New Album From John 'Rabbit' Bundrick 2026

John “Rabbit” Bundrick

Mr. Big Boss Man
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital
Label: Suburban Records
Release: 2026

Release date: June 5, 2026

John “Rabbit” Bundrick is a highly respected American rock keyboardist, pianist, and organist whose distinctive sound has left a lasting mark on rock, blues, and reggae music

Best known for his expressive Hammond organ playing and soulful piano style, Bundrick has contributed to some of the most iconic recordings and live performances in modern music history.

Throughout his career, John “Rabbit” Bundrick has worked with an extraordinary range of legendary artists. He performed on albums and tours with The Who, where his keyboard work became an essential part of their live sound during the 1970s.

Beyond The Who, his credits include collaborations with Bob Marley and the Wailers, Roger Waters, Mick Jagger, Free, Back Street Crawler, and Crawler, among many others.

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This has been a LONG time coming, and in fact has been on the go in various forms for years! However, to finally have something new from Rabbit is a pleasure, and you can find this on CD and Vinyl, as well as digital download, if that's your thing.

Like the majority of Rabbit's work, it runs an ample breadth of musical styles and genres, but I'd say the main thrust is a Soul/Funk/Rock thang, probably in that order! There's a vast array of musicians and vocalists helping out here, and that includes old friends like Geoff Whitehorn (Crawler) and Juan van Emmerloot (who Rabbit knows from his work with Snowy White). Also singers like Gregg Kofi Brown (Osibisa), Jimmy Kunes (from Cactus/Savoy Brown), and Eddie Baird, from Amazing Blondel. Given this vast array of different contributions, the album does actually have a sense of coherency, which could easily have become muddled. It does sound like Rabbit, but without him doing any singing here, which is what I'm used to on a Rabbit album, it's good that this doesn't end up sounding like a compilation of different random artists. It does have an overall 'feel' and uniformity. All the songs are written by Rabbit, and you can tell it's him. There's great keyboards throughout, some fabulous Hammond, and his arrangements are tight and funky. Juan's drumming is right in the groove pocket and Geoff plays a blinder, so lots to enjoy. Hearing Eddie Baird singing the closing song brought a tear to my eye, another sadly deceased friend of the FAS, giving a final smile, and wave. Lovely.

Curiously the majority of the album is already on Youtube, which seems a bit odd if they want to get sales. But if you want to hear it all before you commit to buy, all but one song can be found there, with only 'Forever You' being missing. (link to the YT playlist below)

This is being touted as John 'Rabbit' Bundrick's final album, and given that he's driving rapidly toward being a ripe old 78, and has been dealing with some of the usual older-aged health stuff (comes to us all), then I can see that may be the case. But if you want to go out with a statement of musical wherewithal and talent, then this shows what we all really know. The final record from a hugely talented individual who, in his career, has pretty much done it all. Been there, done that, seen it all, got the T-shirt, and still kept going, because he's simply full of music. (DC)

Full 'Youtube' Playlist: -  Click Here

 

John 'Rabbit' Bundrick - Mr. Big Boss Man

01. What The Man Has To Say (feat. Gregg Kofi Brown & Leslie Smith)
02. Nkosi B (feat. Gregg Kofi Brown)
03. Asylum (feat. Jimmy Kunes)
04. Mr. Big Boss Man (feat. Jay Fleming)
05. Grownups (feat. Ben Rodenburg)
06. Living On A Level (feat. Gregg Kofi Brown)
07. Africa ’25 (feat. Damian Corlazzoli)
08. Hole In My Head (feat. Jamie Bruhn)
09. Funky James (feat. Andreas Suntrop)
10. Salty Popcorn (feat. Ben Rodenburg)
11. Send Your Love (feat. Eddie Baird)

FEATURING ARTISTS: Jay Fleming, Jamie Bruhn, Jimmy Kunes, Leslie Smith, Gregg Kofi Brown, Ben Rdnburg, Damian Corlazzoli, Roberto Tiranti, Andreas Suntrop, Eddie Baird.

