Based in San Benardino, Califorinia this short lived early 1970s band traced its roots to The Torquays. Under the guidance of record label owner/producer/writer Bill Bellman, The Torquays released a series of five singles during their 1964-1967 lifespan. Though they enjoyed some regional success, The Torquays never broke nationally and by 1968 they were history.
A year later band members Ron Casdin, Eddie Perez, Danny Rentz, and Lance Sanvik reappeared as Travellers Aid. Produced by Bill Bellman (he also wrote, or co-wrote four of the ten songs), 1970's "Corduroy Roads" was originally released on the small Rock label. The first couple of times I listened to this one I couldn't figure out what all the excitement was about. Frequently described as The Torques-go-psychedelic, that tagline was complete misleading. In fact the closest this came to be psychedelic were Casdin's fuzz guitar on 'Makin' Tracks'.
nstead the overall feel was a mixture of bar band and country-rock moves. Coupled with low-fi production and basic songwriting skills, I was thoroughly put off by the results. Why would anyone pay mega dollars for this one? Well I can't answer that, but I'll admit that the album's subsequently grown on me. No way I'd ever shell out the asking price for an original, but for the reissue - sure.
Perez and Sanvik provided a steady and uncomplicated base throughout. Casdin's rough hewn voice wasn't fantastic, but he had a gritty edge that was quite likeable and well suited for the rockers like 'Bad Sign'' and 'Deep Water'. Similarly he wasn't the fanciest lead guitarist you've ever heard, but he made the most of his time, turning in solos that were consistently entertaining, but simple enough that you could probably figure out the patterns. Casdin's solo on 'Moonlight' was a perfect example of his telent and limitations. Casdin's rough hewn voice wasn't fantastic, but he had a gritty edge that was quite likeable and well suited for the rockers like 'Bad Sign'' and 'Deep Water'. Similarly he wasn't the fanciest lead guitarist you've ever heard, but he made the most of his time, turning in solos that were consistently entertaining, but simple enough that you could probably figure out the patterns. Casdin's solo on 'Moonlight' was a perfect example of his telent and limitations.
Bad-Cat
Tracks
1. Slow Freight (Bill Bellman) - 3:58
2. Barefoot Boy (From Bearfoot Creek) (Ron Casdin, Bill Bellman) - 2:34
3. Bad Sign (Lance Sandvik) - 3:24
4. Rock And Roll Is Spoken Here (Lance Sandvik) - 2:45
5. Makin' Tracks (Bill Bellman) - 2:45
6. Electric Blues (Gerome Ragni, Galt MacDermot, James Rado) - 2:39
7. Deep Water (Ron Casdin) - 3:12
8. Moonlight (Lance Sandvik) - 3:21
9. Lookin' For Tomorrow (Danny Rentz) - 2:34
10.Harmonica Man (Bill Bellman) - 2:53
The Travelers Aid
*Ron Casdin - Vocals, Lead Guitar
*Danny Rentz - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
*Lance Sandvik - Bass, Harmonica
*Eddie Perez - Drums
