BABE RUTH
''GRAND SLAM: THE BEST OF BABE RUTH''
1974
76:09
1 Wells Fargo 06:11
2 The Mexican 03:25
3 For A Few Dollars More 02:16
4 Joker 07:31
5 Dancer 05:55
6 The Duchess Of Orleans 04:58
7 If Heaven's On Beauty's Side 03:42
8 Lady 03:31
9 Doctor Love 03:00
10 Gimme Some Leg 05:55
11 Jack O'Lantern 03:19
12 Amar Caballero (Sin Ton Nit Son 08:39
13 Broken Cloud 03:52
14 Fistful Of Dollars 02:37
15 Black Dog 07:53
16 We Are Holding On 03:19
REVIEW
by Mike DeGagne
Grand Slam is a worthwhile compilation made up of tracks from Babe Ruth's first three albums, which represent the band's best material. All the tunes on this hits package showcase Babe Ruth's energetic, hard-rockin' progressive style, with a dynamic tinge of free-flowing jazz fusion that evolves from Steve Gregory's tenor sax and flute playing. The set takes seven tracks from 1974's Amar Caballero album, five from their debut, and four from 1975's self-titled album, spotlighting Janita Hahn's burly but emphatic vocals. Even though Alan Shacklock's Mellotron and Hammond organ give the music a certain progressive flair, it's actually the commingling of the guitars and percussion work that gives the bulk of the songs their edginess and rock depth. Cuts such as "The Mexican," "Doctor Love," and "Broken Cloud" are some of the band's sharpest, while the flitting and wavering of the trumpet, flügelhorn, and even the violin add some appreciated brilliance to some of the heavier pieces. The tracks from the Babe Ruth album, especially "Jack O'Lantern" and "Fistful of Dollars," show a casual drift toward a rockier future, which was confirmed on later (and weaker) releases like Stealin' Home and Kids Stuff from the mid-'70s. Although First Base makes for a solid listen, Grand Slam is the most opportune route to experience the best part of Babe Ruth's jazz-infused rock at one sitting.
BIOGRAPHY
By Jason Ankeny
Progressive rock unit Babe Ruth was formed in Hertfordshire, England in 1971 by singer Janita "Jenny" Haan, guitarist Alan Shacklock (whose surname lent the group their original moniker), and bassist Dave Hewitt. Pianist Dave Punshon and drummer Dick Powell joined the lineup prior to the 1971 release of Babe Ruth's debut single, "Elusive"; the 1972 LP, First Base -- which credited the explosive Haan with "vocal power" -- generated the group's best-known song, the Shacklock-penned "Wells Fargo," and despite limited interest at home, the album earned a following on North American shores, going gold in Canada. Drummer Ed Spevock replaced Powell for the follow-up, 1973's Amar Caballero, while ex-Wild Turkey keyboardist Steve Gurl assumed Punshon's duties for Babe Ruth's self-titled third effort; the most pivotal blow, however, was the subsequent exit of Shacklock, with another Wild Turkey alum, guitarist Bernie Marsden, signing on for 1975's Stealin' Home. Though the album seemed poised to finally push the group into the British mainstream, Haan and Hewitt both resigned; singer Ellie Hope and bassist Ray Knott were tapped for 1976's Kid's Stuff, but without a single founding member remaining in the lineup, Babe Ruth disbanded months later. Marsden eventually resurfaced in Whitesnake.
BABE RUTH BAND HISTORY
1963
Alan Shacklock (lead guitar) forms The Juniors (UK) with:
Mick Taylor (rhythm guitar) and later of John Mayalls Bluesbreakers and The Rolling Stones, the late John Glascock (Bass) later of The Gods, Chicken Shack, Carmen and Jethro Tull. Brian Glascock (drummer), John's elder brother, later of The Gods and The Motels with Martha Davis.
1964
The Juniors record one single for EMI'S Parlaphone label, Perform @ NME Jazz Poll winners concert 1964 Wembley. UK with Manfred Mann hosted by Sir Jimmy Saville and appear on BBC TV 'Teenbeat' with Hermans Hermits.
