Alvin Lee & Ten Years Later - Rocket Fuel (1978)

(U.K 1960 - 2013)
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Between 1967 and 1975, Ten Years After carved themselves a unique niche in rock history as the missing link between the blues-based power of mid-Sixties rock and the musical adventure of the burgeoning progressive movement. And the man who fronted them with fleet-fingered aplomb was vocalist and guitarist extraordinaire Alvin Lee.

The Years After went their separate ways in 1975, following a farewell US tour, and while all four members remained active in the music industry, it was naturally Alvin Lee, whose progress was followed with the greatest interest.  Yet, having 'been there, done that' and proved his abilities as an incendiary axeman, Lee was not about to clone past successes as a solo artist. He sought other musical byways to explore, resulting in a career under his own name that was as electric as TYA's had been single-minded.

Inevitably, this meant selling fewer records, but resulted in far more self satisfaction. And when he opened Space Studios at Hook End manor, his home in rural Bershire, he had the time and space to do exactly what he wanted. After all, he  had more than earned that right. Fans of his former persona were won round by the excellence of the music, rather than retreading former glories - and if a few fell by the wayside, he attracted the attention of many others.

Alvin had cut his first solo album while still in the band. 'On The Road To Freedom' (1973) was a joint effort with American singer Mylon LeFevre, the title track giving a flavour of the gospel-infected project.

He then formed Alvin Lee & Co and recorded 'In Flight' live at the Rainbow Theatre in London. 'It was a seven-piece band with the vocal group Kokomo, drummer Ian Wallace, keyboardist Tim Hinkley and saxophonist Mel Collins. "That was a great bad and that was me getting away from the heavy-rock flash kind of thing. I actually became a bit over-aware of the criticisms people were saying 'Oh. Alvin Le, he's all haste and no taste', things like that, and I wanted to show those people I could play other stuff. Perhaps I shouldn't have taken things that seriously...."

Various members of the band continued with Lee for his next two albums 'Pump Iron' and 'Let It Rock'. The latter was less muscular and brash than its predecessor as he tried another route to escape his 'guitar hero' reputation.

Alvin Plays The Rainbow

Alvin's two subsequent outfits enjoyed a longer life than '& Co'. First up was Ten Years Later, formed in 1978 and comprising Mick Hawsworth (bass) and Tom Compton (drums). Hawksworth's fretless bass proved an effective counterpoint to Lee's guitar on 'Rocket Fuel' and 'Ride On'. (see previous post) .
"I like the three-piece format, Alvin admits. 'It keeps me busy and keeps me honest". The album 'Ride On' mixed studio and live cuts while Rocket Fuel was purely studio takes and is featured in this post.  It is one of Alvin's first solo projects I'd heard after loosing contact with him when Ten Years After dissolved.  Hearing and liking what I heard, I promptly sort out his earlier solo material to play catchup.  I was literally refuelled again 10 years later!

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This post consists of FLACs ripped from cassette tape. Although not my ideal medium, this tape is in good condition and it's all that I've got. I have never been able to source the vinyl, so the hunt still continues! Full album artwork for CD and Vinyl is included along with label scans.  

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Tracklist

01 Rocket Fuel 3:18

02 Gonna Turn You On 4:59

03 Friday The 13th 4:56

04 Somebody Callin' Me 5:54

05 Ain't Nothin' Shakin' 5:02

06 Alvin's Blue Thing 0:27

07 Baby Don't You Cry 3:15

08 The Devil's Screaming 9:44

Alvin Lee (Guitars & Vocals)

Mick Hawsworth (Bass & Vocals)

Tom Crompton (Drums)

Alvin Lee Link (232Mb) New Link 13/10/2023