Sky King - Secret Sauce (1975 us, extraordinary fusion jazz rock, 2020 korean remaster)

Sky King formed in Ann Arbor Michigan in about 1974 and their first and only album in 1975. Their nucleus ((Chris Brubeck, David Mason, Peter Ruth) had all played together in “New Heavenly Blue" who had released two albums, "Educated Homegrown” (1970) and “New Heavenly Blue” (1972).

Chris Brubeck: A multi-instrumentalist (fretless electric bass, bass trombone, piano), vocalist, composer and orchestrator, and the son of jazz legend Dave Brubeck, born March 19, 1952 in Los Angeles, California. His resume includes stints in The Brubeck LaVerne Trio, New Heavenly Blue, Sky King, The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, The New Brubeck Quartet, Triple Play, and Two Generations Of Brubeck

David Mason: an American guitarist, violinist, vocalist from NYC (not to be confused with English guitarist Dave Mason) who had worked with Dave Brubeck in the early 1970s as well as being a member in “New Heavenly Blue”. Rick Jacobi: guitar. Ostensibly a commercial artist he only seems to have played in this band. Chris Coan: vocals. Coan seems to have come from theatre with no musical band experience prior to this.

Richie Morales: a jazz drummer who had played with Dave Brubeck (in Two Generations of Brubeck) and many others.  Peter "Madcat" Ruth: is an American harmonica player, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, born in Chicago 1949. He played with Dave Brubeck, was in New Heavenly Blue, and done a lot of session work with people like Bootsy Collins, Ken Nordine, and Blackfoot.

For this debut album they added the full horn section from Oakland, California’s R&B-based soul, jazz and funk band “Tower of Power” (Stephen MacKenzie Kupka: saxophonist and composer, Emilio Castillo: saxophonist, Lenny Pickett : alto and tenor saxophonist), Greg Adams: Trumpet, Flugelhorn) as well as Jerry Bergonzi: Jazz saxophonist, who had played with Dave Brubeck in Two Generations of Brubeck

Perry Robinson: a free jazz and klezmer clarinettist who was in many jazz groups including the Galaxie Dream Band in the 70s,and Two Generations of Brubeck with Chris Brubeck and Peter Ruth. He has done much session work as well as solo. Lee Pastora: a conga player who has done much session work with jazz acts (especially Don Ellis) and rock bands.

Joshie Armstead: backing vocalist. In the early 1960's she was a member of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue as one of the original Ikettes. From 1964 -1967 she was part of a songwriting team with Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, co-writing songs such as 'Let's Go Get Stoned' and 'I Don't Need No Doctor' by Ray Charles)

Maretha Stewart: backing vocalist. She is a singer and voice actress, known for The Wiz , Schoolhouse Rock! and The Muppets. She has done much session work and is perhaps best known for her improvised backing vocals on the track "If Dogs Run Free" from Bob Dylan’s “New Morning”.

Cissy Houston:  backing vocalist. The legendary Cissy (mother of Whitney and sometimes Elvis backup singer), vocalist in The Drinkard Singers and the Sweet Inspirations as well as a lot of solo pop and gospel.

The music is really jazz rock though incorporating folk, blues, jazz, country, funk and experimental asides.

The album was produced by Martyn Ford and an uncredited Steve Cropper (tracks: 1-4, 6, 8). Guitarist rick Jacobi says, “By the way, most of the album was actually recorded and produced by Steve Cropper at his studio in Memphis. He recorded us for free on spec (including paying for us to stay at a motel for two weeks), and eventually sold the material to Columbia. We finished the recording in NY at Columbia's "A" studio; Martyn Ford was assigned to produce us, and we more or less steamrollered right over him as much as possible. Cropper really deserves most of the credit, but as I recall, he and Columbia were kind of "on the outs" at the time. Cropper was a super-nice guy, and a real pleasure to work and hang out with”. 

Franko

Tracks

1. Secret Sauce (Chris Brubeck, Chris Coan, David R. Mason, Peter "Madcat" Ruth, Richie Morales, Rick Jacobi) - 2:54

2. People,People,People (Chris Brubeck, David R. Mason) - 4:41

3. Looking Forward (Chris Brown) - 2:43

4. Makes Me Feel So Good (Chris Brubeck) - 4:05

5. Don't Be Afraid(Of What You Don't Understand) (Chris Brubeck, David R. Mason, Richie Morales, Rick Jacobi) - 5:31

6. Hot Mustard (Chris Brubeck, David R. Mason, Rick Jacobi) - 3:37

7. Still In Love (Chris Brubeck) - 4:21

8. Why Don't You Take Us (Chris Brubeck) - 3:56

9. Pedro (Chris Brubeck, David R. Mason, Richie Morales, Rick Jacobi) - 2:57

10.Special Place (Chris Brubeck, David R. Mason, Rick Jacobi) - 4:32

The Sky King

*Chris Brubeck - Bass, Trombone, Piano, Vocals  

*David Ross Mason - Guitar, Bass, Vocals 

*Rick (R.J.) Jacobi - Guitar, Bass, Vocals 

*Richie Morales - Drums, Percussion, Vocals 

*Chris Coan - Lead Vocals 

With

*Peter (Madcat) Ruth - Harp, Jews Harp, Vocals 

*Lee Pastora - Congas, Bongos 

*Jerry Bergozi - Saxes 

*Perry Robinson - Clarinet 

*Lenny Pickett - Sax, Flute 

*Emillo Castillo - Sax 

*Stephen Kupka - Sax 

*Joshie Armstead, Maretha Stewart, Cissy Houston - Vocals

Related Act

1970  New Heavenly Blue - Educated Homegrown  

1972  New Heavenly Blue ‎– New Heavenly Blue (2010 reissue)

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Steven Soles And Friends - Steven Soles And Friends (1973/76 us, nice mix of soft rock funk and reggae, 2018 korean remaster)

Singer/guitarist J. Steve Soles had been a member of Jeff Barry's stable of mid-'70s songwriters working with a broad array of acts ranging from The Archies to Dusty Springfield.  He and keyboard player Ned Albright had placed a pair of songs on The Monkees' final studio album - 1970's "Changes".   

In the early '70s the two were members of the New York based band Tidbits which attracted the attention of Artie Ripp.  Ripp signed them to his short-lived Family Records.  Released in 1973, "Greetings from Jamaica" found Soles and Albright fronting a true band showcasing the talents of drummer Tali Jackson, and bass player David Kapell.  Self-produced, the album was interesting if for no other reason than Soles and company were groundbreakers, being one of the first American bands I know of to record an album in Jamaica (Kingston's Dynamic Sound Studios).  

