The band is tighter than it was on its previous Capricorn LP, and the references lean a bit more to blues and soul sounds. There are only two true R&B tracks here: "Calling All Cows," an old Excello label song with subtle sexual connotations and a romping Bo Diddley beat, and John Lee Hooker's "Crawling King Snake," with blatant connotations. It's done here in ominous swirls — it'd be a good soundtrack tune for a movie called "The Hook Meets Shaft."

There are several country-tinged numbers, such as "Rollin' Home," a mellow talking/singing blues about the joys of getting off the road and on your woman. But the blues pop in when Elvin throws in a verse from the Chicago classic "Close to You," which fits like white on rice.

"Do Nobody Wrong," Bishop's modernization of the golden rule, is an easy rocker which once again showcases the guitar harmonies of Bishop and Johnny Vernazza. The occasional use of clavinet, synthesizer and Stevie Wonder-like harp gives some soul tinges to the overall feel. But the basic mood is exuberant. Bishop is a happy cat and his music mirrors that with rocking expertise. "Never sang nothing but the blues," goes a lyric. "Now I'm singing a brand-new song — sure feels good feeling good." (RS 191)

TONY GLOVER