Not all power trios are created equal. Case in point: Back Door. The ’70s British threesome was fronted by keyboardist and horn player Ron Aspery, backed by the groovy rhythm section of bassist Colin Hodgkinson and drummer Tony Hicks — though on this live release taped for BBC Radio, they’re also joined by British blues icon Alexis Korner on guitar and vocals for a few tunes. Not surprisingly, this seven song-set meanders and forth from jazz-rock and blues to prog and funk — although the Back Door men’s three-handed lineup, sure-footed musicianship and like-minded connection make this an exercise in tasteful understatement. More power to them.
THE PRESS RELEASE: “In July 1973 Back Door were on a major high having just finished recording their second album for Warner Brothers at Electric Lady Studios in New York. This BBC Radio ‘In Concert’ programme was broadcast immediately on their return to the UK and is now released for the first time. Colin Hodgkinson, Ron Aspery and Tony Hicks were virtuoso musicians intent on taking the blues in a whole new direction, and were championed by DJs and tastemakers of the day including Charles Shaar Murray and Alexis Korner who hosted this performance.”
