Discussion of this impromptu jam found elsewhere on this website--
https://forums.ledzeppelin.com/topic/16633-jimmy-page-solid-ground-1991-05-29/
Review of the boot:
JIMMY PAGE AND SOLID GROUND
Up in Smoke [Continental Sounds 004]
Continental Sounds may not be the most prolific label in Europe, but they sure come up with some unusual material. Among their few releases so far, have been an unusual collection of Tommy Bolin FM broadcasts and demos (Rarities), the only Elvis Costello recording known to exist of his ‘78 Japan tour (Live Attraction), and now this.
Jimmy Page playing with a bar band in Reno at the request of their female vocalist - the dream of every bar band of the ’70s and ’80s that cut their teeth on Zeppelin.
Taken from a superb soundboard recording, this CD is far more vibrant than you could possibly hope for in an unauthorized release. Sound quality is consistently good with only a few rises in the levels (probably done by the soundman at the show) that hardly seem to matter.
What does matter is Page’s performance. The band is third rate at best. The female vocalist is horrible (she only sings two songs and part of a medley - thank God for small favors) and the male vocalist, a very good southern belter, is prone to calling Page “son.” The rhythm section can’t keep time and the keyboard player is almost invisible.
But, mercy, does page play. On this 70-plus-minute set, Page just lets everything rip. He cuts loose on some old rock ‘n’ roll standards with absolute abandon. It’s obvious he’s just having fun with no formal set list or direction (but, of course, without a great band behind him). Page can be heard playing masterful blues (Spider in Your Web), classic rock ‘n’ roll (Johnny B. Goode), crunching instrumentals (Smokin’ Again), rockabilly (Slow Down), and party-time favorites (Louie Louie medley). It’s great to hear Page playing with this much fun and abandon. Setlist (Reno, NV May 25, 1991): Spider in Your Web/ Steamroller/ Johnny B. Goode/ Hound Dog-Blue Suede Shoes/ Smokin’ Again/ Slow Down/ Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll (Seger tune)/ Kansas City/ Louie Louie-Wild Thing-Hang On Sloopy
Recollections of the lead singer of the jam session:
A band I played in “Solid Ground” played with Jimmy Page at the Crystal Bay Club on May 29, 1991, Funny things happen when you're packing to move; you find a lot of the stuff you thought you lost. Last night after all these years I found part of a recording of the night Jimmy Page played with Solid Ground. I hope to find the rest of the recording. We did have pictures of the show but the keyboardist for the band ripped them off. He also is the one the band suspects boot legged the recording of the show against Jimmy’s wishes, after he specifically told the band that night not to do it. I want Jimmy to know the rest of the band had nothing to do with the boot legged recordings.
Bill Glahn reviewed the recording on his blog in March 1993. He was tough on the band, Thank God he liked my singing "The male vocalist, a very good southern belter, is prone to calling Page “son.” I don't remember calling Jimmy son. It is a southern thing though, y'all know what I mean?
I don't know why the recording is titled "Up In Smoke". Funny thing is, that is what happened to our relationship with the keyboardist, totally burnt to ashes. Reminds me of another situation with a nasty ex band mate.
I do plan on posting these recordings of the show (Not for Profit) on my website. Jimmy was playing my guitar and Debbie McIntyre sang Hang On Sloopy and I sang the rest of the songs. Finding these recordings has led me to see what was out there on the internet about that night. I cannot believe the curiosity and information that has been posted. At the very least I want folks out there to know the story and give credit to where credit is due and mention all the band members who played on that recording with Jimmy Page. Well maybe not all, I will just ignore the damn keyboardist. I have worked with many musicians with pleasant and difficult dispositions. It is only the very worst of those that I refuse to have any association with, and refuse to recall anytime I spent with them, or mention them on my website www.renebest.net. That reminds me, I still have to write a disclosure about my website which I own and control all content, and the person who is spreading bogus lies, that "It's Not Really Rene's Website". In the mean time if anyone feels the need to know about the motives of the person behind the bogus complaints board comments you can cell me @ 775-378-7084
The guitar Jimmy used at this jam currently in the news and available for auction.
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/oct/18/jimmy-page-guitar-finds-its-way-to-river-city-guit/
https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/post/spokane-music-store-offers-guitar-formerly-owned-rock-legend-jimmy-page