1967-8
Shacklock supercedes Albert Lee as guitarist to Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds with keyboardist Peter Robinson later of Quatermass and Phil Collins, Brand -X and drummer Carl Palmer later of ELP (replaced by John Bonham later of Led Zeppelin) .
Farlowe records single ' Paint it Black ' (Immediate Records) produced by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards.
1971
Shacklock graduates from London's Royal Academy of Music and forms the band named, 'Shacklock' with:
David Hewit (Bass) formerly Creed & Dr K's Blues Band, later of Georgia Satelites, Jenny Haan's Lion. Played with Humble Pie before the demise of the great late Steve Marriott, Whitford St. Holmes, (Brad Whitford of Aerosmith & Derek St Holmes of Ted Nugent)
Dave Punshon on Piano (Jazz pianist , Composer Flute and Harp Concerto, Chamber and Orchestral pieces,Computer Games)
Dick PowellI (drums). Roger Dean (Artist for Yes etc) introduces Shacklock to Nick Mobbs VP of A&R to EMI Harvest label who catches 'Shacklock' ( the band) performing @ London's Marquee Club and signs the band to the EMI Harvest record label.
Shacklock (the band) then recruits Janita Haan (vocalist). Haan appears on Be Bop Deluxe , Strider, Waterboys ' Pogues, Jenny Haan's Lion known for their BASF recording of ' Forgotten Dreams' ( written by Haan awarded 'commercial of the year ' ), Fuoco with engineer/producer Paul Cobbold (Clash, Waterboys, Clanaad) Jellybean Benitez version of the 'Mexican' (reached #1 on Billboard dance chart), producing with Paul Cobbold ' Matty Groves' for the Laurie Engel Fund for Teenage Cancer.
1972
Shacklock are renamed 'Babe Ruth' after the US Baseball Legend. Rupert Perry (Chairman) EMI/CAPITOL Records signs BR for the USA. First Base - BR'S First album. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios by Tony Clark (The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney,Sky, Sir Cliff Richard, Cockney Rebel) produced by Shacklock and Mobbs. Roger Dean commissioned for sleeve artwork.
1973
BR join the Harvestmobile UK tour, with Spontaneous Combustion, Elo, Roy Wood's Wizzard, Kevin Ayres, Roy Harper & The Edgar Broughton Band.
Ed Spevock (drums & Percussion) joins BR replacing Powell. Spevock formerly of 'AMBOY DUKES' (UK) 'FLARE' with Max Middleton, Clive Chaman) 'Salt & Pepper' (with Junior Hansen of Bob Marley and the Wailers) 'Piblokto (with Pete Brown of Cream fame) 'Bond & Brown' (with Graham Bond and Pete Brown). Later writer of 'Elusive' New York club Hit for Babe Ruth.
BR appear on BBC2's 'Old Grey Whistle Test' with ' whispering ' Bob Harris
BR Shacklock, Haan, Punshon, Hewitt and Spevock survive a near fatal car crash on UK's ' M1 ' Motorway coming home from a Liverpool Uni gig.
Chris Holmes (keyboards) formerly of 'Time Box' (formed in 1966, Southport, Lancashire, split in 1969: Mike Patto vocals, John Halsey drums, Clive Griffiths bass, Ollie Halsall guitar) replaces Punshon.
Amar Caballero Harvest EMI records Babe Ruth'S second album recorded @ Abbey Road Studios by Clark, produced by Shacklock.
First USA Tour Landed in Toronto. Passed through Niagara Falls and down onto Buffalo. First date Milwaukee. Alan electrocuted on stage but thankfully okay. Texas, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio opening for 3 Dog Night. BR explore 'The Alamo'.
LA Whiskey a go go opening for Iggy Pop. Hotel on the Sunset Strip with Bands Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck. BR open for The Who at London's 'Sundown' Edmonton
1974
First Base is certified 'Gold' in Canada.
BR appear again on BBC2's Old Grey Whistle Test with 'whispering' Bob Harris
BR are banned from the BBC by producer Bernie Andrews whilst recording the John Peel Show.