MUSICIANS: John Bundrick, Juan van Emmerloot, Age Kat, Jeroen de Rijk, Paola Zadra Full, Simone Ewouds, Walter Latupeirissa, Geoff Whitehorn, Brian Bordes, Martin Verdonk, Frederike Schonis, Bobby Jacobs, Daan Hadiedaan

"Mr. Big Boss Man" on CD presents John "Rabbit" Bundrick as a seasoned musician whose soulful keyboard work and songwriting have long impressed fans of roots rock, blues and classic rock. On this release, Bundrick blends earthy blues grooves with melodic rock elements, creating an intimate, song-driven album that highlights his expressive playing and mature, emotionally resonant vocal and instrumental arrangements. The tracks move between reflective, slow-burning pieces and more driving, rhythm-focused songs, always carried by warm analogue-style production that puts the keyboards and songcraft at the center. This CD is ideal for listeners who appreciate authentic, musician-led albums with strong melodies and a timeless feel rather than trend-driven productions. John "Rabbit" Bundrick is best known as a highly respected keyboardist and composer who has worked with some of the biggest names in rock and has earned a reputation as a versatile, inventive player. Over the years he has contributed to numerous acclaimed recordings and tours, establishing himself as a go-to musician for artists seeking depth, groove and atmosphere in their sound. His solo work, including "Mr. Big Boss Man", reflects that same musical maturity, giving him room to step out of the sideman role and present his own artistic voice. Jrb Records, the label behind this CD, focuses on music driven by artistic integrity and strong musicianship. Rather than mass-market releases, the company's catalog centers on carefully produced projects that give artists space to develop their personal sound. With "Mr. Big Boss Man", Jrb Records underlines its commitment to authentic, well-crafted music that places the artist and the songs at the forefront, making this disc a fitting addition to any serious music collection.

Paul Kossoff, Al Anderson & Bob Marley...

Paul Kossoff on Bob Marley's 'Natty Dread' album... It's not as unlikely a proposition as you might think...

I know I've mentioned Koss and Bob Marley before. I first became aware they knew each other when Eddie Baird told me he once went around to the Mews, and Marley was there. Bob was around at Island, and the Basing Street Studio, so that's not a surprise they had met. Remember, Rabbit also knew Bob very well, as he'd worked with him for Johnny Nash before they all came to the UK, prior to the recording of 'KKTR'. 

I also knew that Koss had played with Junior Marvin-Hanson at Basing Street. Junior eventually replaced Al Anderson in The Wailers (in 1977). I've mentioned this before, and the unreleased song of Junior's that Koss played on, in an older issue of the FAS. Junior was actually signed to ELP's Manticore label, and released two albums with them, and he did some recording at Basing Street. I had a chat with Junior, it's in an FAS issue, and he said that Koss was often around the studio looking for something to do. That's how they met.

Al Anderson was always a bit more of a mystery. I've never spoken to him, but a little while back he did an interview, and mentioned it was Kossoff that put him forward to play with Bob Marley, as he (Al) was hanging out at Kossoff's house when Chris Blackwell rang to invite Kossoff to come to the studio and play on Bob's 'Natty Dread' (1974) album, which they were finishing up. Koss declined, but sent Al as his replacement, and the rest is history.

Anyway, there's a very good interview with Al just gone up on Youtube, on the 'Mixtape Radio Show & Podcast' channel. There's a audio clip below with the Free and Kossoff story, and the link for the full interview is below that. Check it out, it's good stuff and a great little channel too.

Check out the full Al Anderson interview here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n88x-ydsfJE 

Thanks to Angus for the heads up on this one, and Mark at the 'Mixtape Radio Show & Podcast'.

Free - 'Ride On A Pony' Beat Club 1970

Premieres May 8, 2026

FREE performing 'Ride On A Pony' live at Beat Club in 1970.