The funny thing is even though the recorded the album with Carlton Lee engineering and help from various local musicians, with the exceptions of 'My Friend Maude' and 'Jamaican Sunset' reggae influences were far and few between.   So if there wasn't much reggae, what was on this one?  Well, the answer was a relative straightforward and quite impressive collection of English inspired pop and rock material.  Largely penned by Soles and Albright (Soles then-wife/actress P.J. Soles co-wrote two tracks), selections such as 'Carol' and 'It's a Come On' were full of Badfinger, Emitt Rhodes, and Paul McCartney influences. 

And here's where it got weird.  In 1976 Morris Levy's infamous Tiger Lily Records reissued the album as a Soles product - "Steve Soles and Friends".  The cover art was different, but the album featured the same eleven songs in the same track order as the 1973 Tidbits LP.

Bad-Cat

Tracks

1. Be My Good Day (J. Steven Soles, Ned Albright) - 2:40

2. All Alone In New York City (J. Steven Soles, Ned Albright) - 2:52

3. Carol (J. Steven Soles, Ned Albright, M. Soles) - 4:06

4. It's A Come On (J. Steven Soles, Ned Albright) - 2:16

5. Two Thousand Horsemen (J. Steven Soles, Ned Albright) - 3:10

6. My Friend Maude (J. Steven Soles, G.A. Peret) - 2:53

7. Good Love Is Hard To Find (Ned Albright) - 2:02

8. Don't Blame Me (J. Steven Soles, P.J. Soles) - 2:18

9. Almighty (Ned Albright) - 3:26

10.Touch (J. Steven Soles, David Kapell) - 3:00

11.Jamaican Sunset (J. Steven Soles, P.J. Soles) - 2:56

Personnel

*John Steven Soles - Guitar, Organ, Percussion, Vocals

*Ned Albright - Keyboards, Guitar, Percussion, Vocals

*Tali Jackson - Drums, Percussion

*David Kapell - Bass, Piano, Percussion, Backing Vocals

*Denzil Laing - Percussion

*Huks Brown - Guitar

*Winston Wright - Keyboards

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Culpeper's Orchard - Mountain Music The Complete Polydor Recordings (1971-73 denmark, a brilliant strong run of prog rock with warm sense of folkish harmonies and some rootsy elements, 2020 double disc remaster)

Culpeper’s Orchard were formed around 1969 in Denmark. The band’s original line up consisted of singer Cy Nicklin, guitarist Neils Hendriksen, bassist Michael Friis and drummer Rodger Barker. Throughout the 1960s, Nicklin had been performing with Sandy Denny and the Strawbs, along with Day of Phoenix. After meeting Hendriksen, Culpeper’s Orchard were soon formed. While the band would go through several line ups during their time together, Nicklin and Friis would be the band’s lone two consistent members.

Along with featuring the band’s three albums for Polydor Records, there’s an essay included in the set’s booklet written by journalist Malcolm Dome. In the essay are exclusive interviews with members of the band, who all help tell the story of the band. With there being close to nothing on the band’s story online, this is a great thing to have for those who might be new to the band.

Released in March 1971, the band’s first album received some buzz. Today, the original vinyl is now a sought out collector’s item and is usually regarded as an overlooked album in the psychedelic/progressive sub genres. Listening to this album, the band are an amazing amalgamation of various genres.  The nine songs on this album range from heavy psychedelic rockers (“Mountain Music”) to progressive rock mini-epics (“Tea Party for an Orchard”)- with a side of  US West Coast folk rock (“Blues Day Morning”).  From beginning to end, Culpeper’s Orchard is a mind-bending psychedelic trip. If any of this sounds interesting to you, then you really owe it to yourself to listen to this album. It truly is a feast for the ears.

Second Sight is a surprisingly pleasant album. By this point, the band had stripped down a little bit on their heaviness- leaning more towards a progressive rock/folk rock sound. If the debut was a psychedelic/acid rock trip, this is an overall folk rock driven album. Examples include the pleasantly folk sounds of “Julia” and the West Coast psychedelic jam “Classified Ads.”  If you want a little bit of everything, look no further than the album’s nine-minute epic “Mind Pollution”- a progressive/psychedelic rocker that sounds like it could’ve been on the first album, albeit lighter production. Overall, this is not a bad follow up.

Going for a Song doesn’t seem to have been released on CD before. For their third album, the band headed towards a more country rock sound- which feels off compared to the first two albums. While most of this album is a snooze, there are a few decent songs here. “Trying to Find a Home” and “Couldn’t Be Better,” while more commercial, are decent pop tunes- with the latter being a tad bit funky. Of the ten songs on here, “Roger and Out” comes the closest to sound like something from the first two album- given its soaring electric guitar riffs and slight psychedelic feel. 

Culpeper’s Orchard were soon dropped by Polydor Records shortly after the release of Going for a Song. Despite this, the band kept performing live. By 1977, the band released a fourth studio album- All Dressed Up & Nowhere to Go– on Sonet Records. This was not released under the Culpeper’s Orchard name- with the band’s name now shortened to Culpeper. Given that it wasn’t released by Polydor Records, All Dressed Up is not included in this set.

by Aaron Conn, October/2020

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Banjocul (Cy Nicklin) - 0:46

