Tempest Allan Holdsworth Tempest/Lonodn,UK 1973

Introducing the finest stereo soundboard album that records the phantom “Twin Guitar TEMPEST” with the highest sound in history. In the mid-70s, TEMPEST, a British treasure that made its name in the scene with high-tech ultra-unique rock. They had three lineups. The “first period” was the original four-piece that produced the masterpiece “TEMPEST”. And the “third period” was the trio that created the second album “LIVING IN FEAR” after Allan Holdsworth and Paul Williams left. In between, there was the “second period” that did not leave a formal original album. This work is a superb stereo soundboard that captures the “second period” that was extremely short-lived and existed on earth for only a moment. The true identity of this work is “London performance on June 2, 1973”. It is the famous BBC specialty program “POP SPECTACULAR”. This broadcast is a major staple of TEMPEST’s classics. Based on the air check recordings, they have produced countless previously released albums such as “DRIVE YOU MAD”, “UP AND ON”, “LONDON’73”, and “LONDON FIRST LIVE”. More than 10 years ago, they were even released on CD in an official anthology. This work is the highest peak in history, and it defies them all. The original was a transcription LP produced by the British BBC. A transcription disc is a non-commercial analog disc that the BBC broadcasts for commercial use and lends to radio stations around the world. It is a so-called broadcast master disc. After broadcasting, there is an obligation to return it, and it is not available on the general market. However, some of them are sold on the second-hand market and are traded for tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen. The transcription LP that was the basis for this work was not obtained from such a second-hand market… It was an unused master disc that had been sleeping in the warehouse of a certain public broadcasting station and was brought out by a related party. In other words, it is the ultimate mint quality disc that has never been played. In fact, this is the second time that this master disc has been made into a CD. It was previously pressed as “POP SPECTACULAR” by the Sirene label. However, it was later included in the official anthology CD and was thought to have fulfilled its role. However, as the shock of the officialization subsided, enthusiasts around the world began to whisper that “the transcription LP actually sounds better.” The lustrous “sound” that has withstood aging because it is an analog LP, and the natural tone without forced equalization. The rich mid-range sound that makes the most of the goodness of the analog record has attracted renewed attention. This work was re-digitized from the original broadcast recording using equipment from 2017. Although the Sirene recording attracted worldwide acclaim, there were some parts where a slight amount of noise was mixed in during the digitalization and the stereo balance was shaky. It was a flaw that you could only notice if you listened carefully with headphones, but this work eliminates all of those points. It is the best version with high transparency with no clipping or scratch noise. The sound is truly the best ever. The vast dynamic range that gives a sense of depth, the guitar sounds of the two guitarists that are clearly separated into left and right channels and full of texture, the realistic atmosphere that captures the sound of the large-diameter drums, the bass sound that is intensely thick and has a strong presence… If we were to list them one by one, it would be endless, and the beautiful sounds of British rock are packed into every corner. The sound depicts the miraculous “twin guitar TEMPEST” that ended in an illusion. In addition to Holdsworth’s virtuosity, his partner Ollie Halsall is also a super-unique guitarist. The serious battle that the two spark is full of charm. With the theme of unison approaching at full throttle, each of them tries to squeeze in an obbligato at any opportunity, and competes for speed with their solo work, which has a clear difference in style, it is a dream collaboration that cannot be said to be better than the other. The set list is mainly songs from the 1st “TEMPEST”, with new songs sprinkled on top. The famous riff of “Foyer Of Fun” reminds us of CREAM’s “Sunshine Of Your Love”, and the guitar solo battle of the representative song “Gorgon” is already burning out. Furthermore, the intro of “Up And On” is intoxicating with the lyricism, and the cutting battle full of rock drive leads to the grand finale of the masterpiece “Brothers” with its dazzling ups and downs. “Round About Golders Green” and “Strangers” are as powerful as a large typhoon attacking in succession, with drum solos packed to the brim. Holdsworth (probably) uses a Gibson ES335, and shows off his arm playing with a solid and heavy sound for a semi-acoustic guitar. He has already built a unique style of playing twisted, undulating phrases at the same speed as McLaughlin. His sensitive hand vibrato is also at the level of perfection. On the other hand, Halsall shines with a clever and versatile scale that is closer to jazz on the Gibson SG, and is even more spectacular than in the PATTO era. Perhaps inspired by Holdsworth, the number of sounds is extraordinary. There have been countless twin teams in the history of British rock, but I can’t think of two who are so unique and highly technical. What’s more, the greatness of “TEMPEST II” is not just the twin. John Hiseman, the key member, showers an explosive beat as if the god of wind and thunder had combined, and an invincible fleet is heading in every direction. Although he doesn’t appear often, Paul Williams’ soulful and sensual singing is wonderful, and the bluesy “Mark Clark” also penetrates to the heart. Hiseman’s strong leadership, the complex and advanced compositional skills that support the quality of the songs, the balance of ensemble and improvisation cultivated in COLOSSEUM, etc. … TEMPEST was particularly unique even in the British rock scene where many strong players compete. This is a permanent preservation of the unknown apex of the “second period” with the highest sound quality in history. A miraculous performance revived with unused transcription sound recognized by enthusiasts around the world. Please take this opportunity to add it to your collection. Live at Hippodrome, London, UK 2nd June 1973 STEREO SBD(UPGRADE)Directly transferred from the original BBC Transcription Record(CN 1803/5) (53:45) 1. Introduction by Alan Black 2. Foyers of Fun 3. MC 4. Gorgon 5. MC 6. Up And On 7. MC 8. Gray And Black 9. MC 10. Brothers 11. MC 12 Round About Golders Green 13. Strangeher STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING Jon Hiseman – Drums Allan Holdsworth – Guitar Ollie Halsall – Guitar Mark Clarke – Bass, Keyboards Paul Williams – Vocals