For fans of bluesy, hard-charging boogie rock, the legendary band Humble Pie is an icon. Current artists such as the Black Crowes invoke its name and that of its leader Steve Marriott with nothing less than reverence. That Humble Pie was co-founded by Peter Frampton, enjoying a notable renaissance of late, provides even greater impetus for these new reissues of the bands classic albums · In 1969, Marriott, who had left Small Faces, and Frampton, formerly of the Herd, joined with ex-Spooky Tooth bassist Greg Ridley and drummer Jerry Shirley. Humble Pie's first single, 'Natural Born Woman' (aka 'Natural Born Boogie') hit the U.K. Top 10 and led to its debut album, As Safe As Yesterday Is. Humble Pie live, however, was explosive, loud and raucous. Frampton left after the tour, replaced by Dave "Clem" Clempson, A year later, Humble Pie disbanded. Marriott and Shirley briefly reformed the group in the '80s but accidents and ill health plagued Marriott and the band. · Humble Piewas a transitional album and a harbinger of the band's new, heavier direction. The material was darker than their previous two efforts, with striking contrasts in volume and style --Peter Frampton's gentle 'Earth and Water Song' is buttressed between two of the heaviest tracks on the record, the band composed'One Eyed Trouser Snake Rumba,' and a cover of Willie Dixon's 'I'm Ready.' DrummerJerry Shirley contributed a rare lead vocal on his song 'Only a Roach,' a country-tinged rocker. · This was their first release under the auspices of new American managerDee Anthony -- who'd, pushed for a louder, tighter sound both live and in the studio -- and for their new label, A&M Records. · This reissue comes with new artwork and sleeve notes by Malcolm Dome who has interviewed members of the band to get the complete story, this along with newly re-mastered sound makes the Humble Pie renaissance start here