2. Mountain Music (Part 1) (Cy Nicklin) - 6:27

3. Hey You People (Cy Nicklin) - 1:29

4. Teaparty For An Orchard (Cy Nicklin, Michael Friis, Thomsen) - 6:10

5. Ode To Resistance (Cy Nicklin, Michael Friis) - 5:50

6. Your Song And Mine (Cy Nicklin, Nils Henriksen) - 5:34

7. Gideon's Trap (Michael Friis) - 5:44

8. Blue Day's Morning (Nils Henriksen) - 2:10

9. Mountain Music (Part 2) (Cy Nicklin) - 7:27

10.Steamhouse (Michael Friis) - 2:34

11.Julia (Cy Nicklin) - 3:17

12.Keyboard Waltz (Cy Nicklin, Michael Friis) - 4:24

13.Classified Ads (Cy Nicklin) - 4:13

14.Late Night Woman Blues (Nils Henriksen) - 6:40

Tracks 1-9 taken from the album "Culpeper's Orchard" released in 1971

Track 10 released as a single 1971

Tracks 11-14 taken from the album "Second Sight" released in 1972

Disc 2

1. Mind Pollution-Weather Report (Cy Nicklin) - 9:36

2. Autumn Of It All (Michael Friis) - 4:08

3. Satisfied Mind (Andrew Jackson Rhodes, Joe Herman Hayes) - 6:08

4. Trying To Find Home (Cy Nicklin) - 3:41

5. She's Back Again (Michael Friis, Tom McEwan) - 3:20

6. Good Days (Cy Nicklin, Gary Nicklin) - 2:34

7. Alone In Pain (Cy Nicklin, Nils Tuxen) - 4:12

8. Time Flies (Niels Vangkilde, Tom McEwan) - 6:17

9. Sailor (Cy Nicklin, Gary Nicklin) - 6:27

10.Couldn't Be Better (Cy Nicklin, Gary Nicklin) - 4:16

11.Roger And Out (Cy Nicklin, Gary Nicklin) - 3:54

12.Before It Begun (Michael Friis, Tom McEwan) - 2:54

13.New Day New Day (Cy Nicklin) - 1:37

14.Raving (Cy Nicklin) - 5:13

15.Satisfied Mind (Andrew Jackson Rhodes, Joe Herman Hayes) - 5:41

16.Good Days (Cy Nicklin, Gary Nicklin) - 3:35

Tracks 1-3 taken from the album "Second Sight" released in 1972

Tracks 4-13 taken from the album "Going For A Song" released 1972

Track 14 taken from the compilation "Dansk Arbejde 2" released in 1972

Tracks 15-16 recorded live at the Holmenkollen open-air concert 1973

Culpeper's Orchard

*Cy Nicklin - Lead Vocals, Rhythm, Acoustic Guitars, Percussion

*Nils Henriksen - Lead, Acoustic Guitars, Piano, Harpsichord, Lead Vocals

*Michael Friis - Bass, Organ, Flute, Two Finger Piano, Percussion

*Rodger Barker - Drums, Percussion (Disc 1, Tracks 1-10)

*Ken Gudman - Drums, Percussion (Disc 1, Tracks 11-14, Disc 2, Tracks 1-3)

*Niels Vangkilde - Guitar (Disc 2, Tracks 4-16)

*Nils Tuxen - Electric, Pedal Steel Guitars, Dobro (Disc 2, Tracks 4-16)

*Tom McEwan - Drums, Percussion, Vocals (Disc 2, Tracks 4,8,12)

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Frijid Pink - Defrosted (1970 us, astonishing fuzzy heavy bluesy rock, 2016 remaster and xpanded)

One of America’s best loved bands of the early 1970s. Frijid Pink came from Detroit and specialised in a brand of soulful rock typical of the city that gave birth to Motown. After they hit the charts with ‘House Of The Rising Sun’ they were often compared by many critics to the MC5 and the Stooges.

Second album ‘Defrosted’ was first released in 1970. It is more blues-based hard rock, verging towards heavy metal than its predecessor, yet still contains their characteristic signature ‘fuzz guitar’ sound that featured prominently on the group’s debut LP.

‘Defrosted’ is packed with rocking performances featuring Kelly Green (vocals), Gary Ray Thompson (guitar) and Rich Stevers (drums) on original compositions such as ‘Black Lace’ and the Zeppelin-esque ‘Sing A Song For Freedom’.

This was the last album to feature founders Green and Thompson, as their shock departure from the group soon followed, and subsequent albums changed musical style.

Tracks

1. Black Lace (Gary Ray Thompson, Tom Beaudry) - 6:11

2. Sing A Song For Freedom (Gary Ray Thompson, Richard Stevers, Tom Beaudry) - 3:02

3. I'll Never Be Lonely (Gary Ray Thompson, Tom Beaudry, Tom Harris) - 5:03

4. Bye Bye Blues (Gary Ray Thompson, Tom Beaudry) - 4:57

5. Pain In My Heart (Gary Ray Thompson, Tom Beaudry) - 8:22

6. Sloony (Gary Ray Thompson, Richard Stevers, Tom Harris) - 3:38

7. I'm Movin' (Gary Ray Thompson, Tom Beaudry) - 4:54

8. I Haven't Got The Time (Gary Ray Thompson, Tom Beaudry) - 4:23

9. We're Gonna Be There (Gary Ray Thompson, Richard Stevers, Tom Beaudry, Tom Harris, Vinny Testa) - 2:29

10.Shorty Kline (Gary Ray Thompson, Tom Beaudry) - 2:22

11.I Love Her (Craig Webb, Jon Wearing, Larry Zelanka, Richard Stevers, Tom Harris) - 2:46

12.Lost Son (Craig Webb, Jon Wearing, Larry Zelanka, Richard Stevers, Tom Harris) - 2:20

Bonus Tracks 9-12

Frijid Pink

*Gary Ray Thompson - Guitars

*Tom Beaudry aka Kelly Green - Lead Vocals

*Tom Harris - Bass

*Richard Stevers - Drums

With

*Larry Zelanka - Keyboards

1972  Frijid Pink - Earth Omen (2016 digipak)  

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Ross - Ross (1974 uk, magnificent funky jazzy soft prog rock, 2019 korean remaster)

In 1973, Bob Jackson was recruited as the new keyboard player in Rigor Mortis as part of the latest lineup of musicians so John Entwistle could go out on tour to promote his new solo album "Rigor Mortis Sets In" after its release in May. Because The Who were about to go in the studio within a few weeks to start recording "Quadrophenia", the touring plans had to be postponed. As a result of the change in plans, the latest version of the Rigor Mortis band was changed to be called Ross, with Alan Ross as the group leader. 

Ross was signed by Robert Stigwood's RSO Records and recorded their debut album in The Who's new studio in Battersea, London. It was called Ramport Studios (a.k.a. The Kitchen). This is where The Who recorded their new "Quadrophenia" album. Ross toured twice in the U.S. to promote their first album, the second one being in the summer of 1974 as the opening act for Eric Clapton (also managed by Stigwood). In 1974, Ross recorded a follow-up album, this time in Hollywood with The Doors' producer Bruce Botnick. The songs were based on Edgar Allan Poe's poetry about "The Pit & The Pendulum," but it failed to catch on with the record buying public. After the Clapton tour in August, Bob Jackson decided to quit the band.

by Denny Hoekstra

Tracks

1. Alright By Me (Alan Ross, Bob Jackson, Steve Emery) - 6:22

2. You're Looking Down A Road - 4:35

3. Wherever You Go - 3:59

4. Caroline - 3:31

5. Changes - 3:46

6. Help Me Understand - 6:40

7. Blackbird - 3:12

8. I Need Your Love - 3:33

9. Buxton - 3:57

10.Leave It All Behind You - 4:02

All songs by Alan Ross except track #1

Ross

*Alan Ross - Lead Vocals, Guitars & Filing Cabinet

*Steve Emery - Bass Guitar, Vocals

*Bob Jackson - Keyboards, Vocals, String Machine

*Tony Fernandez - Drums, Percussion

*Reuben White - Percussion

Related Act

1972  Ro Ro - Meet At The Water (2009 korean remaster)  

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Rio Grande - Rio Grande (1971 us, wonderful folk country rock, 2014 korean remaster)

