Customer Reviews

Blind Faith

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like many a "baby boomer" I too am still a fan of Cream, Blind Faith and other Nineteen Sixties "Classic" rock bands. In addition to the rock music styles of the `60's and intervening years, I also love many of the current styles of Alternative and Metal. Blind Faith was one of the excellent bands and albums to close out the decade. The other reviewers here have done a great job of pointing out the main points about the Blind Faith album. I agree with pretty much everything they say, but I would like to clear up a few slight errors, omissions, or misconceptions.

First, the original vinyl LP released in August 1969 came with either of two different covers in the USA. ATCO SD 33-304A had the infamous "Nude Girl with Airplane" cover, and ATCO SD 33-304B had the "Band Picture" cover (Note: Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker posing with the "incorrect" instruments.) At the time I did not know I had purchased the "clean" version. I did not even find out about the "naughty" jacket until I got curious about the "B" in the catalog number. Later, for many years the "Nude Girl" cover seems to have became only common on import pressings of the album (different catalog numbers as well). The retailers had indicated to Atlantic Records that they would not stock the album with the nude cover so a second cover was put out. This situation is similar to the US vs foreign releases of the Jimi Hendrix Experience album "Electric Ladyland."

Second, Rick Grech (Bass, Violin) had been a member of Family, Steve Winwood (Piano, Organ, Vocals) came from Traffic, and both Eric Clapton (Guitar) & Ginger Baker (Drums) were from Cream.

Third, In addition to the two basic versions of the Blind Faith (1990) Polydor 825 094 CD featured here on Amazon, I know of a third. There is the standard six-track version on one CD that is exactly like the original LP. I agree, if it were not for the oddball long Ginger Baker piece "Do What You Like," the album even on vinyl, let alone CD would have been an EP. Then there is the 2CD "Deluxe Edition" (2001) Polydor 314 549 529-2 with 5 extra tracks on the first disk and four long Jams on the second disk, also available from Amazon. This two disk CD set pretty much covers the recorded output of Blind Faith. There is a (probable bootleg) 2 CD set of Blind Faith alternate takes called "Rehearsals," but I do not have it or know the contents. But I came across a third CD version of Blind Faith on RSO Records from West Germany. This import version of Blind Faith (1986) RSO (W. Germany) 825 094-2 includes two extra tracks not found on the 2 CD Polydor set. It has songs called "Exchange and Mart" and "Spending All My Days." Personally I am not sure these are truly Blind Faith songs. They just don't sound right, especially the guitar and drums. They sound more like Rick Grech and Steve Winwood demos. Specifically, I think what I hear is Rick playing Bass & Violin, and Steve playing everything else, Keyboards, Guitar, Drums. Yes, multitracked and overdubbed, but with out Eric or Ginger. Also the late listed recording date of October 1969 makes me suspicious. The known recording dates otherwise for Blind Faith were from February 20 to June 28, 1969. The band broke up in November. If anyone out there knows any more about these or other "extra" Blind Faith songs, please let the rest of us know.

For the reviewer who asked about the "bonus tacks" titled Exchange And Mart and Spending All My Days, these tracks were actually demos for a Rick Grech solo album that was never released. They were included on an official release of Blind Faith (1986?), but you are right, they are not actually Blind Faith numbers.

This is a collaboration that produced a once in a lifetime classic. This group could not repeat or maintain the success of this one output. This album was made during what was probably the most creative and exciting period in the history of rock. Musicians were shedding old bands and traditional pop/rock. New bands and one time collaborations were being formed from pieces of old bands. There was a lot of experimentation and new sounds were being created. The range of rock music was expanded beyond the three minute hit. The record companies were paying for, FM radio (which was just emerging in the US) was playing it and people were enjoying it.

Blind Faith was Steve Winwood from Traffic, Rich Grech from Family and Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker from Cream. This album was their only official output. It has a very unique sound that matches Winwood's blues/soul vocals with Clapton's straight ahead rock. All of the songs, the music and every other aspect of this album are very strong. There isn't a weak spot in the whole project. Clapton has some very nice guitar parts, Winwood's organ soars in places and Grech adds some extra depth with a violin solo.

