Disco de Jefferson Airplane: “Early Flight”

Early Flight is a collection of Jefferson Airplane's recordings that were not previously released on any studio album. The opening track, "High Flying Bird," is a masterpiece featuring Balin and Signe Anderson, it is a beatiful combination of poetry and vocals, and one of the best examples of Anderson's contribution to Jefferson Airplane's success.

The second track, "Runnin' Around This World" is also a good example of material you would find on the Airplane's first studio album, "Jefferson Airplane Takes Off."

Though the album mainly consists of Balin material, there is some definite Airplane classics, such as the apocalytic, sci-fi themed "Have You Seen the Saucers," and Slick's "Mexico," a fabulous recording about Richard Nixon's attempt to stop drug smuggling between Mexico and the United States, fits into the Volunteers political scheme. A must for any Jefferson Airplane fan.

This wonderful 1974 compilation features nine rare tracks recorded between 1966 and 1970. Those nine tracks are...

*HIGH FLYIN' BIRD: This should have been included on the debut album instead of "Let's Get Together". Oh well. (Signe Anderson is featured prominently.)

*RUNNIN' ROUND THIS WORLD: B-Side of the 1966 "It's No Secret" 45. (Removed from the first issue of "Jefferson Airplane Takes Off" because it contained the naughty word "trips".) This was a staple of early JA stage shows.

*IT'S ALRIGHT: Outtake from "Jefferson Airplane Takes Off". It's alright.

*IN THE MORNING: Six minute blues jam recorder after hours during a "Surrealistic Pillow" session. Jorma on vocals with guests Jerry Garcia on guitar and John Hammond blowin' harp.

*J.P.P. McSTEP B. BLUES: Another "Surrealistic Pillow" outtake. Top notch.

*GO TO HER: One more leftover from "Surrealistic Pillow" featuring Marty and Grace. (Why didn't this make the cut? It's terrific!)

*UP OR DOWN: Six 1/2 minute, heavy rockin' outtake recorded early on during the "Bark" sessions. Marty was still in the band...but not for long.

*MEXICO: Non-album single written and sung by Grace. Pro-marijuana and anti-Nixon, it was banned from US radio in 1970. Go figure. (Placed #102 on Billboard's singles chart.)

*HAVE YOU SEEN THE SAUCERS: Non-album B-Side of the "Mexico" single. This Kanter composition ranks with Airplane's best. (A live version opened JA's 1973 posthumous live album "Thirty Seconds Over Winterland".)

No one seems to know about this album, and ironically it's my favorite by the band. There are a surprising number of good songs and album is surprising consistent considering the difference in personal and the fact that it isn't really a proper album as much as a collection of leftovers. Highly recommended for fans of the band, the genre or the era (note `Mexico' a little known political track). Standout tracks are `Go To Her', `Have you Seen the Saucers' and especially `High Flying Bird'. The latter, sung be Signe Anderson, proves that Airplane might well have been a big hit even without Grace Slick.

I'm addicted fo Jefferson Airplane, its CDs rarely leave my car. For me and other fans this release is interesting but for those that are just beginning the trip with Jefferson Airplane can just miss this.

Most of the tracks have been previously been released, but the news are very welcome.

The main focus goest to "High Flyin' Bird" which is among the best things produced by the Airplane. The lyrics are superb and the music is intriguing, but... the Monterey Pop Festival live performance is much more sincere. However it is good to have this prime work release in a studio work.

Another good track is "Go to Her", an energic track that is also among the best Airplane work.