Sam Apple Pie was a UK band with a Heavy Blues Rock sound whose period of activity was at the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. After an excellent self-titled debut album released in 1969 for Decca, they recorded these 8 tracks but never released them. Only one acetate copy survived, recently rediscovered and finally released. Titled “Second Helping,” the tracklist is untitled, reissued on April 21, 2023 by Sommor Records and distributed by Guerssen Records. The lineup that recorded this work includes Sam Sampson, Bob Renny, Andy Johnson, Mick Smith and Mick Stuart. The band continues the discourse proposed on the debut album, a blend of Heavy Psychedelia with Blues traits and a live and Proto-Prog influence. The guitar takes center stage in the solo inserts, while in the melodies the distorted and gritty riffs intertwine, creating that scratchy, heavy sound proper to the era. The bass lines are massive and give body to the songs, creating with soldio and elaborate drumming rhythmic sections enriched by tempo changes. The vocal parts are dynamic and expressive, giving when needed that extra touch of energy proper to Heavy Blues bands. A rarity that has remained hidden for more than 50 years, but today it finally shows itself in all its glory. The quality of the recordings is of a high standard, a pity that a composed work performed and recorded with precision and technique was not valued at the time. Lovers of bands like Elias Hulk or Fleetwood Mac will find in these 8 tracks the hallmarks of the style that characterized the late 1960s and very early 1970s. The record has enormous artistic rather than collectible value in this reissued version; it is always a pleasure when rarities like this are rediscovered and enhanced. Unfortunately, like many bands of the time, not having had the right success they disbanded, leaving us, however, with some fine albums. An absolutely recommended listen and purchase for all lovers of classic Rock sounds, with marked Blues influences, with the guitar being the great protagonist. Due credit must also be given to these record labels, always careful to rediscover and enhance artists of the past who alternatively should be forgotten. A real honor and pleasure to be able to listen to and review artists and albums of this level.
Tracklist
01. Track 1 (05:12)
02. Track 2 (06:50)
03. Track 3 (00:58)
04. Track 4 (05:33)
05. Track 5 (05:49)
06. Track 6 (06:50)
07. Track 7 (03:59)
08. Track 8 (04:22)
Lineup
Sam “Tomcat” Sampson / Lead Vocals
Bob “Dog” Rennie / Bass
Andy “Snakehips” Johnson / Guitars
Mike “Tinkerbell” Smith / Guitars
Mick Stuart / Drums
