SearchsearchUseruser

Scaggs: Boz Scaggs

Scaggs: Boz Scaggs

Audio Fidelity  AFZ 168

Stereo Hybrid

Pop/Rock


Boz Scaggs


"Boz Scaggs" could be a candidate for the greatest overlooked, unjustly forgotten album of the classic rock era. It wasn't overlooked in its own day, when FM radio was "free form" and could play 10 minute-long tracks, the amazing "Loan Me a Dime," a delicately soulful blues wail that evolves into a monstrous Duane Allman guitar workout, was a late-night staple. But the whole album is as good as that climactic moment. "I'll Be Long Gone" is an emotional inspiration. There are many other highlights...the emotional directness of "Look What I Got" and "Sweet Release" is heavenly soul.

"Boz Scaggs" is the second album by Boz Scaggs...it was released in 1969. The players on the album include a set of studio musicians, known for their down-and-dirty backing work for Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett, among many other Southern soul legends. The Muscle Shoals rhythm section, occasionally augmented by guitarist Duane Allman, gives this music genuine grit,not necessarily a straight-up blue-eyed soul record, even if the opening "I'm Easy" and "I'll Be Long Gone" are as deeply soulful as anything cut at Muscle Shoals.

This album is so complete, so rich, Scaggs obviously loves the whole wide expanse of soul, blues and R & B. The album is sequenced beautifully...it is almost flawless.The record was co-produced by Jann Wenner, founder of Rolling Stone magazine.

Support this site by purchasing from these vendors using the paid links below.
As an Amazon Associate HRAudio.net earns from qualifying purchases.

bol.com
 
 
 

 

Add to your wish list | library

 

9 of 10 recommend this, would you recommend it?  yes | no

All
show
Tracks
show
hide
1. I'm Easy
2. I'll Be Long Gone
3. Another Day (Another Letter)
4. Now You're Gone
5. Finding Her
6. Look What I Got
7. Waiting for a Train
8. Loan Me a Dime
9. Sweet Release (aka Desolation Avenue)
Reviews (1)
show
hide

Review by Rick Kosmick - September 1, 2014

An interesting SACD release. This self-titled album is the debut of Boz Scaggs on Atlantic Records in 1969. However, it was not a commercial success. It took several releases later for him to finally achieve a major breakthrough with Silk Degrees (1976). The lack of sales for this Boz Scaggs titled album still does not detract from the exceptional music on this near masterwork.

On this record, you hear a strong country flavour exhibited on several songs (Now You're Gone; Look What I Got; and Waiting For A Train). But more importantly, what you hear is an artist formulating his approach to his songcraft and the underpinnings of his R&B sound that layout the foundation of his career in music and decades of recordings - the blue eyed soul of his music.

The sonics of this SACD are very good with spacial qualities that open up a nice soundfield for the music. Detail is notable through separation and clarity to the vocals and musical instruments. There is a relatively warm feel to the sound on this disc.

The benefits of SACD are especially noteworthy on the song "Loan Me A Dime" (duration 12:48 minutes) that is a highlight of the album. This track is a treat to hear with a superb performance by Scaggs on vocals with a strong horn section and great guitar work featuring Duane Allman; just a great effort by all.

Overall, the sound quality on this SACD may not be outstanding but it is still very good. From my perspective, it is well worth the purchase of this accomplished record that is supported by high quality audio.

Recommended.

Copyright © 2014 Rick Kosmick and HRAudio.net

Performance:

Sonics:

stars stars