Kevin Borich Express - Live (1979) + Bonus Track

 (New Zealand / Australian 1969 - Present)

Kevin Borich began his professional career with The La De Das in New Zealand where they experienced five top 10 hits during the 60s. They moved to Australia in 1968 and Kevin wrote their most successful hit, ‘Gonna See My Baby Tonight’ which was a Top 10 single in Australia in 1971. Kevin established quite a reputation as a ‘guitar virtuoso’ in Australia. During the 70s’ they played at most of Australia’s large rock events including the Sunbury Pop festival, the Rockarena tours to a crowd of 60,000 with Fleetwood Mac and Santana, and New Year’s eve celebrations at the Sydney Opera House to 70,000.

In 1976, The Kevin Borich Express formed and was a support act for many international artist tours such as, Elton John, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy and Status Quo. The band was signed by Image Records and in October 1976 the first single "I'm Going Somewhere"/"Scene From Star Crossed Lovers" was released. The song was introduced by a train whistle sound and it became the band's signature tune. Tim Partridge took over from San Fiansco and the new line-up completed the debut album "Celebration". Released in March 1977, a second single "Goin' Down Town" was issued.

In July 1977 they recorded the "Lonely One" album. On its completion, Tim Partridge left the trio. He was initially replaced by Tim Ayers from the Renee Geyer Band and then Bob Jackson. The single "Tango Queen" was released in November. Bob only lasted until March 1978, when he was replaced by Paul Christie. Following a farewell concert in Melbourne late in May, the Kevin Borich Express headed for the US where they toured extensively. In the US, keyboardist Tim Schafer was added.

They toured the U.S. with AC/DC and Jeff Beck, and successfully toured Europe in their own shows. Kevin included session playing in his career, appearing on many artists’ albums including Renee Geyer, Dutch Tilders, Richard Clapton and Mark Hunter.

The bands last single for Image was "Tell Me Why" in February 1978 and their first for Mercury / Polygram was "No Turning Back" in November 1978, followed by an album of the same name in January 1979.

CD Cover

Early in 1979 the band returned to Australia. Tim Schafer returned to the US making the band a three piece again. Paul Christie also left (later to join Mondo Rock) and was replaced initially by Lindsay Osbourne before original member Tim Partridge returned. This line-up toured Europe and England and recorded the album "Live" before John Annas left upon their return. He was replaced by John Watson.

More singles were released during 1979 before moving to Festival, where the recorded album "Live" was released in November. Borich recorded 'Live!', using the 2JJ mobile studio equipment over performances in Melbourne and Wollongong. 'Live!' contains one of the most incendiary and atmospheric versions of Little Red Rooster ever recorded along with a number of Borich standards.

One of Kevin Borich's biggest moments was in 1979 when he jammed with Carlos Santana before 80,000 at the Rock Arena megashows in Sydney and Melbourne. Santana would say of the Australian, "He's amazing. He sounds so much like Jimi Hendrix yet has an individual style. He presents his music honestly and is one of the best guitarists I've heard."

Santana & Borich On Stage

The 80s’ saw Kevin join a side project, The Party Boys who had unexpected chart success with the number 1 single, ‘He’s Gonna Step On You Again,’ and ‘Hold Your Head Up’ and two Top 10 albums. Kevin left The Party Boys in 1989 and joined Jimmy Barnes on his 1990 Two Fires tour. Simultaneously, Kev continued to write and tour his own Kevin Borich Express.

Kevin has performed alongside many famous and wonderful musicians including Ray Charles, Bo Diddley, Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Ronny Wood (Rolling Stones), Taj Mahal, Living Colour, Joe Walsh (The Eagles), Carlos Santana, Tony Joe White, and John Mayall to name a few. The Kevin Borich Express has been thrilling ‘blues enthusiasts’ as well as winning new music fans, young and old at festivals around Australia. His current shows start off with cool, laid back acoustic blues on his beautiful 1930s Dobro steel guitar. Then then fires up with his ‘electric blues – rockin’ funk’ sets! The electric set displays his array of guitars from the classic custom Fender Strat to his gorgeous Gibson Firebird Slide Guitar. [extracts from sergent.com and flyingsaucerclub.com]

This post consists of FLACs ripped from my Avenue vinyl and includes full album artwork for both CD and Vinyl.  Another treasured release in my Borich collection, this album brings back fond memories of seeing him play live on many occasions during the 70's, in particular at La Trobe and Melbourne University and live music venues such as Bombay Rock and The Billboard. 

My favourite track is definitely "Little Red Rooster", although I have a soft spot for his classic La De Das track "Gonna See My Baby Tonight".   

As a bonus, I have included a scorching rendition of "Snowball King" which was recorded at the Parramatta Gaol in the same year of this live album (and was taken from the rare compilation album  Canned Rock)

This album was released on CD for a short time by Fable records.

Tracklist

01  Not Fade Away 4:58

02  The Place 4:41

03  Goin' Down Town 7:05

04  Little Red Rooster 6:34

05  Gonna See My Baby Tonight 4:16

06  Bellhop Blues 3:31

07  K.B's Boogie 5:03

08  Good To See You Again 5:59

09  Goin' Somewhere 5:15

10  Snowball King (Bonus Live at Parramatta Gaol)

Band Members:

Kevin Borich (Guitar, Lead Vocals)

Tim Partridge (Bass, Vocals)

John Annas (Drums, Vocals)

John Watson  (Drums)

Kevin Borich Live (355Mb) New Link 13/10/2023