Graham Munn - Rhythm & Booze

Hot on the heels of their Language Of Curiosity album, comes this Live 9 track Live recording. Songs were recorded at The Met in Bury, and The Grange Theatre, Oldham over a series of dates that saw a select trio of organists join Suzy, Simon along with Steve Gibson on drums. Needless to say, Hammond and Wurlitzer stand out in this set of songs as Simon stretches the music they trade riffs as freely as swapping Panini stickers in a school break. Significantly, Josh Phillips from Procul Harum features, along with Jonny Henderson and Christian Madden. 

The album opens on,’Brother’, with Christian on the ivories, Steve hits the spot on drums as Suzy’s bass pumps in the bottom end. Simon calls the lyrics as he explores his chosen axe. I say chosen, because when Campbell is on stage, there will be a range of often unusual, often vintage, stringed weapons to wield. ‘Cry Over You’, is a moody slow blues, that stands out in its rockier edged company, whilst unwrapping a gorgeous solo from Simon. A meaty 10 minutes long, but you’ll be in the zone all the way, through fabulous organ, and beautiful guitar leads. 

Things turn a bit more to the wild side because I, ‘Said So’, a pulsating rock rhythm that steps aside as Campbell explores the skies setting off into a rocket fuelled flight that sees everything thrown in, he shadow boxes with a theremin, plays with time proven effects, throws in familiar riffs, goes crazy, LSD for the ears, I think so! 

The only song where Suzy takes on vocals is, ‘Guilty’, I’m often guilty of indecision, but Suzy unloading all her demons in this song, Simon’s honeyed sweet guitar adds flavour, to the confessional. ‘Preacher Of Love’, has Simon in the pulpit, selling it to the ladies in the congregation, Hammond swirls around the guitar and heavy throbbing bass, Hendo is sublime, Steve keeps it all in line as the preacher sells his ware. Jonny stays seated for guilt trip, ‘Misgivings’, the shuffling rhythm is insistent, the Hammon is superb, Simon and Hendo swap riffs, goading each other, its a mixed fruit jam, a rich conserve to be savoured, until Campbell concedes. 

Time for Josh to repaint the scene with ‘A Whiter Shade Of Pale’, still don’t understand what its about, but Simon plays homage to this wonderful piece of organic music. Check your paint chart if you want to see just how many “shades of white” there are, but you won’t find too many vestal virgins in there, despite the tales of the miller. Brilliant.

Graham Munn - Rhythm & Booze