Mouse And The Traps were one among the many groups that recorded at Tyler’s famous Robin Hood Studios during the sixties and early seventies. The musicians in the band were all schoolmates from Tyler. The original group consisted of Ronny “Mouse” Weiss (lead vocals and guitar), David Stanley (bass), Bugs Henderson (guitar), Don “Levi” Garrett (drums) and Jerry Howell (keyboards). Fifteen-year-old Ken “Nardo” Murray replaced Garrett on drums after the group’s second song was recorded. Bob Delk and Tim Gillespie, respectively, later replaced Howell on organ. When the band’s early records began getting airplay nationally, they started touring throughout North Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and Ohio. They played on college campuses, in nightclubs, and at several outdoor concert festivals during that period. After they were signed by Fraternity Records in Cincinnati, Ohio, the band was soon making appearances on the various television dance shows that became popular during the late sixties.

“Almost every market had some kind of local dance show. In Dallas, it was ‘Sumpn’ Else,’ hosted by Ron Chapman, who was one of the most popular radio deejays in Dallas at the time.  In Houston, it was ‘The Larry Kane Show.’ In Cleveland it was a show called ‘Upbeat,’ first seen on the ABC affiliate WEWS-TV5 and later syndicated nationwide,” recalls Ronny Weiss—the musician known as “Mouse” who was the leader of band. “All of those shows took their cue from a show in Philadelphia that was originally called ‘Bandstand’ when it started in 1952. Dick Clark took over as host in 1957 and the show’s name was changed to ‘American Bandstand’ when it was picked up nationally.”

Mouse and the Traps was known for their catalog of original music, including their first early 1966 hit, “A Public Execution.” It was a two-track recording, made when multi-track recording was in its infancy. With music by Ronny “Mouse” Weiss and lyrics by Knox Henderson, “A Public Execution” immediately received comparisons to Bob Dylan, particularly for the opening guitar/organ riff reminiscent of the beginning of Dylan’s 1965 hit “Like a Rolling Stone.” A strong regional hit, “A Public Execution” would eventually reach 121 on the national Billboard charts. 

The group had a good run from 1965 until 1971, releasing a new recording about every six months. “We never really broke up,” says drummer Ken “Nardo” Murray, “We just ran out of gigs.” For several years, the band members took whatever jobs they could get playing. In the early seventies, the band played under the name Rio Grande for an album produced by Dale Hawkins on the RCA Records label. 

Rio Grande, was a genuine country rock band. Supplemented with bassist Tom Russell and pedal steel player Bobby Tuttle record their debut LP for RCA at the local studio in Tyler, Rio Grande. When released in '71, the self-titled Rio Grande it was completely overlooked.  Songs like 'Sue Ann', 'So Good Te Be Free', 'Before My Time', 'Dog Song' are wonderful because of the harmonies and the waving pedal. steal. The swamp rocker 'Nice And Easy' also shines through the fantastic bottlleneck guitar of Ronnie Weiss – and thereby lifts Rio Grande to a higher level, even if that fell on deaf ears in 1971.

by Robert Marlin

Tracks

1. Idle Idabelle - 3:53

2. Me And My Wife - 3:01

3. End Of The Bottle (David Stanley, Knox Henderson, Ronny Weiss) - 3:47

4. Sue Ann - 3:37

5. So Good To Be Free - 3:25

6. Wish I Could See You Again - 3:10

7. What Do You Do When Love Flies Out Your Window (David Stanley, Knox Henderson, Ronny Weiss, Tom Russell) - 2:12

8. Before My Time - 3:34

9. Nice And Easy - 4:22

10.Dog Song - 4:18

All compositions by David Stanley, Ronny Weiss except where indicated

Rio Grande

*Ronny Weiss - Vocals, Slide, Electric Guitar, Jew's Harp 

*Tom Russell - Guitar, Bass, Vocals

*David Stanley - Guitar, Bass, Vocals

*Ken Murray - Percussion

*Bobby Tuttle - Pedal Steel Guitar

Related Act

1965-68  Mouse And Traps - Fraternity Years  

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Don Preston - Been Here All The Time (1974 us, strong blues rock, 2017 korean remaster)

Preston's 1974's "Been Here All the Time"  found him signed to Leon Russell's MCA affiliated Shelter imprint.   Produced by Peter Nicholls, the album captured Preston at the peak of his mid-'70s career as a studio player.  You can tell the guy was good by the stunning list of players and the fact the album was recorded across five separate studios ranging from L.A.'s Criterion Studios to Apple's London Studios.   This couldn't have been a cheap album to record.  

Featuring all original material, I won't try to convince anyone this was a great release.  In spite of the all-star supporting cast, few of the songs were truly memorable. Preston certainly had a likeable voice and he was a gifted guitarist, but he seemingly couldn't figure out what direction he wanted to pursue.  The result was an album that tried to be too much for too many folks and ultimately came short across the entire musical waterfront. 

An album that starts out with a screeching guitar solo isn't a bad thing in my book. Add in Preston's Southern-tinged voice and 'A Minor Case of the Blues ' got the LP off to a blazing start. Sweet, breezy, country-tinged tunes with some nice finger-picking, blues-rockers with nifty guitar solos.

Bad Cat

Tracks

1. A Minor Case Of The Blues - 4:06

2. I`m With You Tonight - 3:33

3. Big Man - 3:07

4. What A Friend I Have In Georgia - 3:59

5. (Keep On) San Francisco - 3:31

6. Free And Easy Day - 2:18

7. On The Other Hand - 3:29

8. Underdog Blues - 2:56

9. Tennessee Boat Ride (Don Preston, Joey Cooper) - 1:54

10.Carry A Tune - 2:46

11.Rainy Day, Sunday Afternoon - 3:57

All compositions by Don Preston except where noted

Musicians

*Don Preston - Vocals, Guitar

*Ambrose Campbell - Perccusion

*Barry Beckett - Guitar

*Carl Radle - Bass 

*Casey Van Beek - Bass  

*Chris Stewart - Bass 

*Chuck Finley - Trumpet 

*David Hood - Bass

*Denny Seiwell - Drums, Persussion 

*Jackie Kelso - Saxophone 

*Jamie Oldaker - Drums, Persussion  

*Jean Rousel - Piano  

*Jim Horn - Saxophone 

*Jim Keltner - Drums 

*Jimmie Johnson - Guitar  

*John Gallie - Guitar 

*Neil Hubbard - Guitar 

*Pete Carr - Guitar 

*Roger Hawkins - Drums  

*Steve Faulkner - Drums

*Harrison Calloway - Trumpet 

*Harvey Thompson - Saxophone, Flute 

*Charles Rose - Trombone 

*Ronnie Eades - Baritone Saxophone

1968  Don Preston - Bluse (2016 korean remaster)  

Related Acts

1968  Don Preston And The South - Hot Air Through A Straw From (2017 Big Pink Korea)  

1969  Stillrock - Stillrock (2014 Big Pink Korea) 

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Greg Yoder - Dreamer Of Life (1976 us, elegant jazzy folk soft rock, 2011 korean remaster)

