Ricotti & Albuquerque - First Wind (2025 Remaster) - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

A cherished cult favorite from 1971, "First Wind" stands as a remarkable fusion of jazz, rock, and folk, now available in an artist-sanctioned reissue newly remastered by Prof. Stoned. This masterful collaboration pairs UK's premier vibraphonist Frank Ricotti with vocalist-songwriter Michael de Albuquerque (just before he joined ELO as their bassist), backed by an all-star lineup of British jazz luminaries including John Taylor on keyboards and Trevor Tomkins on drums. From the taut and laconic "Give A Damn" to their Cat Stevens-esque take on James Taylor's "Lo And Behold," the album seamlessly blends experimental jazz-rock with thoughtful interpretations of classic songs. Originally praised by Cream magazine for it's "elegant quartet" sound and hailed as "an absolute must" by Hi-Fi News & Record Review, this definitive reissue includes nine bonus tracks featuring their complete John Peel BBC session, plus a 20-page booklet with track-by-track commentary from de Albuquerque himself. Album Tracks 1. Ratsa (Don't Know Why) 2. Lo and Behold 3. Go Out and Get It 4. Don't You Believe Me? 5. New York Windy Day 6. Bobo's Party 7. Didn't Wanna Have to Do It 8. Old Ben Houston 9. The Wind Has No Love 10. Give a Damn 11. Better Men Than Me (Michael de Albuquerque Solo Single, 1969) 12. Burn Burn Burn (Michael de Albuquerque Solo Single, 1969) 13. Roll Him Over (Michael de Albuquerque Solo Single, 1970) 14. Blind Man (Michael de Albuquerque Solo Single, 1970) 15. 'Alan Black Intro' (Live on BBC "John Peel Sunday Concert", 8/22/1971) 16. Ratsa (Don't Know Why) (Live on BBC "John Peel Sunday Concert", 8/22/1971) 17. Give a Damn (Live on BBC "John Peel Sunday Concert", 8/22/1971) 18. Don't You Believe Me (Live on BBC "John Peel Sunday Concert", 8/22/1971) 19. Go Out and Get It (Live on BBC "John Peel Sunday Concert", 8/22/1971)