Tag: free band

Free were one of the trailblazers of the British blues boom towards the end of the sixties, and this was their first album recorded in late ’68 and released in March ’69. What is truly amazing is that they were all teenagers when this was released, Andy Fraser was only 15, Paul Kossoff was 17, and Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke were 18. This album is the only one that was as raw and blues as they would get. After this they became a lot more polished, culminating in the success of Fire And Water which spawned the single Alright Now.

It’s breathtaking how good Paul Kossoff was at such an early age, before the demon drugs took their toll on him leading ultimately to his death. This album is mostly all original compositions, apart from Going Down Slow which has been covered by all the blues heavy hitters. Here the band use the track as an extended jam with Kossoff really losing himself in the tune. It’s Side 2 that really has the band firing on all cylinders with I’m A Mover, and the other cover, The Hunter, which the band would make their own with a great vocal from Rodgers. It’s hard to believe that 52 years have passed since this was released into the world, and how rock has come full circle, as this type of rock has now become fashionable again.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

The band that launched a million other bands, and a style copied by many. Formed in ’68, they burned bright for 5 years and disbanded in ’73. Kossoff went on to form Back Street Crawler, and would die in ’76 due to complications from drug use. Paul Rodgers would go on to form Bad Company with mega stardom. This simple little blues combo was how they started, and this, their third album, was one of the best. Rodgers’ soulful vocals, and Kossoff’s guitar were the trademark of the band, but they also had a killer rhythm section in Andy Fraser and Simon Kirke.

It’s hard to believe this album is over 50 years old, it still sounds so fresh. Opening track, Fire And Water, is a tour de force of the band’s style – a true classic in every sense. Fantastic vocal from Rodgers – a blue print for the blues rock bands that followed. Oh I Wept is a slow blues groove tune, and again lifted by the great guitar playing and vocals. Remember follows and is carbon copy (style-wise) of the previous tune. The absolute awesomeness of Heavy Load closes out Side 1, and it has a superb almost gospel blues feel to it.

The often copied (but not bettered) Mr. Big opens up Side 2. Killer song, killer riff. It’s such a simple song – but what a delivery! Don’t Say You Love Me is next and slows the pace right down. This song is all about the feel – with a stunning vocal from Rodgers. The album closer (and everyone’s favourite) is All Right Now. What can you say about a track this iconic?! This sign of a great tune is that it sounds as good now than when it was recorded 50 years ago. Yet another one for the everyone should own one bin.

10/10 from The Grooveman.