The Artwoods’ Steady Getting’ It: The Complete Recordings 1964-67

Record Title: Steady Getting’ It: The Complete Recordings 1964-67
Label: RPM

A fascinating blues and R&B group, partly for who was in it and partly because of what they should have been.

In terms of ‘who’: Art Wood himself was the brother of Rolling Stone, Ron Wood. Art would later to join the Downliners Sect. Malcolm Pool (later to join John Mayall’s band) and Keef Hartley on drums (Hartley would form his own band land appear at Woodstock) were joined by a certain Jon Lord on organ, future Deep Purple legend. The band was completed with the addition of Derek Griffiths on guitar.

As for the ‘should have been’? The Artwoods where in the same league as The Animals and The Spencer Davis Group but, of course, never made it to the very top of the tree. A great live band with dynamism and energy to spare, they did find a recording contract at Decca in 1964 and released a series of singles which exhibited their prowess in blues but a blues that was often tinged with soul and funk. This unique element, combined with their great sound, makes their lack of success all the more confusing.

Listen for yourself to the impressive body of work in this 3CD set occupied by an informative 35-page booklet packed with rare images of the band and memorabilia. Each disc is to be found within a picture card cover. Disc 1 features 22 acetates, single and EP tracks while eight tracks are taken from BBC sources. The band’s only album, Art Gallery, occupies Disc 2 alongside 11 tracks of further BBC sessions. Finally, Disc 3 includes a rare live outing at Funny Park, Denmark, 1967.

A superb collection of rarities and essential items that not only will please all fans of The Artwoods but will illuminate any music fan with an interest in 60s bands and the blues timeline.