Key Largo — Key Largo 1970 (UK, Blues)

Key Largo — Key Largo 1970 (UK, Blues)

The only album by the British blues-rock band Key Largo, recorded in London in the spring and summer of 1970 for the Blue Horizon label. They were one of many English bands that emerged in the second half of the 1960s amid the "British blues boom." The band was originally called Slamhammer, after the instrumental of the same name by Chicago guitarist and mandolin player Johnny Young. The band played furious blues-rock rooted in post-war Chicago blues, as exemplified by their demo disc featuring four tracks, including Robert Johnson's famous "Sweet Home Chicago." At the time of recording in the fall of 1969, all band members were between 19 and 23 years old. Their idols included B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Howlin' Wolf, whose work served as a source of inspiration. When Blue Horizon owner Mike Vernon heard their demo and then attended a live performance, he recognized the band's great potential, which went beyond simply copying Chicago blues. Subsequently, when working on a full-length album, he didn't give them imperative instructions on what and how to record, but rather provided them with the opportunity for creative experimentation. Before signing a contract, the group was forced to change its name to avoid duplicating the existing blues-rockers Steamhammer. Stylistically, the album was primarily funk-blues, which was quite typical of the time, both in the UK and the US. The recording features a horn section, later added. To promote the band, they needed a hit single, for which they separately recorded their original "Voodoo Rhythm." According to Mike Vernon, it was the group's best composition. The single was released on October 2, 1970, and, contrary to expectations, failed to bring the band commercial success. The album's release also went relatively unnoticed. Soon after, the group disbanded, its members finding themselves in different lineups and different countries, some of whom subsequently retired from music.

Tracks:

01. Big Chief (Part 1) - 0:00

02. Ax And The Wind - 1:43

03. Give It Up - 3:36

04. What Do I Do With It (Now I've Got It) - 6:36

05. Stranger In My Own Home Town - 8:48

06. That Did It - 11:59

07. Big Chief (Part 2) - 17:17

08. Come On And Get It, Baby (If You Want It) - Bit One - 19:58

09. Get In It (Together) - 23:20

10. Come On And Get It, Baby (If You Want It) - Bit Two - 25:44

11. O.S. Blues - 27:05

12. Wrapped Up In Love Again - 30:40

13. Biscayne Bug - 33:14

14. As The Years Go Passing By - 35:25


Personnel:

Pat McAuliffe - vocals
Lawrence Garman - harmonica
Bob Savage - piano, electric piano, organ
Laurie Sanford - guitar
Tom Stead - bass
Kenny Lamb - drums, percussion
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Terry Noonan – brass arranger & conductor
Key Largo - arrangers
Mike Vernon — arranger, producer

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