Bobby Key's self-titled debut is a bit of an odd beast.He's got one of the most
amazing résumés in rock music as a sideman, so it's no surprise that there's quite a
lineup on this album. Appearing are George Harrison, Jack Bruce, Ringo Starr, and
possibly Eric Clapton, amongst many other famous players (proper credits would
have been nice). Horn charts were by Keys' cohort Jim Price (who also played
trumpet and keyboards) and the album was produced by Keys, Jim Gordon, and
Andy Johns. It sounds great on paper, but the sound is more like backing tracks
in search of a song, and only slightly more than a jam session with nice horn charts.
It's not bad, it's just a bit disappointing. The liner notes indicate that the album took
almost a year and suggest that Keys was not entirely into it. He only played live on
one track ("Altar Rock") and it opens and closes as a bit of a proto-smooth jazz snoozer.
Keys was also quick to note that the album was not the beginning of a solo career and
kind of knocks his own playing. Of course, some people are better sidemen than bandleaders, but this was also a time of notorious partying (recording began after
Keys, Price, and Nicky Hopkins wrapped up the Exile on Main St. tour).
That said, the album isn't bad, just a bit on the slight side. The horn charts are great
and there are some nice solos, particularly on guitar on what was once side two
of the album.
If you like the sound of the "Apple Jam" LP from All Things Must Pass (which
also featured many of the players here), you'll probably like Bobby Keys.
(Review by Sean Westergaard)
Tracklist
01. Steal From A King 4:52
02. Smokefoot 3:51
03. Boot-Leg 3:45
04. Altar Rock 4:53
05. Key West 3:54
06. Command Performance 4:11
07. Crispy Duck 3:09
08. Sand & Foam 5:24
Credits
Jack Bruce - Bass
Charlie Freeman - Guitar
Jim Gordon - Drums
George Harrison - Guitar
Nicky Hopkins - Keyboards
Bobby Keys - Saxophone
Corky Laing - Drums
Dave Mason - Guitar
Felix Pappalardi - Bass
Jim Price - Horn, Keyboards
Carl Radle - Bass
Ringo Starr - Drums
John Uribe - Guitar
Mike Utley - Keyboards
Klaus Voormann - Bass
Leslie West - Guitar
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Postagem original by SILVERADO
