This enigmatic duo from Marion, Indiana only made one album, which appeared in 1970 and stands as one of the most appealing underground folk-rock recordings of its time. Certain songs were used in contemporary TV and film productions, but their origins and subsequent history remains unknown.
Full of beautiful melodies and hazy harmonies, as well as poetic lyrics and psychedelic flourishes such as recorder and fuzz guitar, the LP bears more than a passing resemblance to the work of Simon & Garfunkel, and is sure to appeal to fans of fellow hippie folk heroes such as Fresh Maggots, Linda Perhacs and Lambert and Nuttycombe.
Tracks
1. Story Street (Jack Ross) - 2:43
2. Me Love (Jack Ross) - 2:27
3. Jean-Claude What’s-His Name (Robert Riger, Jack Ross) - 3:42
4. To Sylvia (Jack Ross) - 2:15
5. Summer Clouds (Jack Ross) - 2:17
6. My Song (Art Titus) - 2:20
7. Thing I Wrote #1 (Jack Ross) - 1:57
8. For Beauty (Jack Ross) - 2:07
9. Cycle Song (Jack Ross) - 2:42
10. Marjane (Art Titus) - 2:39
11. What’s On Your Mind? (Jack Ross) - 2:05
12. Find An Answer (Jack Ross) - 2:41
Track 3 written and performed for ABC Wide World Of Sports coverage of the slalom competitions, December 13th 1969, Val D’Isere, France (aired December 20th 1969).
Track 5 written and performed for an industrial film for Eastern Airlines.
Track 8 adapted from the poem by Emily Dickinson.
Track 9 written and performed for ABC Wide World Of Sports coverage of the Motocross motorcycle competitions, October 26th 1969, from Pepperell, Mass., aired December 13th 1969 (first time original music ever used for an ABC sports presentation).
Musicians
*Art Titus – Bass, Recorder, Piano
*Jack Ross – Lead, Rhythm Guitar
*Tommy Wells – Percussion
Free Text
This Indiana based duo Titus and Ross consisted of Jack Ross and Art Titus. Their style is pretty different from most duos of their time, and sound much softer and mellower (even compared to Simon & Garfunkel). I assume this is due to their inspirations which are comparable to Christian folkpsych items, also in style, but which are in fact a bit more neutral and personal, while including some praise, admirations, and seeking inspirations in Man (“his image was a flame”). There is however one Jesus-related song, called “My Song” which I think I remember being covered by some religious folkpsych group (but I couldn’t find out which band). There’s a delicate, velvet soft, almost gospel-like way of singing, which are in a heartfelt way rather pastoral expressions. The accompaniment is played by delicate guitars, soft percussion (by Tommy Wells) and bits of bass, recorder and piano. An inspired album with its own specific charm.
ReplyDeleteThe album was produced with help of by Bubba Fowler who had his own acoustic song record out at this time. Before that he was part of the psychpop band The Avant-Garde. After this album he appeared with guitar on albums by Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen but then became a TV game host. Some Titus & Ross songs also found their way to some TV and film productions.
This rare psychedelic folk album from Marion, Indiana has become somewhat collectible in recent years, no doubt because of the track "Cycle Thing", was written and performed for ABC Wide World of Sports coverage of the Motocross motorcycle competition Oct. 26, 1969 from Pepperell Mass. It was the first time original music was ever used for an ABC sports presentation. "Cycle Thing" sounds like a drugged out folk song that could have been written by a California folk artist from the time. "Jean Claude What's-His-Name" was written and performed for the ABC Wide World for Sports coverage of the slalom competition on Dec. 13, 1969 from Val D'Isere France. It was aired on December 20, 1969. Other tracks, like "Summer Clouds" were written and performed for an industrial film for Eastern Airlines. Overall the album features interesting folk songs with two-part harmonies and sparse production of guitar, bass and drums.
Thx Marios.
Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat Album!These guys were really Outstanding, Thanks for great Post.
ReplyDeleteDoug
Thanx a lot!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the re-ups. I am going through the FO releases now (seems logical). Please would you also be able to re-up this one?
ReplyDeleteSteve, "Titus And Ross", updated...
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