SIX DAYS ON THE ROAD

"Six days on the road" is one of those obscure releases for which it is virtually impossible to garner any reliable information. Apparently only released in digital format (albeit on legitimate download sites) in 2006, the track list has a significant overlap with "Live at the Lafayette", which captures a performance by the reformed line up in the early 1990's. Whether or not the tracks on this album are the same as those on ".. Lafayette" I cannot say, but I would assume that these recordings date from around the same time. It also seems safe to assume that Mick Abrahams, Alan Lancaster and Andy Pyle are in situ, but the occupier of the drum stool is less clear. I am working on the assumption that it is former Jethro Tull drummer Clive Bunker.

Whatever the source, this is one of the few releases to capture Blodwyn Pig playing live, and is therefore of interest regardless of where and when it was recorded. That may be the plus side, the down side is that these recordings are truly awful, clearly originating from bootleg tapes which have now taken on semi-official status. The album consists of nine tracks only a few of which appeared on Blodwyn Pig's two early studio albums. Each track is self contained, removing any feel that this is a continuous recording of a gig.

The opening "Slow down" is one of many bonus tracks which appear on expanded versions of the band's first album. A decent blues rocker, this version, when you can hear it through the fog, captures the energy of the band playing live. "It's only love" was the first track on that same album, this version removing any fineness which might have existed there.

"Cat's squirrel" is a song written by Mick Abrahams during his brief tenure with Jethro Tull. This 10 minute rendition is an extended blues rock jam very much in the way of bands such as Creedence Clearwater revival and Ten Years After from around the same time. The main focus is on the lead guitar of Abrahams, with even Alan Lancaster taking a back seat, or perhaps even a comfort break! The blues funk of "Baby girl" continues the CCR overlap, while the 8 minute "Cosmogrification" is simply an opportunity for Lancaster to take centre stage for one of his fusion based outings.

"See my way" from the second album is kept comparatively tight, while "I know" begins in similar fashion before veering off into something of a shambolic jam. The title track is a straightforward cover of a rock and roll standard. The album closes with the 13 minute "Dharma for one", which is little more than a vehicle for Clive Bunker to display his prowess in the time honoured but oh-so-dull manner of a tedious drum solo.

Overall, it is just about possible to appreciate some of the dynamic nature of a Blodwyn Pig gig, despite the truly bad sound quality which prevails throughout. Clearly this is one for fans only, and even they should approach with considerable caution.

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