Plain and Fancy

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Mark James - Mark James (1973 us, awesome groovy swamp country rock)

Mark was born Francis Rodney Zambon on November 29, 1940, in Houston, Texas, to Galliano and Mildred Zambon. The son of a hardworking, industrious Italian immigrant and a revered schoolteacher, his musical talents were obvious from an early age. His first instrument was the violin, and his dedication and natural ability soon earned him the first-chair spot with his grade-school orchestra.

That was the beginning of a long and storied career. Before he finished high school, Mark had mastered not only the violin, but also the acoustic and electric guitar as well as the piano. A gifted composer and vocalist, anything with strings or keys came to life in his fingers.

Mark began playing the club circuit in his native Houston prior to high school graduation and gained prominence on the local music scene by the early 1960s. His music career was briefly interrupted in the mid-’60s, when he served his country in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. Upon his return, he worked tirelessly in the recording studio to regain his momentum, and his efforts paid off tenfold.

In 1968, Mark’s lifelong friend and fellow Houstonian, B.J. Thomas, climbed the charts with “The Eyes of a New York Woman” and the megahit “Hooked on a Feeling," both written by Mark. Swedish pop group Blue Swede would go on to reach No. 1 in the U.S. in 1974 with their version of “Hooked on a Feeling,” which is known for its now-famous “ooga-chaka” chant.

Also in 1968, Mark released “Suspicious Minds” as his own single, in collaboration with Memphis producer Chips Moman. Not long after, in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded his version of the song, which became a chart-topper and was later named to “Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list. In 1986, Britain’s Fine Young Cannibals released their own adaptation of the song, which climbed to No. 8 on the U.K. Singles chart.

Mark’s success grew exponentially as he found his niche writing songs that left both recording artists and fans wanting more. In 1972, he signed a contract with Screen Gems-Columbia Music, and the following year, country singer Brenda Lee scored a top-ten single with her recording of “Sunday Sunrise,” which he penned. Anne Murray later released in 1975 her version of the song, which reached No. 13 on both Canadian and U.S. charts.

Meanwhile, Elvis continued to request and record Mark’s songs, including hits “Raised on Rock,” “It’s Only Love” and “Moody Blue.” Elvis also recorded “Always on My Mind,” which Mark cowrote with Johnny Christopher and Wayne Carson. Ironically, the song that eventually became one of Mark’s most recognized works, when it was released by Willie Nelson in 1982, was previously released as a B-side single by Elvis a decade earlier. It won two Grammy Awards in 1983: one for Song of the Year and another for Best Country Song. Britain’s Pet Shop Boys also reached No. 1 in the U.K. and No. 4 on U.S. charts with their 1987 release of the song.

Other notable songs to Mark’s credit include “Roller Coaster,” “Where Do We Go From Here,” “Alone Too Long” and “Blue Water” from his self-titled album, “Mark James 1973.” One of the songs he was most proud of writing was “Blue Suede Heaven,” which he created to pay tribute to Elvis and performed each year at Graceland during Elvis Week.

With a catalog that boasts more than 300 original songs, Mark was a prolific writer and artist. His hits have been featured in countless blockbuster films, such as the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise, “Elvis” (released in 2022 and directed by Baz Luhrmann with lead actor Austin Butler), “Lilo & Stitch,” “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Blackhawk Down” and “Reservoir Dogs,” just to name a few.

A lifelong learner and an avid movie buff, Mark studied film scoring at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). He was always exploring new ways to hone his craft and expand his skill set as a creator.

In recognition of his vast contributions to the music industry, Mark was inducted into the New York Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014, as well as the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.

Mark received additional honors from Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) in 2022 for achieving numerous milestones, including 9 million airplays of “Suspicious Minds,” 9 million airplays of “Hooked on a Feeling,” 7 million airplays of “Always on My Mind,” 1 million airplays of “Moody Blue” and 1 million airplays of “The Eyes of a New York Woman.” His collective 27 million airplays (which has increased since 2022) for those five songs equate to 162 years of continuous, back-to-back play on the airwaves.

With great sorrow and a song in their hearts, the family of legendary songwriter and musician Mark James announces his passing at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 8, 2024, at the age of 83.

