Free Interview and "Mr Big" live...

Free in Australia wayyyyyy back in the seventies, 1970 to be precise. The boys looked tired and emotional, shattered.
One of the most overlooked bands of the era,  known predominantly for the single "All Right Now", Free had a totally unique soulful sound, minimalist at times when compared to the zeppelins and deep purples of the time.

Guitarist Paul Kossoff was a master, rightly spoken of in the same breath as Peter Green, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. His playing was tight, full of feel, fire and bite, but could be beautifully mournful and understated. His use of vibrato and sustain was beyond compare, just listen to the title track from there 1970 album "Fire and Water" or the later track "Come together in the Morning" from the album "Heartbreaker". His untimely death from a heart attack at the age of 25 was a complete tragedy.

The rhythm section made up of Simon Kirke on Drums and the incredibly talented Andy Fraser on bass were like none other of the time. Kirke's playing was heavy but, again deceptively simple sounding. Fraser's bass playing was intricate, melodic and powerful, building a solid foundation for the guitar, drums and vocals with huge, resonant, fat  sounding chords. Rather than filling up the sound with unnecessary noodling he relied on feel and sustain, although he could play a mean solo when called upon, (check out the clip below).

Singer, Paul Rodger's was unique also for the time's. His voice was bluesy, coarse, gimmick free, clear and natural sounding, filled with soul power. He wasn't a screamer like say Robert Plant, and could belt it out all the same, draining emotion from the song. In the quieter moments his voice is beautifully bluesy filled with sorrow, with out being put on. He was a natural..

Their career may have been short, but what they left behind more than makes up for there lack of years. The band were a perfect fit, all four members coming together with an incredible understanding of each other musically. And, let's not forget how young they were. I think Fraser was only 16 when they recorded the first album and the rest barely 18!! Roll on...


Free..."Mr. Big" live on T.V.broadcast. 1971



Free Interviewed in Australia, 1970

Smashed Blocked promo...They don't make them like this anymore!

I had to post this. Where do you think I got the name from? I'm not that clever...The song is magnificent, the clip is so Spinal Tap it's not funny. Fake tears!! Fake crying!! So young. Pre Bolan. Looked good in the white gear I thought. My head is so spinning round...
John's Children...Smashed Blocked

Whipping Post...The Allman Brothers Band

Crazed guitar extravaganza from The Allman Brothers Band in 1970. Some hell fire cross guitar exchanges between Duane and Dickey Betts. Duanes Les Paul and Dickey's SG. seem to bounce of each other into the stratosphere. Beautiful dual lead interplay with Greg's Keys. But  why oh why have two drummers? Isn't one enough?

Duane died 29th. October 1971 aged 24 in motorcycle accident. A real loss to the guitar world. So, take it away boys, give us some of that southern rockin boogie...

Alman Brothers Band. "Whipping Post" live at the Filmore East, 1970.