The Good Idea , a Christian Rock influenced band, was formed in St. Paul, MN in the late '60s. Original members included John Miesen on electric piano and organ and vocals (Emulating the late Ray Manzarek, John played bass lines with one hand or via foot pedals.), David Linder on guitar and vocals and Bob Blank, lead vocalist and saxophone. In need of a drummer/vocalist, they placed an ad in a local publication. After passing an audition, Rick LiaBraaten of Minneapolis joined The Good Idea. Rick had recently been a member of The Other Guys and The Transgressors with long time friend Billy Hallquist, who signed on to roadie and run a modest light show designed and built by John Miesen.
The Good Idea played the local and regional club circuit, performing covers of popular artists of the day including; The Beatles, The Doors, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Hollies ..... In addition, they wrote and produced a single containing original material ("Patterns in Logic"/"Inside Outside"). The songs were recorded in Chicago at the legendary Checker/Chess/Cadet Studios with engineer Ron Malo. While playing in the band and working as a hospital orderly, John also attended Hamline University in St. Paul. As a project for his Composition course, he began to compose music for a long form piece. Influenced by his association with the Church, John chose the Christmas Story as his theme. Bob Blank contributed lyrics and melodies while David and Rick offered their unique perspectives to the final result. Recording took place over a period of several weeks at UA Studios in Minneapolis with Bob Schultz at the controls. It was given the title "12/25".
"12/25" was performed live only once or twice. Its individual movements did not translate particularly well as stand alone pop songs ala "Pinball Wizard" or "I'm Free" from "Tommy". Nonetheless, "12/25" was an extremely ambitious and well executed project deserving of the recognition it has earned. Shortly after completion of the project, Linder decided to quit music in order to concentrate on his College career at The University of Minnesota. Billy Hallquist stepped in to his position and assumed guitar and vocal duties. Soon, however, Blank elected not to continue and Good Idea came to an end.
Liner Notes
Tracks
1. Head Embers - 3:31
2. At the Top of the Stairs - 3:24
3. Summertime Children (John Meisen) - 4:18
4. In the Morning - 2:45
5. Dusty Road - 4:10
6. Alone I Am - 2:52
7. Softly- 3:31
8. I Travel Alone - 3:23
9. Not Well Liked - 1:52
10.With a Tailored Image - 1:59
11.The Sun Is Shinin' for Me - 3:10
12.16 Tons - 4:47
13.Pepper Palace - 5:19
All Music by Bill Hallquist, Dervin Wallin, Rick LiaBraaten, Terry Tilley, John Meisen except track #3
Songs 1-5 Lyrics by John Meisen
Songs 6-11 Lyrics by Bob Blank
Thundertree
*Bill Hallquist - Vocals, Guitar
*Rick LiaBraaten - Drums
*John Meisen - Keyboards
*Terry Tilley - Bass
*Dervin Wallin - Vocals
*David Linder - Guitar, Vocals (Tracks 6-11)
*Bob Blank - Vocals (Tracks 6-11)
*Steve Grams - Bass (Track 13)
*Glen Olson - Drums (Track 13)
