The James Gang formed in Ohio in the late 1960s and went through a number of different musicians before eventually ending up as a trio (Joe Walsh -guitar/Dale Peters – bass/Jim Fox – drums) when they started their recording career.  James Gang Rides Again, released in 1970, was their second album and demonstrated significant grown in terms of the groups song writing and musicianship.  Unfortunately, the group remained a regional favorite and never really became widely popular.  I became a fan in 1970 while living in southern Michigan just north of Ohio.

Funk #49, the lead off song on side 1 of the album was only a minor hit but proved to have legs.  The song can still be heard today on some classic rock radio stations.  Let’s listen….    (sorry about the ad!)

While the first side of the album showcased the James Gang rock capabilities, the second side provided some really nice acoustic music.  Let’s listen to Ashes the Rain and I….  (once again, sorry about the ad!)

I hope you liked the above songs and if you did I am sure you will enjoy listening to the full album provided below.

Joe Walsh left after one more studio album.  The band continued after Joe’s departure but it was never as good as the original lineup.   After leaving the group Joe Walsh achieved solo fame and eventually joined the Eagles.  Ironically Joe’s success away from the group made the original group’s music more popular than it had ever been when they were together. As always, let me know what you think.

One more thing….my favorite James Gang song, Walk Away, did not appear until the James Gang’s third album.  Before we end this post, let’s watch the James Gang perform my favorite song in a 1971 show.

If you like Joe, his first solo album in 20 years, Analog Man, is scheduled to be released this Tuesday (June 5) so be sure to check it out.