[Heeplist] Spirit in the Sky

[Jay Pearson]

I didn't mean it as a criticism, but as i read my words, I certainly see it that way! I really meant it as a comment. I just figured those two songs were part of the SitS sessions. I do hear David fairly clearly as the harmony vocalist on Honky Tonk Woman, but I do not hear him on Black Night. However, since Colin was at the sessions and he appears to remember David singing these songs, I would rather trust him than my ears. I remember our debate about a couple of the songs on vols 1 & 2 where some did not hear David's voice while others did. It is becoming apparent to me that David was even more talented than even we as Heep fanatics have given him credit for. That is saying a lot!!

That said, it's clearly David on all of the songs on Vol 3. BTW, I think Vol 3 may be the best of the Early Sessions albums overall (it's got an excellent flow).

I also need to add--which I failed to do on my initial review--that the sound quality of these recordings is superb! As Colin writes in his notes, and as others have pointed out, it is wonderful to hear David singing and not listening to these songs on a scratchy, slightly warped and likely skipping old vinyl record. I don't think I can ever put my thanks into mere words for the efforts that you, Colin, and anyone else who's been involved in the production of these collections have put in. I am floored by the fact that, more than 40 years on, we are getting the opportunity to hear these recordings in such excellent quality!!! So thank you, thank you, thank you! And please pass my thanks on to Colin and the others!!!

Jay


________________________________
 From: Ron Mann <ronmann at windstream.net>


Hi Jay, I know you have an opinion but I got an email today from Colin and
he isn't pleased with what he calls 'armchair critics' and told me he was at
the recording sessions when these particular tracks were done.  

The master tapes are marked with the vocalist as well.   I do believe him
and can hear a resemblance of David's voice regardless.  

I don't know if he is monitoring our list from the website or this was a
complaint from other fans.  All I know is I'm grateful for him making his
effort for us to finally get these in our hands.