SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TOM EVANS – I BELIEVE IN YOU (DEMOS 1970-1977)

TOM EVANS
I BELIEVE IN YOU (DEMOS 1970 – 1977)
Y&T MUSIC

Badfinger had four brilliant writers in that band. Tom Evans, the bassist for Badfinger, was not only a brilliant writer, but also an accomplished guitarist and strong songwriter. I Believe In You (Demos: 1970 – 1977) is the second collection of demos released by Y&T Music (the first being I Am Myself, 2024). Evans accompanies himself on guitar (and piano) for these demos. Although some of the songs would be finished and recorded by Badfinger (or Dodger, the band he was in when Badfinger split and before their regrouping), these demos have remained unreleased for over 50 years.

It is exciting to hear piano demos of songs, such as “Lost Inside Your Love” and “Sail Away,” both of which would be recorded for Badfinger’s Airwaves album (1979). Or “Blind Owl,” a standout track on the Ass album. It is fascinating to hear the early demo and how it transformed to the released Badfinger version.

Again, although he was known as a bassist, his piano playing is lovely and fits the songs which are extremely emotional and beautiful. It is equally interesting to hear songs intended for The Dodgers. Although Evans was only in the band for a short time, he was extremely creative and came up with great songs (“Get To You” and “Twenty-Four Reasons”) that could have been Badfinger songs, but shows him moving in a slightly different direction.

There are a great many songs fans have never heard. It is great to discover these, until now, lost gems. “Till You Came Along” is sadly far too short and unfinished. The song has a beautiful melody with Evans and his acoustic. It is a highlight. The title track, heard twice in the collection, is equally an emotional song and demonstrates Evans’ ability to write strong melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

Once again, the team that brought us I Am Myself worked diligently on these songs. Tom Brennan and Kevin McElligott have taken the raw tapes and have made them sound great. Given the equipment Evans was working with at the time, and that these songs were never intended to be heard outside of the band, the sound is excellent. I Believe In You (Demos: 1970 – 1977) is really a treasure chest of great music but it is also sad, at times, to hear songs that could have been flushed out. Thankfully these versions exist and it is a joy to hear ‘new’ music from Evans. Marianne Evans provided photos for the wonderful booklet that accompanies the CD. A great deal of care went into the production of this CD and it shows. I Believe In You (Demos: 1970 – 1977) is a very welcome addition to the Badfinger musical library.

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