From the family of Mark James

Tracks

1. Whatever Mood You're In - 3:13

2. Keep The Faith - 3:41

3. Blue Water - 3:32

4. Goodbye's A Long, Long Time (Mark James, Gerry Goffin) - 3:50

5. Roller Coaster - 3:09

6. Flyin' Into Memphis - 3:40

7. Brand New Woman (Mark James, Gerry Goffin) - 2:53

8. I'd Get Enthused - 2:22

9. Where Do We Go From Here - 3:42

10.(Don't You) Bury Me (Mark James, Al Gorgoni) - 3:58

Words and Music by Mark James except where noted

Personnel

*Mark James - Vocals, Electric Piano

*Al Gorgoni - Acoustic Guitar

*Bill Chennock - Acoustic Guitar

*Bob Mann - Acoustic Guitar

*Teddy Irwin - Acoustic Guitar

*Lou Marini - Alto Flute, Baritone Saxophone

*Andy Muson - Bass

*Stu Woods - Bass

*Will Lee - Bass

*Jimmy Maeulen - Congas

*Allan Schwartzberg - Drums

*Bob Mann - Electric Guitar

*Jerry Friedman - Electric Guitar

*Barry Mann - Piano, Electric Piano

*Jon Stroll - Piano, Electric Piano

*Lou Marini - Flute

*Steve Katz - Harmonica (Track 3)

*Jimmy Maeulen - Percussion

*Lou Marini - Piccolo Flute

*Bill Chennock - Slide Guitar (Track 6)

*Michael Brecker - Tenor Saxophone

*Dave Bargeron - Trombone

*Lou Soloff - Trumpet

*Randy Brecker - Trumpet

*Roy Ayers - Vibraphone (Track 3)

*Emanuel Green - Viola (Track 10)

*Aaron Rosand - Violin (Track 10)

*Glen Spreen - Horns Arranger

*Glen Spreen - Strings Arranger

*Jimmy Maeulen - Backing Vocals

*Linda Lolly - Backing Vocals

*Mark James - Backing Vocals

*Rodney Justo - Backing Vocals

*Steve Tyrell - Backing Vocals

*Will Lee - Backing Vocals

Monday, November 18, 2024

Hedge And Donna - Evolution (1971 us, fine rhythm 'n' blues, folk classic rock feat. Joe Walsh)

Hedge and Donna was a 60's, 70's folk duo featuring acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies. The members were Hedges Capers and Donna Marie Carson, a biracial couple who were married during their heyday but later divorced. At some point, the duo's name was changed to Capers and Carson. REvolution" was the duo's fifth album and finds them throwing down a groovier and more contemporary folk vibe. Joe Walsh's presence here maintains a lower profile letting the two do their thing. And it's pretty good for what it is. Certainly an enjoyable album.

Donna was born to U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Harry "Kit" Carson and his wife Dorothy in November of 1946. After the duo split in the early 1970's and she moved on with her degree from Whittier College. Her heart ever open, she eventually went on to work with special needs children at the California State Diagnostic School, and ultimately as a protector working for Los Angeles County Courts as a Child Advocate Supervisor. She found joy in helping kids and believed in supporting them so that no child would fall through the cracks of the court system. She worked tirelessly until she retired in 2004. Donna passed away November 21st, 2019.

Keene Hedge Capers was born February 21, 1945. The duo began singing together in 1967 and only had a few weeks rehearsal before making a big splash at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. Not only did the gig result in meeting their first manager (Doug Weston, who was also the club owner) but a representative for Capitol Records signed the duo that evening. As an interracial couple in the late 60s, they did receive some negative responses but never from the audiences who embraced them and their music. They were even on the cover of Jet Magazine in 1969 and made several television appearances together before divorcing in 1976. Hedges continued to write songs and perform as well as act. He starred as the title character in The Legend of Hillbilly John released in 1972. In more recent years he earned his degree as a psychotherapist as did his wife, actress Nancy Locke. The couple co-wrote the musical The Geeze & Me about growing old, which Nancy directed when it debuted in San Diego in 2017.

Tracks

1. Touch Caste On The Water (Hedge Capers, Donna Capers) - 2:40

2. She Said She Said (John Lennon, Paul McCartney) - 2:25

3. Colorado Exile (Jim Post) - 2:45

4. Free And Easy (Hedge Capers) - 0:20

5. Aragon Ballroom (Michael Fondiler, Tom Snow) - 3:06

6. Heavy Ways Of Moving (Hedge Capers) - 2:50

7. Collage (Joe Walsh) - 2:48

8. May 7th (James Rollenston) - 2:25

9. Sundays Birthday Child (Hedge Capers, Donna Capers) - 2:10

10.Sail A Schooner (Hedge Capers) - 2:40

11.Nickle A Night (Hedge Capers, Donna Capers) - 3:05

12.Blind Man From Arizona (Hedge Capers, Donna Capers) - 3:20

Musicians

*Hedge Capers - Vocals, 12, 6 String Guitars

*Donna Carson - Vocals

*Joe Walsh - Electric, Acoustic Guitars

*Jim Hughart - Bass

*Wolfgang Melz - Bass

*Larry Fallon - Piano

*Mike Melvoin - Piano

*Ron Tutt - Drums

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Harper And Rowe - Harper And Rowe (1968 canada / uk, marvelous sunny baroque folk rock)