Greg was born in Oakland California in 1952 and was raised in the east bay area. At the age of thirteen, he began playing the guitar and attended music lessons until the age of seventeen. Throughout the next few years, he played with numerous bands and developed into a lead singer and guitar player. In 1969 he had his first experience in a recording studio and made a demo record with the band he was playing with at that time. This was virtually the beginning of his music career and became the passion of Greg's life. From 1970 to 1974, Greg performed in a well known band by the name of "Saba". The band consisted of eight pieces and performed extensively around northern California. 

Toward the end of 1974, Greg left the band and moved to Hawaii to pursue a solo career as a singer/songwriter. He performed mostly on the Island of Oahu within the Waikiki area. Greg earned the respect and honor of the talented close nit family of musicians in Hawaii. In 1976 Greg entered into a recording project with the producer of Napali Musical Society and recorded his album "Dreamer of Life". He gathered musicians from Hawaii to perform on the record which consisted of many instruments, including the vibraphone, a horn section, keyboards, bass guitar and percussion. Most of the music on the album was arranged by a long time friend and bass player Randy Carnevali. 

When the album was finished, Greg and the band performed in concerts within the Island of Oahu including the Crater festival and opening band for Sha-Na-Na at the Blaisdale Center to promote the record. In addition, the "Dreamer of Life" album was played on local radio stations of which live performances were made as well. In 1977, Greg was asked to bring the band to the Big Island of Hawaii to perform at the Kona Surf Hotel and various venues on the Island. Greg is very proud of his original songs on the album. The song "Things were so easy" was written by Greg when he was 19 years old and the song most dear to him is a song written for his wife Sheri titled "She's my Lady". Greg continues to play and write music to this day.

by Greg Yoder, 2011

Dreamer of Life by Greg Yoder is a killer AOR private press LP infused with Folk, Jazz and Soul notes and maybe one of the best albums from the Hawaiian Scene in this style.

Originally from San Francisco, Greg Yoder moved to Hawai'i in the early seventies and after achieving some local fame in the Waikiki area, recorded this one-off LP in 1976 at Audissey Sound studios, in Honolulu. The music is smooth and soothing, mixing xylophones, percussions, sweet guitars and brilliant orchestrations. In short, Dreamer of Life is full of hidden hits and faultless from the first note to the last.

Following his various projects at Favorite Recordings, DJ and producer Charles Maurice recently unveiled this masterpiece by selecting the song 'Things Were So Easy' on the AOR Global Sounds Vol.2 compilation. And after the label contacted Greg Yoder about it, the idea of reissuing this amazing album quickly became obvious.

Tracks

1. Dreamer Of Life (Greg Yoder) - 4:00

2. If There's A Chance Tomorrow (Rider Kiaha) - 4:39

3. Parchment Farm (Mose Allison) - 3:32

4. Golden Lady (Stevie Wonder) - 4:37

5. She's My Lady (Greg Yoder) - 3:35

6. Moondance (Van Morrison) - 5:10

7. You Must Have (Emitt Rhodes) - 2:12

8. Things Were So Easy (Greg Yoder) - 4:19

9. Haven't We Met (Kenny Rankin) - 2:25

Personnel

*Greg Yoder - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

*Randy Carnevali - Bass

*Creed Fernandes - Percussion

*John Raposa - Lead Guitar

*Bob Cabral - Flugelhorn

*Roger Bailey - Sax

*Travis Fullerton - Drums, Percussion

*Dennis Graue - Essemble, Arp Odissey, Piano, String

*Doug Johnson - Vibes

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Jerry Merrick - Follow Follow Follow (1969 us, marvelous folk rock, 2018 korean remaster)

Jerry Merrick has appeared in festivals and clubs since the early 1960's. A restless singer-songwriter, he forged his way across the United States and into Canada performing his pastoral 'poetic-songpieces' and folk stories in front of audiences ranging from small coffeehouses to college concerts; guesting the Newport Folk Festival, Carnegie Hall, and the Tonight Show.

In 1969 Jerry recorded an album of his songs for Mercury Records. He toured with Kenny Rankin and Flip Wilson after appearing on 'The Tonight Show' together with Kenny. At the same time, he was raising a growing family and moved to a secluded home in New Hope, Pennsylvania. 

Soon his songs were being performed by recording artists such as Richie Havens, B.J. Thomas and Jerry Jeff Walker. Of 'Follow,' a thoughtful, flowing piece, featured on Richie Havens' 'Mixed Bag' and again on 'Resume,' Havens wrote '. . . it became one of the biggest songs I've ever done.' This still holds true, as Richie's version of 'Follow' has been featured in a number of movies, a TV series finale - The Practice, and even an audio book. Jerry Jeff Walker recalls, 'I had a real fondness for 'Follow,' a Jerry Merrick song . . . when we all lived in the Village,' so he included it in his 'Jerry Jeff' album for Electra. Walker also recorded, 'The Stranger - He Was The Kind' on his double album for MCA 'A Man Must Carry On' as the introduction and reprise of his touching tribute to Hondo Crouch, legendary founder of Luckenbach, Texas. 

Singer-songwriter Tom Ghent tipped his hat to Jerry by recording 'Guess I'll Pack My Things,' on his debut album which apparently led to the B.J. Thomas version on his hit album, 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head.' Jerry's song 'From The Prison' was recorded by Richie Havens on his second album for Verve/Folkways, 'Something Else Again' and again on his live album, 'On Stage.' 

After some years, he settled in Crystal River, Florida. His latest forays into songwriting led him to Nashville, Tennessee, where 'Suddenly I'll Know You' became his first recording in 32 years. It was produced/engineered by his old friend, Tom Ghent, on Sutherland Records. Many stellar musicians contributed their talents to the project which took almost a year to complete.

