By the time Rod Stewart took the high road to LA wealth and fame, his old Faces buddy Ronnie Lane had already followed his own heart to explore more rustic traditions. Releasing solo albums, collaborating with Pete Townsend or working with his band Slim Chance, Lane presaged the folkier elements that would increasingly pepper popular music in ensuing decades.
For his last 20 years, Lane battled the multiple sclerosis which claimed his life in June 1997 but, like the travelling lifestyle he celebrated, his songs remain timeless. Recently, former bandmates Charlie Hart and Steve Stimpson reunited Lane’s 70s musical associates (including bassist Steve Bingham, drummer Colin Davey and guitarist Alun Davies) as a new Slim Chance to play those songs around the UK, basing this summer’s activities on this warmly affectionate set of career highlights.
The album straddles songs from The Faces (You’re Too Rude, Flags And Banners), 1977’s Rough Mix collaboration with Townsend, solo albums (Anymore For Anymore, One For The Road) and Slim Chance outings including Kuschty Rye, Lads Got Money and heart-tugging ballad Don’t You Cry For Me. Displaying uncanny empathy with the original Honest Ron’s rare joie de vivre spirit and humility, Slim Chance are still deserving of their place in the modern world – perhaps even more so.
