1968, Cristo Redentor (LP, Philips, PHS 600-281)
Harvey Mandel’s first album. There’s a sound in Harvey Mandel’s “Long Wait,” the last song on Side One of his 1968 debut, “Cristo Redentor.” 1:43 into a searing, grinding, winding guitar passage, there’s a little … “plink.” It’s a moment of subtle yet daring ingenuity, the kind Harvey Mandel has wielded in spades throughout his 50-year career. HARVEY MANDEL Cristo Redentor, 1968, the debut album by the psychedelic blues guitarist, who has chalked up playing for Charlie Musselwhite, Canned Heat, The Rolling Stones and John Mayall on his resume. Includes a mind-bending version of Wade In The Water plus the Donald Byrd title track.
1969, Righteous (LP, Philips, PHS 600-306)
This is good guitar relaxing music, it is very psychedelic and very smooth. Excellent for an acid trip. It is like taking a smooth journey that’s often-thought provoking. “The Snake” plays a real smooth jazzy blues rock guitar and he is stellar on this recording. Recommend if you like psych music, lots of note bending and sound effects as well, you will not be disappointed! Includes Harvey’s workout on Nat Adderley’s ‘Jazz Samba’, an obvious touchstone for the Latin-rock hybrid of Carlos Santana, plus Boo-Bee-Doo, a sharp & snazzy blues-rocker. This album was Harvey’s second in his solo career before joining Canned Heat. Definitely a trip album, made for easy listening, and for those taking a smooth psychedelic journey.