A very interesting album that has aged well I think (heck - I bought the album when it came out - I was all of 14). 'Sister Change' is a killer psych funk track - a sound that didn't find its audience until 25 years later. The instrumental title track really is something unexpected. Half of it is smoldering psych fusion ala Mahavishnu John McLaughlin while the second half enters into 60s Les Paul / Grant Green lightly amplified jazz territory. 'All Along the Watchtower' is Marino covering Hendrix's version of the Dylan classic, so a bit superfluous I guess, but still great to hear Frank do it. 'Norwegian Wood' is the throwaway here. It's not a bad cover, but too far removed - and soft - for what makes Marino great (besides, it's only 3 minutes). As for Side 2 - well this is the classic Mahogany Rush side. Absolute killer hard blues rock as only Frank and the boys can do it. Blazing solos throughout. 'Woman' is just phenomenal. And the prototype for the amazing What's Next album.
Mark my words - the rediscovery of Frank Marino will one day happen, a great talent who is sadly way too unknown in these times. I might be 80 when it occurs.... but it will happen.
Ownership: LP: 198? Columbia. Single sleeve. As noted above, I purchased this album real time. Replaced with a CD, but recently reacquired a later pressing at the Rocky Mountain Record Show for all of $5.
CD: 1990 Columbia. Standard jewel case.
1979; 1/7/15 (new entry)
I'm so much with you here, my friend. Frank Marino is probably one of the most criminally underlooked artists. In a world of attributed justice, he should be mega.
ReplyDeleteExactly my friend! It's not if - it's when...
Delete