Summer Festivals USA
Sedalia with Aerosmith, Elvin Bishop, Tower of Power, Ted Nugent
Oklahoma with Beach Boys, Leon Russell,
Milwaukee double headlined with ZZ Top
Headlining @ Place DE nation Montreal Canada, Quebec Hilton, Ottawa Civic Center.
BR also toured in Europe with Uriah Heep in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.
Returned to England and 'In Concert' with Queen
Steve Gurl supersedes Chris Holmes on keyboards
BR the bands 3rd album recorded @ Lansdowne Studios London. Recorded by Ashley Howe, produced by Steve Rowlands
1975
BR's ban liftted from BBC
Winter USA Tour
Flew to Canada to receive Gold Leaf Award for outstanding sales of First Base
Full length video is shot 'Garden of the Stars' in honour of Babe Ruth. in concert with Humble Pie, Roxy Music, Robin Trower, the West coast leg Peter Frampton (Frampton Comes Alive) tour. Steve Miller Band in Detroit, Roy Buchanan in Portland Oregon, Humble Pie open for BR in Dayton Ohio
Manfred Mann open for BR in Ottawa Civic Center
Roxy Music open for BR in Milwaukee
2002
Invited by DJ Hooch BR (Spevock, Haan, Punshon, Hewitt and Shacklock) perform 'The Mexican' @ London's Brixton Academy for the BBoy Championships Finale.
Punshon rejoins BR on their 30th Anniv.
A new BR studio album 'Que Pasa' in production with Punshon, Haan, Shacklock, Spevock and Hewitt celebrating 30 yrs of BR. Included is a new version of the 'Mexican Millennium'
2006
New album 'Que Pasa' completed for release.
Sony Playstation honour BR by including the 'Mexican Millennium' for their new game release 'BBoy'
B-Boy wins Best Music Game for PSP and runner up Best Music Game for PS2 at
E3 computer game trade fair in USABBoy Soundtrack including ' Mexican Millennium' nominated for BAFTA Award.
OFFICIAL SITE
OTHER SITE
''GRAND SLAM: THE BEST OF BABE RUTH''
1974
76:09
1 Wells Fargo 06:11
2 The Mexican 03:25
3 For A Few Dollars More 02:16
4 Joker 07:31
5 Dancer 05:55
6 The Duchess Of Orleans 04:58
7 If Heaven's On Beauty's Side 03:42
8 Lady 03:31
9 Doctor Love 03:00
10 Gimme Some Leg 05:55
11 Jack O'Lantern 03:19
12 Amar Caballero (Sin Ton Nit Son 08:39
13 Broken Cloud 03:52
14 Fistful Of Dollars 02:37
15 Black Dog 07:53
16 We Are Holding On 03:19
REVIEW
by Mike DeGagne
Grand Slam is a worthwhile compilation made up of tracks from Babe Ruth's first three albums, which represent the band's best material. All the tunes on this hits package showcase Babe Ruth's energetic, hard-rockin' progressive style, with a dynamic tinge of free-flowing jazz fusion that evolves from Steve Gregory's tenor sax and flute playing. The set takes seven tracks from 1974's Amar Caballero album, five from their debut, and four from 1975's self-titled album, spotlighting Janita Hahn's burly but emphatic vocals. Even though Alan Shacklock's Mellotron and Hammond organ give the music a certain progressive flair, it's actually the commingling of the guitars and percussion work that gives the bulk of the songs their edginess and rock depth. Cuts such as "The Mexican," "Doctor Love," and "Broken Cloud" are some of the band's sharpest, while the flitting and wavering of the trumpet, flügelhorn, and even the violin add some appreciated brilliance to some of the heavier pieces. The tracks from the Babe Ruth album, especially "Jack O'Lantern" and "Fistful of Dollars," show a casual drift toward a rockier future, which was confirmed on later (and weaker) releases like Stealin' Home and Kids Stuff from the mid-'70s. Although First Base makes for a solid listen, Grand Slam is the most opportune route to experience the best part of Babe Ruth's jazz-infused rock at one sitting.
