KEEF HARTLEY/LANCASHIRE HUSTLER SDL 13 (-73) UK

 After releasing six LP:s with Keef Hartley Band he decided to release one as a solo project, then including singers Elkie Brooks and Robert Palmer plus guitarist Pete Gage from Vinegar Joe, which he'd been working with on the album "Rock'n'Roll Gypsies" a year earlier. Also with vocalist Jess Roden from Alan Bown, Jamaican guitarist Junior Kerr and bassist Philip Chen, keybordist Jean Rouselle (session musician who's worked with about everyone from George Harrison to Thin Lizzy), Mick Weaver on hammond and moog (Wynder K. Frog) and guitarist Jim Mullen (Pete Brown & Piblokto and Brian Auger). So a very experienced backing it is. I've seen it got some mixed reviews through the years, some calling it aimless, lacking some of the strength of his earlier albums. This is the first listen for me and I must say I'm positively surprised. A blend of soul, r&b, rock'n'roll and jazz, sometimes with a prog twist and sometimes more towards psych, though always melodic with top vocals. No surprise some reminding of Alan Bown and some of Vinegar Joe, but in all pretty unique. Favorite tracks "Circles" and "Jennies Father". I'm certain this enchants most of KHB:s old fans, but it may also do it for lovers of the involved genres in general. Vinyl issues also in US and Canada (Deram XDES 18070), Mexico, Japan and South Africa. UK 2009 CD on Esoteric Recordings (ECLEC 2102). First UK had label as shown here in a glossy fold/out cover with "blue box" inner.  (DÄRR*) (KÄÄF*)