As some of my fellow bloggers noted, distinguished British blues rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Peter Green passed away today at the age of 73. I had been all immersed in working on my previous post and entirely missed the sad news.
Green certainly deserves better than a measly clip, and I’m planning to do more on him in the future. For now, I’d like to acknowledge the death of this outstanding musician with what I believe is one of the most beautiful instrumental tracks I know: Albatross, which Green wrote in 1968 for Fleetwood Mac, the band he founded in 1967 after his departure from John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.
The band’s very first incarnation was called Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac featuring Jeremy Spencer. By the time their debut album was released in February 1968, they had become Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac and simply Fleetwood Mac when their sophomore Mr. Wonderful appeared in August 1968.
Albatross first came out as a non-album single in November 1968. The dreamy track was also included on The Pious Bird of Good Omen, Mac’s second compilation album from August 1969. I think Albatross has comparable beauty to Carlos Santana’s Samba Pa Ti and Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile), two of my all-time favorite electric guitar-driven instrumentals.
Sources: Wikipedia; YouTube
Christian's Music Musings 
Peter was a great blues player. I wish he wouldn’t have had his troubles and had a better life. I really like The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown)…
Albatross is a great song. When the Beatles were making Abbey Road they listened to that song. You can hear the influence in some songs with the echo.
LikeLiked by 2 people
R.I.P. Peter Green! Sehr schöner Song zum dösend in der Sonne liegen…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I cranked Fleetwood Mac Live at the Boston Tea Party yesterday. The man made some wonderful music.
LikeLiked by 1 person
While I’ve listened to some of the early Fleetwood Mac music for a previous post (and really dig it), it’s been a while. I also haven’t listened Green’s solo work, so there’s definitely room for much more exploration.
It looks like the 50th anniversary of Green’s solo debut “The End of the Game” is coming up this December.
LikeLike
CB is a big Green fan. The cut you posted is beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Which reminds me, I really need to take a deeper dive on Green. I’ve only listened to his music with Fleetwood Mac, which I guess is a great place to start. I haven’t checked out his solo work though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I followed Mac for a while after Green left but he was the big reason I liked the band. Check out ‘In The Skies’ if you are looking for solo Green. Then take it from there. His stuff with The Splinter Group is also good. His tribute to Robert Johnson particularly. Subtle but tasty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for these tips! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem. Pete needs to be heard.
LikeLike