NUCLEAR BLUES

Recorded with totally different musicians, "Nuclear Blues" is the final studio album that bears the name of the band. Led by singer Clayton-Thomas, this is a worthy swan song of the famous brass-rock band. It is very much in the jazz-rock style with firm funk rhythms, so that way it deviates from the earlier albums. I personally like this album better than the previous "Brand New Day" because it contains more jazz improvisations, good brass sections and excellent bass solo parts by D. Piltch. The only throwaway is a slow blues "I'll Drown In My Own Tears" which is a rather boring track despite soulful and convinced vocal by Thomas. "Suite: Spanish Wine" is a 15-minutes pure jazz improvisation with Spanish-like melodies and it is generally successful, even if somewhat too extended. In "Fantasy Stage" the author is mistakenly singing about "habla espanyol" while the story takes places in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (!) Maybe he forgot to consult the tourist guide...

Overall, this is a fine last album by BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS and can be recommended to the jazz-rock and jazz listeners in the first place.

PERSONAL RATING: 4/5

P.A. RATING: 3/5