Mr. Frampton is, as the pages of rock history tell us, a young lad who has gone through many a musical change, which could be the reason why his new album presents such a large amount of diversity. Co-leader of the Herd, an A-1 pop rock group in their day, Peter split to form Humble Pie with Steve Marriott, Greg Ridley, and Jerry Shirley, but left after the Pie oriented their sound toward strict heaviness (rumors also have it that Peter didn't fit into Humble Pie socially as well). Since his departure less than a year ago, Peter has gone the session route, playing with a couple of Billy Gaff productions (Andy Brown, Joyce Everson) as well as a makeshift group Grunt Futac (with Brown and Roy
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Wood) who had one hit in England, "Rock 'n' Roll Christian."
Wind of Change demonstrates that Peter Frampton is among the most enjoyable solo artists to emerge lately, and although I would not got so far as to call this The Album of 1972 (as England's Disc did),
Wind of Change is certainly one of the prime contenders for the post position.
Frampton has excellent control over the electric guitar, using no gadgetry whatever. In addition he lends his hands to acoustic guitar, dulcimer, organ, harmonium, drums, and door. The boy sings in what can only be termed "a crystal-clear voice," and his phrasing always comes off gracefully. He receives a bit of help from some stellar sidemen, including Andy Brown, Billy Preston, Mike Kellie, Klaus Voorman, Jim Price, and Ringo Starr.
The album is loosely divided into rockers and acoustic-type tunes, although many of the songs don't completely fall into either category. Of the louder songs, "It's a Plain Shame" and "Alright" are the standouts, the former a tight rocker with funny lyrics and a burner of a guitar break, the latter featuring a few varying sections which come together beautifully, strong Billy Preston keyboards, and some mind-fragmenting guitar fills by Peter which are near-buried in the mix. "Jumpin' Jack Flash" is the only bum track on the album–I don't know who suggested Peter do this, but a poor choice indeed. Nice solos and odd rhythms, but it simply doesn't come off with any style, nor does it fit within the album.
Of the softer tunes, my favorites are "Lady Lieright," a catchy tune just oozing with Top Forty promise, and the title track which rates as one of the most gorgeous songs ever, certainly the prettiest tune on this album. "Oh For Another Day" is pleasant as well, but the strings and production make it a bit too vanilla.
Peter Frampton has overcome most of the problems which accompany first solo albums, and considering that he produced the entire album himself, Wind of Change is a triumph. Although I was indeed upset when Frampton left Humble Pie, and further taken aback after hearing the Pie's latest (Smokin'), Wind of Change most definitely makes the entire affair worthwhile. (RS 115)
JON TIVEN
