On March 16, 17, and 18th,
the Guess Who's Garry Peterson played drums on the solo album
Axe by
Randy Bachman. This is significant because
the Guess Who with
Randy Bachman recorded their final studio album that same month in the same facility, RCA Studios, Chicago. This album was also co-engineered by longtime
Guess Who engineer Brian Christian. It is a brilliant instrumental work, highlighting the importance of
Bachman to the band he was in the process of leaving. A
Don Troiano is listed twice here, and it's unclear if this is actually the future replacement for
Bachman in
the Guess Who,
Domenic Troiano.
Don Troiano performs guitar solos on "Pookie's Skuffle," "Take the Long Way Home," "Tin Lizzie," and "Noah" with his guitar in the right speaker side. On "Tally's Tune,"
Troiano is the middle solo. If you want to hear a "writer's voice," this is about the purest example. This album really should be combined with Jack Richardson's production of The Way They Were, the lost
Guess Who album released in 1976, six years after the recording. Richardson would produce the Reunion album recorded in June of 1983, featuring
Bachman on most of the
Guess Who hits, notably the ones he never played on before. Since the band closed the Fillmore East in May of 1970, it would be almost 13 years before they would find themselves in each other's presence.
Axe is the remnants of
the Guess Who from 1970 as
Bachman was getting ready to reunite with
Guess Who founding member Chad Allen for
Brave Belt, which included Rob Bachman and eventually C.F. Turner, culminating in
Bachman-Turner Overdrive. The brilliance of
Axe is that it gives a very clear look into the mind of this creative force,
Randy Bachman. Had he stayed with
the Guess Who,
Burton Cummings' voice would probably be singing over some of the melodies and riffs on this outing. "La Jolla" sounds like a precursor to the elegant "Looking Out for #1," a song from
BTO's
Head On album which should've been a number one hit, but failed to hit the Top 40. Pieces like "Tin Lizzie" have acoustic guitar up front over pretty leads and subtle backing by the rhythm section. It is
Bachman honing his production skills which would benefit
Bachman-Turner Overdrive on their reign of seven Top 40 hits -- ironically, matching the number of hits
the Guess Who had without his driving force. "Tally's Tune" also contains elements of
BTO's "Looking Out for #1," precision guitar playing and good background music which
Tai Bachman should put some words and melodies to. A good way to bring some attention to this important work. "Take the Long Way Home" is majestic, a potential hit had
Burton Cummings' voice and lyrics had the opportunity to add their flavors.
Axe is a hit songwriter in a different setting; there is no "Love Is Blue" or "Frankenstein" monster instrumental hit here, just fine playing by an inventive musician. The jazzy "Suite Theam" on side two has the only hint of vocals, and it gives way to the nine-minute 43-second "Noah," which is a complete turnaround, baring the future sound that would become a big part of
BTO. ~ Joe Viglione