Album Description:
Ten Years After's "Watt" is a remarkable album that showcases the band's blues rock prowess and solidifies their place in music history. Released in 1970, this album marked a significant milestone for the British band as it was their fifth studio album and the first to feature bassist Leo Lyons as a producer. With its captivating tracks and memorable performances, "Watt" remains a classic in the blues rock genre.
The album opens with the energetic and infectious "I'm Coming On", a song that instantly grabs the listener's attention. With its catchy guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and groovy rhythm section, it sets the tone for what is to come. This track was also released as a hit single in both the UK and the USA, gaining the band a wider audience and further cementing their place in the music scene.
"My Baby Left Me" follows, showcasing the band's ability to infuse their blues rock sound with a touch of melancholy. The track is filled with heartfelt lyrics, soulful guitar solos, and a tight rhythm section that perfectly complements lead vocalist Alvin Lee's emotive delivery. It's a song that speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and resonates with listeners on a profound level.
As the album progresses, "Watt" presents a diverse range of musical styles and influences. "Think About the Times" takes the listener on a captivating journey through intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts in tempo and mood. The band's tight musicianship and ability to seamlessly transition between different sections of the song are evident here.
"I Say Yeah" is an upbeat and infectious track that exudes a sense of joy and celebration. It showcases the band's ability to create music that is not only musically impressive but also fun and uplifting. The track is filled with catchy hooks, vibrant guitar solos, and a driving rhythm that invites the listener to tap their feet and sing along.
On the album's second side, "Watt" continues to impress with its powerful and engaging compositions. "The Band with No Name" is a bluesy and atmospheric track that highlights the band's ability to create a mood and tell a story through their music. It features haunting guitar melodies and evocative lyrics that draw the listener into its sonic landscape.
"Gonna Run" is a high-energy track that showcases the band's tight-knit musical chemistry. With its driving rhythm, blistering guitar solos, and infectious energy, it is a standout moment on the album. The band's instrumental prowess is on full display here, leaving the listener in awe of their musical talents.
"She Lies in the Morning" presents a more introspective and mellow side of Ten Years After. The song features soulful vocals and beautiful guitar work, creating a contemplative and emotionally resonant atmosphere. It serves as a testament to the band's ability to showcase their versatility and ability to craft songs that evoke a range of emotions.
The album concludes with a live recording of Chuck Berry's classic "Sweet Little Sixteen" from their performance at the Isle of Wight festival in 1970. This track captures the band's electrifying live energy and their ability to captivate an audience with their dynamic stage presence. It is a fitting end to an album that showcases the band's musical prowess and leaves the listener wanting more.
Band Members and Musicians on: Ten Years After Watt
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Band-members:
- Alvin Lee
Alvin Lee (born Graham Barnes, December 19, 1944 – March 6, 2013) was an English rock guitarist and singer, best known as the lead vocalist and lead guitarist for the blues rock band Ten Years After. He was born in Nottingham, England and began playing guitar at the age of 13. In the late 1960s, he formed Ten Years After and the band released their first album in 1967. They gained international fame with their performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Lee released several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians. He continued to perform and record with Ten Years After until his death in 2013. He was known for his powerful and rapid guitar playing and was considered one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.
Throughout his career, Lee received numerous accolades and awards, including being voted the third greatest guitar player of all time, by Classic Rock magazine, in 2004. He died of complications following a routine surgical procedure in 2013.
- Leo Lyons
Leo Lyons (Real-name: Leo David William Lyons) an English musician and bassist, best known as a member of the British blues rock band Ten Years After. He was born on 30 January 1943, in London, England. He started playing bass guitar in the early 1960s and joined Ten Years After in 1967, replacing the band's original bassist, Chick Churchill. He played bass guitar, provided backing vocals and wrote some songs for the band. He was an important member of the band and played in all the band's albums until their disbanding in 1975 and played in reunion concerts later on.
- Chick Churchill
Chick Churchill (Real-name: Michael George Churchill) English keyboardist and pianist, best known as a founding member and original keyboardist of the British blues rock band Ten Years After. He was born on May 25, 1947, in London, England. He started playing piano and organ in the early 1960s and formed Ten Years After in 1966 with guitar player Alvin Lee, bassist Leo Lyons and drummer Ric Lee. He played keyboard, organ and piano and provided backing vocals for the band. He was an important member of the band and played in the band's first two albums, "Ten Years After" and "Undead" . He left the band in 1968 to pursue a solo career, and was replaced by keyboardist Dave Quickmire.
Ten Years After was one of the most popular and influential British blues rock bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and Chick Churchill was considered to be an accomplished keyboard player. He has also played in other bands and projects, but is mostly known for his work with Ten Years After. He continues to perform as a solo artist and with
- Ric Lee
Ric Lee (Full-name: Richard Lee) an English drummer and percussionist, known as a member of the British blues rock band Ten Years After. He was born on October 19, 1945, in Birmingham, England. He started playing drums in the early 1960s and joined Ten Years After in 1967, replacing the band's original drummer, Dave Quickmire. He played drums and provided backing vocals for the band. He was an important member of the band and played in all the band's albums until their disbanding in 1975 and played in reunion concerts later on.
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