A wonderfully melodic very tight musicianship led by Pix on lead guitar; West Coast US inspired, but nevertheless 'English sounding'. The band used to be obsessed about getting the sound-engineering just right on stage and would keep us waiting for 10 to 15 minutes, playing to an empty, locked auditorium while the engineer made fine adjustments on the desk. You could watch through the windows in the doors. The wait was always worth it. The band were fine vocalists as well as great players.
When I saw them they were first called Oasis! I do not know why they changed name. I remember Pix played with a slightly distracted look of concentration and absorption by the music. He used to look above the heads of the audience, apparantly studying the wall behind us, but seeing nothing I guess. He took his picking really seriously.
So to the album. Each track has a complimentary momentum and feel so that the overall effect is very coherent. The last track is a kind of gentle 'goodbye'. Smile is a Diamond seems to be the most highly regarded track, but I find them all equally good.
Within Reach by The O Band is World Class and an essential album for any blissed-out soft rocker. I love it.
by Dr. S. L. Smith
Tracks
1. A Smile Is Diamond (Mark Anders, Jonathan Pickford) - 6:04
2. Feel Alright (Mark Anders, Jonathan Pickford) - 3:33
3. Lucia Loser (Jonathan Pickford) - 4:09
4. Dontcha Wanna (Mark Anders, Jonathan Pickford) - 4:59
5. Money Talk (Mark Anders, Jonathan Pickford) - 3:29
6. Still Burning (Mark Anders, Jonathan Pickford) - 6:00
7. Paradise Blue (Jeff Bannister) - 3:47
8. Long, Long Way (Jeff Bannister) - 5:52
9. Within Reach (Mark Anders, Jonathan Pickford) - 3:21
10.A Smile Is Diamond (Mark Anders, Jonathan Pickford) - 3:55
11.Coasting (Jeff Bannister) - 5:02
12.Love Ain't A Keeper (Jeff Bannister) - 5:01
The O Band
*Jonathan Pix Pickford - Lead Vocals, Guitar
*Mark Anders - Bass
*Derek Ballard - Drums, Percussion
*Craig Anders - Vocals, Peddle Steel Guitar, Slide Guitar
*Jeff Bannister - Vocals, Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Synthesizer