Though they were best known for a kind of muscular
funk
rock
, the band
Trapeze
always had a jazzy element, and on
You Are the Music, We're Just the Band
it is the softer tunes that stand out. This isn't to say that there aren't some good rockers here, since the title tune and
"Keepin' Time"
are energetic and enjoyable. However it is on
"Coast to Coast"
and
"What Is a Woman's Role"
that the band really shines. This is partly because both are really good songs, partly because both benefit from some inspired sax and vibes work from guests
Jimmy Hastings
Frank Ricotti
. Vocalist
Glenn Hughes
takes the lead on most tracks, and is very effective as long as he stays in his low range; on the
tracks he uses his higher register, which tends to have a squealing or screechy tone. Those who only know
Hughes
from his subsequent work with
Deep Purple
may be surprised to hear his warm, soulful work on this disc, which was his last with
. ~ Richard Foss