FIRST BASE

The opening Wells Fargo features impressive vocals from Janita Haan who is only twenty-two at the time of recording. She sounds as impressive and powerful as Janis (Joplin). But this track sounds more funky to my ears and the sax only adds to the flavour.

What a contrast with the delicate and smooth The Runaways. Janita shows the large spectrum of vocal range she has. Again, she is quite remarkable here. This sweet track is a river of tranquillity featuring piano and strings. The second half though is just a repetitive and mellow strings section.

Since I'm not really into Zappa, I can't compare both versions of King Kong. The only comment I can do is that this number seriously leans towards the jazzy territories and it is a showcase for Alan Shacklock who performs an excellent guitar part.

The next cover (Black Dog which is NOT the Led Zep one) has also some jazzy / bluesy trend. The highlight in this song is again the dramatic vocal performance from Janita as well as the powerful finale.

The Mexican is inspired by the music from A Few Dollars More but totally re-arranged with added vocals (which are excellent, would you believe). The whole heading again in the jazzy direction. The Morricone theme can be clearly heard in the second and instrumental half.

The heaviest track is Joker, the closing number. Vocals are held by Alan Shacklock (backings are almost unheard unfortunately; production I guess). It is a pity because they could have sound as the great Slick / Kantner duo. Actually this song reminds me of the Airplane though.

The heavy rock played by Babe Ruth is not the one I'm found of; at least in this work. Don't expect great Hammond keyboards, nor too many guitar solo in here. It is quite a bit jazz-rock oriented. But it isn't a bad album. For 10? (plus postage), their first two albums were re-edited in one CD format.

Three stars.