Unknown, 1977 - Ram Jam and Black Betty

For the first time in my library I was unable to find an exact release date for my next release. I know that it came out in 1977 before June, but other than that I could not find a date so I am placing it here. The release in question is the self-titled debut album by Ram Jam, a one-hit wonder who struck oil with the song "Black Betty", which is actually a Lead Belly cover. But who is Ram Jam? They were a four-piece rock band from New York City consisting of lead singer Myke Scavone, guitarist Bill Bartlett, bassist Howie Blauvelt and drummer Peter Charles. These guys are the definition of a one-hit wonder, but as these songs tend to be, this song is quite a good one. This song is driven by some pretty excellent guitar by Bartlett as he gets lots of chances to show off, including at the beginning. Scavone's vocals sound pretty good I think and it's some very catchy lyrics sung fairly quickly along to a nice drum beat by Charles. The lyrics may sound a little abrasive, but it's not about a person at all, it's actually about a musket! After the second chorus they move into a cool little bridge section with some nice drumming by Charles. Bartlett plays a good riff as well and it segues into an extended guitar solo for him where he really let's loose! He plays some pretty fantastic guitar in this solo and afterwards they move nicely into another new riff with more cool guitar leading the way. They go back to the cool drumming bridge before tieing it all back into another main verse. It's short, but pretty sweet as they end it with a classic rock and roll flourish. It's the only Ram Jam we'll hear in my library, but it's a pretty cool song for sure!

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