Jerry Merrick died peacefully on January 2, 2019, from throat cancer. 

Tracks

1. As Leaves Turn Brown - 4:01

2. Love Is A Word Token - 2:14

3. The Stranger - 1:53

4. Just Like A Spirit Shroud - 4:40

5. To Find You - 2:11

6. The Pond - 2:55

7. Follow - 7:30

8. Sweet Babe - 2:22

9. The Flowers Are Fighting - 3:21

10.Please Hold Close - 2:52

11.Please Clear The Air - 3:33

All songs by Jerry Merrick

Personnel

*Jerry Merrick - Guitar, Vocals

*Artie Schroeck - Drums

*Chet Amsterdam - Bass

*Hugh McCracken - Lead Guitar

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Don Preston - Bluse (1968 us, remarkable blues rock, 2016 korean remaster)

Preston's second release for A&M Records, "Bluse" was a true solo effort. Again produced by Shyrock (Don Nix handling a couple of tracks), the set won't exactly set your musical world on fire. At the same time, Preston remained one amazing guitarist (check out his stinging leads on "Morning Rain" and "Something You've Got") and a surprisingly accomplished singer. 

Anyone hearing "Looking for My Baby" had to wonder how a young white guy could sound like such an aged and authentic bluesman? Musically the album offered up a pleasant mixture of blues originals and covers ("It's Only a Tear" and "Farther Up the Road") and popular soul covers ("Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won't Do)"). 

Bad Cat

Tracks

1. Baby It's You (Don Preston) - 2:00

2. Standing In My Tears (Don Preston) - 3:26

3. You Don't Know What You Got (Don Nix) - 2:10

4. Ninety-Nine And A Half (Won't Do) (Eddie Floyd. Steve Cropper, Wilson Pickett) - 3:24

5. Morning Rain (Don Preston) - 2:54

6. Lookin' For My Baby (Don Preston) - 2:52

7. Something You've Got (Bill Medley) - 4:12

8. Farther Up The Road (Don Robey, Joe Veasey) - 2:46

9. It's Only A Tear (Don Preston) - 4:03

Personnel

*Don Preston - Vocals, Guitar, Dobro

*Bud Deal - Sax 

*Barry Frost - Bass 

*John Hobbs - Keyboards

*Dave Johnson - Bass 

*Jerry Zarimba - Guitar

Related Acts

1968  Don Preston And The South - Hot Air Through A Straw From (2017 Big Pink Korea)  

1969  Stillrock - Stillrock (2014 Big Pink Korea) 

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Jonathan Kelly Outside - Waiting On You (1974 ireland / uk, awesome funky jazzy rock, feat. Snowy White, 2018 korean remaster)

In 1973, he formed Jonathan Kelly’s Outside, with Snowy White - guitar and Chas Jenkel - bass among the members. Snowy White went on to play with Pink Floyd, Peter Green, Thin Lizzy and Chas Jenkel was central to the wonderful British funk of Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Led by Ledingham, this line-up made one album together, which was 1974’s ...Waiting On You.

"Waiting On You" was something Jonathan had always wanted, at heart he was always a bit of a Rock & Roller.  This album cover was designed by Tim Staffell. However this album wasn't as warmly received and Jonathan was hurt by some of the criticism of it, the music press wanted him pigeonholed as a folk singer. A single was also released to coincide with this album called 'Outside' backed with 'Waiting on you'. Jonathan was particularly fond of Outside because it encompassed the musicians and styles which he enjoyed and which had influenced him and the type of music they played covered rock through to jazz and not forgetting the soul influences!

By this time Jonathan's problems with drugs were taking a real hold of him and people remember being shocked by his appearance on occasions.

Tracks

1. Misery - 6:25

2. Making It Lonely - 4:53

3. Tempest - 6:19

4. Sensation Street - 5:57

5. Great Northern Railroad - 7:53

6. I'll Never Find Another Love - 4:23

7. Yesterday's Promises - 3:54

8. Tell Me People - 8:34

All compositions by Jonathan Kelly

Personnel

*Jonathan Kelly - Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Drums, Vocals

*Snowy White - Guitars, Vocals

*Chas Jankel - Guitars, Vocals

*Trevor Williams - Bass Guitar, Vocals

*Dave Sheen - Drums, Percussion

*Peter Wood - Keyboards, Piano

*Max Middleton - Organ, Clavinet

*Ron Carthy - Trumpet

*Mick Eve - Saxophone

*Chris Mercer - Saxophone

*Smiley Dejonnes - Percussion

1969-70  Jonathan Kelly - Jonathan Kelly (2017 korean remaster)

1972  Jonathan Kelly - Twice Around The Houses  

1973  Jonathan Kelly - Wait Till They Change The Backdrop (2001 remaster)  

1975  Jonathan Kelly - Two Days in Winter (2004 remaster)  

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Frijid Pink - Earth Omen (1972 us, impressive heavy prog rock, 2016 bonus tracks digipak remaster)

The Frijid Pink saga began in Allen Park, a suburb of Detroit located in the southern part of Wayne County. Composed of tree-lined streets and neat brick houses, the city was closely associated with the Ford Motor Company. Many of the auto company’s offices and facilities are still located within the city limits as is the Uniroyal Tire, the world’s largest sculpture of a tire. The city’s main roadside attraction was previously a Ferris wheel at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. The structure, which is 80 feet tall and weighs 12 tons, was moved to Allen Park in 1966.

Round 1971 two former members Kelly Green and Gary Ray Thompson left the band, but their leaving not only derailed the tour and killed any hopes for the “Music For The People” single, but also cost the band its record label. The two remaining original members Tom Harris and Richard Stevers weathered the storm and auditioned new musicians. They eventually came up with a lineup that included Harris and Stevers along with keyboardist Larry Zelenka, Jon Wearing (formerly of the Tidal Waves) on lead vocals, and Craig Webb on guitar and vocals. Now signed to Lion Records, a subsidiary of MGM, this is the group that recorded “Earth Omen” in 1972. By this time the band’s management had also changed. The road had taken its toll on the marriage of Judy Harris and Marv Wilson and they dropped out after their divorce, leaving Clyde Stevers in charge.

The change in band personnel was reflected in the new material; and many of the songs were written during casual jam sessions while sitting on the floor of Stevers’ apartment. The album was recorded in the Osmond Brothers studio in California. “Earth Omen” was a commercial flop, however. Looking back, it may have been a little ahead of its time; and it was certainly different from the first two albums which may have confused or even disappointed Frijid Pink’s original fan base.

