On Air

Joe Cocker & The Grease Band

1997

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About

The album "On Air" by Joe Cocker and the Grease Band, released in 1997, is a collection of live BBC radio sessions recorded between 1968 and 1969. These sessions capture the raw and energetic performances from shows like Top Gear and Symonds on Sunday. The album showcases the band's tight blues-rock interplay and Cocker's signature raspy vocals.

Recording Info

These are BBC Sessions recorded in 1968-1969. Tracks 1, 2 & 5 were recorded on October 13, 1968. Tracks 3 & 4 were recorded on October 14, 1968. Tracks 6, 7 & 8 were recorded on September 21, 1969. Tracks 9, 10, 11 & 12 were recorded on October 11, 1969.

Track Highlights

Run Shaker Life (Richie Havens)
With A Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles) — Cocker's cover famously reached number one in the UK in 1968
Marjorine
Change In Louise
Can't Be So Bad (Don Stevenson-Jerry Miller)
Let's Get Stoned
That's Your Business
Hitchcock Railway
Lawdy Miss Clawdy
Darlin' Be Home Soon

Personnel

Joe Cocker (Lead Vocals)
Henry McCullough (Guitar)
Chris Stainton (Keyboards, Bass (tracks 1-5))
Tommy Eyre (Organ (tracks 1-5))
Alan Spenner (Bass (tracks 6-12))
Bruce Rowland (Drums (tracks 6-12))
Kenny Slade (Drums (tracks 1-5))
Sue & Sunny (Backing Vocals (tracks 1-5))

Significance

The album is significant for capturing the early dynamism of Joe Cocker and the Grease Band and preserving their legacy alongside Cocker's breakthrough era. It provides a glimpse into their energetic live performances during that period.

The album consists of BBC sessions from 1968-69 and comes with a 6-page folded inlay.