- Willie Bobo -- percussion (1974)

- Conrad Isidore -- drums, percussion (1974)

- James E. Johnson -- keyboards (1978)

- David Lindley -- guitar (1974)

- Lee Miles -- bass (1974-78)

- Terry Reid -- vocals, guitar

- Doug Siomos -- drums, percussion (1978)

- Doug Rodrigues -- lead guitar (1978)

- none known

Genre: rock

Rating: **** (4 stars)

Title:  River

Company: Atlantic

Catalog: SD-7259

Year: 1974

Country/State: UK

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG+

Comments: gatefold sleeve; original Atlantic inner sleeve; small cut out notch in spine

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4047

Price: $20.00

Scattered throughout rock history are folks with immense talent who came close to, but ultimately missed the cherished ring of commercial success and popularity. Singer/guitarist Terry Reid's a perfect example. By the time he was 15, Reid was fronting Terry Reid and the Jaywalkers. Discovered in 1967 by producer/manager Mickie Most, 17 year old Reid was quickly tapped by the media as an up-and-coming star. Signed by Columbia, he recorded a pair of critically acclaimed singles ('The Hands Don't Fit the Glove' b/w 'This Time' (Columbia catalog number DB 8166) and 'Better By Far' b/w 'Fire's Alive' (Columbia catalog number DB 8409). Adding to his stock, Reid was Jimmy Page's first choice for vocalist/second guitar in the New Yardbirds. Interested in pursuing his solo career, Reid turned the job down, instead recommending buddy Robert Plant for the job.

I'll be the first to admit that a lot of the hype surrounding singer/guitarist Terry Reid simply doesn't register with me.  He's certainly a gifted writer and performer (and I'll admit to owning most of his catalog), but Reid has a number of limitations that make it pretty clear to me why he's never been more than a cult favorite.

Those comments may sound kind of harsh, but let me make it up by telling you 1974's "River" may be Reid's best album . If you can find a copy it's worth every penny it'll cost (yes, there's a recent CD reissue).  With Reid responsible for all seven tracks, the album was recorded right before and right after his decision to move from England to Southern California.  To some extent that division gives the set kind of a schizophrenic feel.  Judging by the liner notes, 'Dream' and 'Milestones' were recorded in London with Yes producer Eddie Offord handling the boards.  The rest of the set was recorded in California with producer Tom Dowd.  While the earlier acoustic numbers (found on side two) were interesting in that they recalled some of Van Morrison's late-1960s efforts, the change of scene seems to have had a beneficial influence on Reid.  Backed by long time friend David Lindley, Reid turned in what was his loosest and most charming collection.  At least to my ears Reid's squeaky voice has never been one of his selling points, but in this setting it fit perfectly on blues-rockers such as 'Dean', 'Avenue' and the funky (yes) 'Things To Try'.  Personal favorite - the laidback bossa nova flavored title track.

"River" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Dean   (Terry Reid) - 4:45

2.) Avenue   (Terry Reid) - 5:08

3.) Things To Try   (Terry Reid) - 4:25

4.) Live Life   (Terry Reid) - 5:11 

(side 2)

1.) River   (Terry Reid) - 5:45

2.) Dream   (Terry Reid) - 5:20

3.) Milestones   (Terry Reid) - 5:52

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Rogue Waves

Company: Capitol

Catalog: SW-11857

Year: 1978

Country/State: UK

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG

Comments: cut out hole; original inner sleeve

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 5477

Price: $25.00

Continuing his corporate wanderings, 1978's "Rogue Waves" found Terry Reid signed to Capitol (if you're counting, this was his fourth label as a solo act).  Co-produced by Reid and Chris Kimsey the set's always struck me as a frustrating mixture of Reid originals and poorly chosen covers (including two boneheaded remakes of Phil Spector - Ellie Greenwich - Jeff Barry penned chestnuts).  As mentioned earlier, Reid certainly had some performance limitations, but to my ears he was one of rock's unsung performers.  His voice may not have been the most striking, or original instrument out there, but he had a unique skill in hitting a tone that combined pain and a raw 'pay-you-back-with-interest' edge.  The album certainly got off to a killer start with the scorching Reid-penned rocker 'Ain't No Shadow'.  Equally attractive were 'Stop and Think It Over', the soulful ballad 'Believe In Magic' and 'Bowangi'.  Less impressive were the bland title track, the previously mentioned covers, and a plodding cover of The Left Banke's 'Walk Away Rene' (note the song title was actually 'Walk Away Renee' - the extra 'e' is missing).   Elsewhere anyone know why an accomplished guitarist like Reid bothered to hire a new lead guitarist in the form of Doug Rodrigues?  Needless to say, with audiences flocking to punk, new wave, and disco, Reid found himself hopelessly out of tune with the buying public.  The album sold next to nothing (perhaps explaining why most remaining copies are marred by cut out holes, or notches.)  In the UK 'Ain't No Shadow' b/w 'Bowangi' (Capitol catalog number CL-16071) was tapped as a single.

In the early 1990s the BGO label reissued most of Reid's catalog including this collection on CD format (BGO catalog number BGOCD140).

"Rogue Waves" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Ain't No Shadow   (Terry Reid) - 3:57

2.) Baby I Love You   (Phil Spector - Ellie Greenwich - Jeff Barry) - 4:04

3,) Stop and Think It Over   (Terry Reid) - 3:45

4.) Rogue Waves   (Terry Reid) -  5:58

5.) Walk Away Rene   (Sansone - Calilli - Ian Brown) - 4:24

(side 2)

1.) Believe In Magic    (Terry Reid) - 6:49

2.) Then I Kissed Her    (Phil Spector - Ellie Greenwich - Jeff Barry) - 4:59

3.) Bowangi   (Terry Reid) - 4:29

4.) All I Have To Do Is Dream    (Boudlleaux Bryant) - 5:39

For anyone interested, Reid has a nice website at:

http://www.terryreid.com/