Cozy Powell Whitesnake Cozy Powell/Octopuss Demos Cassette Tapes Belonged to Cozy Powell

This release features demos from Cozy Powell’s third solo album, “OCTOPUSS.” Like the CD, it’s a collection of “Cozy Tapes.” Why is Cozy’s solo work included as a bonus for WHITESNAKE? Because “SLIDE IT IN (UK MIX)” and “OCTOPUSS” are companion albums featuring mostly the same members. It all dates back to WHITESNAKE’s plans to re-elect him. After disbanding the classic lineup, Coverdale decided to resume activities in August 1982, when his management contract expired. He began searching for new members, with Cozy as his partner, and Mel Galley was selected for guitar. Jon Lord was then confirmed to return. While things were going smoothly up to this point, bass became a challenge. Neil Murray was approached in September 1982, but the idea was abandoned after Gary Moore signed a contract. So, the band decided on Colin Hodgkinson, formerly of BACK DOOR. Coverdale was originally a huge fan of BACK DOOR, and was also a tour member of Jon Lord, who recommended Colin. Ultimately, however, compatibility with his rhythm partner, Cozy, was crucial. He joined “OCTOPUSS” prior to joining WHITESNAKE (Mickey Moody’s return was confirmed in October 1982, so he does not participate on this album). This album was produced under these circumstances. It’s a demo track recorded in September-October 1982 at London’s Britannia Row Studios (incidentally, Coverdale also recorded vocals for “SAINTS & SINNERS” at the same studio around the same time, on September 24, 1982). It was transcribed from Cozy’s own “EMI Britannia Row Studio” tapes. Its clarity is exceptional, even among the “Cozy Tapes” collection. The direct sound is like stepping through an open door into the studio, making it seem as if Cozy is raging right before your eyes. The meticulous detail in tracks like “Rattler’s Revenge (Up On The Downs)” and “Princetown” is particularly impressive. The behind-the-scenes footage of “OCTOPUSS” is strikingly high quality. What’s particularly noteworthy is the “new WHITESNAKE” ensemble, which was just about to be born. Coverdale’s “The Rattler” features four different takes, each featuring a different “featured member” depending on the mix. First, “Version 1” prominently features Cozy’s drums, while the following “Version 2” brings Mel’s guitar to the forefront, competing equally with Cozy’s drums. Furthermore, “Version 3” prominently features Colin’s bass, and the final “Version 4” heavily features Jon Lord’s keyboards. While it’s unclear whether the ensemble was checked live, these takes are enjoyable, like analyzing the “new WHITESNAKE” through prime factorization. Aside from WHITESNAKE, these takes are also interesting from a purely “OCTOPUSS” perspective. The three-song medley, from “633 Squadron” to “The Big Country,” a collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra, can also be analyzed. First, “633 Squadron (Orchestra Rehearsing)” vividly captures the London Symphony Orchestra tuning up and the conductor’s instructions to the orchestra. The following “Octopuss (Bass & Drum Machine)” features Hodgkinson, using a drum machine rhythm to create a distinctive, bouncy bassline, reminiscent of his work on WHITESNAKE. The final track, “Big Country,” was recorded in two stages: “orchestral rehearsal” and “with cozy sound.” The strings change expression with the conductor’s guidance, and the drums explode against that backing, allowing you to enjoy different mixes and arrangements from the final version. As I’ve said before, “WHITESNAKE 1982-1983” wasn’t just a new lineup. Galley was a guitarist considered for WHITESNAKE before Bernie Marsden, and Cozy was invited to join before Ian Paice. Hodgkinson also had long known Mickey Moody from their time with TRAMLINE and BACK DOOR. If Bernie and Paice had been reluctant to join, the six members of “WHITESNAKE 1982-1983” might have been called “classic.” This superb studio demo album captures the moment when that lineup was being assembled. Recorded at Britannia Row Studios, London, UK September & October 1982Taken from the original Britannia Row Studios cassette tapes belonged to Cozy Powell (44:34) 1. Rattler’s Revenge (Up On The Downs) 2. 633 Squadron (with Cozy Powell) * 3. 633 Squadron (Orchestra Rehearsing) * 4. Octopuss (Bass & Drum Machine) 5. Big Country (Orchestra Rehearsing) * 6. Big Country (with Cozy Powell) * 7. Formula One (Backing Track) 8. Princetown 9. The Rattler (Version 1) 10. The Rattler (Version 2) 11. The Rattler (Version 3) 12. The Rattler (Version 4) Cozy Powell – Drums Mel Galley – Guitars Colin Hodgkinson – Bass Jon Lord – Keyboards * with John Du Prez & London Philharmonic Orchestra