Road was an American power trio formed in Los Angeles, California. Band members included Rod Richards (guitar, vocals), Leslie Sampson (drums, vocals, percussion), and former Jimi Hendrix Experience bassist Noel Redding (bass, vocals).
Road formed in 1970 following the break up of Redding and Sampson's band Fat Mattress. The pair joined with Richards, who had recently left Rare Earth. They released their self-titled album in 1972 and disbanded shortly thereafter.
After the demise of Road, Redding and Sampson formed The Noel Redding Band while Richards went on to a solo career.
Album Review:
Great 70s hard rock, featuring plenty of wah-wah guitar, thundering bass, and even a drum solo (which I believe was a requirement for early 70s hard rock bands). Opening track I'm Trying alternates between slow and fast, with the wah wah really kicking in during the fast parts. I'm Going Down to the Country, a slow song with country-flavored twangy guitar, is the album's weakest track. The hard-rocking Mushroom Man is next, with Redding's bass up front and heavy as hell. Man Dressed in Red is a mid-paced rocker that features Richards' soloing throughout the song. Spaceship Earth is the standout track, full of heavy riffs and wah wah guitar goodness. Friends starts and ends heavy, with the aforementioned drum solo in the middle of the song. Closing track Road has a Black Sabbath-style heavy riff, lots more wah wah guitar, and a pretty good bass solo (I guess Redding didn't want to feel left out). Needless to say, this album is highly recommended for anyone who loves early 70s hard rock.
Overall and individual song ratings:
Road (87.89)
1. I'm Trying - 4
2. I'm Going Down to the Country - 2
3. Mushroom Man - 4
4. Man Dressed in Red - 3
5. Spaceship Earth - 6
6. Friends - 4
7. Road - 5
Ratings Key:
0 - Hate It
1 - Dislike It
2 - It's Ok
3 - Like It
4 - Like It A Lot
5 - Love It
6 - Desert Island Song
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