When it came to the all-important promotion of “Earth Omen” Stevers stated:  “Lion dropped the ball, didn’t push it, didn’t give it to the reps to push in the music stores. They didn’t do anything. It was just left to lie and rot. It was unfortunate because there were some good songs on it. The sound of the music was cleaner, easier to listen to, and more progressive than the other stuff we had done to that point”. Equally disappointing were the singles “Lazy Day” and a cover of “Go Now”, featuring the backing vocals of Hopkins and Wilson, released in the wake of “Earth Omen”.

“Earth Omen” album has gained respect over the years. One of the most polished rock albums of 1972-73, and definitely one of the most overlooked”. 

by Gary Johnson, 26 June 2013

Tracks

1. Miss Evil - 6:26

2. Sailor - 4:25

3. Earth Omen - 3:37

4. Lazy Day - 4:37

5. Train Woman - 4:02

6. Eternal Dream - 4:22

7. New Horizon - 4:24

8. Rainbow Rider - 2:59

9. Mr. Blood - 4:40

10.Lazy Day - 3:07

11.Go Now (Larry Banks, Milton Bennett) - 2:56

All songs by Jon Wearing, Richard Stevers, Larry Zelanka, Craig Webb, Tom Harris except track #11

Bonus Tracks 10-11

Frijid Pink

*Jon Wearing - Lead Vocals

*Richard Stevers - Drums

*Tom Harris - Bass

*Craig Webb - Guitars

*Larry Zelanka - Keyboards

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Ro Ro - Meet At The Water (1972 uk, refined rural prog rock, 2009 korean remaster)

Warwick Rose started out as a bass player in early 1966 for the British Soul Survivors (no connection with the Philly US band with the same name) and he left the band before they changed their name to "Love Affair", he collaborated with Alan Ross (as the Ro Ro) for the 1972 "Meet At The Water", and later became a seller for medical insurance in Los Angeles.

Guitarist Alan Ross played on 2 of John Entwistle's solo albums in the early 70's, "Whistle Rhymes" and "Rigor Mortis Sets In". He was also part of Entwistle's touring band during that period. In 1973, he played guitar on Tim Hardin's album "Painted Head". That same year, he formed a band called Ro-Ro with bass player Warwick Rose and they released an album called "Meet At The Water" on the Regal Zonophone label. The album is now extremely hard to find and goes on ebay for anything between GBP 200 and GBP 300. By 1974, he formed the group "Ross" with former Indian Summer keyboard player Bob Jackson. The band's career seemed to take off when they landed themselves a contract with RSO Records.

They recorded 2 brilliant albums for the label, "Ross" and "The Pit And The Pendulum", released in 1974 and 1975. Eric Clapton, who was also an RSO artist toured the USA in 1974 and the Ross band was on the same bill. The band disbanded after two albums. In 1976, he appeared on the band Stars' self titled album. He released another 2 albums in 1977 and 1978, "Are You Free On Saturday" and "Restless Nights", this time for a small British label, Ebony Records under the name Alan Ross Band. In 1980, he appeared on an album by Wilson-Gale called "Gift Wrapped Set". In 1983, he played on Alexis Korner's album "Juvenile Delinquent". 

Alan's first album as a leader Ro-Ro: Meet At The Water has been issued on CD on the Big Pink/Beatball label in the form of a mini replica of the original gatefold album. The disc itself looks like the original vinyl record with what looks like actual grooves and the Regal/Zonophone label in the center. The style of the music is acoustic folk for the most part and contains little soloing on the electric guitar. 

by Walid Itayim, May 27 2010 

Tracks

1. Goin' Round My Head - 5:08

2. Beautiful Lady (Neil Sheppard, John Weider) - 5:02

3. Something About Her - 4:45

4. Down On The Road - 2:31

5. Meet At The Water - 4:56

6. Mandala - 2:13

7. Give Me The Benefit - 6:00

8. June - 5:04

9. Wild Wild Woman - 4:08

10.Whole Fire Burning - 5:39

All songs by Warwick Rose, Alan Ross except where noted

Ro Ro

*Alan Ross - Lead Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Recorder 

*Warwick Rose - Bass Guitar 

With

*Neil Sheppard - Backing Vocals, Keyboards 

*Rod Coombes - Backing Vocals, Drums, Percussion 

*John Weider - Guitar, Violin 

*Brian Rogers - Orchestration

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Tim Rose - The Gambler (1976 us, great classic rock with blues folk and country shades)

Tim was raised in Virginia, from which he gets his southern roots and where he learnt to play guitar, banjo, organ and bass. He started his professional career with the Big Three, which together with Mama Cass Elliott (whom he discovered working in a drug store) went on to become one of the critically acclaimed singing groups of the mid 60's. When the group broke up, Tim decided to make a solo career, Tim considers his most formatwe years were during the period he lived in Bleeker Street, above the Bitter End, in New York's Greenwich Village working the coffee bars and folk rock clubs. His friends and musical contemporaries who were all working the same circuit read like a Who's Who in music today - Steve Stills, Dave Crosby, John Sebastian, Scott Mackenzie, Felix Pappallardi, Janis Ian, Simon & Garfunkel, Don McClean, Al Cooper. David Clayton-Thomas, Harry Chapin, Eric Wiseberg among others.

Tim was discovered by Dave Rubinson of CBS Records, singing his particular brand of electric folk rock at the Night Owl cafe. He started working with producer Bob Johnston (later of Dylan fame) in Nashville. However, CBS weren't ready for the combination of Bob and Tim and Dave Rubinson, who until then had only been producing spoken word records, was persuaded by Clive Davis and Tim to produce an album with Tim.

The initial tracks included 'Morning Dew', 'Hey Joe' and 'Come Away Melinda'. These early recordings have become the cornerstone of Tim's career and were early influences on other artists such as Jimmy Hendrix, Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck. In 1969, after several successful tours, which have included in his various bands musicians like John Bonham, Ainsley Dunbar, Eric Wiseberg, Elliot Randall and Andy Summers among others, Tim decided to live in New York, give up touring and concentrate on writing and making commercials.

He either wrote or appeared in over 200 commercials within the short period of three yea's. He later moved to Los Angeles where he continued with his writing and renewed his first love affair with airplanes and flying. In 1976 Tim moved to London, Irving off the Fulham Road close by Chelsea Football club. Here he met producer & songwriter Pierre Tubbs and they started working on this album also formed a band called Tim Rose & Fresh Air. This went well until the record company, a Dutch organization decided that they would have a change of management and chucked out all the acts the previous management had signed, including Tim. Tim hung around for a year or so but soon became fed up with waiting and sadly flew home to New York another life. This album was made with hope in the air and a great sense of fun, remember fun?

