Harvey Mandel - The Snake
Akarma Records

By MuzikMan (Vinyl Reviews) (more articles from this author) 2001-03-11

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Artist: Harvey Mandel
Title: The Snake
Label: Akarma Records (www.akarmarecords.com)
Genre: Instrumental Blues-Rock-Jazz-Fusion
Format: 180 gm Vinyl LP

For most blues aficionados Harvey Mandel is better known for taking over the lead guitar slot left by Henry Vestine of Canned Heat in 1969-70. However, he made some fine solo albums. His solo music became underground FM favorites. This album, entitled "The Snake", was released in 1972. It was recorded from 1971-72.

With the exception of one song, "Uno Ino", the entire LP is instrumental. Mandel gives an indication on that song why he doesn’t sing, because he couldn’t. He could play up a storm on the guitar though. You find out quickly just how inventive a guitarist he was on the opener "Divining Rod." Funky electric and acoustic guitars weave their way through various numbers covering a wide range of styles. "Ode To The Owl" is my favorite. With swamp boogie flair on an (electric) acoustic guitar, Mandel’s nimble fingers take you on a tour of the six strings. It wasn’t hard for me to determine that he was as adept with the electric guitar as he was with an acoustic.

Mandel was in total authority of his instrument, and very advanced. He showcased his adroitness and resourcefulness by providing a good mix of rock, blues, and jazz. The results of his risqué explorations into the capabilities of the guitar lead him down many roads. This is some of the best music that I have heard from the time period it was recorded. I am so glad that I have been given the opportunity to hear all of this great music. To have it in my collection as a vinyl LP makes it that much more of a gift.

Side One
1. The Divining Rod
2. Pegasus
3. Lynda Love
4. Peruvian Flake
5. The Snake

Side Two
1. Uno Ino
2. Ode To The Owl
3. Levitation
4. Bite The Electric Eel

Credits: Harvey Mandel: Electric, Acoustic Guitar, Larry Taylor: Bass, Howard Wales: Organ, Piano, Paul Lagos: Drums, Big Black: Conga, Mike Melvoin: Organ, Piano, Colin Bailey: Drums, Emil Richards: Percussion, Joe Picaro: Percussion, Sandra Crouch: Tambourine-Recorded in USA 1971-Harvey Mandel: Electric, acoustic Guitars, Paul Lagos: Drums, Victor Conte: Bass, Randy Resnick: Rhythm Guitar, Earl Palmer: Drums, Chuck Domanico: Bass, Jim Taylor: Piano, Don Sugarcane Harris: Violin, Larry Taylor: Bass, Antonio De La Barreda: Bass, Kevin Burton: Organ, Freddy Roulette: Steel Guitar-Recorded in USA 1972

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