If you remember the great Canned Heat band, with its iconic “Going Up The Country” song, then you will remember having heard Harvey Mandel in his role as guitar player for the band. Although his tenure with the band was brief – and did NOT include participation on the previously mentioned “Goin’ Up The Country” song – he did play on the band’s other big hit, “Let’s Work Together”. That song is found on the album that featured Harvey Mandel, Future Blues (1970). But even before that, Harvey Mandel was known by many of the great bands, including The Rolling Stones (who once auditioned him to replace Mick Taylor), John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and more.
After Future Blues, Mandel went the solo route, and eventually produced a string of excellent albums that included his first batch of Philips releases. And while there are many in his catalog, some of his earlier works stand out better.
On January 20, Caroline Records will issue a 6CD Box that gathers the first five Harvey Mandel sets (Cristo Redentor – 1968, Righteous – 1969, Games Guitars Play – 1970, Baby Batter – 1971, and The Snake – 1972). In addition to these classics, there will be included a 4 performance tracks live set, Live At The Matrix, which includes musicians like Elvin Bishop, and Jerry Garcia. These tracks hail from 1968.
All CDs in this box are individually contained in a mini-LP styled cardboard sleeve that include original artwork, as well as booklets with new liner notes.
(During his current time of illness, we wish him the best of hope!)