Michael de Albuquerque: We May Be Cattle But We've All Got Names

English musician Michael de Albuquerque is probably best known as the bass player for the Electric Light Orchestra from 1972 to 1974. Dig a little deeper and it won't be long before his solo album We May Be Cattle But We've All Got Names will be mentioned, a jazz rock extravaganza that has been out of print since its release in the UK in 1973. Fast forward to 2024 and it gets its long overdue reissue on CD via niche label Think Like a Key. Fabled retired sound engineer Prof Stoned was in charge of the remastering of the tracks, and as per usual worked his magic on improving the overall sonic depth.

We May Be Cattle But We've All Got Names is a prime example of the cross-pollination between blues, jazz and rock that made progressive music so great around that time. De Albuquerque surrounded himself with the crème de la crème of English session players, but it is guitarist Ollie Halsall who steals the show on this album, playing baffling solos with his instantly recognizable tone. Quite a few first takes were used. This is an album for musos first, but it is accessible enough to be enjoyed as such. The obvious joy that was had during the recording sessions has spilled over to the finished product: a timeless collection of songs played by a bunch of guys who could turn on a dime without missing a beat.

This reissue is a true labour of love. De Albuquerque brother George wrote an insightful essay for the booklet and Michael's track by track rundown offers the listeners a fly-on-the-wall position of what happened during the recording sessions at Trident in London.

Michael de Albuquerque: vocals, piano
Gordon Beck: electric piano
Brian Bennett: drums
BJ Cole: pedal steel
Gerry Conway: drums
Ollie Halsall: guitar, vocals
Chris Laurence: bass
Chris Pine: trombone
Henry Lowther: trumpet
Frank Ricotti: percussion, vibes, alto sax
Stan Saltzman: tenor sax
Robin Sylvester: bass
John Taylor: electric piano
John Uckeridge: trumpet

We May Be Cattle But We've All Got Names is released via Think Like a Key. It is available for pre-order here. Release date: May 31.

Tracks:

1. Dribble Dribble
2. Oh Woman
3. Occasion
4. We May Be Cattle But We've All Got Names
5. Do Right
6. My Darling Girl
7. Sweet Mirth
8. Catharsis
9. Lonely (non-album B-side of the "Do Right" single

» Michael de Albuquerque on Wikipedia