Album Information:
Album ID: 10274
About The Sensational Alex Harvey Band:
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band was a Scottish rock band led by the charismatic and theatrical Alex Harvey. The group formed in Glasgow in 1972 and quickly gained a following for their energetic live shows and unique blend of rock, blues, and cabaret-style performance.
Alex Harvey had already established himself as a successful musician in the UK during the 1960s, playing in bands like The Kool Kats and The Big Soul Band. However, it wasn't until the formation of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band that Harvey found true success.
The band's debut album, Framed, was released in 1972 and showed off their eclectic sound and Harvey's dynamic vocal range. The album featured a mix of original songs and covers, including a dramatic version of Tom Jones' 'Delilah' that became one of the band's signature songs.
Over the next few years, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band released a string of successful albums, including Next (1973), Tomorrow Belongs to Me (1975), and SAHB Stories (1976). The band's live shows were legendary, with Harvey often donning costumes and performing elaborate stage routines.
Despite their success, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band never quite broke through in the US market. However, they remained hugely popular in the UK and Europe, where their blend of rock and cabaret-style theatrics was embraced by fans.
Tragically, Alex Harvey died in 1982 at the age of 46 after suffering a heart attack. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band disbanded shortly after his death, but their legacy remains strong, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of fans.
Overall, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band was a unique and unforgettable group that blended rock, blues, and theater in a way that had never been seen before. With their flamboyant live shows and powerful music, they were a true force to be reckoned with in the world of rock and roll.
About the album Live:
Live is a live album by the Scottish rock band The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, released in 1975. The album was recorded at the famous Hammersmith Odeon in London during one of the band's performances on their UK tour.
The album features 11 tracks, showcasing the band's eclectic mix of rock, blues, and theatrical performance. It kicks off with an energetic introduction by Alex Harvey himself, before launching into a hard-rocking version of 'Faith Healer,' which sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Other standout tracks include 'Isobel Goudie,' a haunting and theatrical song that tells the story of a woman sentenced to death for witchcraft, and 'Framed,' a fast-paced and bluesy number with some impressive guitar work by Zal Cleminson.
The album also features a cover of 'I Just Want to Make Love to You,' originally recorded by Muddy Waters, which the band puts their own unique spin on. The song features some impressive harmonica work by Hugh McKenna.
One of the highlights of the album is the band's cover of 'Gang Bang,' a song originally recorded by Donnie Elbert. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band takes the song to new heights with their hard-hitting rock interpretation, complete with a blistering guitar solo by Cleminson.
Throughout the album, the band's performance is electric, with Harvey's powerful vocals and theatrical stage presence commanding the audience's attention. The band's musicianship is also showcased, with impressive guitar solos, solid drumming by Ted McKenna, and dynamic bass lines by Chris Glen.
In all, Live is a must-have for fans of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, showcasing the band's unparalleled energy and performance prowess. It's a testament to the band's talent and is still revered as one of the best live albums in rock history.
Members:
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band was a Scottish rock band formed in 1972. The lineup went through several changes over the years, but here is a list of some of the key members of the band along with their biographies:
1. Alex Harvey (vocals) - Alex Harvey was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1935. He began his career as a musician in the late 1950s, playing in various jazz bands. In the 1960s, he formed the Alex Harvey Soul Band and later the Alex Harvey Blues Band. He formed the Sensational Alex Harvey Band in 1972, and they released their debut album 'Framed' the same year. Harvey was known for his theatrical stage performances and his distinctive voice. He died in 1982 at the age of 47.
2. Zal Cleminson (guitar) - Zal Cleminson was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1949. He joined the Sensational Alex Harvey Band in 1972 and stayed with the band until their breakup in 1978. He was known for his flamboyant stage costumes and his intricate guitar playing. After the band broke up, he formed his own band called the Zal Cleminson Band.
3. Chris Glen (bass) - Chris Glen was born in Paisley, Scotland in 1950. He joined the Sensational Alex Harvey Band in 1975 and played on their albums 'Tomorrow Belongs to Me' and 'Rock Drill.' He stayed with the band until their breakup in 1978. After the band disbanded, he played with various other bands, including The Michael Schenker Group.
4. Hugh McKenna (keyboards) - Hugh McKenna was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1949. He joined the Sensational Alex Harvey Band in 1972 and played on many of their albums, including 'Framed,' 'Next,' and 'The Impossible Dream.' He stayed with the band until their breakup in 1978. After the band disbanded, he played with various other bands, including The Party Boys.
5. Ted McKenna (drums) - Ted McKenna was born in Lennoxtown, Scotland in 1950. He joined the Sensational Alex Harvey Band in 1975 and played on their albums 'Tomorrow Belongs to Me' and 'Rock Drill.' He stayed with the band until their breakup in 1978. After the band disbanded, he played with various other bands, including Rory Gallagher and The Michael Schenker Group. He passed away in 2019.
Track List for Live:
I apologize, but as an AI language model, I am not able to access the specific playtime of each track from the album Live by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. However, I can provide you with the ordered track list, along with a brief description for each track:
1. Faith Healer - A hit single from the band's album 'Next' and one of their most famous songs. It showcases the band's theatrical performance and Alex Harvey's powerful vocals.
2. Vambo - A hard-hitting rock song that incorporates elements of funk, blues, and soul. It features intricate guitar work and a memorable chorus.
3. Gang Bang - A fast-paced and intense track that highlights the band's tight instrumentation and Alex Harvey's energetic vocals.
4. The Man in the Jar - A haunting and atmospheric ballad that showcases Harvey's emotional range and storytelling ability.
5. Give My Compliments to the Chef - A playful and upbeat track that incorporates elements of funk and showcases the band's ability to have fun on stage.
6. Delilah - A cover of the famous Tom Jones hit, which the band puts their own unique spin on with their signature theatrics and rock sound.
7. Framed - Another cover, this time of the classic blues song by B.B. King. The band adds their own touch to the song with a dynamic guitar solo and fast-paced tempo.
8. Next - The title track from the band's album 'Next.' It's a complex and experimental song that showcases the band's musical prowess and Alex Harvey's vision as a songwriter.
Overall, 'Live' by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band serves as a showcase of the band's unique blend of rock, blues, funk, and theatrical performance. Each track on the album brings something different to the table and showcases the band's ability to captivate and entertain audiences with their eclectic sound and dynamic stage presence.
Discography for The Sensational Alex Harvey Band:
Sure, here is the complete discography for The Sensational Alex Harvey Band in chronological order:
Albums:
1. Framed - 1972
2. Next... - 1973
3. The Impossible Dream - 1974
4. Tomorrow Belongs to Me - 1975
5. SAHB Stories - 1976
6. Rock Drill - 1978
Singles:
1. 'Midnight Moses' / 'H Gang' - 1972
2. 'Faith Healer' / 'Giddy Up A Ding Dong' - 1973
3. 'Vambo Marble Eye' / 'There's No Lights On The Christmas Tree, Mother They're Burning Big Louie Tonight' - 1973
4. 'Delilah' / 'Sirocco' - 1975
5. 'Boston Tea Party' / 'Shake That Thing' - 1976
6. 'The Mexican / 'Love' - 1978
Other releases:
1. Live - 1975 (live album)
2. Alex Harvey Presents: The Loch Ness Monster - 1977 (soundtrack)
3. BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert - 1994 (live album)
4. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band Collection - 1996 (compilation album)
Note: Release dates may vary depending on location and format.