CCS: Tap Turns on the Water

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Maybe it’s just nostalgia (or age), but when it comes to bands like CCS and songs like Tap Turns on the Water, then there truly must be a category called “they don’t make good music like that any more.

Listening, as I did, to the funk and soul coming out of America during the early 70s, it was refreshing to hear a British outfit turning out a similar feel to its music. CCS (an acronym for Collective Consciousness Society) was a blues, funk, rock fusion with heavy doses of brass thrown in. Add to the mix the deep, gravelly vocals of British blues man Alexis Korner and it was a recipe for some stomping good tunes.

Unfortunately, CCS was not around for long. Formed in 1970, the band only lasted around three or four years, but in that time it left a legacy of tracks that are held in affection by those around during the period who appreciated them.

The band released three albums and seven singles, four of which made the UK Top 40. The first was an instrumental reworking of Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love (used as the theme to the BBC’s Top of the Pops), followed by the 1971 Top 10 hit Walkin’.

The band’s biggest hit, however, was the follow-up: Tap Turns on the Water. Heavy on the bass and brass, it has one of the most fantastic intros to any record from the 1970s. Add to that some slightly risque lyrics and this tune had dance floors full during 1971.

During 1972 and 1973, two more less successful songs became minor hits, but nonetheless maintained the trademark CSS sound: Brother (used as the theme to Tom Browne’s Solid Gold Sixty Sunday afternoon radio show) and The Band Played the Boogie, a title that ideally describes the group and its music.

For those wishing to delve further into the sound of CCS, CCS: A’s, B’s & Rarities is a great place to start. Here are those hits:

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A’s B’s & Rarities

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http://britishmusic.crabbysbeach.com/blogs/2011/10/12/ccs-tap-turns-on-the-water/

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by Richard Hoare
8 months ago

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CCS: Tap Turns on the Water

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