Genre: rock
Rating: 3 stars ***
Title: Extraction
Company: A&M
Catalog: SP 4277
Year: 1970
Country/State: Creskill, New Jersey
Grade (cover/record): VG / VG
Comments: gatefold sleeve
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 5380
Price: $20.00
Today if you hear him at all he's largely relegated to classic rock radio, but during the mid-1970s Gary Wright was a major star both as a member of Spooky Tooth and as a solo act. Clearly dating myself, but one of my first concert memories is of him opening up for Peter Frampton. In spandex jump suit he put on quite a show ... = )
Wright's initial brush with success came when he was still a child - he appeared on Broadway as a member of the cast of Fanny. By the time he was in his teens Wright's interests had moved over to rock and roll. While in high school he played in a number of bands. In the mid-1960s he spent a couple of years in then-West Germany, getting a psychology degree from Berlin's Frei University. Back in the States he became a member of The New York Times and after opening for Traffic, found a mentor in the form of Island Records president Chris Blackwell.
Blackwell introduced Wright to the members of the English band Art which had in turn morphed out of the VIPs. Relocating to London in 1967 he joined the group, recording an interesting and sought after LP "Supernatural Fairytales" with the group. Art quickly morphed into Spooky Tooth debuting with 1969's "It's All About Spooky Tooth", followed by "Spooky Two" and a collaboration with French musician Pierre Henry on "Ceremony". The third album was widely trashed by critics which led to internal clashes within the band. Wright had apparently been the major proponent for the third album's more experimental approach and in the wake of internal criticism, tendered his resignation. He started doing sessions work including playing on George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass".
Signed by A&M Wright made his solo debut with 1970's "Extraction". Self-produced and backed by an all star cast including Blodwyn Pig guitarist Mick Abrahams and bassist Trevor Burton, Spooky Tooth drummer Mike Kelly (aka Mike Kellie), Beatles sidekick/bassist Klaus Voorman, and Yes drummer Alan White, Wright's instantly recognizable voice naturally drew comparisons to his Spooky Tooth catalog. Interestingly, with the exception of 'I Know a Place', once you got over those initial impressions Wright-penned material like 'Get On the Right Road', 'Get Hold Of Yourself' and '' displayed an album that was lighter and more varied than Spooky Tooth. It was certainly FM rock and this may sound kind of stupid, but to my ears the results had a much more American feel, including occasional gospel-flavored overtones (check out 'Sing a Song'). Wright certainly came off in good form, sounding far more relaxed and comfortable throughout the nine tracks. Highlights included 'Too Late To Cry' (with a nice performance from guitarist Hugh McCracken), 'Get Hold Of Yourself' and 'The Wrong Time' which found Wright taking a direct swipe at his Spooky Tooth colleagues. The Wright-less band had included a cover of his song on "The Last Puff". The 1971 follow-on "Footprint" tends to get the nod from critics, but I'd actually go with this one. (Klaus Voorman designed the cover, though the inner sleeve would have made an even better cover.)
"Extraction" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Get On the Right Road (Gary Wright) - 3:10
2.) Get Hold Of Yourself (Gary Wright)- 3:10
3.) Sing a Song (Gary Wright) - 3:10
4.) We Try Hard (Gary Wright) - 2:30
5.) I Know a Place (Gary Wright) - 4:55
(side
2)
1.) The Wrong Time (Gary Wright - Hugh
McCracken) - 3:19
2.) Over You Now (Gary Wright) - 3:33
3.) Too Late To Cry (Gary Wright) - 3:50
4.) I've Got a Story (Gary Wright - Hugh McCracken) - 5:25
