Live In Europe 1970
This European compact disc reissues Canned Heat's Live Concert 70 (1971), which was released as Canned Heat Concert (Recorded Live in Europe) (1970) in the U.K.. The short-lived lineup heard here features Bob "The Bear" Hite (vocals), Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson (guitar/vocals/harmonica), Larry "The Mole" Taylor (bass), Aldolfo "Fito" 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 1970 European outing. The tour captured on this platter was spawned by the unanticipated success of the combo's 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 is evident on the lonesome and harrowing "Pulling Hair Blues," or 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 on the Road Again" bears little in common with the "On the Road Again." Rather than, at the very least, a verse from both songs 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. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide