Duffy Power - Duffy Power

Sole solo long-player from British blues contender

RPM’s Duffy Power reissue programme reaches its zenith with the only album Power managed to successfully complete during his long and colourful career. Originally released on the GSF label in 1972, this unassuming self-titled set comprises 10 originals, written at various times between 1965 and 1972. It’s produced by Adrian Millar, with Power’s former Immediate label boss, Andrew Loog Oldham, credited as associate producer, and his old champion, Alexis Korner, among the backing vocalists. Endearingly�under-produced and showcasing Power on guitar, harmonica and vocals, this is a bona fide slow burner. The deeply organic marriage of soul-searching lyricism and blues-rock backbone takes on greater resonance with each subsequent play.

By way of a bonus, this firsttime reissue also features the three surviving tracks from Power’s aborted second solo album, including the excellent Dusty Road and Love Gonna Go, with their timely echoes of Paul Rogers and Free. All things considered, the reissue of this forgotten gem is a persuasive reminder of what might have been, had Power finally got the break he so richly deserved.

RPM | RPM 323

Reviewed by Grahame Bent
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