Five Live (CD - 1964)

The Yardbirds: Keith Relf (vocals, harmonica); Eric Clapton, Chris Dreja (guitar); Paul "Sam" Samwell-Smith (bass); Jim McCarty (drums).

Recorded live at Craw Daddy, Richmond, England and the Marquee Club, London, England in 1963-64. Includes liner notes by Greg Russo.

The Yardbirds: Keith Relf (vocals, harmonica); Eric Clapton, Chris Dreja (guitar); Paul "Sam" Samwell-Smith (bass); Jim McCarty (drums).

The Yardbirds: Keith Relf (vocals, harmonica); Chris Dreja, Eric Clapton (guitar); Paul Samwell-Smith (electric bass); Jim McCarty (drums).

Few British Beat groups attempted in-concert recordings, but this proved a natural vehicle for the Yardbirds. One of the era's most popular live attractions, the set captures their exciting interpretation of British R&B. Their arrangements of blueswailing material by Howlin' Wolf, Bo Diddley and Slim Harpo are exceptional and their prowess as musicians is immediately self-evident. Keith Relf proves himself an accomplished harmonica player while Eric Clapton's guitar work lays the foundation for his future recordings. Where many contemporaries struggled to complete wholly satisfying live albums, the Yardbirds did so with breath to spare.

Few British Beat groups attempted in-concert recordings, but this proved a natural vehicle for the Yardbirds. One of the era's most popular live attractions, the set captures their exciting interpretation of British R&B. Their arrangements of blueswailing material by Howlin' Wolf, Bo Diddley and Slim Harpo are exceptional and their prowess as musicians is immediately self-evident. Keith Relf proves himself an accomplished harmonica player while Eric Clapton's guitarwork lays the foundation for his future recordings. Where many contemporaries struggled to complete wholly satisfying live albums, the Yardbirds did so with breath to spare. minimize