LIVESTOCK

I first heard of Brand X on a progressive radio station in Atlanta, GA. It was only a commercial for the album Livestock. Needless to say, it knocked my socks off and I ran out and bought it. - ISH is one of those tunes that can't be duplicated. Phil Collins and Percy Jones basically improvise throughout the whole tune. It was and is still one of great drum parts ever done. With the great Morris Pert supporting on percussion the song oozes jazz- funk with some outstanding hi-hat and ghost note snare drum work from Phil Collins. Robin Lumley's soloing thru the first section is perfectly in sync with the drum/percussion cadence. Of course the entrance of John Goodsall with machine gun guitar riffs completes this awesome display of musicianship. I wish Phil Collins would again play the drums and put the multi-million dollar pop ballad gig on hold for awhile. Alas money talks...... The other tune that makes this record an Essential: a masterpiece is Malaga Virgin. Kenwood Dennard "Woody" exhibits the technical drumming wizardry that has kept him in demand since 1977. Truly a remarkable drum pattern, a kind of a latin on steriods. He explained the bass drum pattern called the "Toe-ball" technique to me during a visit to NYC. Percy and Woody definitely got all they could out of that groove. Nightmare Patrol is another solid tune with Kenwood drumming that has mysterious overtones. I would highly recommend this recording for anybody seeking the essence of the 70's fusion era. The music on Livestock will never be duplicated - imitated yes - not duplicated. Would have loved to have been at the Hammersmit Odeon during the period this band was together. Enjoy.