Bobby Keys (1972)

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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