Group consisting of session musicians, existing between 1970-74 and at that time also working as backing combo for Elton John. This was their debute album as a band and though it didn't sell on release and now has become very rare it's never in high demand and if you happen to find an OK copy don't expect to pay a lot. I don't fully understand why it's not considered more collectible since it has lots of things going for it. Musically diverse mixing jazzy prog with country rock and melodic ballads. Style sounds more American than British, some reminding of contemporary Stephen Stills and Steely Dan (or maybe Steely Dan reminding of Hookfoot as this predated "Can't Buy a Thrill" with about a year). Performance excellent all the way, vocal as well as instrumental, but especially the guitars of which there could have been a lot more (Caleb Quaye once dubbed "the world's best guitar player" by Eric Clapton himself). Mix and audio perfect - big with top separation and a natural feeling. Only downer I can think of is it's almost too well done, elaborated to a point where it becomes impersonal. Perfection can be boring, at least when it comes to rock'n'roll, but this is still good listening. Favorite tracks - the jazz/prog instrumental "Wim-Wom" and the heavy uptempo cover of Stephen Stills' "Bluebird". First US on A&M (SP-4316). 2004 CD on Sunrise Records (40120022) came with two bonus tracks. Premiere UK had label as shown here, thick unflexible vinyl and fully structured fold/out cover.
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