After the prog rock band Gun broke up bassist Paul Gurvitz teamed up with old friend Brian Morris (here under alias Brian Parrish) who earlier had played together with him in The Knock (UK beat band issuing six 45;s between 1965-67) and recorded this one-off LP. Supported by drummer Mike Kellie (Spooky Tooth), bassist Ricky Wills (Peter Frampton, Roxy Music, Small Faces) and organist Micky Gallagher (Animals, Clash). Recorded at Air Studios, London, produced and arranged by George Martin. With the P & G beat and rock background in mind one would expect this to be rather up-beat and blustery, but instead it's surprisingly soft and melodic. Though there are a couple of rocking moments - as in "It's A Shame" and "Loving You" - most of it comes like some kind of prog pop. Elegantly done with lots of things going on under the seemingly smooth surface, making it sweet to the ears and strangely alluring at the same time. All tracks self-penned and style sometimes slightly reminding of Crosby, Stills and Nash, though with a more British idiom. To my taste a very good album, offering both direct connection and opportunity to explore. Favorite tracks - "It's A Shame", "Why" and "Loving You". 1971 vinyl issues over Europe, Downunder and South Africa. US and Canadian 1972 on Decca (DL 75336). Japan 2016 CD in paper sleeve on Vivid Sound (VSCD 5654). This UK was also issued on black/silver label, which by some is claimed to be first. But as this red label copy has the first A-1/B-1 matrixes with the initial 1G/1G mother stampers it has to be one of the very first copies pressed. It came in a structured fold/out cover with lyrics and pics inside. (RÄZ*)
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