The recent "Simply Soul Flavas III" compilation contained three tracks taken from an album recorded in the Bay Area of San Francisco between 1972 - 1978 but never released, 70s connoisseurs might like to investigate further, particularly if you like the brassy sound of the horn-fuelled bands like Tower Of Power, Chicago, The Ohio Players and Blood Sweat & Tears, Unfortunately, Badwater Bridge were not able to emulate their success. The sleeve-notes reveal how hard it was for a nine-piece band to make a living on the club circuit, mainly covering Top 40 hits in their own way sometimes performing forty minute-medleys, and dropping in their own material whenever possible. Essentially an R&B band with an unusual blend of Afro/American/Asian members, the mainstays were trombonist/keysman/arranger Wayne Wallace and lead vocalist Ron Hollins, who together penned all the material bar one cut. Of the previously unheard tracks check the strutting "This Feeling", with its great walking bass, the Latin disco flavoured "As Long As We're Together", and the upbeat brassy "It's Alright Tonight". Respect to First Experience Records for giving Badwater Bridge the recognition they deserved.
Reviewed by Steve Hobbs - Blues & Soul

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