Album review: PETER GREEN SPLINTER GROUP – The Very Best Of

April 30th, 2013 by jason

Snapper Music (double CD)

Peter Green was a founding member of Fleetwood Mac (having previously been in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers) and he was a key driver in that band’s early blues rock sound. He left Fleetwood Mac in 1970 due to ill health and was not seen again fully until 1995 when the Splinter Group was formed by fellow guitarist and Peter Green fan Nigel Watson. The Splinter Group saw Peter Green back onstage and the band released a series of albums between 1995 and 2004 when Green left the band. This two CD covers the Splinter Group’s history nicely and goes in chronological order, although as many of the songs were reinterpreted blues classics the music has that classic blues backbeat and there a lot of songs from Robert Johnson, one of Peter Green’s big influences.

The early Splinter Group line-up has a distinctive rock feel as joining Green an Watson were drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Neil Murray and keyboards Spike Edney (later to find fame running the SAS Band and its admirable series of charity gigs and previously the live keyboards player for Queen). As a result the earlier blues classics like ‘Look On Yonder Wall’ have a real rocking feel to them. The band quickly changed into a more classic blues band when Roger Cotton replaced Spike Edney and they added sax and trumpet to the later albums, plus included more original material. Listen out to for the harmonica playing of Green, which is both powerful and a touch sorrowful at the same time.

Two definite highlights are the Fleetwood Mac covers ‘The Green Manalishi’ and ‘Man of the World’, which is played as a lovely instrumental version. Even if you don’t fancy the album do grab a listen to this song. ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ sees Green team-up with guest Paul Rodgers. Now that would have been some pairing back in the day had it happened. Other guests include Otis Rush, Buddy Guy and Snowy White.

A perfect overview of Peter Green’s comeback, aided by the Splinter Group. Hopefully this won’t be the last we see of his talented playing, even if he just comes back for the odd live appearance. A true British blues legend.

****

Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

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

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.