LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Probably the best of all the dozens of albums released by AlexisKorner, the acknowledged grandfather of the '60s British blues andR'n'B scene, over the years.Korner, although neither the greatest musician or vocalist ("can'tplay can't sing" was Mick Jagger's uncharitable comment on hisformer mentor's talents) had an effect on British blues and rock thatprobably was disproportionate to his abilities, as it was his knack ofattracting other more talented contemporaries for which he will bemainly remembered.On this album, recorded live at London's Marquee in 1962 andreleased on Decca's Ace Of Clubs label (ACL 1130) the same year,Korner is joined by Long John Baldry who shares the vocal honourswith Cyril Davies, pianist Keith Scott, future Johnny Dankworthbassist Spike Heatley, drummer Graham Burbridge, former mainstayof Chris Barber's rhythm section, and the ubiquitous Dick Heckstall-Smith, later to team up with John Mayall prior to joining Colosseum,wailing away on sax.The album itself is a raw, unpretentious British take on Americanblues, ranging from the early rural and country blues right throughto the electric Chicago sound of Chess. The album features a blendof originals and covers and ranks amongst the first division of '60sBritish blues recordings. Highly recommendedTrack Listing 1. Gotta Move 2. Rain Is Such A Lonesome Sound 3. I Got My Brand On You 4. Spooky But Nice 5. Keep Your Hands Off 6. I Wanna Put A Tiger In Your Tank 7. I Got My Mojo Working 8. Finkle's Cave 9. Hoochie Koochie 10. Down Town 11. How Long, How Long, Blues 12. I Thought I Heard That Train Whistle Blow