VIA PRESS RELEASE | Unearthed live music from the late, great English singer and guitarist Alvin Lee has finally been mastered and released: Alvin Lee & Co. Live At The Academy Of Music, New York 1975 is out now on Rainman Records. Famously known for his band Ten Years After’s galvanizing performance of “I’m Going Home” at Woodstock, Alvin Lee left that band in 1973 to pursue his own artistic vision and quickly found success as a solo artist.
Now, for the first time, a January 18, 1975 show recorded at New York City’s Academy Of Music (which would later become the Palladium) has been mastered and properly released. The show was recorded on a (then) state-of-the-art 16-track, but only a few songs were ever heard, via the “King Biscuit Flower Hour.” In 2012, Lee discovered the masters in his personal archives and set out to transfer and professionally mix the concert. Lee passed away in 2013 before the music could be released, but his wife Evi carefully oversaw this project (released October 27).
The result is a collection of jazzy, funky, and mellow performances; 13 selected tracks played by a world-class band made up of talented musicians at their peak with Alvin leading expertly through tasteful guitar work and outstanding vocals. The band included Ian Wallace – drums and Mel Collins – sax & flute (both ex-King Crimson), two former members of Stone The Crows (Ronnie Leahy – keyboards, and Steve Thomson – bass), as well as Brother James – percussion, and backing vocalists Donnie Perkins and Juanita Franklin.
Alvin steps away from the normal fast-fingered blues in exchange for a laid-back vibe – complete with female background singers, congas, saxophone, flute – and a take-it-easy approach to rhythm and groove. Following up on his 1974 release Take Flight, Alvin Lee & Co. took the show on the road in the US and this is an outstanding performance of an unreleased setlist from one of the classic rock greats.
ALVIN LEE & CO. LIVE AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC, NEW YORK 1975 track listing:
Got To Keep Moving
Let’s Get Back
Somebody’s Callin’ Me
All Life’s Trials
Baby Please Don’t Go
Time And Space
There’s A Feeling
Every Blues You’ve Ever Heard
Percy’s Roots
Money Honey
Going Through The Door
I’m Writing You A Letter
Ride My Train
