Colorado white blues band founded as "Etheral Zephyr" 1969, today probably most known as an early springboard for guitar hero Tommy Bolin (1951-76). This debut, first released on US ABC:s psych/prog subsidiary Probe, did fairly well at first and became the label's most successful album, managing Billboard #48. But it seems the response today, from former fans as well as professional reviewers, comes more lukewarm - discribed as "an ok blues album" or "likable enough". Maybe that has to do with expectations. First thing I'm hearing is the then uncategorized blend of white blues, hard rock, prog and garage, not uncommon for that period before the genres started to subdivide. A band playing what they like without worrying too much about stamps or sales. Impression is post-produced live in the studio, like softened garage, and the audio is splendid allowing connection. Singer Candy Givens (1947-84) has been repudiated as a Janis Joplin sound-alike, though to my ears she wares it well and once you're over that semblance it works just fine. Band sounds tight, with a very promising 18 y.o. Tommy Bolin at the guitar. Not yet the virtuoso he would turn out to be - e.g. his effort in Billy Cobham's "Spectrum" - but with enough skill to raise this album way above average. Favorite tracks - "Sail On" a blues/prog/hard rock anthem with tempo changes and good guitars, "Cross The River" jazzy prog with amazing guitars and "Huna Buna" where Candy Givens sounds as herself and it's good. UK 1969 on Probe (SBP 1006). Early releases also in Canada, Italy, South America and Downunder. Japan 2015 CD on Wasabi Records (WSBAC-0013) came with four bonus tracks. Premiere US had label as shown here and glossy fold/out cover. (YZÄ*) (FÄV*) (CÖLÖ*)
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