BIOGRAPHY
By Jason Ankeny
Progressive rock unit Babe Ruth was formed in Hertfordshire, England in 1971 by singer Janita "Jenny" Haan, guitarist Alan Shacklock (whose surname lent the group their original moniker), and bassist Dave Hewitt. Pianist Dave Punshon and drummer Dick Powell joined the lineup prior to the 1971 release of Babe Ruth's debut single, "Elusive"; the 1972 LP, First Base -- which credited the explosive Haan with "vocal power" -- generated the group's best-known song, the Shacklock-penned "Wells Fargo," and despite limited interest at home, the album earned a following on North American shores, going gold in Canada. Drummer Ed Spevock replaced Powell for the follow-up, 1973's Amar Caballero, while ex-Wild Turkey keyboardist Steve Gurl assumed Punshon's duties for Babe Ruth's self-titled third effort; the most pivotal blow, however, was the subsequent exit of Shacklock, with another Wild Turkey alum, guitarist Bernie Marsden, signing on for 1975's Stealin' Home. Though the album seemed poised to finally push the group into the British mainstream, Haan and Hewitt both resigned; singer Ellie Hope and bassist Ray Knott were tapped for 1976's Kid's Stuff, but without a single founding member remaining in the lineup, Babe Ruth disbanded months later. Marsden eventually resurfaced in Whitesnake.
BABE RUTH BAND HISTORY
1963
Alan Shacklock (lead guitar) forms The Juniors (UK) with:
Mick Taylor (rhythm guitar) and later of John Mayalls Bluesbreakers and The Rolling Stones, the late John Glascock (Bass) later of The Gods, Chicken Shack, Carmen and Jethro Tull. Brian Glascock (drummer), John's elder brother, later of The Gods and The Motels with Martha Davis.
1964
The Juniors record one single for EMI'S Parlaphone label, Perform @ NME Jazz Poll winners concert 1964 Wembley. UK with Manfred Mann hosted by Sir Jimmy Saville and appear on BBC TV 'Teenbeat' with Hermans Hermits.
1967-8
Shacklock supercedes Albert Lee as guitarist to Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds with keyboardist Peter Robinson later of Quatermass and Phil Collins, Brand -X and drummer Carl Palmer later of ELP (replaced by John Bonham later of Led Zeppelin) .
Farlowe records single ' Paint it Black ' (Immediate Records) produced by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards.
1971
Shacklock graduates from London's Royal Academy of Music and forms the band named, 'Shacklock' with:
David Hewit (Bass) formerly Creed & Dr K's Blues Band, later of Georgia Satelites, Jenny Haan's Lion. Played with Humble Pie before the demise of the great late Steve Marriott, Whitford St. Holmes, (Brad Whitford of Aerosmith & Derek St Holmes of Ted Nugent)
Dave Punshon on Piano (Jazz pianist , Composer Flute and Harp Concerto, Chamber and Orchestral pieces,Computer Games)
Dick PowellI (drums). Roger Dean (Artist for Yes etc) introduces Shacklock to Nick Mobbs VP of A&R to EMI Harvest label who catches 'Shacklock' ( the band) performing @ London's Marquee Club and signs the band to the EMI Harvest record label.
Shacklock (the band) then recruits Janita Haan (vocalist). Haan appears on Be Bop Deluxe , Strider, Waterboys ' Pogues, Jenny Haan's Lion known for their BASF recording of ' Forgotten Dreams' ( written by Haan awarded 'commercial of the year ' ), Fuoco with engineer/producer Paul Cobbold (Clash, Waterboys, Clanaad) Jellybean Benitez version of the 'Mexican' (reached #1 on Billboard dance chart), producing with Paul Cobbold ' Matty Groves' for the Laurie Engel Fund for Teenage Cancer.
1972
Shacklock are renamed 'Babe Ruth' after the US Baseball Legend. Rupert Perry (Chairman) EMI/CAPITOL Records signs BR for the USA. First Base - BR'S First album. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios by Tony Clark (The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney,Sky, Sir Cliff Richard, Cockney Rebel) produced by Shacklock and Mobbs. Roger Dean commissioned for sleeve artwork.
