Morning’s debut was released by Vault in 1970. Thankfully, Wounded Bird Records has reissued this long lost album for the first time on cd. Morning is full of dazzling performances, making it one of the mandatory LPs in the rural-rock/American roots/country-rock field. While CSNY, Poco, and Band influences are unavoidable, this record is by no means derivative. The band had its roots in several interesting 60s pop/garage bands, Wind and Moorpark Intersection being the most notable. These two groups would release a few decent 45’s in the late 60’s that are well worth tracking down. The debut lineup looks something like this: Barry Brown (guitar/drums/vocals), Jim Hobson(piano/organ/vocals), Jay Lewis (guitars/banjo/vocals), Jim Kehn (drums/guitar/vocals), Bruce Wallace (electric bass/string bass), and Terry Johnson (guitar).
Morning opens with “Angelena,” a rural rocker with heartfelt vocals, gospel tinged keyboards, and an appealing wide open, outdoor sound. “Time,” another great track, is similar in feel and style, augmented by rich keyboards and moody vocals. Both tracks are vaguely reminiscent of the Band’s early work – definitely a good thing here. While country-rock/rural-rock may be the group’s main forte, Morning managed to record a few good psych tracks for their debut. “Sleepy Eyes” stands out as their best piece of pure psychedelia. Dreamy, with excellent dive bomb fuzz guitar work and lazy harmonies, this cut is great listening.
It’s amazing these guys never found any sort of success, whether it be underground or top 40. Other winners are the beautiful CSNY-like country weeper “Dirt Roads” and the superb country-rocker “Roll ‘Em Down,” which sounds like it could have easily been a top 40 radio hit. Every track on Morning has something to offer, whether it beautiful harmonies or fluid West Coast-style guitar leads, it all sounds terrific – including the group’s sharp, professional songwriting. Also, while many of these tracks are quiet and tranquil, the band were definitely skilled musicians as heard on the tight group jam “And I’m Gone.” If you’ve worn out copies of Pickin’ Up The Pieces or Deja Vu be sure to snatch up Morning, it’s a near lost classic with plenty of great songs to spare.
by Jason Nardelli
Tracks
1. Angelena (Barry Brown, R. Dinsmore) - 3:27
2. Early Morning (Jay Lewis) - 2:40
3. Tell Me a Story (Jim Hobson) - 3:13
4. Easy Keeper (Jay Lewis) - 2:09
5. Roll 'em Down (Barry Brown) - 3:05
6. Sleepy Eyes (Jim Hobson) - 3:25
7. New Day (Jim Hobson, Jay Lewis, Barry Brown) - 1:35
8. As It Was (Instrumental) (Jay Lewis, Barry Brown) - 2:50
9. Time (Jim Hobson) - 3:32
10.It'll Take Time (Barry Brown) - 2:30
11.And I'm Gone (Jay Lewis) - 5:23
12.Dirt Roads (Jim Kehn) - 1:30
Morning
*Barry Brown - Guitar, Drums, Vocals
*Jim Hobson - Piano, Organ, Vocals
*Jim Kehn - Drums, Guitar, Vocals
*Jay Lewis - Guitar, Banjo, Vocals
*Terry Johnson - Guitar
*Bruce Wallace - Electric, String Bass
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Amazing album! Thanks a lot...
ReplyDeletethank you very much!
ReplyDeleteFYI - the band was NEVER called "The Morning and the Evening". It was always just "Morning". Glad you liked it!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nickwarburton.com/wordpress/?cat=13
Jim Hobson
Thank you Jim Hobson for the MUSIC,
ReplyDeleteand for your comment.
Marios, could you re-up this one? "Account suspended" comes up for the link.
ReplyDeleteThank!
Steve
This would indeed be very much appreciated, thanks !
DeleteGros connard, "Morning - Morning", updated.
ReplyDeleteJay Donnellan of Love is Jay Lewis.
ReplyDeleteI recall liking this album when I first heard it, but that was years ago. Many thanks for the reminder, Marios.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marios.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much.
ReplyDeleteI knew all these guys well. Barry and I were out crusing when I met my first wife. Angelina was written about my daughter and I.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking for a clean copy of this album ("Morning") to replace my battered vinyl copy, and you've delivered the goods, as always. Thanks, Marios!
ReplyDeleteI love this album! Love love love it.
ReplyDeleteHere is the comment/review I left at Youtube:
"This has to be one of the best albums of the seventies. CSN and Poco are obvious influences. You can also hear some Dead, The Band, Beatles and early America, but this is by no means a derivative effort. Multiple songwriters yield multiple textures and colors, held together seamlessly by the stunningly beautiful harmonies and James Hobson's rollicking piano. A lot of work from that period sounds dated or stilted, but not this one. Rich songwriting and impressive musicianship make this extremely listenable even after 50 years."
I liked it the first time I heard it, and it continues to grow on me.