ONE LIVE BADGER

I saw "Badger" playing live as opening act of "Purple - Mark III" in December 1973 in Brussels (FN). The only thing that I knew at that time, is that Kaye was an ex-Yes member and I really don't know much more by now.

Tony Kaye was not very vindictive about his sacking from "Yes" since Jon Anderson co-produced this album and it was even recorded during a Yes concert for which "Badger" was the opening act!

I only remind me their performance as being a good one, which is not frequent for a supporting band.

In those remote days of rock music, a live appearance was the occasion of solo efforts which were kind of invading each song. To a certain extent, this feature is also valid here.

Heavy keyboards throughout the album (especially during "Fountain" but not only), some links with soul music as well (during "Wheel Of Fortune" and even more during "The Preacher" which is the weakest song here).

There is not really a highlight on this album although "River" is maybe my favourite. It is "borrowing" some seconds to "Hear Me Calling" from TYA ("Ten Years After"). It features a very good guitar solo which is to be mentioned since most numbers are keyboards oriented.

"On The Way Home" is also a good song. Pleasant vocal harmonies, nice guitar again and excellent work from Tony on the background keys. The rhythm catches up seriously at half time and enters into a great frenzy. But again the soul influence is noticeable during the vocal parts.

This album is a curiosity. A snapshot of an era. A good album. But no more.

Three stars.