James Gang BANG

The James Gang: Roy Kenner (vocals); Tommy Bolin (guitar); Dale Peters (bass); Jim Fox (drums).
Some may question the value of a James Gang album without Joe Walsh, but on this 1973 release (the band's sixth) the devoted rhythm section of Dale Peters and Jim Fox hold down the bottom ably, while new guitarist Tommy Bolin (soon to leave the band for Deep Purpler shores) hits the ground running, providing both blistering lead guitar and skillful rock songwriting. Singer Roy Kenner brings bluesy grit at the low end and honeyed high notes that recall Daltry or Plant. The result is a satisfying hard rock album--perhaps the band's most underrated.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop