Take a Look Inside was recorded in 1971 in London -- while the semi-obscure guitarist and songwriter
Mickey Baker was living in Paris -- and wasn't released until 1975. The session players include
Chris Spedding, Conrad (Reg) Isidore (later of
Robin Trower fame),
Fuzzy Samuels, and a host of others on percussion and backing vocals. One of the he most startling tracks here is the medley of
Spirit's "Fresh Garbage" and "Water Woman." The segue is seamless, the music is raw and immediate, and the loose feel of the musicians in the studio is utterly warm and inviting.
Baker then slips into the R&B classic "I'll Be Doggone," and then his own "Checking Out My Garden." Everything here is utterly present and loose -- its closest comparison is a feeling like that inspired by
Delaney & Bonnie's
Motel Shot album. Other standouts here included "How Come My Dog Don't Bark," "Watch Out Baby," and
Leadbelly's "Whoa! Back Buck." The CD issue in the Barclay classics series includes three bonus cuts from the same session which was left off the original: "Potato Blues," "Walkin' and Talkin' the Blues," and "New York, New York (The People's Paradise)," all of them fine originals
Baker was obscure but influential and
Take a Look Inside reveals not only his diversity but his willingness to let musicians be themselves on his record. More important than the London Sessions series that Chess released because it truly bridges the gaps between rock, soul, blues, R&B, and folk forms. The sheer spontaneity of these sessions is a guidebook for how roots records should be made. The only problem for most would be finding a lightning-rod figure like
Baker to keep it all together. Brilliant. [This 2006 reissue contains three bonus tracks.] ~ Thom Jurek