Esoteric Recordings is pleased to announce the release of a 4CD clamshell boxed set by CLIMAX BLUES BAND, “The Albums 1973 – 1976”. This release is the second collection of Climax Blues Band albums and features their work issued between 1973 and 1976, a period of commercial and concert success for the group which saw the release of the albums FM LIVE, SENSE OF DIRECTION, STAMP ALBUM and GOLD PLATED.

Formed in Stafford in 1968 by Colin Cooper, the band (originally known as the CLIMAX CHICAGO BLUES BAND) recorded their first live album, FM LIVE, in New York City at the Academy of Music with a line up of COLIN COOPER (Vocals, Saxophones, Harmonica), PETE HAYCOCK (Guitar, Vocals), DEREK HOLT (Bass, Guitar, Vocals) and JOHN CUFFLEY (Drums). The album was originally released as a single LP in the UK by Polydor Records, but issued as an entire performance by Sire Records in the USA. The version in this set is the original US double album running order (with the full version of Goin’ to New York). SENSE OF DIRECTION was released in 1974 and was a strong studio album and saw the band gain further commercial ground in the USA and Europe, thanks to pieces such as the album’s title track.

STAMP ALBUM was released in 1975 and was the band’s first release on the BTM Records label (established by their then-manager Miles Copeland). Featuring such classics as I am Constant, the album was successful on both sides of the Atlantic.

The 1976 album GOLD PLATED was their final album for BTM and featured the classic top ten hit single Couldn’t Get it Right (for the promotion of which the band performed completely live on the BBC TV show Top of the Pops). The success of the single and the overall quality of the work ensured GOLD PLATED was a hit album in Europe and the USA.

Disc: 1
1. All The Time In The World
2. I Am Constant
3. Flight
4. Seventh Son
5. Standing By A River
6. So Many Roads
7. Mesopopmania
8. Country Hat
9. You Make Me Sick
10. Shake Your Love
11. Goin’ To New York (Full Version)
12. Let’s Work Together

Disc: 2
1. Amerita / Sense Of Direction
2. Losin’ The Humbles
3. Shopping Bag People
4. Nogales
5. Reaching Out
6. Right Now
7. Before You Reach The Grave
8. Milwaukee Truckin’ Blues (Chipper’s Song) Bonus Tracks
9. Sense Of Direction (Single Version)
10. Shopping Bag People (Alternate Version)

Disc: 3
1. Using The Power
2. Mr
3. Goodtime
4. I Am Constant
5. Running Out Of Time
6. Sky High
7. Rusty Nail / The Devil Knows
8. Loosen Up
9. Spirit Returning
10. Cobra

Disc: 4
1. Together And Free
2. Mighty Fire
3. Chasing Change
4. Berlin Blues
5. Couldn’t Get It Right
6. Rollin’ Home
7. Sav’ry Gravy
8. Extra Bonus Tracks
9. Fat Mabellene
10. Together And Free (Single Edit)
11. Chasin’ Change (Extended Take)
12. Shadow Man