The Great Fatsby is the second album by American rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Leslie West. It was released on Bud Prager's Phantom Records in March 1975 and distributed by RCA Records. The album features Mick Jagger on rhythm guitar.
Following the album's release, Leslie West formed "The Leslie West Band", with which he toured the United States.
Contents
Content
The album features four original tracks alongside West's interpretation of six other songs: covers of tracks by Paul Kelly, the Animals, the Rolling Stones, Sharks, Tim Hardin and Free.
"Little Bit of Love" would be the first of four tracks by Free covered by Leslie West. Subsequently, he released "The Stealer" (on Alligator), "Walk in My Shadow" (on Got Blooze) and "Woman" (on Blue Me). "House of the Rising Sun" is a duet with Dana Valery.
Release
The Great Fatsby was released in March 1975. The album debuted at No. 177 and peaked at No. 168 on the Billboard 200 chart. "Don't Burn Me" was released as a single with "E.S.P." as the B-Side.
Reception
A Cashbox reviewer wrote that West's "lightning guitar work and dynamic vocals carry this album to unbelievable listening heights." A Record World reviewer describes the album as "a heavy hunk o' funk."
AllMusic's Joe Viglione says the album "emerges as a unique look at an important rock & roll artist with some surprises tucked inside."
Personnel
Leslie West – guitars, vocals, bass
Mick Jagger – guitar on "High Roller"
Joel Tepp – guitar, woodwind
Howie Wyeth – piano, Mellotron
Gary Wright – piano
Marty Simon – piano
Corky Laing – drums
Nick Farrentella – drums
Donald Kretmar – bass
Ken Hinckle – bass
"Buffalo" Bill Gelber – bass
Frank Vicari – horns, woodwind
Sredni Vollmer – harmonica
Dana Valery – solo vocal, backing vocals
Jay Traynor – backing vocals
Additional personnel
Bud Prager – executive producer
George Lopez – engineer
Harry Sandler – photography