The late Steve Marriott was a very important figure in the UK rock/blues scene during the Seventies. Marriott’s powerful voice and superior guitar playing were in the spotlight during his tenure with popular rock groups Small Faces and Humble Pie. His singing style was clearly influenced by legends like Ray Charles and Otis Redding while the aggressive guitar playing brought great intensity to all his recordings and live performances.

Right after Humble Pie disbanded in 1975, Marriott recorded a self-titled solo album. “Marriott” was split into a “British Side” and “American Side.” The half recorded in the US was arranged by newcomer David Foster who also played all the keyboards. Foster’s touch is pretty evident on the slick instrumental performances, smooth rhythm arrangements plus lush strings and horns. The rendition of the R&B classic “Are You Lonely For Me Baby” is an energetic funk/rock jam with bluesy vocals and rich instrumentation. Marriott also co-wrote the gospel-tinged “Star In My Life” and the funky “Late Night Lady.” Both cuts have cool vocals, prominent keyboards and hot sax solos courtesy of special guest Ernie Watts. Foster also arranged a bluesy rendition of “You Don’t Know Me” reminiscent of Blood, Sweat & Tears. The British sessions are more of a rock’n’roll affair with loud guitars and vocals. Marriott’s voice is in top form and he gave great performances throughout the album.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/are_you_lonely_for_me_baby.mp3|titles=Are You Lonely For Me Baby|artists=Steve Marriott]

Lead Vocals & Guitar: Steve Marriott
Guitar: Ben Benay & David Spinozza
Keyboards: David Foster
Bass: Dennis Kovarik
Drums: Michael Baird
Saxophone: Ernie Watts
Conga: Alan Estes
Background Vocals: Maxayn Lewis, Maxine Willard Waters & Venetta Fields

Arranged by David Foster
Horns Arranged by Joe Roccisano
Produced by Richie Wise & Kenny Kerner

Lyrics

Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby

It’s the last train to Jacksonville
Gonna get on it baby, you know I will
Come on and try, go ahead and try
To forget all the pain I brought you
Go on and cry, baby, go ahead and cry
Though I’m the one who taught you
I’m lonely baby, lonely and blue
I’m lonely baby, lonely for you

Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby

It’s my last run to Jacksonville
Are you my sweet baby, are you still?
Tell your friends, it’s the end
I’ll never again desert you
He’s laughing, baby, I can hear them laughing
They say I was born to hurt you
I’m sorry baby, sorry and blue
I’m lonely baby, I’m lonely for you

Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby

Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby

It’s a long ride to Jacksonville
Are you my sweet baby, are you still?
Say you’ll be there
I got a feeling that when I get off the train, girl
Will you be there?
I got a feeling that [you’re gonna be there]
I’m lonely baby, lonely and blue
I’m lonely baby, lonely for you

Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby

Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby
Are you lonely for me baby