Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
3½ stars out of 4
Affinity was a short-lived band that released one album and
one single in 1970 and then spilt up. They were a highly regarded
band and looked upon with much promise as the one of the new wave
of jazz-rock fusion artists. With an effective blend of folk, jazz,
soul, blues, and rudiments of modern-day psychedelia and progressive
rock, it simply was not fair to put them into any one classification
of music. With the powerful vocals of Linda Hoyle leading the way,
it looked as though the band had quite a future ahead of them. It
was not in the cards unfortunately. What they left for us was a superb
achievement by any musical standards, and that includes the most important
factors such as sound, production, and musicianship.
The original LP artwork is packaged and reproduced beautifully; it
comes displayed on traditional gatefold sleeves with original reviews
of the LP and liner notes. The180-gram virgin vinyl renders a gorgeous
sound and highlights Ms. Hoyles' excellent vocals. What comes as a
real surprise is their version of Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower."
It runs for over 11 minutes and it stands as one of the very best
versions I have ever heard, and that includes Hendrix's classic version.
This is very progressive music for its day; in fact, logic dictates
that it was more than likely considered a little on the extreme side
in 1970. I cannot help but think how this group would have evolved
if they had stayed together for a few more albums.
Side One
1. I Am And So Are You
2. Night Flight
3. I Wonder If I Care As Much
4. Mr. Joy
5. Eli's Coming Side Two
1. Three Sisters
2. Coconut Grove
3. All Along The Watchtower
4. United States Of Mind
Credits:
Mo Foster - Bass, Bass (Electric)
Linda Hoyle - Vocals
Mike Jupp - Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (12 String)
Lynton Naiff - Piano, Harpsichord, Piano (Electric), Vibraphone
Grant Serpell - Percussion, Drums
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