Pig Iron - Pig Iron 1970

This is the only and self-titled album by New York Hard Blues Rock band "Pig Iron". Band members Van Scyoc and Ippolito would later join Elephant's Memory and Marty Fogel went on to play with Lou Reed. A great album that has been largely overlooked and definitely worth a spin or three. The cover of "I Put A Spell On You" is most enjoyable also.

The first and only album from this New York City band, Pig Iron offered up brassy hard rock in the style of Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears which received critical praise and little else. The group toured the U.S. playing large outdoor festivals under headliners The Rascals, Blodwyn Pig, Bob Seger System and the aforementioned Chicago, but it didn't last long for whatever reason and Pig Iron split in 1971. A talented bunch; lead vocalist Alan Abrahams would go on to an extensive production career with Pure Prairie League, Joan Baez and David Cassidy among others while keyboard player Adam Ippolito and bassist Gary Van Scyoc would join Elephant's Memory - the group John Lennon and Yoko Ono would annex for their own musical vision. Last but not least, sax player Marty Vogel had an extensive career in Lou Reed's band although the whereabouts of guitarist Bill Peters and trumpeter Paul Squire are a mystery. Pig Iron had a lot going for them with a competent vocalist and co-producer in Abrahams, outstanding musicianship and a knack for clever arrangements. Case in point their cover of the Screamin' Jay Hawkins classic 'I Put A Spell On You' which is absolutely breathtaking. A mixture of classical and blues styles that hands down beats the original and any other version you've heard. 'I Can't Make It Alone' is another favourite - a pop number with a melody I've heard a zillion times before while still sounding fresh and original. Over to the second side and more musical treats with the BS&T influenced and delightful 'Easy Time Now', the gospel flavored 'Abe's Blues' and 'Top Of The World' which is nothing short of stunning jazzy brass pop that leaves most pretenders of such styles lying in the dust. Review by




Alan Abrahams - lead vocals, drums
Marty Fogel - saxophone
Adam Ippolito - keyboards, trumpet, vocals
Bill Peters - lead guitar, vocals
Paul Squire - trumpet
Gary Van Scyoc - bass, trumpet, vocals

ENJOY

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