Average White Band Live At Montreux 1977 Review by Eric Meli
Average White Band was formed in 1972 by a group of Scotsmen with a fondness for soul and funk music. This live album chronicles their 1977 appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2011 Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
Picking up the Pieces
This song from Average White Band’s first album was a number one hit back in 1974. They give us a smoking hot live performance here.
Work to Do
A cover of an Isley Brothers song, this is about a man wanting to get home to his woman but having too much going on at work. This is a real winner.
A Love of Your Own
Here is a softly sung tune with some nice saxophone.
Person To Person
This track is one sweaty funky number, just right for dancing.
Got The Love
This cut has a slow tight rhythm and smooth vocals.
Sweet & Sour
This instrumental cut really showcases their jazzy/funky influences.
Cut The Cake
If you saw the “Starsky And Hutch” movie you may recognize this song, but this live version has jams from the individual band members.
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
This twelve-minute cover of the classic Marvin Gaye song may not be quite as potent as the original, but it’s still very good.