Canadian singer songwriter, musician and producer born 1944 in UK. British born Murphy moved to Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada with his mother when he was six and over time taught himself how to play guitar. He relocated later to Salt Spring Island on the West Coast and at the age of 17 was playing gigs between Los Angeles -- living on Manhattan Beach and playing coffeehouses -- and New York. He formed a duo with Jack Klaeysen back in Wallaceburg (while working a day job dredging the St. Lawrence Seaway). After hearing the Beatles, they knew they had to go to England. The bought one-way tickets on a ship from New York and arrived in Liverpool on February 14, 1965. They were bunked in steerage on board the ship and began playing for the other passengers.

They met the brother of agent Joe Collins (father of actress Joan Collins) and he invited them to meet in London at his talent agency offices. Murphy didn't believe him, and the duo continued on to Liverpool The British Invasion had already blown through the town and so gigs and audiences were sparse. They eventually met Gerry & The Pacemakers who told them to head to London where the music scene was thriving. They began playing at the New Oxford Theatre opening for The Ivy Leagues, The Pretty Things, The Byrds, Martha and the Vandellas, and within four months had a record deal brokered by the agent they'd met on the ship - Joe Collins - on Petula Clark producer Tony Hatch's Pye Records.

Eventually, they renamed themselves the Slade Brothers and released four singles on Pye including the Roger Greenway/Roger Cook song called "What a Crazy Life" which became a hit in early 1966 with airplay on European station Radio Luxembourg. The act would do opening gigs around the UK for The Walker Brothers, The Kinks, The Troggs, The Byrds and others. In 1965 Murphy and Klaeyson signed his first publishing deal with Mills Music (later known as Belwin Mills) in England after which his first hit song was "Call My Name" by James Royal in 1966. The same year Murphy started producing records for Parlophone, Decca, CBS, Fontana, Phillips, and Carnaby where he would also write hit singles for Billy Fury ("Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt"), and The Casuals ("Touched"). Murphy formed Harper and Rowe in 1967 (he was Harper) who put out several singles and a full-length LP in 1968.

At the end of the Israeli War in 1968 a touring Hebrew act called The High Windows had Murphy translate their songs into English to try and find success in the UK and Europe. After the departure of one of the band members, he joined the act under the name Raffi Murphy. Murphy's next move was to head to New York as Director of Production for Belwin/Mills Publishing, where he produced demos for Broadway musicals such as 'Pippin' and 'The Magic Show'. He also started two successful record labels - Double M Records (distributed by London Records), and a dance label - Hard Core Records (distributed by GRT Records).

Among the many dozens of acts he produced during that time were Magnificent Men, Chris Bartley, The Alibis, Sea Dog, Mashmakhan, Rock Garden, Studebaker Hawk, New City Jam Band, Shooter and April Wine who Murphy produced two gold albums for. Under his Double M Records he released a number of solo singles and had a successful run with a country song called "Genevieve" as well as a pop act under the pseudonym Roadhouse - which featured some of New York's finest session players including Tony Levin (bass), Jimmy Young (drums) and Elliott Randall fresh off recording his iconic solo on Steely Dan's "Reeling In The Years". Roadhouse would have a Canadian hit with the song "Good Times (and Loving You)". Having a country hit in 1972 by Jeanie C. Riley "Good Enough To Be Your Wife" under his belt, Ralph went to Nashville to pick up his award and eventually moved there in 1976 after producing Walter Zwol's band Brutus for GRT Records. He often flew back to Canada to continue producing acts including both Shooter albums.

