- Donn Adams - trombone (1972)

- Terry Adams -- keyboards (1972)

- Al Anderson -- vocals, guitar, keyboards

- Al Lepak -- bass (1972)

- Jeff Potter -- harp (1972)

- Tom Staley -- drums, percussion (1972)

- NRBQ (Donn Adams, Terry Adams, Al Anderson and

  Tom Staley)

- The Wildweeds Al Anderson, Al Lepak, Jeff Potter, and 

  Tom Staley)

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Al Anderson

Company: Vanguard

Catalog: VSD 79324

Year: 1972

Country/State: Windsor, Connecticut

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG

Comments: cut lower right corner

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 5293

Price: $40.00

As one of those folks who believe NRBQ is America's best unknown band, I have a special place in my heart for singer/guitarist Al Anderson.  

Over the years Anderson's recorded a handful of solo albums; his debut coming with 1972's cleverly-titled "Al Anderson".  Released by Vanguard Records, the album was actually recorded as a contractual obligation package - Anderson having been left to make good on The Wildweed's contract which required a second LP.  Produced by Maynard Soloman, the collection featured nine Anderson originals and a Hank Williams cover ('Honky Tonkin'').  Perhaps not a big surprise, but with backing from a healthy part of the NRBQ line up - horn player Donn Adams, keyboardist Terry Adams, and drummer Tom Staley the album bore more than a passing resemblance to NRBQ's recording catalog.  (For trivia buffs Al Lepak, Jeff Potter and Stanley had also played with Anderson in The Wildweeds.)  Anyone familiar with Anderson's NRBQ contributions was liable to find the eclectic mix of humor, pop, rock and soul influences familiar territory.  Anderson's always struck me as being NRBQ's best singer and he sounded in fine voice throughout these sessions.  Highlights included the blazing rocker 'Ain't No Woman Finer' (check out Anderson's meltdown guitar solo), the reflective soul ballad 'You're Just Laughing Inside' (Dobie Gray or Bill Withers could have enjoyed a massive hit with the track) and the should've-been-a-hit, slide-propelled 'I Haven't Got the Strength To Carry On'.  Not to imply the set was perfect - recalling his work with The Wildweeds, tracks like ''I Don't Believe I'll Stay Here Anymore' and ' Honky Tonkin'' featured a distinctive country influence which simply didn't do much for me.  Still, a solo debut that's worth lookin' for.  Any NRBQ fan should have it in their collection.  (For you techno-geeks, this was one of the first LPs to be released in quadrophonic sound.) 

"Al Anderson" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Be My Woman Tonight   (Al Anderson) - 2:42

2.) We'll Make Love   (Al Anderson)  - 3:18

3.) Ain't No Woman Finer   (Al Anderson)  - 3:23

4.) You're Just Laughing Inside   (Al Anderson)  - 4:41

5.) I Don't Believe I'll Stay Here Anymore   (Al Anderson)  - 3:11

(side 2)

1.) Honky Tonkin'   (Hank Williams)  - 1:51

2.) Goin' Back To Indiana   (Al Anderson)  - 2:52

3.) Don't Hold the Line   (Al Anderson)  - 2:57

4.) I Just Want To Have You Back Again   (Al Anderson)  - 2:28

5.) I Haven't Got the Strength To Carry On   (Al Anderson)  - 3:45

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Party Favors

Company: Twin Tone

Catalog: TTR 88110

Year: 1983

Country/State: Windsor, Connecticut

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG

Comments: cut corner

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 5213

Price: $20.00

Taking a break from NRBQ, 1988 saw singer/guitarist Al Anderson release his first solo album in sixteen years. Co-produced with Bill Scheniman, "Party Favors" served to showcase Anderson's writing and performing talents. Recorded in Connecticut, the album was very close to being a true solo effort, Anderson handling almost all of the instrumentation - NRBQ drummer Tom Ardolino and former Lovin' Spoonful singer John Sebastian guesting on a pair of songs.  Responsible for some of The Q's more commercial material (I see you smiling), Anderson's talents including his overlooked skills as a guitarist (check out the pretty solo on 'Nobody Else Will Do'), remained undaunted. Elsewhere 'I Got Your Number', perennial Q concert favorite 'Crazy Like a Fox', 'If You Got Your Wish' and the Rockpile-ish 'I Still Love You' were all wonderful and should've torn up the pop charts. Naturally, the set vanished without a trace.

"Party Favors" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Don't Want Your Love   (Al Anderson) - 3:34
2.) I Could Do This All Night   (Al Anderson) - 5:40
3.) I Got Your Number   (Al Anderson) - 2:34
4.) If You Got Your Wish   (Al Anderson) - 3:31
5.) I Still Love You   (Al Anderson) - 3:06

(side 2)

1.) Crazy Like a Fox   (Al Anderson) - 3:10
2.) Nobody Else Will Do   (Al Anderson) - 4:40
3.) You Don't Mean a Thing   (Al Anderson) - 3:52
4.) Lover Her and Leave Her   (Al Anderson) - 3:01

1.)