Requested by one of you...
The only reference I had from TERRY REID years ago was his contribution to the Days Of Thunder soundtrack. But this English gentleman began his career in the late Sixties, shared stages with the likes of Rolling Stones, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and even Jimmy Page wanted Reid for his proposed new group, The New Yardbirds, which was to become Led Zeppelin.
Later, it was offered a slot as lead vocalist of Deep Purple, but again, Reid declined, decided to concentrate in his solo career. Wrong decision indeed...
Anyway, after some moderate success all over the Seventies, at the beginning of the '80s Reid located in the US and worked as session musician recording for Don Henley, Jackson Browne, UFO, and many more.
Then came the opportunity to record a song for the Days Of Thunder movie, a cover version of the Spencer Davis Group classic 'Gimme Some Lovin'. Due to the film & soundtrack success, Reid was offered to record a new solo album, 12 years after his last LP.
The result was this "The Driver", mostly produced by renowned producer Trevor Horn with a pristine, bright late '80s sound. Also some serious musicians were part of the sessions (check below).
It opens with the beautiful midtempo light AOR 'Fifth Of July', followed by my favorite 'There's Nothing Wrong' which seems recorded in 1986, and still send chills down my spine with each listen. What a killer tune.
Then there's the exquisite ballad 'Right To The End' composed and produced by talented Gerard McMann, charming and very atmospheric.
Another highlight is the closing song: 'The Driver', which is no-other than the original version (written by Reid with film composer Hans Zimmer) of 'Last Note Of Freedom' performed by David Coverdale on Days Of Thunder OST. Lyrics were changed (and title song) to conform what happens in the movie story.
"The Driver" is a true piece of '80s (despite of being released in 1991) with that classy clinical production taking advantage of Reid's slightly raspy, unique smooth vocals.
This is taken from the original edition CD long time out of print. A couple years ago appeared an Original Album Series box featuring 5 Terry Reid career albums including "The Driver", but not remastered. And if you ask me (I've listened to it) this one sounds much better.
Recommended
01 - Fifth Of July
02 - There's Nothing Wrong
03 - Right To The End
04 - The Whole Of The Moon
05 - Hand Of Dimes
06 - The Driver (Part I)
07 - If You Let Her
08 - Turn Around
09 - Gimme Some Lovin'
10 - Laugh At Life
11 - The Driver (Part II)
Terry Reid - vocals, guitar
Jackie Lomax - guitars
Brian Auger - keyboards, programming
Timothy B. Schmit (The Eagles) - bass
Alan White (Yes) - drums
Stewart Copeland (The Police) - drums
Jack Lancaster - sax
Joe Walsh (The Eagles) - guest guitar solo
Howard Jones - keyboards, programming
Enya - backing vocals
TERRY REID - The Driver (1991)
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Thursday, March 02, 2017
TERRY REID - The Driver (1991)
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11 Comments:
Gotta hear this for the Waterboys cover,thanx alot mate
A Fan
if this is THE Terry Reid from the 60's, he was the guy who was supposed to sing for Led Zeppelin before Robert Plant
Yeap, same person.
Not his only mistake, Yardbirds' lead vocal position was offered too before their american tour (successful btw).
Wrong choices...
This isn't actually ouit of print. Terry is selling it at his shows in the UK at least
Think about zillion people whom can't get around to UK... NOT available in stores.
Thank you for reporting that Terry is still active.
My dear friend , the late Keith Webb, was drummer for Terry in his halcyon days in the 60's and features in the cult movie Groupies. Terry was always a "nearly man" - but this is a great addition to any collection. You might want to check out Keith's prog rock project after Terry -Paladin.
Cheers for this great download!
Not only was Terry offered the lead singer spot in Led Zeppelin, but he's the one who suggested Robert Plant! I learned that at: "http://www.lordoflaughs.com/trivia.html"
Terry is one of the most underrated singers the UK ever produced. My old friend , Keith Webb who died a couple of years back, was Terry's drummer in the late 60's. He was serious contender for the vocal job in Led Zep. His version of Donovan's Season of the Witch is outstanding.
A great job you're doing on here - I'm discovering some wonderful unheard gems!
I already said this didnt I? I must be going senile! Yep - he suggested Robert. Keith Webb actually welcomed Led Zep to America on their first tour, dressed as waiter complete with champagne on silver tray!
One of the good reasons why you should keep and maintain a beloved album on your (virtual) bookshelf in its entirety is that your own taste might change (for the better) with the years. Simply take a song you hadn't paid a lot of attention to before and which suddenly becomes your personal hit wonder in the best-case scenario. That's exactly what happened to me and the herein presented work of Terry Reid. Because back then in 2010 I just found pleasure in Right To The End and The Whole Of The Moon, without taking There's Nothing Wrong into account; a from today's personal perspective culpable negligence and disregard of a musically profound and versatile tune for which I had no ears at that time. But thanks to Camelblue, who reloaded the said feature, I came in unexpected close touch with The Driver once more, being eager to revalue it and, by doing so, to experience the one or other positive surprise. It is, of course, an overall approach that isn't limited to music only, but can be applied on any things which have to do with taste in general, physically and mentally.
Bye for now,
Thomas
I LOVE the songs THE DRIVER PART 1 & 2. My God what a special multipart song. It is so special, uplifting and inspirational. Originally bought on VH1 EZ-CD compilation in maybe 1991 but after became major Terry Reid fan...learning he would have been Led Zeppelin's original lead. PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS SONG then discover the great Terry Reid. This song is special to me and will be with me forever!
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