The Ozark Mountain Daredevils were among the more popular of mid-'70s country-rock outfits, slotting in chronologically and stylistically between the Eagles and Firefall. As exponents of '70s country-rock, the group rode a wave of success for five years on A&M Records and survived in some form into the 1990s, with a following just large enough to justify occasional record releases in their later years.
The sextet was formed in Missouri during the early '70s, consisting of guitarists John Dillon and Steve Cash, blues harpist/singer/guitarist Randle Chowning, drummer/guitarist/singer Larry Lee, keyboard player Buddy Brayfield, and bassist-vocalist Michael Granda, and was signed to A&M Records in 1973.
The group's first album is also their most successful rock effort, an ebullient country-rock collection that sounds a lot like the Flying Burrito Brothers of around the same period, with richer production and more of a sense of humor than the Burritos had, and highlighted by some excellent songs ("Country Girl," "Road to Glory," "If You Wanna Get to Heaven"). Randle Chowning's "Country Girl," in particular, is amazing as a harmonica-driven near-twin of the Eagles' "Take It Easy" that you sort of wish ran for ten minutes instead of just three. Steve Cash's jew's harp/harmonica showcase "Chicken Train" brings the band back to its roots
by Bruce Eder
Following the success of their self-titled debut, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils' sophomore release, It'll Shine When It Shines, continues on their already established path of California-style country-rock. This release contained what would ultimately prove to be their greatest hit, "Jackie Blue," which ended up peaking at number three on the pop chart. Although "Jackie Blue" is by far the least countrified track on the album, it embodies the casual, understated groove of the band that could be found on any of the Daredevils' releases. Although when examined closely the album is really three neatly separate albums by three maturing songwriters (John Dillon, Steve Cash, and the underrated Larry Lee), the thread of their relaxed atmosphere and light harmonies runs throughout the album, binding it together as a cohesive whole.
by Zac Johnson
Disc 1 The Ozark Mountain Daredevils 1973
1. Country Girl (Randle Chowning) - 3:17
2. Spaceship Orion (Larry Lee) - 3:12
3. If You Wanna Get To Heaven (Steve Cash, John Dillon) - 3:04
4. Chicken Train (Steve Cash) - 3:38
5. Colorado Song (Steve Cash, John Dillon) - 5:07
6. Standin' On The Rock (John Dillon) - 3:54
7. Road To Glory (Randle Chowning) - 4:55
8. Black Sky (Steve Cash) - 3:10
9. Within Without (Larry Lee) - 4:26
10.Beauty In The River (John Dillon) - 3:58
1. You Made It Right (John Dillon, Elizabeth Anderson) - 3:49
2. Look Away (Randle Chowning) - 3:39
3. Jackie Blue (Steve Cash, Larry Lee) - 4:13
4. Kansas You Fooler (Larry Lee) - 2:38
5. It Couldn't Be Better (John Dillon, Elizabeth Anderson) - 4:23
6. E.E.Lawson (Steve Cash) - 3:32
7. Walkin' Down The Road (John Dillon) - 3:28
8. What's Happened Along My Life (Larry Lee) - 3:35
9. It Probably Always Will (Michael Granda) - 3:15
10.Lowlands (John Dillon) - 3:49
11.Tidal Wave (Steve Cash, John Dillon) - 4:13
12.It'll Shine When It Shines (Steve Cash, John Dillon) - 3:42
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
1973 The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
*Steve Cash - Harmonica, Harpsichord, Percussion, Vocals
*John Dillon - Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle, Dulcimer, Autoharp, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals
*Larry Lee - Guitar, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Saw
*Randle Chowning - Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
*Michael Granda - Bass, Percussion, Vocals
*Buddy Brayfield - Piano, Keyboards
*Jack Black - Backing Vocals
*Elizabeth Anderson - Backing Vocals
*Sidney Cash - Backing Vocals
*Janet Lee - Backing Vocals
*Donald Bromage - Backing Vocals
1974 It'll Shine When It Shines
*Steve Cash - Harmonica, Percussion, Vocals
*John Dillon - Guitar, Dulcimer, Harp, Keyboards, Vocals
*Larry Lee - Guitar, Keyboards, Drums, Vocals
*Randle Chowning - Guitar, Dobro, Mandolin, Harmonica, Vocals
*Michael Granda - Bass, Guitar, Vocals
*Buddy Brayfield - Keyboards, Vocals
*Glyn Johns - Guitar
*Nick Decaro - Accordion
*Jody Troutman - Background Vocals
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