Grinderswitch was a white blues-rock band that never rose above being a second-tier Capricorn Records act, not remotely as popular as the Allman Brothers or the Marshall Tucker Band. But Dru Lombar (vocals, guitar, slide guitar), Larry Howard (guitar), Stephen Miller (keyboards), Joe Dan Petty (bass), and Rick Burnett (drums) built a loyal following in the tens of thousands playing music that was influenced by British blues outfits like John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream and T.S. McPhee's Groundhogs, but also the real article, especially Albert King and Booker T. & the MG's -- Lombar sounded more Black than any White rock singer you've ever heard.
They could have been a more soulful and exciting competitor to Canned Heat, but they weren't lucky enough to appear in hit festival movies or get the right single out at the proper time. Working in the commercial shadow of better-known acts, they counted as fans members of the Marshall Tucker Band and a lot of other musicians who felt they deserved a break. The group failed to emerge as much more than a top regional act and an opener for the Allmans and Charlie Daniels, among others, despite recording seven album between 1972 and 1982, first for Capricorn and later for Atlantic.
by Bruce Eder
1. Higher Ground - 3:47
2. I'm Satisfied - 3:25
3. That Kind Of Women - 4:12
4. Kill The Pain - 5:38
5. You're So Fine (Willie Schofield) - 3:33
6. Open Road - 4:11
7. Fact Of Life (Stephen Miller) - 2:27
8. Nobody Can - 3:04
9. As Sure As Tomorrow - 3:33
All compositions by Rick Burnett, Larry Howard, Dru Lombar, Stephen Miller, Joe Dan Petty except where stated
The Grinderswitch
*Rick Burnett - Drums
*Larry Howard - Lead, Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
*Dru Lombar - Lead, Slide Guitars, Vocals
*Stephen Miller - Keyboards, Vocals
*Joe Dan Petty - Bass, Vocals
With
*Jimmy Hall - Harmonica
*Jerry Joseph - Congas
1974 Grinderswitch - Honest To Goodness
1975 Grinderswitch - Macon Tracks (2009 edition)
1977 Grinderswitch - Redwing (2010 edition)
Related Acts
1968 Linn County - Proud Flesh Soothseer
1969 Linn County - Fever Shot
1970 Linn County - 'Till The Break Of Dawn
1969-70/72 Elvin Bishop - Party Till The Cows Come Home
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