Genre: blues rock
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title:  Take It Easy Baby
Company: Springboard
Catalog: SPB-4056
Year: 1974
Country/State: Ireland
Grade (cover/record): VG+ / VG+
Comments: minor ring wear; US pressing
Available: 2
Catalog ID: 5613
Price: $10.00

The New Jersey Springboard label was renown for releasing quickie sets that capitalized on early career and miscellaneous materials from big name acts. "Take It Easy Baby" was nearly identical to the 1974 Irish compilation "In the Beginning An Early Taste of Rory Gallagher." The only differences I could spot came in the form of a new cover and the seven tracks were slightly re-sequenced. In typical fashion the Springboard set included virtually no liner notes or performance credits. From the original Irish release I can tell you the set was compiled and produced by Mervyn Soloman. Credited as a Gallagher solo effort, the seven tracks actually captured the Gallagher's initial studio recording sessions as a member of Taste (see separate entry). Recorded in mid-1967 when Taste was coming to fruition, Gallagher-penned originals such as 'Wee Wee Baby', 'How Many More Years' and the title track' were somewhat raw and under-produced, but served as a surprisingly effective vehicle for Gallagher's tasty guitar and bluesy voice (image Clapton after a weekend of solid smoking and drinking). This was straightforward, unadorned blues-rock, but if you were into the genre well worth looking for ... The man could sure play guitar !!!

For whatever reason Springboard subsequently reissued the collection with the correct Rory Gallagher and Taste credits:



"Take It Easy Baby" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Wee Wee Baby (Rory Gallagher) - 2:45
1.) Worried Man (Rory Gallagher) - 2:30
2.) Norman Invasion (Rory Gallagher) - 3:01
2.) How Many More Years (Rory Gallagher) - 3:24

(side 2)
3.) Take It Easy Baby (Rory Gallagher) - 7:08
3.) Pardon Me Mister (Rory Gallagher) - 2:44
4.) You've Got To Pay (Rory Gallagher) - 3:55