Andy Fraser's 74th Birthday Today

Birthdays for dead people... It's always a bit tricky, but as someone once said, 'people aren't truly dead until you stop saying their names'... I agree, and bearing that in mind I'm happy to put Andy in your head, on what would have been his birthday, and in doing so help keep his memory alive.

There are a number of albums by Alexis Korner that feature Andy Fraser, and indeed Paul Rodgers. They include 'Bootleg Him' from 1972, 'Alexis Korner And...' from 1986, and 'On The Move' from 1996. These are compilations, and feature songs recorded at Olympic Studios in London between September 23rd, and October 1st, 1969. Certainly, we can be pretty sure Andy was in the studio on September 24th, as he's listed on the session for 'Louisiana Blues', and then on October 1st for 'Rosie'. Both feature on Castle Communication's 'On The Move' CD (CCSCD 809). I think this may be the only place you can actually find 'Louisiana Blues', but originally the majority of these Olympic studios sessions can be found on an LP that only came out in Europe (German and Netherlands) in 1970. It was eventually released as a UK CD in 2006 (Castle Communications – CMRCD1417).

Anyway, on that album, called Alexis Korner - 'Both Sides', as released on Philips in the Netherlands, and Metronome in Germany, there are six tracks that feature Andy, and allegedly three that feature Paul Rodgers* as well, though I can't really hear PR at all. It's pretty obviously Andy tho', as only he plays like that!

The album is okay. I'm not a huge Alexis fan, musically. I find some of his stuff a bit 'grating' personally. Songs with Andy appear to be 'Mighty-Mighty Spade and Whitey*', 'Funky', 'To Whom It May Concern', 'I See It*', 'You Don't Miss Your Water' and..... 'Wild Injun Woman*' (sic). Yes, it's THAT 'Wild Indian Woman', with a new spelling, as featured on 'Tons Of Sobs', but with an Alexis arrangement!

Anyway, if you want to check out the complete album, there's a YouTube link below the Fraser/Rodgers song, which is here, and most likely what you are really interested in hearing! 

I've a little more Alexis stuff, relating to Koss and Fraser, to be posted, once I've sorted it out!

Above: Wild Injun Woman

 Alexis Korner - Both Sides LP: Click Me!

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