In the mid sixties Tom Crosgrove was lead guitarist and vocalist in the Bronx band called Elegant Four were also known as the Elegants, they released only one single in 1965, both songs where written by Tom
In the early 1970s he formed Brethren together with Rick Marotta who spent several years as the drummer for his own group, Stu Woods played bass (he would later appear on Todd Rundgren’s Something/Anything? album), and Mike Garson who played keyboards. Tom Cosgrove took over the singing and played lead guitar. They released two albums.
The band had a unique sound, a mixture of rock and country, with traces of jazz and influences from Dr. John (Mac Rebennack), who wrote the album notes and the song “Loop Garoo” for them. A really fine sample of swamp rock and blues rock.
Rick Marotta was also a famous session drummer who appeared on recordings by leading artists such as Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, Steely Dan, James Taylor, Paul Simon, John Lennon, Hall & Oates, Stevie Nicks, Wynonna, Roy Orbison, Todd Rundgren, Roberta Flack, Peter Frampton, Quincy Jones, Jackson Browne, Al Kooper, Waylon Jennings, Randy Newman, Peter Gabriel, Kenny G, The Jacksons, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Warren Zevon, Linda Ronstadt, among others.
Tracks
1. Loop Garoo (Dr. John) - 8:25
2. Wesley With The Gun (Stu Woods, Tom Cosgrove) - 3:04
3. Sun And The Moon (Mark Klingman) - 3:15
4. Freedom Blues (Eskew Reeder) - 5:13
5. Lady On The Terrace (Tom Cosgrove) - 3:57
6. Move On (Rick Marotta, Stu Woods, Tom Cosgrove) - 4:00
7. Rainy Day Lady (Tom Cosgrove) - 4:51
8. History Repeats Itself (Mike Garson) - 3:54
9. Blaze (Stu Woods, Tom Cosgrove) - 3:48
Brethren
*Stu Woods - Bass, Clavinet
*Tom Cosgrove - Guitar, Percussion, Vocals
*Rick Marotta - Drums
*Mike Garson - Keyboards
With
*Dave Liebman - Baritone Saxophone
*Barry Rodgers - Trombone
*Adrienne Albert - Backing Vocals
*Albertine Robinson - Backing Vocals
*Marretha Stewart - Backing Vocals
*Marilyn Jackson - Backing Vocals
*Tasha Thomas - Backing Vocals
