Since divesting himself of the other members of Ten Years After, Alvin Lee's music, both here and on the previous In Flight, has taken on a stronger R&B feel and focused on his vocal abilities as much as his guitar. Pump Iron follows the same pattern as its predecessor—a solid, upbeat-R & B-meets-Anglo-flash format with Lee backed by well-known friends (Boz Scaggs, Ian Wallace, Mel Collins and others) who perform with restrained expertise. Lee still spins a few "Goin' Home" riffs ("Burnt Fungus") and even adds a love song ("The Darkest Night") but most of this album is white, English and hard. Those who remember Lee only as the finale to the movie Woodstock may find the diversity of Pump Iron appealing. (RS 200)

ALAN NIESTER