THE first studio album for 35 years from one of Britain's most influential blues/rock outfit is a smasher.

The band that spawned guitar legends such as Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck now features founder members Jim McCarty (drums) and Chris Dreja (guitar) ably asssisted by Gypie Mayo (guitar), John Idan (bass and lead vocals) and Alan Glen (harmonica and backing vocals). Here, with guests such Jeff Beck, Queen's Brian May and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Birdland offers newly recorded versions of eight old Yardbirds hits, including For Your Love, I'm Not Talking and The Nazz Are Blue, plus seven new songs. After playing Birdland more than a few times I must agree with Dreja: "The Yardbirds are still a kick-ass, high-energy band, it doesn't sound like we've been away for 35 years."

It certainly doesn't!

Updated: 09:31 Thursday, May 01, 2003