Potliquor - Levee Blues (1971)

Potliquor, or sometimes erroneously referred to as "Pot Liquor", was a 1970s rock group from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The band was formed by George Ratzlaff and Guy Schaeffer after the breakup of a successful cover band called "THE BASEMENT WALL".

Like several other bands of the American South, their musical style was a synthesis of influences like Little Richard, Ray Charles, Jimmie Reed, and more leading them to become a part of the nascent Southern rock genre. Potliquor released four albums plus a compilation album but had only one hit single written and sung by George Ratzlaff.
Potliquor was a top regional touring band during the early 1970s, and although they made several national tours with prominent rock groups of the time, they never became the headliner of their own tour,  and after several personnel changes, they were never able to recover the momentum built up through 1970-1973 to reach national prominence like some of the big name bands and individuals they performed with. The Allman Bros. Billy Joel, REO Speedwagon, Ray Charles, Lou Rawls, Aerosmith, Cactus, ZZ Top, BB King, Faces, Lou Rawls, and many more. They held the dubious distinction of being the only band booked to play the Fillmore West just before it closed forever.
Potliquor’s sophomore effort, Levee Blues was released in December 1971 and is considered as their best album by many. Levee Blues" is widely considered their artistic peak. With an ensemble of female background vocalists in tow, the album bears a certain gospel charm that some of their other efforts were missing.
This is a passionate and visceral collection of songs and any lover of the aforementioned genres would be well served to check them out.

Despite the Molly Hatchet type heavy boogie and horn section that occasionally reminds you of Atlanta Rhythm Section, Pot Liquor never raised to a level they deserved and stayed as a regionally touring band.

Includes mostly faithful covers of Red Rooster, You're No Good and a nice slowed-up cover of The Beatles Lady Madonna. Mostly a bluesy, 70's rock vibe with good guitars. A great listen for fans of Humble Pie, Stones or Faces.

 

Track listing

 

01.  "Cheer" - 4:52

        Written-By – George Ratzlaff
02.  The Train" - 3:28
       Written-By – George Ratzlaff
03.  Levee Blues" - 4:03
       Written-By – George Ratzlaff, Les Wallace
04.  Rooster Blues" - 6:34
       Written-By – Willie Dixon
05.  Chattanooga - 3:06
       Written-By – George Ratzlaff
06.  You're No Good" - 3:59
       Written-By – Clint Ballard Jr.
07.  Lady Madonna" - 3:59
       Written-By – Lennon-McCartney
08.  When God Dips His Love In My Heart" - 0:57
       Written-By – W.S. Stevenson
09.  Beyond The River Jordan" - 3:55
       Written-By – George Ratzlaff

 

Credits

Vocals, Organ, Piano, Organ [Pipe] – George Ratzlaff
Backing Vocals – George Ratzlaff, Guy Schaeffer, Jerry Amoroso, Les Wallace
Bass – Guy Schaeffer, Leon Medica
Bass Guitar – Guy Schaeffer, Leon Medica
Tambourine, Claves, Congas, Drums – Jerry Amoroso
Handclaps – Potliquor
Harmony Vocals – Potliquor
Guitar [All Guitars], Lead Guitar – Les Wallace 
Rhythm Guitar – George Ratzlaff, Les Wallace
Guest, Backing Vocals – The Black-Eyed Peas
Guest, Horns – Art DeCesare, Bud Brashie, Charles Pounds, Jimmy Miller, Lee Fortier, Lloyd Koach, Pete Verbois
Guest, Maracas – Bobby Thomas
Guest, Strings – Clarence Render, Dinos Constantinides, John Babb, Kenneth Klaus, Leslie Petrere, Thaddeus Brys
Guest, Twelve-String Guitar – Paul Harrison
Design – Martin McCoy III
Engineer – Cy Frost
Producer – Jim Brown
Producer [Supervision] – Bob Scerbo

 

Companies, etc.

Manufactured By – GRT Corporation
Pressed By – Presswell
Recorded At – Deep South Recorders
Mastered At – Sterling Sound

 

Notes

Recorded between February and August of 1971 at Deep South Recording Studios in Baton Rouge, LA.
Genre: Blues Rock
Length: 34:53
© 1971

 

Label - Janus Records