Alexis Korner and Snape - Accidentally Born in New Orleans [Talking Elephant - 2020] |
Alexis Korner is often considered the founding father of British blues, having risen to fame in the early 60s, Korner was an influence on a host of would be stars, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, John Mayall, Keith Richards and Brian Jones are all known to have sat in with his band from time to time before becoming famous in their own right. Whilst Korner never achieved the success of his young friends, he was always a key face in the British blues scene. Some years later in 1972 Korner had been invited to tour America with Humble Pie, which inadvertently led to the forming of the accidental super group Snape. He met fellow guitarist/vocalist Peter Thorup, and they were joined by the King Crimson rhythm section of Boz (bass) and Ian Wallace (drums), as well as Crimson saxophonist, Mel Collins, once their own tour had come to an end. Before long the band found themselves in the studio, the result of which would become Accidentally Born in New Orleans. Named after the city in which the band had made their debut. The album has a distinctly southern influenced vibe that recalls the work of Dr John, opener "Gospel Ship" is a catchy upbeat number that kicks the album underway in style. You can instantly hear just how tight the band are, the musicianship is top notch and to add an extra bit of class to the proceedings it features Zoot Money on piano. "One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer" is up next, this is a great sing along blues rock number with a terrific chorus that you’ll sing along to all day. "Sweet Sympathy" keeps things moving in a similar direction, another well-crafted slice of blues rock with a southern US flavour to it. You can almost feel the New Orleans heat coming off this one. "Rock Me" slows things down to a bluesy crawl, featuring some excellent guitar work from Thorup and Korner, and a fine vocal from Korner. This may be one of my personal favourites on the album. "Don’t Change on Me" follows, and after a low-key opening, the track kicks into gear with some fantastic horns that once again remind me of Dr John at his best. "You Got the Power (To Turn Me On)" is reminiscent of John Lennon at his most bluesy, yet I can also hear something of Free, specifically in the guitar playing.
The final two tracks on the album see a return to the formula of the opener, in that we are treated to some guest appearances. Firstly on "Lo and Behold", pianist Tim Hinkley who has worked as a session musician with some of the biggest names in the business, and afterwards Steve Marriott on "Country Shoes", both songs are solid funky blues tracks that bring the album to a close in style. It is probably worth mentioning that the album features backing vocals from Marriott, Hinkley, Sappho Korner, Mike Patto (Spooky Tooth/Patto) and Ollie Halsall (The Rutles, Patto, Kevin Ayers).
Overall, this is a great early 70s blues rock record that recalls its New Orleans origins. The band are exceptional, the songs are catchy and well-constructed, and it is amazing to think this didn’t fire Alexis Korner into the mainstream. As already mentioned, there is a nod to Dr John here and there and one can’t helped but be charmed by the album. The album has been remastered from the original tapes and sounds absolutely fantastic, crystal clear and with lovely tone. If you like blues rock from this period check this out, you won’t be disappointed.    Darren Charles
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