Freeway - Riding High (1975) LP

Artist: Freeway
Title: Riding High
Year Of Release: 1975
Label: Philips
Genre: Rock
Quality: Flac (tracks)
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album

Tracklist:
01. Riding High 4:02
02. Stone Me 3:43
03. Sad Rock & Roll 4:48
04. Rock Teaser 3:12
05. Wheels of Fortune 6:16
06. Amazin' Lady 4:58
07. Turn the Page 4:48
08. My House 4:30
09. So Appealing 5:04
10. Rock 'N' Roll Nation 3:20

Personnel:
Frank Chic - lead vocals, percussion
Steve Welch - guitar
Criston Barker - bass, vocals
John Grant - keyboards, clarinet
Bill Lincoln - drums

Not much is known about Freeway, a short lived quintet who sprang from Melbourne, Australia in the early 70's. Freeway's creative force was legendary Aussie guitarist Peter Laffy, who had also been a member of Fox. Another noteworthy member was Criston Barker, formerly of Ash and Hollywood. Freeway's lifespan was rather short, but their sole release, "Riding High" is an impressive one.
Produced by Jim Keays, "Riding High" is a breezy and smooth affair with plenty of piano, organ and female backup vocals fleshing out the sound. The band sounds unusually American and the performances here are flawless.

Crunchy in all the right places with plenty of Allman Brothers style twin leads, this sounds almost southern in places. In other places, the band explore high spirited R&B as well as hard rock. Surprisingly, this hodgepodge of styles is seamless and the overall vibe never deviates from one song to the next. Though its nothing revolutionary, the songs are well written and the production is crisp and clear. Barker later joined Air Supply and currently plays with the 'Hepcats' while Laffy became a well-known television and radio host in Australia, as well as staying active with his own blues act, King Bees