With partner Roger Cook - who he'd met the day the Guardsmen had auditioned for Pye Records back in England - he formed the Picalic Group & Pic-A-Lic Music Publishing and has had more than twenty number one records including hits by Mickey Gilley, Travis Tritt, Shania Twain, Ray Price and the 'Song of The Year' award winning song "Talking In Your Sleep" by Crystal Gayle. Pic-A-Lic became one of the most successful independent publishers in Nashville and was eventually sold to EMI. Murphy started a new company Kersha Music with Richard Perna of Hamstein Music and then in 1994 joined ASCAP as part of Connie Bradley's Nashville staff. He is a past president of NSAI and past president of The Nashville Chapter of NARAS and currently serves on the board for Canadian Country Music Association. He now resides as ASCAP Vice President International & Domestic, Membership Group and works on many committees and teaches seminars held throughout North America. Ralph James Murphy passed away, 29 May 2019 at the age of 75.

Tracks

1. Here Comes Yesterday Again - 2:34

2. The Dweller (Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson) - 3:10

3. Picture Me High - 2:28

4. Where Is She (Gary Montgomery, Jack Dalton) - 2:28

5. You And Me (Me And You) (Bodie Chandler, Ed McKendry) - 2:49

6. Love Machine (James A. Griffin, Michael Z. Gordon) - 2:27

7. Keep On Dancing - 2:10

8. Good Times, Bad Times - 2:06

9. Strange How People Change - 2:54

10.Hold Me - 3:28

11.Wake Me When It’s Over - 2:32

12.Hello Sleepy Sidewalk - 2:08

13.Here Comes Yesterday Again - 2:33

14.The Dweller (Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson) - 3:09

15.Picture Me High - 2:27

16.Where Is She (Gary Montgomery, Jack Dalton) - 2:27

17.You And Me (Me And You) (Bodie Chandler, Ed McKendry) - 2:49

18.Love Machine (James A. Griffin, Michael Z. Gordon) - 2:16

19.Keep On Dancing - 2:10

20.Good Times, Bad Times - 2:05

21.Strange How People Change - 2:52

22.Hold Me - 3:27

23.Wake Me When It’s Over - 2:31

24.Hello Sleepy Sidewalk - 2:08

All songs by Ralph Murphy except where indicated

Harper And Rowe

*Jack Klaeysen - Guitar, Vocals

*Ralph James Murphy - Vocals, Guitar

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Sanford And Townsend - Smoke From A Distant Fire (1976 us, nice soft rock rhythm 'n' blues, 2004 remaster)

It's a song that was born in a moment straight from a Hollywood movie. It was the spring of 1974. Johnny Townsend's songwriting partner, Ed Sanford was living in a Hollywood duplex on a nice advance and stipend from Chappell Music after signing a publishing deal. Sanford was sharing the space with guitar-playing friend, Steven Stewart. One morning, Townsend stopped by after Stewart had been up all night working on music.

"Ed was just waking up and Steven hadn't been to bed yet," Townsend remembered to Songfacts. "Ed was complaining about not getting any sleep and barked at Steven, 'When are you gonna stop wasting your time on that classical crap and write something that will make you some money.' Steven picked up his guitar immediately and started playing what I thought was a really cool R&B type rhythm and replied, 'Anybody can write that crap.' I said, 'Apparently you just did,' and went straight to the piano and embellished on his idea. While going through some old song ideas in my notebook I always carried, I found one that actually was the title of a poem that Ed had written while in college. I extracted the title because it seemed to be a perfect fit for the chorus idea I had and that all sort of amalgamated into 'Smoke From A Distant Fire.' Basically, the song started as a joke and that joke is still making us money to this very day."

Sanford-Townsend Band released the group's self-titled debut in 1976, issuing "Smoke from a Distant Fire" as as single later in 1977. The song became a ubiquitous presence on radio throughout the summer of 1977, from beach parties to backyard barbecues across the country. It peaked at #9 on the Hot 100 for the week of September 17, 1977. The #1 song in America that week: Andy Gibb's "I Just Want to Be Your Everything." "Smoke from a Distant Fire" was the band's only top 10 hit in America.

"I had the pleasure of recording this band and this song. It was without a doubt the best band I have ever worked with in my entire 50 year career as a recording engineer," legendary engineer Jerry Masters told Songfacts. Strong words, considering Masters has worked on countless classic records from the likes of Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, Paul Simon, Bob Seger,Wilson Pickett, Bobby Womack and Leon Russell.

"It was also the last album I did before leaving Muscle Shoals Sound in 1976 and it was mixed by my good friend and excellent engineer Greg Hamm," Masters added. "It was the best album I've ever done and I consider it the peak of my career by being associated with these fine musicians and song writers. It was the perfect ending to a great career at Muscle Shoals Sound - not the end of my career, but still the best I ever put my hands to. I salute the Sanford-Townsend Band as the best of the best, even today, it's my favorite of all time."

