While new listeners in 2002 may no longer find Mandel's concepts unique and 'ahead of their time' as we did on '72, ('Snake's original release year), and as far back as the mid-60's, this music holds up well: 'Psychedelic'-blues-rock guitar as played by a musician with jazz-quality ability and concepts equals fusion in the _good_ sense, a rarity. Mandel's work has the thick sustain that many associate with Beck and Clapton's work, but please note that he was sounding full-on modern at least a few months before those two found such tones. PLEASE NOTE: In spite of the bracketed title suffix, this CD is NOT live. Not at all, as it is filled with creative use of overdubs.

harvey mandel's career is one of always being in the right place but at the wrong time. his earliest recordings showed his chicago blues influences, late 1960s releases added a touch of psychedelia, and early 70s (the snake and shangreneade) show that harvey had some clear jazz leanings.
arguably harvey mandel was the first true fusion guitarist-long before that label even existed or became yet another trite pigeon hole. for serious guitar fans the snake is a revelation.