TAKES OFF

Jefferson Airplane Takes Off is a very good debut album. The San Francisco rock band released this on RCA Victor Records in September 1966. The personnel differ from the later "classic" lineup and the music is more folk-rock, blues-rock than the harder psychedelic sound for which the band later became famous. Signe Anderson was the female vocalist whilst Skip Spence played drums. Both left the group shortly after the album's release and were replaced by Grace Slick and Spencer Dryden, respectively.

The absence of Grace Slick and the presence of cover versions do not distract the enjoyment. There's a slightly tinny sound typical of RCA recordings of the mid 60s which might be considered a fault. But if you can see past that, then you'll know that JA proved they were a force to be reckoned with. Good musicianship, particularly from the thumping bass. I also like this band for Marty Balin's amazing vocals alone. "Tobacco Road" is a main highlight. I also like "It's No Secret", "Let Me In", "And I Like It" very much. Signe Anderson's vocals are also fab on their version of Memphis Minnie's "Chauffeur Blues". A nice little record to dig out every now and then.