Canned Heat were at the top of their game when they played the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. Since that time, they continued to stay focused on blues music, instead of turning more towards rock, as many of their contemporaries did. They had suffered a loss in 1970, when founding member Alan “Blind Owl’ Wilson passed away. Outgoing front man “Bob “The Bear” Hite kept the band going and in 1973, they made their one, and only, appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Now, the concert has come to light as Eagle Records continue to raid the vaults and release these gems from classic bands.

This performance is made special by the inclusion of blues legend Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown on four tunes. The presence of greatness is felt that night by both band and audience. The feeling of reverence to one of the greatest bluesmen to grace the stage is also felt as the music comes through the speakers some 38 years later. Brown is simply amazing on “Please Mr. Nixon,” “Worried Life Blues,” “About My Ooh Poo Pa Doo” and “Funky.” Elsewhere, the band prove they were one of the best of their times with the opening track, “On the Road Again” and the 14 minute closer, “Shake ‘N’ Boogie.”

This one is for all fans of the blues and 1960’s blues-rock. Canned Heat may not be as remembered as some of their contemporaries but, as this live album proves, they should be.