 

Full Video now up for viewing

 

FAS #182 Competition Winner

Congratulations to Steve Ingless, who wins the brand new and unplayed Japanese 'Walk In My Shadow / The Hunter' single. Completely unmarked with it's inner sheet (lyrics on the back) and blue inner sleeve, inside it's original clear protective plastic cover. Very nice indeed!

 

Q: On which record label was 'Tons Of Sobs' originally released in Japan, as catalogue No. FOX-7009, in 1969?

 

A: It was issued on Fontana, and it is clearly shown in FAS #146 on P29

 

Thanks to everyone who entered (not that many) and got this right. This lovely item will go out to Steve today via tracked mail. I hope he enjoys it.

 

 

FAS #182 Subscribers Competition

Just a week left to get your entries in for the Japanese single competition. A brand new copy of the 'Walk In My Shadow / The Hunter' 7" up for grabs to all subscribers. The question is on the introduction page of the magazine (Page 2) and it's a pretty easy one to work out, especially as it's actually been featured in the past magazines!! The winner will be revealed here on April 2nd, and the prize will be mailed out that day.

'Tight But Loose' Blog & Peace At Sheffield 1971.

Just a quick note to thank everyone for the messages incoming, regards the final FAS issue. I have to admit it's been a little overwhelming, but I'm trying to get through them, and answer everyone. I am aware many of you have subscribed for decades (some right back to the t-shirt that started it all). Among all the emails was one from my friend Dave Lewis, Led Zeppelin historian par-excellence, and 'Tight But Loose' magazine creator and editor for many years. He's put a really nice tribute to the FAS on his blog, and it's here if you'd like to take a look. I'll put a link down below. The FAS section is about halfway down the post.

Dave's blog is always full of Zeppelin information and memories, so it's well worth checking out. I was a little taken aback by the amount of space given to the FAS here, and the very thoughtful and kind write-up of my little hobby and endeavous. I am very grateful, so thank you sir.

 Tight But Loose Blog

 

Peace at Sheffield City Hall 1971

Then I thought I'd mention the fact that there's a Peace gig up on Youtube (Thanks for the 'heads up' Paul). The tape, from Sheffield City Hall (October 7, 1971 I believe, not the 10th), has been around for a while, but it basically sounded like it had been recorded through a pillow. However, this seems to be a much higher generational copy, and is considerably clearer than previous versions. The performance itself is still a bit rough around the edges, but it is what it is, and as an audience recording I've heard much worse.

At the time the fledgling Peace were supporting Mott The Hoople, hence the short 50 minute slot. Paul Rodgers handling the guitar and vocals here of course, with ex-Killing Floor Stewart McDonald on bass, along with ex-Quatermass Mick Underwood on Drums. This is the full set, including the introduction and features;

Lady / Heartbreaker / High And Dry / If My Blues Don't Bury Me /

Last Train On Earth / Like Water / Slow Coach / Crazy

'Last Train On Earth' is actually TREE, but it was later re-titled 'Zero B.C.'. Anyway, if you'd like to check it out, you'll find it here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whqIZBATUqU 

Paul Kossoff / September 14, 1950 - March 19, 1976

Paul Kossoff

September 14, 1950 - March 19, 1976

50 years. It sounds like a long time, because it is a long time. Having put a tribute to Paul in the current issue, with some superb new and previously unpublished photographs from his brother, Simon, I don't feel the need to write the same thing again here. I think one of the best things I wrote about Paul's career, was the first thing I ever posted on this blog, written for FAS #126, when Paul would have been 60. A direct link to that below is below if you want to have a look.

http://freeappreciationsociety.blogspot.com/2011/07/fas-126-march-2011-paul-kossoff-at.html

