Album review: BAKER GURVITZ ARMY – On The Road Again

September 5th, 2019 by GRTR! HQ

The Store For Music [Release date 20.09.19]

Baker Gurvitz Army formed out of sixties trio The Gun who had a hit with ‘Race With The Devil’ and then morphed into Three Man Army. Their original drummer Tony Newman jumped ship in 1974 and joined David Bowie’s band and this live recording showcases the legendary Ginger Baker whom the band had met at London’s Speakeasy venue.

Sadly this release is as much about commemorating their manager Bill Fehilly (also managed Nazareth and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band) who died in a plane crash in 1979. This incident ultimately scuppered Baker Gurvitz Army.

Recorded at The New Victoria Theatre, London in 1975 the album is well recorded and mainly features tracks from their second album ‘Elysian Encounter’ and with a version of Hendrix’s ‘Freedom’ and one of the bonus tracks ‘Hearts On Fire’ a portent of the band’s third album. Sharks frontman Mr Snips is the vocalist. Buyers should be aware that there is another live album, recorded in Derby that same year, with a similar setlist.

As ever with The Store For Music the packaging is minimalist, with the one sheet insert almost an afterthought. However, this album has not been available before and should be sought out by lovers of well fashioned gutsy hard rock with jazzy/prog touches notwithstanding the ubiquitous eight-minute drum solo and perhaps inevitable ‘Sunshine Of Your Love’. ****

Review by David Randall

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)