First Base was British hard rock group Babe Ruth's biggest success, both in terms of popular and critical acclaim. This LP defined an interesting junction between hard rock and progressive rock. The two driving forces behind this album were guitarist Alan Shackloc, who wrote most of the material, and vocalist Janita Haan, who came out as the perfect balance between Janis Joplin and Robert Plant. The album contained "The Mexican," the band's classic song which also includes a theme by western soundtrack composer Ennio Morricone ("Per Qualche Dollaro in Piu"). Other highlights include the powerful rock number "Wells Fargo," the sweet-and-sour "Black Dog" (with nice piano work by Dave Punshon), and a surprising rendition of Frank Zappa's "King Kong." The strings and oboe arrangements in "The Runaways" don't work as well, but at least they don't get pompous. With its long songs (six to eight minutes) and lush arrangements, First Base seduced both the hard rock and the progressive rock crowds. The album cover was painted by Roger Dean, who illustrated many Yes albums. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide
Babe Ruth (Main Performer), Roger Dean (Cover Design), Jeff Allen (Drums), Clive Anstee (Cello), Brent Carter (Saxophone), Tony Clark (Engineer), Manny Fox (Cello), Kete Go (Engineer), Jenny Haan (Vocals), Peter Halling (Cello), Peter Halling (Leader), David Hewitt (Bass), David Hewitt (Guitar), Gaspar Lawal (Percussion), Gaspar Lawal (Bongos), Gaspar Lawal (Conga), Harry Mier (Oboe), Nick Mobbs (Producer), Dick Powell (Percussion), Dick Powell (Drums), Dave Punshon (Piano), Dave Punshon (Keyboards), Dave Punshon (Piano (Electric)), Boris Rickleman (Cello), Alan Shacklock (Organ), Alan Shacklock (Guitar), Alan Shacklock (Percussion), Alan Shacklock (Arranger), Alan Shacklock (Vocals), Alan Shacklock (Producer), Alan Shacklock (String Arrangements), Alan Shacklock (Oboe Arrangement), Caspar Lawal (Bongos), Caspar Lawal (Conga), Caspar Lawal (kabassa)
First Base was the album by the rock music group Babe Ruth. Produced by Alan Shacklock and Nick Mobbs, recorded in 1972, released in 1973.
The album went gold in Canada, sold well in the US, but had disappointing sales by comparison in the UK. The song "The Mexican" has been covered and mixed many times. Among them, it was covered in 1984 by John "Jellybean" Benitez with vocals by the original singer, Janita Haan. "The Mexican" was mixed into the third track of The Dirtchamber Sessions Volume One by Liam Howlett of The Prodigy in 1999.
The sleeve design, painting and photography were by Roger Dean. Engineered by Tony Clark and Kete Go at EMI Studios, Abbey Road between June and September 1972.
