Having recently covered Esoteric Recordings’ 3CD box-set, All’s Well That Ends Well, from Welsh rocker’s Man, I was pleased to see another of Wales finest, Sassafras receive the re-issue makeover. Both bands were noted for the fine live performances which were honed from extensive gigging schedules during the early 70s. I caught Sassafras several times and if memory serves once supporting a band called Status Quo (whatever happened to them?). The constant touring saw Sassafras playing to increasingly larger audiences, festivals and in their heyday supporting, in the US, with Ten Years After, Fleetwood Mac and Peter Frampton…
Sassafras formed in 1970 as a three-piece band with guitarist Ralph Evans, bassist Ricky John Holt and Rob Reynolds (drums). Shortly afterwards guitarist David (Dai) Shell was drafted in and the line-up was completed by vocalist Terry Bennett. An early line-up change came with the replacement of drummer Rob Reynolds with former Love Sculpture sticks man Bob ‘Congo’ Jones. The band recorded some early demos in Cardiff’s Ddraig Studios (set-up in part by Dai Shell). It was with this line-up that the band signed to George Martin’s AIR Productions in 1972 and would release their debut album, Expecting Company, on the Polydor Records label in October 1973.
The opening track immediately introduces us to the band’s trademark twin lead sound and comparisons to Wishbone Ash may serve as a useful pointer here. An infectious stomper of a track with a Southern rock swagger. The title, Busted Country Blues pretty much sums up the music on this track, although well written and performed, it does little for me. Beans And Things on the other hand is a great little rocker and reminded of Del Bromham’s Stray. The lengthy middle instrumental takes on a percussion groove rather than concentrating on an avenue for the guitar.
The closing track from the original album was Across The Seas Of Stars and introduces a more psychedelic vibe to the album. Indicative of the times the track boasts an incredibly lush and infectious chorus with soaring vocal harmonies. The track also features a great bluesy solo reminiscent of Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac.
So opening side two of the LP therefore was School Days which reintroduces the twin lead work of Ralph Evans and Dai Shell. Again great classic rock song with a change of pace to round of the track. The closing two minute coda is tastefully done guitar solo and well worth checking out. I always considered side two of the album as being more adventurous and certainly listening to The Way Of Me reaffirms this notion. We still have the twin lead sound, but played in a slightly more twisted and darker fashion. Terry Bennett delivers a fine vocal performance here whilst the middle, more acoustic section, features an un-credited lilting flute.
Despite its promising title The Goose That Laid The Golden Egg remains in the Canned Heat mould of good time boogie rock. So just remaining from the original album is the two part Expecting Company/Meanwhile Back In Merthyr. The first part and title track is a song based affair whilst the latter forms an extensive instrumental break to conclude the album.
The bonus material comprises of the band’s 1974 single Oh My [Don’t It Make You Want To Cry] accompanied by the B-side Kansas City Wine. The production on the A side of the single indicates that Polydor saw hit potential with Sassafras with the noticeable improved production values and added brass section.
The band went on to record two more studio albums, on the Chrysalis Records label, Wheelin’ N’ Dealin’ (1975) and Riding High (1976), however despite good coverage in the press, appearances on The Old Grey Whistle Test and notable rock radio shows of the time, festival appearances and major support slots, the band didn’t quite manage the notoriety of Welsh counterparts Man, or perhaps more notably those other early pioneers of the twin lead guitar Wishbone Ash. Despite this Sassafras have left us a fine legacy with their three studio albums and with companies like Esoteric Recordings prepared to re-master and reissue these lost little gems, then their music will not be forgotten.
There may be little on All’s Well That Ends Well to satisfy the truly ardent progressive rock fan, but for those who remember an era when prog and classic rock sat comfortably together, then this album is nice little reminder. I’d forgotten how good Sassafras where – I really should buy a new turntable and dig out some of my old vinyl…
TRACK LISTING
01. Electric Chair (5:01)
02. Busted Country Blues (3:32)
03. Beans And Things (5:35)
04. Across The Seas Of Stars (6:13)
05. School Days (5:33)
06. The Way Of Me (4:51)
07. The Goose That Laid The Golden Egg (5:09)
08. (a) Expecting Company (b) Meanwhile Back In Merthyr (7:12)
BONUS TRACKS
09. Oh My [Don’t It Make You Want To Cry] (3:33)
10. Kansas City Wine (2:58)
Total Time 53:51
MUSICIANS
Terry Bennett – Vocals
Dai Shell – Lead Guitar
Ralph Evans – Lead Guitar
Ricky John Holt – Bass
Congo Jones – Drums
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Esoteric Recordings
Catalogue#: ECLEC2442
Year Of Release: 2014
Original Release: (1973)
LINKS
Main Website: Sassafras
ALBUM RELEASES
Riding High (1976)
Wheelin’ N’ Dealin’ (1975)
Expecting Company (1973)