Paris - Big Towne 2061 (1976) [Japan Remastered, SHM-CD, 2013]

Californian Bob Welch, better known for the wistful romanticism of such songs as "Sentimental Lady," with Fleetwood Mac, shattered any stereotyping by composing all of the hard-rocking tunes performed on the debut album by this short-lived power trio. His bandmates were former Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick and former Nazz drummer Thom Mooney. After leaving Fleetwood Mac due to several uncertain years with the band's ever-changing personnel, Welch formed Paris, as well as playing on Bill Wyman's solo album, Stone Alone, in 1976. Paris' first, self-titled album sold modestly. The follow-up, released later in the year with Hunt Sales at the drum kit, did not. When the new drummer fell ill, Welch pulled the plug late in 1976. With the help of musical friends Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood and Christine McVie, Welch got his smash hit the following year with French Kiss. It featured a hit remake of "Sentimental Lady, originally recorded for the Mac album Bare Trees back in 1972. "Ebony Eyes" and "Hot Love, Cold World" were other singles from the platinum album Welch wanted so badly and would not repeat. After Paris, Cornick left the music business for a decade, becoming sales manager with a food company.