Europe '72 consists of four alternate takes from the "live in the studio" sessions which produced If's fourth album,
Waterfall, and three extended tracks recorded in concert. Singer J. W. Hodkinson is less effective on the in-concert recordings, straining to be heard above the band in the live context. However, the playing is hot throughout, showing what a potent force the band was during its too-short existence. "What Did I Say About the Box, Jack," a highlight from the debut album, is stretched out over twenty minutes here, providing each of these fine musicians plenty of opportunity to show his chops. Although it's not the place for the uninitiated to start (the first album is the one), Europe '72 is a welcome addition to the recorded legacy of this excellent jazz-rock septet. ~ Jim Newsom