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Friday, December 22, 2023

The Illinois Speed Press - Duet (1970 us, awesome classic rock with blues and country shades)



Their second album, Duet, which was much more country-oriented, was released in 1970, by which time the group had seemingly run its course. Illinois Speed Press split up that year, owing to Cotton's and David's differing musical directions: David wanted to create more of an R&B-based sound and headed for San Francisco where, in conjunction with former Electric Flag bassist Harvey Brooks, he formed the Fabulous Rhinestones, who went on to record in their own right as well as perform on-stage with such luminaries as John Lennon and Yoko Ono. 

Cotton stayed in Los Angeles, where he was approached by Richie Furay, the co-founder of Poco, who remembered him from his Illinois Speed Press performances on the same bill with his band; he was asked to audition as a possible replacement for co-founder Jim Messina, who was planning to leave. Cotton won the spot and stayed with the band well into the 21st century; he died on August 1, 2021 at the age of 78. Kal David died on August 16, 2022 at the age of 79. 
by Bruce Eder
Tracks
1. Country Dumplin' (Kal David) - 3:17
2. Sadly Out Of Place (Paul Cotton) - 4:36
3. The One Who Knows (Kal David) - 4:26
4. Medley (Paul Cotton) - 7:31
    I.Dearly
   II.Bittersweet
  III.Random Roads (And His Big Band)
  IV.Dearly Theme Reprise
5. Morning Blues (Paul Cotton) - 3:26
6. Bad Weather (Paul Cotton) - 2:59
7. The Life (Paul Cotton) - 4:26
8. The Visit (Kal David) - 3:53
9. Seventeen Days (Paul Cotton) - 6:04

The llinois Speed Press
*Paul Cotton (Norman Paul Cotton) - Guitar, Vocals
*Kal David (David Raskin) - Guitar, Vocals
*Mike Anthony - Keyboards, Vocals
*Fred Page (Frederick Pappalardo) - Drums
*Rob Lewine - Bass