Love Sculpture

In the closing years of the 1960s, the British blues-rock trio Love Sculpture might have faded into footnote status despite its solid performances, were it not for the presence of lead guitarist Dave Edmunds, who would soon achieve wider recognition. Much like other outfits of the period, the group functioned chiefly as a showcase for Edmunds’ considerable guitar skills on the debut LP, with little else commanding attention. Their repertoire drew on thoughtfully selected blues standards, delivered in slightly accelerated yet respectful arrangements. An unforeseen commercial success came in 1968 with a guitar-reworked version of the classical piece “Sabre Dance.” Following the release of two LPs, Love Sculpture disbanded in 1970. Edmunds later enjoyed solo acclaim with “I Hear You Knockin’” and sustained a lengthy, occasionally contentious collaboration with former Brinsley Schwarz bassist Nick Lowe that produced the acclaimed band Rockpile. Even so, Love Sculpture, though somewhat dated, remains an enjoyable listen, with Edmunds exhibiting youthful bravado and dazzling technique as he moves fluidly across the fretboard.