Upon the recommendation from a fellow poster on a music board frequented, I ordered this cd from a short lived, yet extremely talented group of musicians. Reissued in 2012, but originally released in 1971, the eponymous recording, Fuzzy Duck, remains a cult classic among collectors and fans of the more progressive rock side of things. Among the musicians involved, such as former Arthur Brown keyboardist Roy Sharland and ex-Tucky Buzzard drummer Paul Francis, also included were bassist Mick Hawksworth and the exceptional guitar playing of Grahame White. The sound of the band features a post-psychedelic/prog-rock vibe that displays some intricate interplay, well crafted and arranged music and it's unfortunate that this record is all there is to enjoy from this interesting array of players. From the opening cut, Time Will Be Your Doctor, it's obvious that the band's sound is driven primarily by Grahame White's guitar playing in tandem with Roy Sharland's commanding work on the Hammond organ. However, the exciting rhythm section in Mick Hawksworth and Paul Francis entices the listener, rounding out the group's ensemble collective bringing an organic, yet extremely focused musical approach. 

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Other numbers that stand out are Mrs. Prout, which showcases Sharland's aforementioned organ work, the rocking and rollicking Just Look Around You, featuring a strong harmony chorus, and my personal favorite, Afternoon Out, which contains a somewhat pondering, but melodic grooving feel to its composition. Not to mention, White's distorted wah-wah guitar that sweeps and swells around the sung verses while delving into a free-form solo that climaxes to a dynamic resolve. More than I Am has a bit of a Spencer Davis R&B influence, written and sung by bassist Mick Hawksworth, it's driven by White's guitar and Mick's incessant bass guitar patterns that diligently keep the song moving along steadily. Country Boy begins in an upbeat and light manner, until all of a sudden, a chord pattern introduces itself as if it were stolen from a Black Sabbath number. Once this sequence builds up, it then goes back to where it began rhythmically, but the ensemble playing is much more tightly knit and winds into a "jam out" frenzy; once again, due to the propulsive back beat of Paul Francis and Roy Sharland and Grahame White's respective roles on the keys and guitar. In Our Time is also written by Mick and is a reflective, semi-epic track and a great way to tail end this intriguing, interesting release.

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The CD remaster features 4 bonus tracks that are recorded with replacement guitarist Garth Watt-Roy whom filled Grahame's shoes once the record had finished. The four bonus tracks were actually two singles in Double Time Woman/Just Look Around You, that preceded the release of the album, oddly enough, and Big Brass Band/One More Hour were released after the record appeared. Unfortunately, these tracks aren't quite as appealing as the record itself, although One More Hour has some great bass lines courtesy of Hawskworth's playing style. Watt-Roy has a really good voice and his guitar playing is on par with White's, but despite his efforts, it appears that Fuzzy Duck were destined for perpetual obscurity as they disbanded soon after the Big Brass Band single was released. Overall, I would say that this was well worth seeking out and it's a pleasure to have this in my collection among several forgotten and obscure records of yesteryear. Well worth the time if this is your particular cup of tea.

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Rating Grade- A