Flying In And Out Of Stardom (The Anthology)

Sanctuary Records knows no bounds when it comes to reissues. Flying in & Out of Stardom is proof positive that they will reissue anything from the 1970s. Here on two CDs are all three albums issued by Baker Gurvitz Army: Adrian and Paul Gurvitz (on guitar and bass respectively) and Ginger Baker (drums, of course). After Baker's Air Force died and he returned from Africa, he hooked up with the Gurvitz brothers and former Sharks vocalist Mr. Snips and keyboard player Peter Lerner and issued three studio albums -- all of them of inconsistent quality. This two-disc set compiles tracks from Baker Gurvitz Army, Elysian Encounter, and Hearts on Fire as well as live tracks, singles, and a couple of previously unearthed titles to make a definitive statement. Here at least, if not on their full-length recordings, the band is represented at their sonic, ambitious best. BGA were never a band to take anything lightly; all of the material was meticulously arranged and composed, and they were interested in jazz as well as rock and blues. This is for the band's few hardcore fans only -- but those that are so inclined will be more than satisfied by the package, Paul's liners, and the bonus cuts. ~ Thom Jurek|