs. 1994 seventeen track CD on Indigo (IGOCD 2012). First UK issue came with a misprint. Although side one has five tracks only four is listed on label and cover, leaving out the fourth - "Wee Baby Blues" - and listing the fifth - "River's Invitation" as number four. It had matt label as shown here with double ridge around mid-hole and laminated cover.
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