CD Liner Notes

Tracks

1. I Just Wanna Make Love To You (Tim Rose, Rob Gold) - 3:00

2. He Was Born To Be A Lady (Pierre Tubbs, Alan David) - 4:11

3. Dance On Ma Belle (Tim Rose, Rob Gold) - 4:47

4. It'll Be Alright On The Night (Pierre Tubbs, Alan David) - 3:35

5. Runaway (Tim Rose) - 3:08

6. Moving Targets (Pierre Tubbs) - 3:38

7. The Gambler (Tim Rose, Rob Gold) - 4:59

8. Blow Me Back Santa Ana (Pierre Tubbs) - 3:45

9. Is There Something 'bout The Way I Hold My Gun (Pierre Tubbs) - 2:56

10.So Much To Lose (Tim Rose) - 3:14

11.Bowery Avenue (Tim Rose) - 4:16

12.Laurie (Pierre Tubbs) - 3:20

Musicians

*Tim Rose - Vocals, Guitar, Percussion

*Andy Summers - Guitar

*Snowy White - Guitar

*Pierre Tubbs - Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Percussion, Vocals

*B.J.Cole  - Pedal Steel

*Raff Ravenscroft - Sax, Flute

*Lynton Naif - Keyboards

*Melissa Vardey - Keyboards 

*Theodore Thunder - Drums

*Stuart Francis - Drums

*Michael D' Alberquerque - Bass

*Robert C Siggins - Banjo

*Wilf Gibson - Strings

*Phillip "Peggy" Love - Percussion

*Dave - Percussion

*LIsa Strike - Vocals

*Jaqui Sullivan - Vocals

*Vicci Brown - Vocals

1967/69  Tim Rose - Tim Rose / Through Rose Coloured Glasses 

1970/72  Tim Rose - Tim Rose / Love, A Kind Of Hate Story  

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Pacheco And Alexander - Pacheco And Alexander (1971 us, ecstatic party vibe folk psych country boogie rock, 2001 japan remaster)

Our story begins sixty miles South East of Boston, in the town of New Bedford, on November 4th 1946, the day Tom Pacheco was born, the eldest of a family of nine children. In the late nineteen thirties his father, Tony, a jazz musician had moved to France to work, but returned to America after World War II broke out. He soon found himself back in Europe, serving as a GI. Prior to the outbreak of war, Tony had worked in Paris with guitarist Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapellli, the violinist. When Reinhardt toured America in the early nineteen fifties, Tony met him again. In fact, that meeting is one of Tom’s earliest musical memories. It’s not unnatural because of his interests, and chosen trade, that Tony Pacheco, without using coercion, taught all of his children to play at least one musical instrument. Tom is the only sibling to have made a lifelong career of writing and performing songs, although, as we shall see, many of the Pacheco offspring possess considerable artistic talents. 

Concurrent with having his first guitar lessons at the age of ten, on classical and flamenco guitars, Tom would visit a nearby neighbour. She was originally from North Carolina, and introduced Tom to country music through the music of Patsy Cline and Hank Williams Snr. In his mid-teen years, through school friends he became acquainted with the music of Phil Ochs, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. At the age of seventeen Tom left home to attend Dean Junior College in Franklin, Massachusetts. He subsequently moved on to Hofstra University on Long Island, New York and Greenwich Village became Tom’s base in the city. Commuting to University, come the evening Tom could be found performing in legendary Village clubs such as The Night Owl Café, The Cafe Wha, The Au Go Go and The Bitter End. A couple of years earlier, and already a confirmed fan of singer/songwriters, Tom had made occasional forays into Boston to see his heroes play at Club 47. At that time the club was managed by Jim Rooney. Performed by none other than Dylan, Tom clearly recalls hearing “Mr. Tambourine Man” for the first time at the Harvard Square venue. 

With a catalogue that consists of two singles, Tom led a legendary Greenwich Village band called The Ragamuffins during the mid-sixties. The initial line-up consisted of Tom’s brother Paul on bass, his cousin Larry Vera on drums, plus vocalist Sharon Alexander - who Tom had first met at Dean Junior, and guitarist Kenny Pine. John Hall, who later found fame with Orleans, was a band member for a while. Signed to the Seville label, and distributed by London Records, the first single was titled "Four Days of Rain" and the second "Parade of Uncertainty." In 1969 Tom recorded a self-titled album with his next band, Euphoria. The line-up consisted of, Roger and Wendy Beckett plus Tom and Sharon. Stylistically intended to be an acoustic folk recording, the label subsequently deleted most of the instrumental contributions by the band members and added strings. Pacheco was utterly disappointed at the end result. 

When Euphoria dissolved, Sharon and Tom worked as a duo for a time, mostly around Greenwich Village. While performing at The Gaslight they were approached by an A&R man from CBS who arranged for them to audition for, the then label head, Clive Davis. A few weeks later, the pair walked out of New York’s CBS building with a record deal. Pacheco & Alexander 1971, a twelve-track collection of songs penned by Tom, was produced by John Hall. By this stage, Hall had already recorded his first solo album, which had included three of Tom’s songs. Tom and Sharon’s album was not a commercial success and the pair drifted apart.

by Arthur Wood

Tracks

1. White River Junction - 3:01

2. Anna Lee - 4:37

3. Milwaukee - 2:48

4. Morning - 4:28

5. The Night The Ice Age Came To Mobile - 3:18

6. Gather Your Children - 3:06

7. Lost On A Stormy Day - 3:38

8. White Buffalo - 2:26

9. Please Take A Stand - 2:50

10.Roll With The Flow - 2:49

11.Since I Was Born - 4:43

12.Turn Out Every Light - 2:15

All songs by Tom Pacheco

Personnel

*Tom Pacheco - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

*Sharon Alexander - Vocals

*John Hall - Lead Guitar, Steel, Organ, Melodica, Vocals

*Richard Bell - Piano

*Harvey Brooks - Bass

*Brad Campbell - Bass

*Jim Colegrove - Bass

*Richard Davis - String Bass

*Paul Harris - Piano, Organ, Harpsichord

*Bill Keith - Steel

*Wells Kelly - Drums

*Ken Pearson - Organ

*Clark Pierson - Drums

*Denny Seiwell - Drums

*John Simon - Piano

*N.D. Smart - Drums

*Greg Thomas - Drums

Related Acts

1969  Euphoria - Euphoria (2004 korean remaster)  

1970  John Hall - Action (2017 japan remaster)  

1977  Bermuda Triangle

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