Rhino, Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Tracks

1. Smoke From A Distant Fire (Ed Sanford, John Townsend, Steven Stewart) - 3.30

2. Moolah Moo Mazuma (Sin City Wahh-00) - 3:57

3. Oriental Gate (No Chance Of Changin' My Mind) (Ed Sanford, John Townsend, Kenny Loggins) - 3:19

4. Shake It To The Right - 4:10

5. Squire James - 4:39

6. Does It Have To Be You - 3:12

7. Lou - 3:27

8. Sunshine In My Heart Again - 2:42

9. In For The Night - 3:50

10.Rainbows Colored In Blue - 4:52

All compositions by Ed Sanford, John Townsend except where noted

Musicians

*Ed Sanford - Keyboards, Vocals

*John Townsend - Lead Vocals, Keyboards

*Billy Townsend - Backing Vocals

*George Hawkins - Backing Vocals

*Jerry RIghtmer - Bass

*Tex Wex - Bass Vocals

*Jim Varley - Drums

*Roger Johnson - Guitar

*Otis Hale - Guitar, Woodwind

*Barry Beckett - Keyboards

*Tom Roady - Percussion

*Kenny Loggins - Vocals

*Jon Clarke - Woodwind

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

The 3rd Avenue Blues Band - Fantastic (1970 us, impressive jazz brass psych rock)

Formed in Oklahoma City when trumpeter Mark Underwood and saxophonist Bob Beasley teamed with guitarist/bassist Hadley Hockensmith, organist Harlan Rogers, and drummer Bill Maxwell. Underwood played in The Serfs, a jazz-rock/psych band that released one album, The Early Bird Cafe, in 1969.

Singer Harold Jones completed the Third Avenue Blues Band, which signed to MCA-subsidiary Revue. In 1968, they released their first single, “It’s Got to Be Love” b/w “If You Don’t Love Me”, both written by Rogers. It was followed in 1969 by the Jones-composed “Don’t Make Me Laugh”b/w Hockensmith’s “Pipedream”, released as 3rd Avenue Blues Band. Their third single, a funky cover of Joe South’s “Rose Garden” b/w Rogers’ “Come On and Get It”, appeared later that year.

Their album, Fantastic, appeared on Revue in 1970. It features 11 songs, including all the aforementioned single sidesexcept “Pipedream”. Other tracks include Rogers’ “I Know About Love,” Hockensmith’s “Hawk’s Blues,” and covers of the Isley Brothers “It’s Your Thing” and Eddie Harris“Mean Greens”. The album was produced by Charlie Carey.

Maxwell became a fixture of Texas faith-based label Light Music and joined its flagship act Andraé Crouch & The Disciples. In 1973, he reunited with Hockensmith and Rogers in the jazz-funk/psych combo Sonlight, which also served as the instrumental nucleus on three albums by Light Rec. gospel singer Danniebelle Hall. During the 1980s, the team recorded four albums as part of the jazz-rock ensemble Koinonia.

Underwood later appeared on albums by the Cate Bros., Van Morrison, Bette Midler, Jules & the Polar Bears, and Michael Vlatkovich.Beasley re-linked with Rogers and Hockensmith on soul-faith albums by the Don DeGrate Delegation and Sherman Andrus.

Tracks

1. Rose Garden (Joe South) - 3:16

2. It's Got To Be Love (Harlan Rogers) - 2:26

3. I Know About Love (Harlan Rogers) - 4:15

4. Put A Little Love (Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holiday, Randy Meyers) - 4:00

5. Hawk's Blues (Hadley "Hawk" Hockensmith) - 5:09

6. Don't Make Me Laugh (Harold Jones) - 2:53

7. Come On And Get It (Harlan Rogers) - 3:19

8. It's Your Thing (Marvin Isley, O'Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley) - 5:12

9. If You Don't Want Me (Harlan Rogers) - 3:07

10.Bad Moon Rising (John Fogerty) - 5:06

11.Mean Greens (Eddie Harris) - 5:09

3rd Avenue Blues Band

*Harold Jones - Vocals, Rhythm Instruments

*Harlan Rogers - Vocals, Organ Bass, Piano

*Hadley "Hawk" Hockensmith - Guitar, Bass

*Bob Beasley - Saxophone

*Mark Underwood - Trumpet

*Bill Maxwell – Drums

Monday, November 11, 2024

Kid Gloves - Kid Gloves (1972 us / uk, wonderful melodic soft country folk rock, 2010 remaster)

Kid Gloves was one of my favorite harmony bands, who were as good or better as all the others I recorded. They were a studio group that formed in 1971 and disbanded less than two years later-- they never did any live gigs.

