Album review: GARY WRIGHT & WONDERWHEEL – Ring Of Changes

GARY WRIGHT & WONDERWHEEL - Ring Of Changes

Esoteric [Release date 29.07.16]

Best known for his hit single ‘Dreamweaver’ in 1976, and his time in Spooky Tooth, Gary Wright’s ‘Ring Of Changes’ was made in 1972 but, in spite of a single release (included as a bonus track), the album was shelved by A&M.

After leaving Spooky Tooth for the first time, Wright played with George Harrison on his ‘All Things Must Pass’ album and the Quiet One returned the favour on Wright’s second solo album ‘Footprint’ and here on the song ‘Goodbye Sunday’. The album also features future Foreigner titan Mick Jones who co-wrote most of the material.

In overall feel this album looks across the Atlantic and aligns to the likes of Leon Russell and Little Feat with a mix of harder (note the excellent ‘Lovetaker’) and softer rock, sometimes with a late-sixties Procol Harum-ish vibe. There is read across to what Eric Clapton was doing in the early 1970s including his work with Delaney & Bonnie.

I can understand why Wright’s albums were popular on FM radio in the States and it seems criminal that this album has remained in the vaults for over forty years. Wright’s organ interjections are a joy throughout and the album merits further attention than merely its Foreigner/Beatle associations. ****

Review by David Randall

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

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