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Sandy Bull was a masterful, if not slightly obscure, master of stringed instruments. Often placed in the pantheon with Robbie Basho and John Fahey, it’s easy to understand why he belongs there. Drag City and Galactic Zoo, who have been reissuing utterly obscure artists for the past few years, have unearthed a rare Sandy Bull live performance from 1976, from a gig Bull had opening for Leo Kottke. For the performance, Bull played by himself, with a handful of instruments and a then-new piece of equipment, the Rhythm Ace, serving to accompany him. He opens with a gorgeous, trance-inducing improvisation piece played on an oud, entitled, well…“Oud.” After that piece, you can hear him beaming with excitement as he demonstrates his new toy, the Rhythm Ace. Forgive, if you will, the next song, “Love is Forever,” which is a horrid song, but not for the playing—he can’t sing! At all! If you thought Vini Reilly couldn’t sing, here’s someone who sounds much, much worse! (You don’t hear any applause after he finishes. Wonder what that audience thought?) “Driftin” follows, an upbeat number which he says is inspired by, well, The Drifters. He then gets down and dirty and swamp bluesy with “Alligator Wrestler,” a funk number that is entertainingly smooth and mellow while still retaining a definite Louisiana humidity. Closing number “New York City” is okay, but it sounds like Bull has worn himself out from the rest of the set. For Bull enthusiasts—of which I am currently not one—I am sure that this is a welcome addition to your collection. For those who have yet to experience his work, Live 1976 is a great place to start.
