50 years ago today (6/26/70), Free released their third and most enduring album Fire and Water featuring the classic rock anthem “All Right Now.” Featuring Paul Rodgers magnetic and chilling vocals, Paul Kossoff’s brave bluesy guitar leads, Andy Fraser’s thunderous bass, and Simon Kirke’s powerhouse drums, they were an instrumental force. Free helped set the blueprint for British hard rock that although never elevated them to Zeppelin ranks, still are considered one of rock’s most bluesy and pure outfits. Rodgers and Kirke would later form Bad Company with Boz Burrell (King Crimson) and Mick Ralphs (Mott the Hoople), but Free contained more of an adventurous roots sound that remains unrivaled today. Listen to one of the under the radar standouts from Fire and Water– the melancholy “Oh I Wept”…
