Satisfaction - Three Ages Of Man (Reissue) (1971-72/2014)

Whilst poruing though twenty or so unmarked reel-toreel tapes Derek Griffiths, formerly The Artwoods, one of the most revered and in fact the highest paid 60s band, Art Woods brother is Ronnie of The Rolling Stones (cf. a big deal). Derek and Rich Searle (Acid Jazz) came across a red tape box…

‘A jazz-rock album,’ Derek explained, ‘a cross between Blood Sweat And Tears and early Chicago but without organ. Hammond organ smothers the horns.’ The studio engineer carefully cued up the forty-year-old quarterinch tape and pressed play. As we listened, arms goosed, neck hair bristled, we fell silent, it was a trip. Derek endeavoured to shed more light. ‘It’s a concept album, written on the road about the road.

This album is a lost gem, a forgotten chapter from the British Rock Chronicles, a diamond in the rough. Three Ages Of Man marks the three influences fused within the group’s musical DNA. Strong and inventive jazz arrangements, a horn section at its creative peak. The acoustic testament of melodic song writing, hearts rinsed from the treadmill of touring. And finally, a solid rock ’n’ roll foundation that betrays the early blues roots of its players. This album is a journey that ends where it begins, tour madness, ecstatic melancholy and the soaring highs that thrill and counter the heady abstractions and repetition of life on the road.

A lost concept album, from the combined talents of some of Britain’s most influential R&B musicians, might arguably elevate that cardboard box to Holy Grail status