Bert Sommer was a member of one of the finest mid-60’s bands – The Lefte Banke – and Mike Brown another former member appears on this album (piano). This was his second solo album, released not long after his appearance at the Woodstock festival – his performance did not make the film, although his performance of Paul Simon’s ‘America’ was hugely appreciated and this is the only track on the album not written wholly, or in part, by Bert. The album is not a normal singer/songwriter album, as it has significantly varied genres. It starts with the superb ‘Smile’, which is really catchy, if a little poppy (probably why it was selected for single release), but a really great chorus and rocks with great energy with impressive Hammond organ, electric guitar and drums. ‘It’s a beautiful day’ builds gently from early 70’s singer/songwriter territory into a bit of a rocker and demonstrates the coarser side of Bert’s voice. ‘Eleuthera’ is another ballad which is quite beautiful, before the quicker ‘Grand pianist’ which has music by Mike Brown and lyrics by Sommer (Mike Brown plays some superb piano on this track. ‘Uncle Charlie’ is another rocking melody (great drums) with some drug fuelled lyrics, as the side concludes with ‘I’ve got to try/Zip zap medley’ again focussing on drugs, which is the standout track on the album, especially the ‘Zip zap’ portion, which could have handled being longer. Probably Bert’s best vocals and lyrics of the album, accompanied by a driving rhythm and great keyboards.
Side 2 starts with ‘America’ – probably not the best version you will hear. ‘Mama, if you’re able’ follows and again shows Bert’s rocky side, but isn’t the best track on the album. ‘Friends’ showcases the more feminine side of Bert’s vocals in a very sentimental and pleasing way. ‘The other side’ is another rocker and is one of the standout performances with great drums from Al Rogers. ‘Here in the timeless life’ starts out as a generic ballad and then morphed into a great rock number. Lastly, ‘We’re all playing in the same band’ was written after his experiences at Woodstock, but takes a little while to get going, but the wait is really worthwhile and was released as a single, although the bass line is a bit limited.
