Zephyr. I was eager to purchase that album mainly because I admired Tommy Bolin's playing with Billy Cobham (in the amazing "Spectrum") and with Deep Purple in "Come Taste The Band" (Deep Purple have never been among my favourites-I only liked their MKI albums to be honest). I had also read somewhere that Zephyr were fronted by a female singer whose voice was very much like Janis Joplin's, only louder and harsher.
After the very first spin, I was amazed at the musicianship but disappointed with Candie Givens' voice. She's actually trying too hard to sound like Janis Joplin and the results are...ehm...crap, really. There are songs in which her pretentious falsetto is simply unbearable to listen to. Shame, because the rest of the band really kicks ass playing a blend of blues and hard rock with jazz elements. Anyway, maybe some of you appreciate what I haven't so far. Again, the musicianship level is really high and it's only the vocals that really get on my nerves... I'd like to know if anyone's got a different opinion, actually.
Rip is in 192kbps (sorry for that but I ripped it ages ago, when bitrate was ...a secondary consideration). Sound quality is very good though, don't worry!
Enjoy!
Zephyr
PS: I would appreciate some comments; after all they're the only reason for this blog to keep going. Don't be a dummy, drop me a line!
I've had this album, the first one, along with the other two Zephyr albums since they were released back in the early 70's. Given the possibility that you're just hearing this music for the first time you can be forgiven for your tin ear when it comes to Candy's vocals. At the time this album was new she was blowing away all the other chick singers with her emotional voice and amazing range. What you call screeching is actually a controlled, in key, wail. I love this girl, did back then, still do. for me she was head and shoulders above Joplin.
I will agree with ya that the musicianship is excellent, Tommy Bolin was one of the best in that era up until his death.
If this album is your only exposure to the band I'd highly suggest that you listen to GOING BACK TO COLORADO & SUNSET RIDE. Each album was a unique and very satisfying musical experience back then and still is to this day.
Hell, Joplin couldn't play a harmonica and Candy could really wail. I'd suggest you find the other two albums and keep playing this one until the lights come on.
I have all 3 albums available on my blog if you don't have them....
http://tcsoldnewmusicreview.blogspot.com/
respectfully yours
TC