Mr. Wonderful ()

This album expounds primarily on up-tempo blues tracks fronted either by Peter Green or Jeremy Spencer.

"Stop Messin' 'Round" is the benchmark by which all those Freddie King-type numbers are to be judged, (including Freddie's). The sound and phrasing of Peter Green's guitar is simply awesome. Add the horns and piano, and you've got a classic. That same fiery combination appears in the titles, "Rollin' Man", "If You Be My Baby", and "Lazy Poker Blues" with the rhythm varying slightly. "Trying So Hard To Forget" is the slowest tune on the album. "Love That Burns" is an extraordinary Peter Green slow blues number. Listening to Christine (Perfect) McVie"s piano fade out at the end of the song, will give you chills.

Jeremy Spencer's "I've Lost My Baby" may be the finest interpretation of Elmore James ever put on wax. The blues master's "Hawaiian Boogie" is transformed into "Evenin Boogie", and there are four tracks based on Elmore's "Dust My Broom" guitar riff, that title being one of them.

Mick Fleetwood and John McVie were proving themselves to be the best blues rhythm section in the business.

It has been reported that the sessions for the first album (Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac) and "Mr. Wonderful" was one continuous project. The overall sound of course is quite different. On the first album, the equipment (instruments, mikes, etc.) was plugged directly into the tape deck. For "Mr. Wonderful", a PA, and speakers, were set up in the studio to create a more live sound, reminiscent of a 1940's recording studio; thus producing an ideal environment for recording this music.

Mr. Wonderful is a great blues album.

English Rose ()

If you were to own only one set by the early or original group, this should be the one. This compilation includes their hit singles, "Albatross" and "Black Magic Woman", both composed by group founder, Peter Green. He also contributes the heart felt, slow blues of "Love That Burns" as well as the definitive hot blues guitar and vocal on "Stop Messin' 'Round.

The gifted Jeremy Spencer is heard performing two of his impressive interpretations of Elmore James' "Dust My Broom" on, "Doctor Brown" and "Coming Home". The energetic instrumental "Evenin Boogie" is also in the James style. Bassist John McVie states about Spencer, "He was the best slide-guitar player around at the time, and nobody has touched (equaled) him ever since". These tracks corroborate that statement.

Further examples of this type of material by Green and Spencer, are found on "Mr. Wonderful", the group's second official album, released only in the UK, and from which, some of these tracks are taken.

Another bonus feature of "English Rose" (the group's second U.S. release), is that, it was also the debut of third lead guitarist Danny Kirwan, who imparts his own expression of the blues. "Jigsaw Puzzle Blues" takes the listener on a very interesting ride, while "Something Inside Of Me" seems to be Danny's play on an Elmore James tune. "One Sunny Day" and "Without You" are Danny at his finest. The former highlights a driving rhythm and sharp notes. The later, a haunting slow blues, with a unique sound.

The piano on the Peter Green numbers, is played exquisitely by Christine Perfect, soon to marry bassist John McVie, and later, to become an official member of the band.

Mick shuffles, John deals- "English Rose" finds all performers in top form.

Kiln House ()

Anything with a Fleetwood-McVie rhythm section is definitely worth a listen, and you wont be disappointed here. This multi-faceted jewel shines in the treasure chest of Fleetwood Mac material. A departure from the raw blues and guitar jams of Peter Green, the band's illustrious founder. Kiln House lays the foundation for the Fleetwood Mac sound that was to eventually evolve.

With a 50s music revival being the trend at the time, every corner night spot had bands do-wapping away. Jeremy Spencer steps up and delivers what had been a highlight of the group's stage show since its inception. His remarkable ability not only to characterize, but to also play the music of the immortals, is evident in this collection. "This is the Rock" (his song that was included on the official CD commemorating the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), "Hi Ho Silver", and "Buddys Song" epitomize the genre.

The celestial vibrato of Danny Kirwan's guitar, and sweet vocal is heard on "Station Man", and "Jewel Eyed Judy", while the wah-wah based "Tell Me All The Things You Do", demonstrates his funkier side. Definitely some of Danny's finest moments.

Although only officially credited with designing the album cover, this was Christine McVies initial major contribution to the group. Her wonderful piano and back-up vocals are heard throughout the set.