The U.K. based
Beat Goes On label continues their series of
Roy Buchanan two-fers. This one finds the artist at a distinct professional crossroads. After his ultimately discordant relationship with
Polydor came to an end, the label finally showed the good sense to issue
Live Stock (1975) -- which was primarily documented at
Town Hall in New York City on November 27, 1974. The notable exception being the six-plus minute take of
"I'm Evil" -- recorded the following March at the
Amazing Grace club in Evanston, IN. Supporting
Buchanan's consummate strings during the
Town Hall appearance are
Billy Price (vocals),
John Harrison (bass),
Malcolm Lukens (keyboards), and
Byrd Foster (drums/vocals). There are several outstanding entries scattered throughout
Live Stock. With the focus properly placed on
Buchanan's fluid fretwork, the update of
Al Green's greasy
"I'm a Ram," as well as the deadly accuracy with which he lays line upon line of incendiary guitar during
"Further on Up the Road" are nothing short of exemplary examples of his nimble mastery in the context of a live performance.
A Street Called Straight (1976) marked the start of a three-album deal for
Buchanan on
Atlantic Records where he retained the services of
Harrison (bass),
Lukens (keyboards), and
Foster (drums/vocals). The move meant that
Buchanan and company also gained the skills of label veteran
Arif Mardin, who brought along session all-stars
Andy Newmark (drums),
Will Lee (bass),
Billy Cobham (percussion),
the Brecker Brothers' horn section, and vocals from former
Rascals' member
Eddie Brigati. The direction that
Mardin takes the ensemble certainly works to the advantage of the guitarist, who likewise provided nine of the long player's 11 cuts. Again, at the center of each number is
Buchanan's unmatched sonic imprint. From the opening wail of
"Running Out" through to the funkified
"Keep What You Got" or the organic remake of
Jimi Hendrix's
"If Six Was Nine," any or all of these could be considered essential listening. As is the new reading of the
Buchanan staple
"The Messiah Will Come Again" -- a tune that dates all the way back to his earliest known originals, when he was the leader of
Buck & the Snake Stretchers (1971). ~ Lindsay Planer
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