Bell + Arc [Import]

Arc the balance of light
The first building of Arc comprised of ex Skip Bifferty guitarist John Turnbull & keyboardist Mick Gallagher who had just finished writing the score for Get Carter. John was an innovator of the Gibson SG, a vintage guitar which he eventually donated to Pete Townshend for his US tour. Micky Gallagher was that surging keyboardist that played with Frampton's Camel and alongside Badger guitarist Brian Parrish when he joined Gun. Also to come on board was ex John Lewis Blues Band Dave Hedley on bass and ex Elcorts drummer Paul Nichols. Arc floated freely at the Plumpton Rock Festival until ex Sect bassist Tommy Duffy and drummer Dave Trudex Montgomery joined for the recording of their debut. While Hedley made superb inroads with Every Which Way, Arc recorded their 1971 At This opening up with the guitar riffing "Let Your Love Run", (inspired- Robert Heinlen's Glory Road) with Duffy's plundering bass giving way to Turnbull's high tone Gibson fuzz. This is an Arc de force for Turnbull who really bends that Gibson like non before him. The tempo change on "It's Gonna Rain" is superb with Turnbull in full reign. Again so like Ginhouse the album has no influences from any other as they wheel through the innovative, yet sometimes whimsical riffs. Eastern trips slip into the soothing "An Ear Ago" arguably the finest track with Micky almost classical. "Great Lager Street" is also a splendid styled creation that opens frenetically until the healing bridges. Listen to the harmony swept "Hello Hello Monday" an anthem for the working universe with Gallagher and Turnbull battling it out. "Perfectly Happy Man" is a sensitive reading with exquisite guitar runs, almost Jonesy.The album ends with the harmony laden "You In The Garden". After the album Battered Ornament bassist Rob Tait entered with vocalist Graham Bell which evolved into Bell & Arc backed by the brass Gonzales comprising Bud Beadle sax, Steve Gregory sax, Jeff Condon trumpet, ex Jody Grind drummer John Woods and ex Happy Magazine Alan White drums & Kenny Craddock guitar. Bell & Arc opened up with the Skip Bifferty growling "High Priest Of Memphis" plus sandy covers of Leonard Cohen's "So Long Marianne" ( Cocker style) and Dylan's "She Belong's To Me" don't work, yet the soulful "Yat Rock" with Alan White on vibes can hold its own with any Procol Harum. The standouts were Bell's acoustic "Dawn" and the gruff epitaph "Everyday" with comparisons to Every Which Way.

Fans of Terry Reid's voice, Thomas Beaudry of Frigid Pink voice will surely enjoy the vocals on this record. The music itself is somewhat diverse intertwining elements of folk, progressive rock, blues and blue-eyed soul with an edge. I hear plenty of early Mott The Hoople elements throughout this recording as well. If you grew up in the 70s and listened to music on the outskirts of the norm you will more than likely enjoy this recording. Additionally, my compliments to the other 3 reviewers of this record - most impressive.

Originally released in 1971, as this looks to be the post-Skip Bifferty band's sole effort - could've sworn they put two lp's out. Guess not. I couldn't help but to notice that Bell + Arc had managed to incorporated the elements of pop, soul and AM rock into their sound. Tunes here I liked best include "High Priest Of Memphis", "Keep A Wise Mind", their heartfelt Bob Dylan cover "She Belongs To Me", "Yat Rock" and "Children Of The North Prison". Main line-up: Graham Bell (Skip Bifferty) - vocals, John Turnbull (Skip Bifferty, Ian Dury And The Blockheads) - guitar, Tom Duffy - bass, Mick Gallagher (early member of The Animals, Heavy Jelly) - piano, Ken Craddock - organ and Rob Tait - drums. Recommended for fans of the Kinks, (obviously) Skip Bifferty, the Chosen Few and maybe the Creation.