NRBQ [1969]

by NRBQ

Overview

NRBQ have evolved considerably over the course of a career that's lasted over 50 years and isn't done just yet. But the band's self-titled debut album, originally released in 1969, is joyous evidence that their originality and spark were there right from the very start. Cut several years before NRBQ settled into their "classic" lineup, here founders Terry Adams (keyboards and vocals) and Joey Spampinato (bass and vocals) are joined by lead singer Frank Gadler, guitarist Steve Ferguson, and drummer Tom Staley. Gadler and Ferguson's musical personalities put a different spin on this music than NRBQ would generate a few years down the line, when Al Anderson's guitar work and songwriting would become a key part of their recipe. Here, they sound more like a boogie band than they did when they hit their stride, albeit one with a very individual approach. But the group's trademark eclecticism and sense of fun are very much in evidence. The album's opening one-two punch of Q-approved reworkings of Eddie Cochran's "C'mon Everybody" and Sun Ra's "Rocket #9" demonstrate both their musical reach and the depth of their influences, Adams' crazy-quilt melodic ideas and inspired keyboard work are featured on "Kentucky Slop Song" and "Stay with We," Spampinato contributes a first-class rocker in "You Can't Hide" (NRBQ would revisit the song on 1980's Tiddlywinks), and Steve Ferguson's estimable guitar work and songwriting bona fides ("I Didn't Know Myself," "Stomp," and "Fergie's Prayer") are a reminder of what a potent force he was in the band's early days. NRBQ is the work of a band that sometimes sounds like it's still finding its way in the recording studio, and Eddie Kramer's production sometimes lacks the punch the musicians needed. But even though NRBQ would make better albums in the future, their debut is the work of a group that already had a sound all its own and a love of music that was wildly infectious, and this is an often overlooked gem in the Q's catalog. ~ Mark Deming

Product Details

Release Date:	03/16/2018
Label:	Omnivore
UPC:	0816651012299

Tracks

1. C'mon Everybody
2. Rocket #9
3. Kentucky Slop Song
4. Ida
5. C'mon If You're Comin'
6. You Can't Hide
7. I Didn't Know Myself
8. Stomp
9. Fergie's Prayer
10. Mama Get Down Those Rock and Roll Shoes
11. Hymn Number 5
12. Hey! Baby
13. Liza Jane
14. Stay with We

Album Credits

Performance Credits

NRBQ   Primary Artist
Joey Spampinato   Bass,Vocals
Steve Ferguson   Guitar,Vocals
Terry Adams   Vocals,Harmonica,Keyboards
Donn Adams   Trombone
Frank Gadler   Vocals,Percussion

Technical Credits

Traditional   Composer
Sonny Terry   Composer
Cheryl Pawelski   Reissue Producer
Eddie Kramer   Engineer
Greg Allen   Design,Reissue Art Director
Joey Spampinato   Composer
Jerry Capehart   Composer
NRBQ   Composer,Producer
Steve Ferguson   Composer
Terry Adams   Composer
Bruce Channel   Composer
Brownie McGhee   Composer
Carla Bley   Composer
Eddie Cochran   Composer
Sun Ra   Composer
Gary Hobish   Mastering
Lee Lodyga   Project Assistant
Margaret Cobb   Composer
Jay Berman   Liner Notes
Jody St Nicholas   Composer
Frank Scinlaro   Producer
Norm DeMoura   Restoration
Audrey Bilger   Project Assistant
Phil Crandon   Photography,Cover Design
Dutch Cramblitt   Project Assistant
Brad Rosenberger   Project Assistant