Canned Heat - 70 Concert

This is a European compact disc reissue of Canned Heat's Live in Europe (1971) -- which was also released as Canned Heat Concert (Recorded Live in Europe) (1970) in the UK. The short-lived line-up heard here features Bob "The Bear" Hite (vocals) Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson (guitar/vocals/harmonica), Larry "The Mole" Taylor (bass), Aldolfo "Fido" De La Parra (drums), as well as Harvey Mandel (guitar) who had replaced Henry "Sunflower" Vestine (guitar). Arguably more significant however is that these are among the last gigs with Wilson. Sadly, less than six months later he overdosed prior to the Heat's fall of 1970 European outing. The tour had been spawned by the unanticipated hit cover of Wilbert Harrison's "Let's Work Together" taken off of the album Future Blues (1970) which became their most successful side throughout Europe. With Mandel driving the band instrumentally, there is an incremental shift towards more jammed out interaction and completely rearranged melodies. This is immediately exemplified by the loose and funky "That's All Right Mama". Alternately, Wilson's dark visage can be heard on the lonesome and harrowing "Pulling Hair Blues" and the improvised "London Blues", a number likewise marked by his biting bottleneck slide guitar solos and haunting off-key vocals. Although the track list portrays it as a medley, "Back Out On The Road" bears little in common with "On The Road Again". Rather than, at the very least, a verse from each song being played, the latter is only alluded to. The live reading of "Let's Work Together" is as vivacious as the original, with the Heat going all out for their appropriately appreciative audience. Until which time Live Concert 70 sees a North American CD debut -- hopefully with bonus material -- this BGO pressing is recommended to any and all interested parties. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide