The Sound Of 65 – THE GRAHAM BOND ORGANIZATION****

Hoochie Coochie Man/Baby Make Love To Me/Neighbour Neighbour/Early In The Morning/Spanish Blues/Oh Baby/Little Girl/I Want You/Wade In The Water/Got My Mojo Working/Train Time/Baby Be Good To Me/Half A Man/Tammy

The Graham Bond Organization were a London blues band which included future Cream members Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. They never achieved commercial success - neither of their two albums charted - but they were highly influential in the mid sixties British R & B scene.

"The Organization had a very unique sound, driven by Bond's hoarse, growling vocals. The organ/sax/bass/drums line up was also unusual when compared to most other British blues bands of the time, which were guitar-based. The resultant sound was very dark, aggressive and heavy, as can be heard on their debut LP The Sound Of '65."

"The Sound of '65 album by The Graham Bond Organization never even bothered the LP charts of the time but I think in some respects it was a little ahead of its time. The band is renowned for half its membership being Jack Bruce (bass and harmonica) and Ginger Baker (drums), both to unite with Eric Clapton the following year to create supergroup Cream."

"Graham Bond's voice is raw but it works within this fusion of rock/jazz/blues. Bruce sings on some tracks and you get a taste of experimental stuff that matures later in Cream. Baker's drumming is brilliant of course."

"Graham's importance as a key figure in the development of rock music is covered in the reference books. But there can be no substitute for hearing his legendary Organization for yourself. The stunning power of the band, compared to other groups of the time, is here in abundance for all to see. The material is mostly classic R & B, but the much gentler song Tammy gives a fascinating glimpse of what else Graham might have achieved."

"The groundwork laid down in their albums went on to change the face of rock music. To truly understand the roots of modern rock, and see why the Organization were so highly regarded at the time, this recording is a must have."