BABE RUTH
''FIRST BASE (BONUS TRACKS)''
1972
47:46
1 Wells Fargo
Alan Shacklock 6:14
2 The Runaways
Alan Shacklock / David Whiting 7:27
3 King Kong
Frank Zappa 6:44
4 Black Dog
Jesse Winchester 8:02
5 The Mexican
Ennio Morricone 5:46
6 Joker
Alan Shacklock 7:41
7 Wells Fargo [Single Version]
Alan Shacklock 3:34
8 Theme From 'For a Few Dollars More'
Ennio Morricone 2:18
Bass, Guitar – Dave Hewitt
Cello – Boris Rickleman, Clive Anstee, Manny Fox
Cello, Leader – Peter Halling
Congas, Bongos, Cabasa [Kabasa] – Caspar Lawal
Drums, Percussion – Dick Powell
Electric Piano, Piano – Dave Punshon
Engineer – Kete Go, Tony Clark
Guitar [All Guitars], Vocals, Organ, Percussion – Alan Shacklock
Oboe – Harry Mier
Saxophone [Saxes] – Brent Carter
Vocals [Vocal Power] – Janita Haan
REVIEW
by François Couture
First Base was British hard rock group Babe Ruth's biggest success, both in terms of popular and critical acclaim. This LP defined an interesting junction between hard rock and progressive rock. The two driving forces behind this album were guitarist Alan Shackloc, who wrote most of the material, and vocalist Janita Haan, who came out as the perfect balance between Janis Joplin and Robert Plant. The album contained "The Mexican," the band's classic song which also includes a theme by western soundtrack composer Ennio Morricone ("Per Qualche Dollaro in Piu"). Other highlights include the powerful rock number "Wells Fargo," the sweet-and-sour "Black Dog" (with nice piano work by Dave Punshon), and a surprising rendition of Frank Zappa's "King Kong." The strings and oboe arrangements in "The Runaways" don't work as well, but at least they don't get pompous. With its long songs (six to eight minutes) and lush arrangements, First Base seduced both the hard rock and the progressive rock crowds. The album cover was painted by Roger Dean, who illustrated many Yes albums.
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
''FIRST BASE (BONUS TRACKS)''
1972
47:46
1 Wells Fargo
Alan Shacklock 6:14
2 The Runaways
Alan Shacklock / David Whiting 7:27
3 King Kong
Frank Zappa 6:44
4 Black Dog
Jesse Winchester 8:02
5 The Mexican
Ennio Morricone 5:46
6 Joker
Alan Shacklock 7:41
7 Wells Fargo [Single Version]
Alan Shacklock 3:34
8 Theme From 'For a Few Dollars More'
Ennio Morricone 2:18
Bass, Guitar – Dave Hewitt
Cello – Boris Rickleman, Clive Anstee, Manny Fox
Cello, Leader – Peter Halling
Congas, Bongos, Cabasa [Kabasa] – Caspar Lawal
Drums, Percussion – Dick Powell
Electric Piano, Piano – Dave Punshon
Engineer – Kete Go, Tony Clark
Guitar [All Guitars], Vocals, Organ, Percussion – Alan Shacklock
Oboe – Harry Mier
Saxophone [Saxes] – Brent Carter
Vocals [Vocal Power] – Janita Haan
REVIEW
by François Couture
First Base was British hard rock group Babe Ruth's biggest success, both in terms of popular and critical acclaim. This LP defined an interesting junction between hard rock and progressive rock. The two driving forces behind this album were guitarist Alan Shackloc, who wrote most of the material, and vocalist Janita Haan, who came out as the perfect balance between Janis Joplin and Robert Plant. The album contained "The Mexican," the band's classic song which also includes a theme by western soundtrack composer Ennio Morricone ("Per Qualche Dollaro in Piu"). Other highlights include the powerful rock number "Wells Fargo," the sweet-and-sour "Black Dog" (with nice piano work by Dave Punshon), and a surprising rendition of Frank Zappa's "King Kong." The strings and oboe arrangements in "The Runaways" don't work as well, but at least they don't get pompous. With its long songs (six to eight minutes) and lush arrangements, First Base seduced both the hard rock and the progressive rock crowds. The album cover was painted by Roger Dean, who illustrated many Yes albums.
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
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