Trapeze Rocking Strong
Patrick Smith | Cleveland, Ohio USA | 02/10/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This release is taken from a rare radio broadcast show of Trapeze near the end of their 1975 tour. The band was promoting their self-titled album from the same year. Many fans of Trapeze tend to overlook or dismiss the quality of the band after the departure of Glenn Hughes for Deep Purple in 1973. However a major factor in defining the Trapeze funk-rock sound was Mel Galley and his signature funky guitar riffs. These are plentiful throughout this concert recording. Mel is trading leads with guitarist Dave Kendrick during this show. Dave Holland and bassist Pete Wright make up the rythmn section. Mel also assumes lead vocals following Glenn's departure. While Mel does not have nearly the vocal range that Glenn had, his pinched and strained vocals have a sort of endearing quality about them. Periodically his voice cracks as he reaches for some high notes. But don't let that detract from the sheer enjoyment of this disc. Trapeze was still a viable, hard-rocking band in the year of 1975. Lengthy jamming ensues on classic tracks like Black Cloud,Jury and Way Back To The Bone. Newer material like Back Street Love and Sunny Side of The Street rock in fine fashion as well. The disc does reveal a bit of hiss from the orginial radio broadcast recording, but the quality is surprisingly good considering the source is over 30 years old !!
If you are familiar with Trapeze or even the Deep Purple family and it's various splinter bands, such as Whitesnake, Gillan, ect. you will enjoy this disc. I would recommend highly recommend it. Mel Galley penned the liner notes personally about the show, and the booklet features some great rare photographs from the era as well. Hopefully there are more hidden treasures in the vaults that someday might see the light of day as a proper release."
Superb live set from an overlooked line-up!
Metaljim | Kansas USA | 02/22/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great live set from the much underrated post-Hughes line-up. Performance-wise, this is a superb show. Mel's voice cracks at times, but overall he does a good job tackling songs written for Glenn Hughes' amazing voice. Instrumentally, the band is smoking. Rob Kendrick and Mel Galley's guitars mesh together well, working in unison to give the music a loose, slinky feel. The set-list consists of all the older classics, as well as material from the four piece band's two albums. This release fills a gap between the original line-up's 1972 "Way Back To The Bone" live album and 1981's Dead Armadillo/Live In Texas show.
Sound-wise, it's important to note that this was recorded for radio and the mix is a little dry. However, it's not like there are a ton of officially released Trapeze shows out there. Grab it while you can."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1