1973
BR join the Harvestmobile UK tour, with Spontaneous Combustion, Elo, Roy Wood's Wizzard, Kevin Ayres, Roy Harper & The Edgar Broughton Band.
Ed Spevock (drums & Percussion) joins BR replacing Powell. Spevock formerly of 'AMBOY DUKES' (UK) 'FLARE' with Max Middleton, Clive Chaman) 'Salt & Pepper' (with Junior Hansen of Bob Marley and the Wailers) 'Piblokto (with Pete Brown of Cream fame) 'Bond & Brown' (with Graham Bond and Pete Brown). Later writer of 'Elusive' New York club Hit for Babe Ruth.
BR appear on BBC2's 'Old Grey Whistle Test' with ' whispering ' Bob Harris
BR Shacklock, Haan, Punshon, Hewitt and Spevock survive a near fatal car crash on UK's ' M1 ' Motorway coming home from a Liverpool Uni gig.
Chris Holmes (keyboards) formerly of 'Time Box' (formed in 1966, Southport, Lancashire, split in 1969: Mike Patto vocals, John Halsey drums, Clive Griffiths bass, Ollie Halsall guitar) replaces Punshon.
Amar Caballero Harvest EMI records Babe Ruth'S second album recorded @ Abbey Road Studios by Clark, produced by Shacklock.
First USA Tour Landed in Toronto. Passed through Niagara Falls and down onto Buffalo. First date Milwaukee. Alan electrocuted on stage but thankfully okay. Texas, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio opening for 3 Dog Night. BR explore 'The Alamo'.
LA Whiskey a go go opening for Iggy Pop. Hotel on the Sunset Strip with Bands Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck. BR open for The Who at London's 'Sundown' Edmonton
1974
First Base is certified 'Gold' in Canada.
BR appear again on BBC2's Old Grey Whistle Test with 'whispering' Bob Harris
BR are banned from the BBC by producer Bernie Andrews whilst recording the John Peel Show.
Summer Festivals USA
Sedalia with Aerosmith, Elvin Bishop, Tower of Power, Ted Nugent
Oklahoma with Beach Boys, Leon Russell,
Milwaukee double headlined with ZZ Top
Headlining @ Place DE nation Montreal Canada, Quebec Hilton, Ottawa Civic Center.
BR also toured in Europe with Uriah Heep in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.
Returned to England and 'In Concert' with Queen
Steve Gurl supersedes Chris Holmes on keyboards
BR the bands 3rd album recorded @ Lansdowne Studios London. Recorded by Ashley Howe, produced by Steve Rowlands
1975
BR's ban liftted from BBC
Winter USA Tour
Flew to Canada to receive Gold Leaf Award for outstanding sales of First Base
Full length video is shot 'Garden of the Stars' in honour of Babe Ruth. in concert with Humble Pie, Roxy Music, Robin Trower, the West coast leg Peter Frampton (Frampton Comes Alive) tour. Steve Miller Band in Detroit, Roy Buchanan in Portland Oregon, Humble Pie open for BR in Dayton Ohio
Manfred Mann open for BR in Ottawa Civic Center
Roxy Music open for BR in Milwaukee
2002
Invited by DJ Hooch BR (Spevock, Haan, Punshon, Hewitt and Shacklock) perform 'The Mexican' @ London's Brixton Academy for the BBoy Championships Finale.
Punshon rejoins BR on their 30th Anniv.
A new BR studio album 'Que Pasa' in production with Punshon, Haan, Shacklock, Spevock and Hewitt celebrating 30 yrs of BR. Included is a new version of the 'Mexican Millennium'
2006
New album 'Que Pasa' completed for release.
Sony Playstation honour BR by including the 'Mexican Millennium' for their new game release 'BBoy'
B-Boy wins Best Music Game for PSP and runner up Best Music Game for PS2 at
E3 computer game trade fair in USABBoy Soundtrack including ' Mexican Millennium' nominated for BAFTA Award.
OFFICIAL SITE
OTHER SITE
No comments :
Post a Comment