Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience.“ A Tale Untold” rides Lordan’ s bodymoving rhythm, augmented by Latin percussion and highlighted by Trower’ s expressive leads. The song’ s emphasis on funk is heard elsewhere on the album, marking one of Lordan’ s fundamental contributions and one of the evolutionary elements setting For Earth Below apart from Bridge of Sighs. The outtakes set is highlighted by a potent three-song set from BBC Live in Concert, as the trio rips through For Earth Below tracks“ Fine Day,”“ Alethea,” and“ Gonna Be More Suspicious.” An 18-minute rehearsal jam expands the band to a four-piece with shimmering organ. The live set captured on March 16, 1975, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The worthy charms of the main album notwithstanding, this is the feature that will make the set essential for fans. Trower, Dewar, and Lordan play with power, soul, and wellhoned intuition, whether performing the new work like“ Fine Day” or an expanded arrangement of“ Bridge of Sighs.” Highlights include a swaggering romp through B. B. King ' s standard“ Rock Me
Baby” as heard on Twice Removed from Yesterday and a taut performance of Bridge of Sighs’“ Too Rolling Stoned” that fuses hard rock and R & B while stretching into improvisational nirvana.
Still a creative force at 80, Trower’ s latest album is this year’ s Come and Find Me. This anniversary reissue of For Earth Below helps illuminate the path that brought the restless guitarist and songwriter to where he is today.
– Jeff Elbel
16 illinoisentertainer. com august 2025