Aktion	Zweigstelle	Standorte	Status	Frist	Vorbestellungen
Vorbestellen	Zweigstelle: 17., Hormayrg. 2	Standorte: CD.09 Rama / 70er	Status: Verfügbar	Frist:	Vorbestellungen: 0

The short-lived Ramatam were essentially a would-be supergroup featuring (amongst others) former Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell, ex-Iron Butterfly guitarist Mike Pinera, and female lead guitar prodigy April Lawton.

This, their debut LP, was issued on Atlantic Records in 1972 to a largely indifferent reception and nearly sank without trace, reaching no higher than #182 on Billboard.

Yet for fans of '70s rock this album is something of a nugget which is waiting to be re-evaluated as it manages to rock-out in classic heavy '70s style, as well as displaying a keen sense of dynamics thanks to the use of a horn section which was very in-keeping with the Atlantic tradition, helping the band create a sound which was almost akin to an older, heavier brother of late '60s pioneers Electric Flag; heavy riffage on one hand, with an almost jazz/r&b-inspired suppleness on the other - even if Ramatam's musical parameters were somewhat narrower.

In-spite of the presence of Mitch Mitchell and Mike Pinera (who handles much of the vocals) it's April Lawton who turns-out to be the star of the show, her fluid, Hendrix-inspired soloing taking centre stage and announcing the arrival of a major talent, although sadly, her brilliance fell on deaf ears.

Perhaps Ramatam were slightly ahead of their time as their eclectic, heavy brand of rock which incorporated jazz, a hint of funk and CSN&Y-styled acoustic mellowness on the albums' two slower numbers, failed to find its audience.

The album was produced by none other than Tom Dowd, although to modern ears it sounds somewhat muddy.

Mitchell and Pinera departed soon after, leaving April Lawton to pick up the pieces and soldier on for one more LP, 1974s 'In April Came The Dawning Of The Red Suns' - another gem that went the same way as the first.

Nevertheless, if you're looking for something slightly different than your average '70s rock behemoth, try it.