Locust - Alpha Waves - 1976 - BUK Records Ltd
There are a few bands named Locust. However, this post refers to the very obscure British soul funk band of the mid seventies. Bass player Brent Forbes played in an English band named Zac who recorded one album. Chris Parren played in the same band and both musicians backed the American soul singer Doris Troy who wrote "Just One Look", a hit in the USA and also a hit for the Hollies in the UK. Seemingly Brent became an estate agent and still plays on an amateur basis. In August 1989, Chris Parren played with the great Ray Minhinnett in his band, the UK Busters. You can find more info on Chris @ http://www.reocities.com/sunsetstrip/Diner/2674/parren_chris_a.htm Wikipedia notes that drummer/vocalist Phil Spinelli and rhythm guitarist Pete Bonas quit the jazz rock/fusion band (Brand X) after recording the 1st (disappeared/unreleased) Brand X album around 1975. Genesis drummer Phil Collins replaced Phil Spinelli in Brand X between 1975 and 1976. Pete Bonas played on Jim Capaldi's "The Sweet Smell Of Success" album. Find some info on Pete @ http://www.discogs.com/artist/Peter+Bonas. Seemingly in 1994 Phil Spinelli was part of a north west comedy troupe in England. John Dillon may possibly have played in a band called The Field Trip around 1994. Ray Allen played sax with Jim Capaldi, Robert Palmer, Maggie Bell and many others. "Alpha Waves" is quite an unusual British soul funk album from a very talented band. There are some great grooves throughout the album, with a flavour of the AWB, the early War, Isaac Hayes, and Sly & The Family Stone. "Foxy" is a bit on the "poppy" side and a little out of step with the rest of the album. "Cosmic Kangaroo Juice" is a good track, and a great example of the quality of the band's skills. N.B: Jim Capaldi wrote a small sleeve note on the album. Any info on this band would be appreciated
TRACKS
A1 Good People 5:30
A2 Foxy 3:59
A3 Stranger 5:35
A4 Tribute To Escoriot 4:30
B1 Say Your Little Piece 4:20
B2 Funky Paranoia 4:45
B3 Alpha Waves 5:15
B4 Cosmic Kangaroo Juice 5:40
BAND
Guitar - Peter Bonas
Bass - Brent Forbes
Keyboards - Chris Parren
Drums - John Dillon
Percussion, Lead Vocals - Phil Spinelli
Saxophone, Percussion, Vocals - Ray Allen
7 comments:
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This looks promising. 70's soul-funk is typically excellent.
Hi,Mike. Usually. Let me know what you think. TTU soon...P.
I'll have a listen tonight. See you tomorrow, and thanks again.
Cheers,Mike! Catch you later!...P.
As good and funky as this album is, it would've been so much better without that mediocre singer. The grooves, while not exactly polished, give way to some surprisingly good melodic sensibilities. I say surprising because funk isn't usually the first genre I look to for good melody. Interesting that the opening track, 'Good People,' is also the weakest of the bunch. Songs like 'Funky Paronoia' (misspelled intentionally?) and 'Cosmic Kangaroo Juice' benefit from the lack of vocals. 'Foxy' is a good track instrumentally, as is 'Stranger' (replete with harpsichord -- a rare occurrance in funk) but I can't help but feel that they would've been GREAT tracks if not for Ray Allen's weak vocals. I would much rather prefer it if he remained on the sax.
Sans the vocals, this is worthy material, sounding almost as if it were ripped from a blaxploitation flick from the 70's.
Hi,Mike. I know where you're coming from. I'm thinking "Theme From Shaft". I also like the instrumentals, and vocals (not necessarily weak) often detract from an album. TTU soon
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