A$# 024 Randy Bachman | Axe

Randy Bachman intended Axe as a side project to his high profile work with The Guess Who in 1970. But with his high profile departure from the group, Axe was instead his first outing as a solo performer.

You may not be familiar with this album, as it's never been released on CD, and it predated Randy's phoenix-like re-ascension to the top of the charts with Bachman Turner Overdrive. Its nine instrumental tracks present Randy's guitar prowess and versatility.

The jazz and blues influence of the pieces shouldn't surprise anyone who's familiar with Randy's earlier leanings on Undun, his future BTO single Lookin' Out For #1 and his much later Jazz Thing album. Growing up in Winnipeg, Randy was inspired by, and learned much from, guitar god Lenny Breau. This teaching has had a life-long impact on Randy's style of playing.

The album doesn't feature Randy by himself, though. The other players were TGW drummer Garry Peterson, Wes Dakus and, perhaps ironically, future TGW guitarist Domenic Troiano.

As rock historian and journalist John Einarson wrote on Randy's web site:

Axe is a surprising left turn for Randy, a very personal pet project allowing him the opportunity to showcase his guitar virtuosity outside the Guess Who context. Solo guitar instrumental albums by rock players were very rare indeed at the time ...

Axe reveals Randy in a playful mood with a heady brew of bluesy rock, country, pop and jazz. Sharing leads with Troiano offers a special treat. (Dom revealed that he was in awe of Randy's versatility while for Randy the admiration was mutual.)

Tracks include the religiously inspired Zarahemla, the jazzy Suite Theam and numbers such as Tally's Tune and Noah, which hinted at Randy's later BTO style. A TGW recording of Take The Long Way Home, with vocals, would later be released on The Way They Were.

Try to find a vinyl copy if you can.

Side 1:
1. Zarahemla
2. Not To Return
3. Pookie's Skuffle
4. Tally's Tune
5. Take The Long Way Home

Side 2:
1. La Jolla
2. Tin Lizzie
3. Suite Theam
4. Noah