70s blues rock and funk at it’s best! Singer Maggie Bell had formerly been in Stone The Crows (featuring guitarist Leslie Harvey), and this 1974 set is her debut solo album.

A rockin’ set it is too, with the Glaswegian singer on fine form. Opener 'Cado Queen' is a full on number, while 'A Woman Left Lonely' is more of an RnB ballad.

Largely a covers set, one of the album’s standouts is the title track, written by former Crows pianist Ronny Leahy. Rich vocals bolstered by keyboards and horns.

Two bonus tracks are live renditions of 'Penicillin Blues' (once recorded by Leslie’s brother Alex, a real earthy bluesy number, the 12 minute version here a little drawn out), and the Free classic 'Wishing Well'. Despite the poor recording quality they’re a great listen.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

After Midnight
© 2006 JJ Cale/Angel Air Records. All rights reserved.

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly