Boz Scaggs - Moments/Boz Scaggs & Band

Funky country-rock from 1971

Back in the days when you had to stick out at least two albums a year, Boz Scaggs and co delivered the goods. Moments, a 10-strong stroll through country-rock pastures, takes in a look at the funk vista, while peering into brass-rock lands as well. Downright Women has jazzy cocktail lounge ambience, Painted Bells is harmony-rich and sweet, while Rita Coolidge is among the backing vocalists on the strumming Near You. Still, little of the material gets out of first gear, only Hollywood Blues livening things up with a Joe Cocker-type raunch. Can I Make It Last drifts dreamily by with its slide guitar, but much else is laidback to the point of being horizontal.

The nine-song follow-up is even more eclectic, from the twangy funk of Monkey Time and old school blues of Runnin’ Blue, to the gospel Love Anyway and Latino Flames Of Love wigout. Elsewhere there’s blarting brass, country-rock and songwriter fare, making for a right mish-mash.

BGO | CD 812

Reviewed by Tim Jones
<< Back to Issue 351