Besides this album, Blind Faith recorded a few extra tunes which can be found on various anthologies, like Eric Clapton's Crossroads. Any of the leftover tunes would have been out of place on this album. Blind Faith also went on a US tour that was supposed to be a disaster. This band without Clapton, but with a number of other musicians did go onto to appear on Ginger Baker's Airforce's first album (a live double LP). The sound is quite different with some African influences, but they do play "Do What You Like". It is a fun album that is worth seeking out.

Note that some versions of this CD have two extra songs: "Exchange and Mart" is a nice instrumental, featuring violin, that almost fits in with the original material. "Spending My Time" is a terrible Clapton tune that could use some serious reworking.

`Blind Faith' is the name of both the four member `super group' composed of Steve Winwood of Traffic, Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker of Cream, and Rick Grech from Family and the only album this amalgam ever produced.

The original LP of six tracks was as good or maybe just a little better than the efforts of Traffic and Cream up to that point. With Steve Winwood's distinctive vocals and organ, plus the fact that three out of the six tracks were written by Winwood makes the whole album sound much more like a Traffic jazz fest than a Cream blues session. Out of the six tracks, at least three, Winwood's `Can't Find My Way Home' and `Sea of Joy' and Clapton's `Presence of the Lord' have become rock classics, which both artists redo in many of their contemporary concerts. And, Winwood's opening `Had to Cry Today' is no slouch. Buddy Holly's `Well All Right' is well done, except that I may prefer Holly's original `1950s' rendition. The last track, Ginger Baker's long `Do What You Like' which took up most of the second half of the original LP is a classic rock drum solo jam which survives all the best efforts of Frank Zappa to parody into oblivion.

The notes to my CD release describe `Blind Faith' as the first supergroup. I beg to differ, in that Cream was billed as a supergroup at least two years before it's members broke up and reformed as Blind Faith. In fact, the whole point of the name `Cream' was to signify these three members were the `cream of the crop'.

The original Blind Faith recording is a genuine classic and deserves to be in everyone's `best albums of the `60s collection.

Soulful, emotional vocal melodies along with soothing and powerful guitar playing makes Blind Faith's one and only album truly deserving of your CD library.

This is an unusual album, as it is a "one off" album from this assemblage of performers. It is an interesting period piece, from controversial cover to the interminable drum extravaganza by Ginger Baker, "Do What You Like." For me the standouts on the album are easily "Can't Find My Way Home," the song that still defines Steve Winwood as a vocalist in a performance that is simultaneously gentle and sensuous, yet powerfully punctuated: truly it stands as one of the great songs of the 1960s. The other gem is the reworked Buddy Holly gem, "Well All Right" which is a great example of a song being transformed for the better by improved musicianship.

The album does have faults, though. First, it is barely enough material to be called an album with all of six songs. If it wasn't for the droning drum soloing in the 15-plus minute "Do What You Like," this would have been more suitable to have been released as an EP. In retrospect, I feel that Ginger Baker was maybe not the best choice for the group: the rest of the performers are at the top of their game musically, but Baker seems a bit leaden and heavy handed for most of these songs. Clapton and Winwood are in peak form though, which makes the CD worthwhile in and of itself. I give the CD four stars for originality and musical purity of vision, with the one star deduction due to the infernal drum solo work, especially on "Do What you Like."

This 1969 gem still sounds fresh, lively and fun today! Steve Winwood (what was he 21?) is in terrific voice throughout and delivers the lovely "Can't Find My Way Home" with a gentleness and poignancy that just makes you ache. The bluesy, rousing opener "Had To Cry Today" is built on one of the catchiest, heaviest rock riffs ever recorded and is guaranteed to stick in your head eternally once you've heard it. The interaction of these four brilliant musicians is remarkable and makes me wish this sort of rampant, bold experimentation was still found in pop music today. Though this "supergroup" was initially brought together as a marketing ploy, the music they produced is stunning. Throughout this jam-filled one time outing, the freedom and joy these men feel is evident. The almost 14 minute closer "Do What You Like", is a Ginger Baker masterpiece and finds the band stretching out to stunning effect. His drum solo and Rick Grech's bass solo are the highlights on this spacey, jazzy jam! For an album released 32 years ago, "BLIND FAITH" hasn't aged a day. Any lover of classic rock should own this.
Essential and Enjoyable.

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" I am often asked to write or talk about various 60's and 70's rock and roll recordings.

