gass

Gass were one of the more adventurous groups to emerge from London’s late-1960s club scene, creating a powerful mixture of psychedelic rock, heavy funk, jazz and progressive experimentation. Driven by dense percussion, elastic bass lines, swirling keyboards and Bobby Tench’s expressive vocals, their sole studio album moves easily between extended rhythmic workouts and tighter, blues-inflected songs.

Originally released by Polydor in 1970 as Juju and soon afterwards retitled Gass, the album also features former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green on two of its strongest tracks. His distinctive, economical guitar work adds an extra blues intensity to “Juju” and “Black Velvet,” while the remainder of the record highlights the band’s impressive ensemble playing, prominent percussion and unusual violin, flute and keyboard textures. An essential discovery for listeners interested in British psychedelic funk, jazz-rock and underground progressive music.

Track Listing

1. Kulu Se Mama
2. Holy Woman
3. Yes I Can
4. Juju
5. Black Velvet
6. House For Sale
7. Cold Light Of Day
8. Cool Me Down