MANFRED MANN's EARTH BAND / Solar Fire {1973}

"As MANFRED MANN (the 60's R & B group) was dwindling down, their leader moved on with drummer Mike Hugg to form Chapter 3 for two albums released on Vertigo label produced by Hiseman of Colosseum fame. The lack of success forced the two to fold and try another formula. The new group will be named EARTH BAND and will at first do average RnR but with each new album, the progressive elements will gain in importance that by SOLAR FIRE they had become an Art-rock band. 

But MMEB will always be remembered for their arrangements of SPRINGSTEEN and DYLAN covers than for their own good material. In particular with SPRINGTEEN's first album, MMEB will do three mega-selling cover: "Spirits In The Night", "Blinded By The Light" and "For You". They managed to survive the late 70's by adapting their sound and in the 80's will make strong political statement against Apartheid in Manfred's country of origin, South Africa, where he could not come back." / Review by : : : Hugues Chantraine, BELGIUM : : :

Line-up 

- Manfred Mann / organ, synthesizers, vocals 

- Colin Pattenden / bass 

- Mick Rogers / lead vocals, guitar 

- Chris Slade / drums 

- Doreen Chanter / backing vocals 

- Irene Chanter / backing vocals 

- The Grove Singers / backing vocals 

- Peter Miles / percussion (2) 

- Paul Rutherford / trombone

"Still considered by many followers to be one of the best Earth Band albums, this was the first to be issued on the Bronze label. Following on from the hit single "Joybringer", based on "Jupiter" from Holst's "Planet Suite", the album continued the theme, although without the freedom to use any more of Holst's work. Although altogether a fine and atmospheric album there is one outstanding track, a ten minute working of Dylan's "Father Of Day Father Of Night"." - http://www.manfredmann.co.uk

Magic Words >>> MANFRED FIRE
***GRACIAS A EASEAS***