Although it was devastating that Cream had broken up, Two-thirds of the band Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker surfaced along with Steve Winwood and Ric Grech in Blind Faith. Although there would only be one album it has left its mark as a must own for any fan of blues-rock and Clapton or Winwood.

Please make sure you are viewing the 2CD version with the original LP and the nine bonus tracks (Including 1 CD of all Jams).

The deluxe issue has such intense bonus material that it had to be extended to a two CD set. "Can't Find My Way Back Home" and "Presence Of The Lord" have so much soul and emotion it could give a heart to the Tin Man.

There isn't a bad moment from the opening note to the final bonus track. Although you'll feel like a kid in a candy store and want to experience a bit of this and that, listen to the first six tracks on CD 1 straight through. This will enable you to experience the music the way it was in 1969 and in the best quality. After you are able to digest the brilliance of the album if you have any energy left go for the bonus tracks. Some may have had the pleasure of hearing "Sleeping In The Ground" previously. When you get to the Jams it will reaffirm why Clapton's output from the Yardbirds through Derek & The Dominos was nothing short of Herculean.

Be well always,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

'Blind Faith' is one of the finest albums of the 1960's, perhaps the most progressive decade in music. That should be no surprise as the band combined elements of two of the most talented and inventive bands of the era, lead guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker, two-thirds of 'Cream', together with keyboardist/lead singer Steve Winwood and bassist Rick Grech, two-fifths of 'Traffic'. The band only managed to stick together for one album and one tour, which also shouldn't have been a surprise given that Winwood's continued indulgence in psychedelic rock and flirtations with jazz fusion were a poor match for Clapton's foray into more traditional pop sounds and life-long side-interest in blues rock.

Ignoring their flimsy bonds, Clapton, Winwood, and Baker brought five stunning compositions into the studio. For the most part, this album became a Steve Winwood dominated production, with the artist penning fully half of the songs and singing all of the lead vocals, even on Clapton's only entry, his epic 'Presence of the Lord'. Although the set does allow all of the musicians ample room to move, Winwood's characteristic sound, together with Baker's avant garde, jazz influenced contribution ('Do What You Like'), is what gives the disc its overall feel. The bands cover of Buddy Holly's 'Well All Right' along with Clapton's 'Presence...' are clearly the odd tracks out.

That being said, there is not a bad performance on this disc. All of Winwood's contributions are classics, from the plaintive 'Had To Cry Today', to the tender 1960s's "looking for myself" nostalgia of 'Can't Find My Way Home', to the rapturous 'Sea of Joy'. Each feature distinctive melodies, endearing lyrics, and elite musicianship. The studio rendition of Clapton's 'Presence of the Lord' probably isn't the definitive version to most people, as numerous live covers have appeared on other releases, in particular with Eric masquerading as 'Derek and the Dominos'. The song evolved and eclipsed its original form. And despite the relative simplicity of 'Well All Right', this band certainly manages to make this song sound like anything but a boppin' 1950's Buddy Holly track. If this was the first song you heard off this album and were told it was the weakest track, you'd surely buy the album without even asking to hear the rest of it.

The album closes with Ginger Baker literally laying claim to his fifteen minutes of fame, penning the 15 minute-plus 'Do What You Like', another period piece that gave all four musicians an opportunity to solo and, in the end, do what they like. It's probably the most critiqued song in the lot, but a lot of the criticsm comes from people who were expecting too much. 'Blind Faith' is solid, forceful, meaningful, and possesses a personality all its own, and plenty of other 'supergroups' have produced far less. This is a "must-own" for any collector of rock classics.

The Blind Faith album is one of that rare breed which is actually little known (partly because it was a one-off record from a one-off grouping of musicians) but which has been tremendously influential, and seems as fresh as ever - rather surprisingly given the pretty awful standard of recording and the fact that it is now over 30 years old.

What a "one-off" it is, though! Every track works; nothing is pretentious or overblown, and songs like "Can't Find My Way home" are so achingly good that if Steve Winwood had never sung another note it just wouldn't matter. He'd made this music, and this legacy alone was enough to justify a whole career.

This CD is the one to save when the house burns down, the one to take to the desert island, the one to put in an earth capsule to be opened by future generations wondering whether these primative men had had any culture. And I'm so glad that the enigmatic cover illustration remains intact after all these years, even though in too many countries the image is censored in some mindless way or other....