Alexis Korner - Alexis Korner

Early 70s capers with Korner and Crimson compadres

Two more reissues from the legendary British bluesmeister contrast a self-titled solo album from 1971 with one from a project born the following year, when three King Crimson members jumped Fripp’s ship to join Korner after a US package tour. The resulting band was Snape, and their sole studio album is here augmented by a second live disc released in West Germany only.

With a cast list including Tim Hinkley, Boz Burrell, Mel Collins and Ian Wallace, there’s no way Accidentally Born… can be anything other than solid, with occasional moments of inspiration, but it’s also (on the live disc) occasionally tedius in a way only 70s music can be (a drum solo in the 16-minute track Snape, for instance). Co-vocalist Peter Thorup contributes enthusiastically.

Korner’s earlier solo effort doubles its regulation 11 numbers with bonus material, some previously unreleased. The band includes jazzers Colin Hodgkinson and Chris McGregor, who add some unpredictable angles to the material which, surprisingly, is less blues-based than you’d expect.

Both releases are as well packaged as you’d expect from Castle/Sanctuary, with lavishly illustrated foldout sleeves and Neil Slaven notes.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Castle | CMDDD 1479

Reviewed by Michael Heatley
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