Let’s get right to the point. You really shouldn't miss Foghat's imminent summer tour of the U.S. The line-up may have morphed many times over the years, and sadly both Rod Price and Dave Peverett are no longer with us, but the heart of the band lives on. What you will get is one of the greatest live bands of all time.To whet your appetite look no further than Angel Air’s release, Foghat NOT Live At The BBC. With a set list containing many familiar moments to fans of the band this is timely reminder of the Foghat legacy. There was a time when this band was huge, stadium size huge. Their equally gigantic reputation has remained in place ever since. Formed out of Savoy Brown in the early 70s, the band quickly earned a reputation for their hard edged, driving, blues-rock dynamics. So much so that anyone who has seen a Foghat gig over the years knows just how impressive and powerful a band they are. This album was recorded on 27th June 2007 at EKO Productions in Commack, New York, for Mark Klein’s Blues Warehouse Radio Show. Despite the fact that it was recorded in the radio station studio, the eleven track set generates a level of energy that is nothing short of remarkable. As guitarist Bryan Bassett says in Joe Geesins' excellent sleeve notes, “this CD is Foghat in a relaxed and casual venue, surrounded by a few friends and a gracious host. It is not unlike being in a Foghat rehearsal where the band plays for its own amusement and pleasure. You are there.” Thirty years after their hugely successful Foghat Live album, recorded in somewhat different surroundings, they serve up a set list that rolls out some of the classics. These include, “Slow Ride,” a track that always leaves me resembling a rabid dog, “Drivin’ Wheel,” “Fool To The City,” and their take on Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want To Make Love To You,” which dates all the way back to their first album.Huge in the States, they could hardly get a gig back home in the UK. The story behind this is explained in the sleeve notes. The result was that they hit the US stadiums at exactly the right time and became legends. Right from the off the current day line-up of drummer and founder member Roger Earl, long time bass player Craig MacGregor, who returned in 2004, singer/guitarist Charlie Huhn (formerly with Victory, Ted Nugent, and Humble Pie), and lead guitar man Bryan Bassett, formerly with Molly Hatchet, defy the years. The high energy “Home In My Hand” opens the door to a set by a band that just love to rock. The much missed Dave Peverett, who lost his fight with cancer in 2000, gave us “Fool To The City” which dates back to 1975. It is straight out of a period when Foghat were at the very height of their powers. “Mumbo Jumbo” makes a very welcome appearance having first arrived on their 'comeback' album 2003’s Family Joules. In 2007 Foghat Live II came out and it was while promoting this that Mark Klein invited them into the studio. Roger Earl recalls in the sleeve notes, “We got it home that night, put the CD in, and ended up dancing around on the deck drinking wine and tequila. It was great, and so was the CD!”That says it all. The band is flying and are clearly loving the experience. With Bryan Bassett on exceptional form, picking up the trademark slide and ripping out break after break this is a CD that is a must have. That is the case for not only Foghat’s legion of fans, but anyone with a love of hard driving blues-rock who is curious to know what all the fuss is about.So having warmed up with this get out and see them live. For the dates and details of their new studio album please go to the bands official website.
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