Red White 'N Blue – Red White 'N Blue (LP) / Harry Muskee
Back in the 1970s, the famous DJ Joost den Draaier conceived the idea of assembling a Dutch supergroup. He brought together Harry Muskee and guitarist Eelco Gelling (of Cuby + Blizzards), guitarist Frank Nuyens (of Q65), session bassist Lourens Leeuw, and drummer Herman van Boeijen in the studio, with George Kooymans of Golden Earring serving as producer.
The band name "Red White ‘N Blue" was coined by Barry Hay, but—as often happens with such manufactured supergroups—the band lacked stability. The album flopped, and the group fell apart shortly after its release. That said, the attempt to bring together the best of the Dutch blues scene remains an interesting concept. I suspect that, given the spirit of the 1970s, expectations were simply too high.
The record turned out to be more of a rock album than a blues album, and Harry’s vocals don't quite shine. It spawned a single—"Master of Planning"—that failed to chart; built around a strong guitar riff by Eelco Gelling, the song is otherwise not particularly exciting. "Pigeon Girl" is more in the style we recognize from the earlier Cuby + Blizzards era. The album only really hits its stride with the tracks "Bird" and "Freewheeler."
Harry Muskee sounds considerably more aggressive here, and the songs capture that 1970s jam-session vibe. Eelco Gelling’s guitar solo on "Bird" reveals his true class. "Freewheeler" has an Allman Brothers feel to it, featuring guitar work from Eelco Gelling, George Kooymans, and Frank Nuyens alike.
Label: Polydor
Country: Netherlands
Media Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Sleeve Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Plays great but has a few superficial hairlines. Insert included.