Search - Bakerloo :: Bakerloo

Great Early Blues Rock Rarity

J. E FELL | Carterville, Illinois United States | 08/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bakerloo was formed in 1968 Dave "Clem" Clempson on guitar, piano, and vocals , Keith Baker on drums, & Terry Poole on bass and vocals. The band's lone lp "Bakerloo" was a lost classic of heavy progressive British blues. The music of Bakerloo sounds like a cross between Cream and Mick Abrahams era Jethro Tull sans Ian Anderson's flute. Among the cuts included is a version of Sonny Boy Williamson's "Bring It On Home" which was also covered on Led Zeppelin II. Much of the album is given over to instrumental jamming hence the influence of Cream. This reissue also contains 2 bonus cuts, a non-lp b-side and an alternate take. Songs such as "Gang Bang" and "Son of Moonshine" exhibit the instrumental prowess of the band. Snatches of "Cat's Squirrel" covered by both Cream and Jethro Tull can be heard interpolated throughout the latter song. This lp combines elements of rock, blues and jazz for a hot combination. It is a shame that the group only released one album before Clempson left to join progressive rockers Colosseum. He was later a member of blues rockers Humble Pie and progressive rockers Greenslade. He also unsucessfully auditioned for the vacant lead guitarist position in the Rolling Stones after Mick Taylor quit (eventually filled by Ronnie Wood). It is a tribute to Clempson's versatility, exhibited here in its early form, that he was able to play so many styles of music. Keith Baker also left for greener pastures in Uriah Heep however his stint did not last long. In summary this is a welcome reissue for fans of British blues rock and the unsung Dave "Clem" Clempson."

A half-baked effort

redmax | UK | 06/08/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone heading for London's famous Marquee Club on Oct 18th 1968 was in for a memorable evening, for making only their second U.K. appearance was a new group by the name of Led Zeppelin. Those who turned up early enough would also have caught a support set by a band called Bakerloo, courtesy of Dave "Clem" Clempson, Terry Poole and Keith Baker. Spilling out later into the Soho streets, the punters may well have felt they had seen the future of rock n roll...and its name was not BakerlooFor all their contrasting fortunes, several parallels can be drawn between these two acts: both were rooted in the British blues resurgence of the sixties, both infused their music with a rich variety of other styles, and both were blessed with staggering talent. Unfortunately, though, only Zeppelin appeared capable of writing a decent song. Even when covering an old blues standard like Willie Dixon's "Bring it on Home" they stamped their own identity with Page's classic riffing, whereas Bakerloo seemed satisfied with a far more pedestrian renditionBakerloo's first (and last) album does have its moments, and is certainly no turkey- it's just that there's no real focus in evidence here, and definitely no killer cuts. Like so many "power trios" of their time, the band were clearly influenced by Cream. But there was a significant difference between Cream's onstage and studio work: on vinyl, the extended instrumental workouts were often tethered, and the band's commercial success was in no small part due to their equal skill in crafting concise and memorable singles. Bakerloo, as with many Cream disciples, shunned pop sensibilities in favour of jazz-tinged ramblingsSince its release on the prestigious Harvest label in 1969 this album has been sought after by collectors, although this is arguably due to the subsequent careers of the band members. Your enjoyment of the CD may depend heavily upon your reason for listening. For Colosseum fans checking out the early work of guitarist Clempson it might well prove enjoyable, but Uriah Heep diehards listening as a result of drummer Baker's connection won't find much to get excited about"

Ignore the redmax review! He's an idiot!

K. Chapel | Aurora Co | 11/22/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you like heavy bluesy guitar this is for you!

Comparing this group to Led Zep is not only not fair to Bakerloo it's not fair to the record buying public. Why does heavy rock always have to be compared to Zeppelin?

This music is absolutely enjoyable in every regard.

If it must be compared to another group it has more in common w/ Jeff Beck Group's first two albums."