Now he would have been 75, and while it would have been great to reminisce with him, sadly that isn't an option, but what you can do is play the music. As I've said in #182, I'm not telling you what to play this year. Pick your favourites. I've decided to play the lot! I'm having a day at it, and I'm going to play the vinyl for a change. I'm starting today with Champion Jack Dupree, before moving on to Martha Velez, then the Free albums - all of them - I'll slip Capaldi, Vernon and Blondel in where they sit chronologically, and in the evening the final three will be 'Kossoff - Back Street Crawler', 'The Band Plays On', and '2^nd Street'. I don't think I've ever done this before. But as for the past few years I've been concentrated on one Free LP at a time while I've been writing the magazines about them, it's a good few years since I've played some of them. I'm really looking forward to hearing 'Highway' and 'KKTR' again, and to just be able to listen to them, not having to write about them for any impending deadline.

I'm a bit sad that it appears the 'retail' music magazines seem to have missed this 50 year remembrance (anniversary seems to be completely the wrong word), maybe I should have reminded them, but I think celebrating Paul's life, and fabulous legacy, is important, as different generations of fans have contrasting connections, and introductions to it. Over the years we've passed through people like Thunder and Cry Of Love mentioning Free, on to Warren Haynes and Joe Bonamassa, and even now via people like Jared James Nichols. It's remarkable how the torch gets passed on from one generation of guitar players, to the next, right up to the current guys.

It's also interesting to see just how much material there is on the 'World Wide Web'. It's amazing. A quick 'Google' search throws up over 1730 immediate results, that doesn't include everything, due to copyrights and data protection. Type 'Paul Kossoff' into the 'Youtube' search bar, and there's a huge amount of stuff. All the film, a ton of audio, people talking about Paul, guitar lessons to play the songs or the solos, analysis of playing style, tone and technique. Incredible, and it goes right back to the start of 'YouTube' right up to the current day. Not just titles that name Paul, but also in interviews where he is mentioned. Check out the link below, start at 19.45, where Rich Robinson (Black Crowes) mentions Kossoff and Fraser from an interview recorded recently, and posted just six days ago. You think Paul isn't around that much these days, but actually he's everywhere!

Rich Robinson interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eYSGsifdjE

Okay, it's fair enough to say that not everyone 'gets it', and there are some bad guitar lessons out there if you want to actually learn what Paul played ('All Right Now' needs that pinky finger, but when played 'live' and the studio versions [single and album aren't the same], they all have different chord figures!), but at least they are there, and people are still, after all this time, talking about him. And rightly so! I'm always surprised how many American's seem to be big fans now, considering Free's somewhat inconsistent U.S. history. But there we go. If you want to celebrate Paul's recorded history today, there are plenty of options for you to do so. You don't have to play everything, that's just my thing for this year as I can spend a day doing it now I have the time. However, keep Paul in your thoughts today, and make a effort to play at least one of your favourite moments from his music. Someone once said that people aren't really dead until you stop talking about them, and forget about them. I'm pretty certain that anyone reading this isn't about to let that happen today. So enjoy the music, and his memory.

Below: A few interesting Youtube links.

Joe Bonamassa: The Influence Of The Great Paul Kossoff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25O4Uzvt7Nc

 

Paul Kossoff: Rock's Most Underrated Guitarist Exposed!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg_feB57i6E

The Feel Over Speed Approach - Paul Kossoff’s Genius

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKsL2i0Rwyw

10 Guitar Riffs | Paul Kossoff | Free | Guitar licks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qGfzLRfEY0

Jared James Nichols: How to play like Free's Paul Kossoff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg_feB57i6E

David Brewster has done a number of 'looks' at Free and Paul. Here Paul is obviously an influence on the presenter, and while not everything is exactly as I'd play it, or how I hear it. His overviews are very good, and, as a guitar player myself, I do like his tone! So if you play, you can check these out and maybe learn a few new 'licks'.

3 Paul Kossoff Licks From 1970

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKsBJY-C7Qs

Chordplay - The Chords Of Free

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHNQH--3-nU

Soloing Secrets - Paul Kossoff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y77BvgZz2j4