The James Gang

LP "Yer Album"  ABC   ABCS 688 / US / 1969
                            Bluesaway   13 LS 6034 / US / 1969
                            Stateside SSL  10295 / UK / 1969
                            Pickwick   SPC 3675 / US / 1979
CD "Yer Album" BGO   BGO  60 / UK / 1989
                            One Way  MCAD 22052 / US / 1991
                            MCA 088112282-2 / US / 2000
                            Universal UICY-94058 / Japan / 2009

The group was formed in Cleveland in 1967. The first guitarist was Glen Schwartz, who later joined
Pacific Gas and Electric. Schwartz was replaced by Joe Walsh. In 1969, a threepiece (Jim Fox~dr Tom Kriss~bg, Joe Walsh~g, voc, kbd) record the album. "Yer Album"  is released by ABC and
Bluesway. The first record included both the group's own material as well as two covers - Bluebird ,
originally by Buffalo Springfield and  Lost Woman , written by The Yardbirds. The tunes on the first
album can t be referred to as a typically American rock. A careful listener can easily find many
European influences. Also, The James Gang toured with The Who, which could affected on the
band's style. The debut album sounds kind of "cold", I d say. However, after some time you may find
the stuff more fascinating. The album is full of cello sounds (the tracks:  Tuning Part One; Stone
rap; Wrapcity in English). But, I recommend a song called Stop. If you're not engrossed by "Yer Album", I'd recommend CD "The True Story of James Gang". It was released by See For Miles Records Ltd in 1997.
Why so?
As simple as that the album is a compilation of the band's best songs. Although the group itself wasn't
very notable it is worth remembering. First, Joe Walsh used to be a member of The Eagles (the guys
who played  Hotel California ). Tommy Bolin, who replaced R. Blackmore In Deep Purple
(during the Come taste the Band era), also played in James Gang. Any further recommendation
needed?