BOZ SCAGGS / ボズ・スキャッグス / BOZ SCAGGS & BAND (DELUXE EDITON) / CD

AORシンガーとして有名になる以前はギタリストとしてスティーヴ・ミラー・バンドのメンバーだったことも良く知られるとおり、ボズの基本は南部風のブルー・アイド・ソウル。髭面の大所帯を従えた本作(1970年リリース)ではマッスルショールズ録音の前作に比べグッと洗練度が増し、後のAOR化をより予感させるサウンドになっています。中でも"WHY,WHY"あたりはフリーソウル的な視点からも昔から人気のあるグルーヴ・チューン。今回の40周年記念エディションでは"RUNNIN' BLUE"のシングルMONOヴァージョンと72年フィルモアでのライヴから"BABY'S CALLIN' ME HOME"を追加収録。

---

1971’s Boz Scaggs & Band was truly a showcase effort. Featuring not only the legendary artist, the album also included his extraordinary hand-picked band of notable musicians, who had been his touring and studio band for a number of his earlier Columbia Records albums.

Painstakingly recording the excitement and delivery of this multi-faceted leader and band, Boz Scaggs once again collaborated with producer Glyn Johns. They put together nine incredible tracks which netted the artist another chart album and further acclaim from the music critics and fans. Not sticking with one type of sound or genre, this rock and jazz fused album was truly a definitive look into the soul and artistry of this legendary musician.

Monkey Time kicks the album into full gear as this r&b fused old style rocker displays the interplay between the horns, the rhythm section and the voice and guitar of Boz Scaggs. This particular track was also featured on the highly successful The Music People 3 LP set on Columbia back in 1972, gaining a lot of new Boz Scaggs’ fans.

The single Runnin’ Blue is still a staple in his concert repertoire and is one of his classic throw down blues numbers that made this the classic that it is today. His love of Texas blues and the music of folks like T-Bone Walker and B. B. King all get a nod of appreciation in this dynamic track.

For a slight return to his Atlantic era, It’s Up To You embraces the country blues feel and reprises some of those elements you might remember from his late sixties debut. Interestingly enough, he has most recently gone back to the roots and even plays bluegrass at various music festivals honoring the genre. For more of a San Franciscan flavor, Flames Of Love highlights the percussive expertise of Santana’s Michael Carrabello and Jose Chepito Areas. This funk filled groover helps close out side one and made this one of the more memorable tracks of this album.

Here To Stay is another definitive Boz Scaggs moment. This smooth r&b pop tune establishes his knack for crossing over into the adult pop mainstream while keeping his hip factor entrenched firmly in the blues. A precursor feel to his mega smash Lowdown, Here To Stay features a hook filled flute section, light percussion with solid ivories, and soul drenched vocals. More soul follows, as Nothing Will Take Your Place mirrors some of the vibe from his Moments album, while the classic FM radio burner Why Why co-penned with the late Tim Davis returns us right back to a danceable funk groove. All in all, nine tremendous chapters of the ever cool Boz Scaggs all presented here for the first time remastered from the original Columbia Records tapes.

For this special Boz Scaggs & Band/The Deluxe Edition, we have gone back to the Columbia Records tape vaults and have found the super rare 45 mono edit of Runnin’ Blue as well as a stunning live performance of his Steve Miller Band classic Baby’s Callin’ Me Home. The importance of this performance shows the legendary Boz Scaggs & Band on their home turf at the closing of the Fillmore West in San Francisco. This is a very special and amazing performance of this much loved artist and band.


Tracklist:

1. Monkey Time
2. Runnin' Blue
3. Up To You
4. Love Anyway
5. Flames Of Love
6. Here To Stay
7. Nothing Will Take Your Place
8. Why Why
9. You're So Good

Bonus Tracks:
10. Runnin' Blue
(Mono 45 Version)
11. Baby's Callin' Me Home
(Recorded Live 1972 at the Fillmore West)