Woman

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Woman" by James Gang from their iconic album Rides Again, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this classic rock gem. This track, clocking in at 4:37, is a catchy rocker that kicks off with a driving bass line from Dale Peters, setting the stage for Joe Walsh’s dynamic guitar work. According to a review on Classic Rock Review, the song’s dramatic groove is enhanced by Walsh’s guitar dynamics, making it a standout on the album. Interestingly, the song was crafted by the core trio—Joe Walsh, Dale Peters, and Jim Fox—during a period when the band was hitting its creative stride after swapping bassists. The recording sessions for Rides Again were so intense that the playback of the album’s suite "The Bomber" reportedly blew out studio monitors at The Record Plant, hinting at the raw energy that also fuels "Woman."

Delving into the song’s context, "Woman" captures the James Gang’s ability to blend blues-based power-trio rock with experimental flair. A fan post on the James Gang Fan Club group recalls how the band’s live performances of tracks like "Woman" in the early ’70s were electrifying, often leaving audiences buzzing for days. The song’s infectious rhythm and Walsh’s searing guitar riffs made it a staple in their setlists, especially during their 1970 tour opening for The Who. Pete Townshend, so impressed by Walsh’s guitar prowess, called him the best American guitarist in a Rolling Stone interview, a nod that boosted the band’s credibility. The Rides Again album, including "Woman," also caught the ear of music critic John Swenson, who dubbed it “one of the most important rock records of the Seventies” for its innovative blend of hard rock and sensitive ballads.

The James Gang’s journey began in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1966, sparked by drummer Jim Fox’s vision to form a band influenced by British Invasion acts like The Beatles, The Who, and The Yardbirds. Fox, who had briefly played with the Cleveland band The Outsiders, teamed up with schoolmate Ronnie Silverman on guitar, bassist Tom Kriss, keyboardist Phil Giallombardo, and, after auditioning 25 guitarists, settled on Glenn Schwartz for lead guitar. This early lineup laid the groundwork for the band’s raw, energetic sound. By 1968, Joe Walsh replaced Schwartz, and the band slimmed down to a power trio with Fox, Kriss, and Walsh. Their debut, Yer’ Album, released in 1969 on Bluesway, featured covers like Buffalo Springfield’s “Bluebird” and showcased Walsh’s emerging guitar talent. Kriss was replaced by Dale Peters before Rides Again, solidifying the classic lineup that would define their early ’70s peak.

The band’s rise was meteoric, with Rides Again in 1970 spawning hits like “Funk #49” and earning praise from critics and peers alike. Their big break came when Belkin Productions booked them to open for The Who in 1970, leading to a UK tour and an appearance on Top of the Pops. Walsh’s departure in 1971 to pursue a solo career and later join The Eagles marked a turning point, but Fox and Peters carried on with various lineups until the band’s breakup in 1977. Reunions of the classic Walsh-Peters-Fox trio, including a 2022 performance at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts, have kept their legacy alive. Fans continue to celebrate the band’s gritty, innovative sound on platforms like the James Gang Fan Club and JamesGangRides.com.

For more on the James Gang, check out their official presence online. While they don’t maintain an active official website, Joe Walsh’s site at joewalsh.com often references his James Gang days. Follow Joe Walsh on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on his projects, which occasionally nod to the Gang. The James Gang Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant hub for Zoo Freaks to connect, share memorabilia, and discuss tracks like “Woman.” Another great resource is JamesGangRides.com, a fan-driven site packed with discography details, rare photos, and tour stories, keeping the spirit of the James Gang alive for new and old fans alike.