Music From Free Creek

I don't totally understand this record. It features some of the top musicians of the 1970's, some of which are included in the credits, and some are not because of legal issues. I assume that means that their record label wouldn't allow them to appear on the album. This 1973 double lp on "The Famous Charisma Lable" was realeased only in the UK. Some of the credited and not credited artists are Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Harvey Mandel, Keith Emerson, Linda Rondstadt, Todd Rundgren as well as artists from the following bands: Janis Joplin Band, Blood Sweat & Tears, Canned Heat, Three Dog Night, Doctor John, Traffic, Neil Diamond Group, The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and Jimi Hendrix Experience. Pretty impressive group of musicians.

The album features an interesting choice of covers, like Lay Lady Lay, Freedom Jazz Dance, Sympathy for the Devil, Mother Nature's Son, Hey Jude and Girl from Ipanema. For me, and most funk fans, the real gem on this album is a cover version of The Meters' Cissy Strut. Cissy Strut is the quintessential funk song. Tight banging drums with a snappy snare, catchy hypnotic bassline and a groovin' organ over top. Perfect funk. This cover version doesn't top the Meter's but it is definitely dope. What other Cissy Strut covers are out there? Click on "comments" below and let me know. I know the Al Capps version is pretty dope (if anyone has that 45 for sale or trade let me know) and there are a few reggae and steel drum versions out there too.

Cherry Picker is a cool song too. It's got a 70's jam band funky soulful rock feel to it. Serious work on the bass by Stu Woods from Congregation. Like most of the album this has a real improvised sound to it. Working in a Coalmine is another classic tune with more nice bass by Stu Woods. The organ replaces the vocals and sounds great. I like this version a lot.

Cissy Strut
Music From Free Creek
(mp3 format, 4:12 mins, 3.9 mb)

Cherry Picker
Music From Free Creek
(mp3 format, 4:28 mins, 4.1 mb)

Working In A Coalmine
Music From Free Creek
(mp3 format, 3:10 mins, 3 mb)