Description
Keep the Ball Rolling is the fourth album by the British singer, songwriter, and blues guitarist Bryn Haworth, released on A&M Records in May 1979 (and actually also distributed by the British gospel label Kingsway Music at some point). The album was produced and engineered by Jon Astley and Doug Bennett at Olympic Studios in London, England. String arrangements by Ted Astley and brass arrangements by Lyle Harper. All songs written by Bryn Haworth except the title track co-written with R. Zacuto and J. Perry and the instrumental track “Unchained Melody”, the classic written by Alex North and Hy Zaret.
Featuring Bryn Haworth on lead vocals and guitars backed by Pete Wingfield on keyboards and what would be considered the Eric Clapton Band at that time – Chris Stainton on acoustic piano and organ and a rhythm section consisting of Dave Markee and Henry Spinetti on bass and drums respectively, as well as Simon Morton on percussion. Background vocals provided by Cliff Richard and his background vocal trio consisting of John Perry, Tony Rivers and Stu Calver.
To promote the new albums by Bryn Haworth and Albert Lee respectively, A&M Records released A Real Give-Away, a 7-inch split promo single featuring a medley on separate sides of selected songs from both artists. The album track “Standing on the Rock” was later covered by The Hope on their 1980-album, Which Side Are You On?.
Keep The Ball Rolling continues in the commercial direction with samplings of brassy disco («First Time»), MOR («Let Me Love You») and jazzy orchestrated ballads («City Boy»). Still enough room for the blues, including «Unemployment Blues», the horn-backed «Working For Love», the acoustically picked «Party Girl» and the honky-tonkin’ slide-guitar title track. Also some good mid-rocking numbers like «Standing On The Rock», «Luxury Liner» and an endearing instrumental cover of «Unchained Melody», all rendered with Bryn’s usual skillful touch. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/12-classics/id1213064818)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Keep the Ball Rollin'” – 4:02
A2. “First Time” – 3:52
A3. “Let Me Love You” – 4:22
A4. “Standing on the Rock” – 3:59
A5. “City Boy” – 6:00
Side Two
B1. “Party Girl” – 2:12
B2. “Luxury Liner” – 3:29
B3. “Unchained Melody” (Instrumental) – 4:02
B4. “Unemployment Blues” – 3:58
B5. “Working for Love” – 4:35
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by A&M Records. Available at Bandcamp: https://brynhaworth.bandcamp.com/album/keep-the-ball-rolling-3
“City Boy” was re-recorded as a single after the Keep the Ball Rolling sessions was finished, with Alan Tarney and Trevor Spencer producing, but was never released. It’s a completely different arrangement of the original song featured on Keep the Ball Rolling. The re-recording is available at Bandcamp: https://brynhaworth.bandcamp.com/track/city-boy
Keep The Ball Rolling 7-inch Promo Sampler Single, housed in a gatefold picture sleeve.
CREDITS. Produced and engineered by Jon Astley and Doug Bennett. Assisted by Laurence Burrage. Recorded at Olympic, Chelsea, London. Brass Arrangements by Lyle Harper. String Arrangements by Ted Astley. Art Direction by Michael Ross. Illustration by Paul Allen. Design by David Tyrell. Photography by Janette Beckman. All songs by Bryn Haworth except track A1 co-written with R. Zacuto and J. Perry, and track B3 written by Alex North and Hy Zaret.
Musicians: Bryn Haworth (Vocals, Guitars), Pete Wingfield (Keyboards), Chris Stainton (Piano on track A1, Organ on track A4 and B4), Jim Cuomo (Saxophone Solos), Dave Markee (Bass), Henry Spinetti (Drums), Simon Morton (Percussion). Brass Section: Steve Gregory (Saxophone, Flute), Mel Collins (Saxophone, Flute), Bud Beadle (Baritone Saxophone), Martin Drover (Trumpet Flugel), Terry Hellyer (Trombone). Backing Vocals: Cliff Richard (A4, B2), John Perry (A1, A3), Tony Rivers (A3), Stu Calver (A3).
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.