The lead singer, Scottish-born Davey Pattison, was one of the best vocalists I ever worked with. I had first heard him in the blues band Sunday, with whom I produced an album in 1970.

I was fortunate to know Davey early on, so it was easy to get him to front a proposed studio group that also included the excellent Tom Parker, who was my go-to arranger at the time. Tom played keyboards in the new group, who also wrote most of the music and lyrics for their original material.

The other two terrif musicians I booked were Gary Taylor on bass and Andrew Steele on drums. They had both recently been pop stars as members of the very successful Herd with Peter Frampton. After that group came to an end, both become A-list session players and I was using them a lot, along with Tom. It also helped that they too could sing!

Because of the breadth of talent in the group, I decided to start them off with a full album. All the sessions were held at Morgan Studios in north London between September 1971 to January 1972, and engineered by Robin Black. The eventual album was released in June of 1972, in the US only. A kinda curiosity was that the group was originally called “Herrod The Dog”. That name was replaced by “Muscles” (!), and eventually they settled on the name Kid Gloves.

The album is outstanding and should have made the band stars. Unfortunately, as it turned out the US label Buddah Records, after claiming how much they loved Kid Gloves, was apparently hit with multiple cases of simultaneous pandemic Alzheimers, as they forgot they had the record. Zero promotion ensued, and the LP sunk faster than a meteorite landing in a lagoon at full speed!

Davey would later become very much in demand as a lead vocalist, singing with Michael Schenker, Ronnie Montrose and Robin Trower in the 80s and 90s. I also signed his mid-70s group Findo Gask and we cut another great album, with many of his own songs.

by Shel Talmy

Tracks

1. Let Him Sing His Song (John Stewart's Song) - 3:38

2. My Friend John - 4:22

3. A Little More Peace - 3:37

4. She's A Lady (Sunderland Nell) - 3:28

5. Coming Back Too Soon - 3:28

6. Spilt Milk - 5:05

7. Talking In A Field - 3:07

8. Funny - 4:47

9. Love And Not Money - 4:40

10.And - 6:50

Music by Tom Parker, Lyrics by Hugh Murphy

Kid Gloves

*Gary Taylor - Bass, Guitar, Vocals

*Davy Pattison - Vocals

*Tom Parker - Keyboards

*Andy Steele - Percussion, Vocals

1969 The Rugbys - Hot Cargo (Akarma)

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Lazarus - Lazarus (1970 us, excellent brass psych rock)

Released in 1970 in the U.S. by Amazon, a sublabel of Nashville's Shelby Singleton Corp. Formed in Nashville by Louisville, Kentucky bassist Steve McNicol, formerly of Oxfords and just out of the disbanded Rugbys, sometimes mistakenly identified with Billie Hughes' (formerly Shiloh) better-known Lazarus, authors of two Christian rock albums in the early 1970s. These Italian-Americans played rock with R&B influences and prominent horns, very close to that of Blood, Sweat and Tears; their main composer is one Raymond Cichon. The album was recorded at Singleton Sound Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Joe Venneri, an experienced producer and musician.

The band's style integrates elements of Iron Butterfly-esque psychedelic rock (excellent guitar in “Stay with me”), beautiful vocal harmonies still steeped in the sixties, marked pop soul inflections (in some cases very exuberant as in “In the beginning”) and in one episode even blues (“Message to the people”), also fueled by the use of brass in several episodes, some very vibrant episodes with slower rhythms and a late-psychedelic pop rock sound such as “Shades of winter,” enriched by a suave flute, all at times very close to the music of Blood, Sweat and Tears. McNicol's voice was attractive and the majority of the Raymond Cichon-penned material was catchy enough to warrant at least a quick spin. That didn't do anything for sales, the set quickly vanishing into cutout bins. Stephen William McNicol, passed away on April 8th, 2018, at the age of 68.

Tracks

1. You've Got To Get Ahead (Raymond Cichon, Tony Bertollotti) - 2:54

2. Faces Of Tomorrow (Raymond Cichon) - 3:12

3. Desire (Raymond Cichon) - 2:18

4. Once Again (Ronald Stablini, Thomas Bombaci) - 3:15

5. Stay With Me (Steve McNicol) - 2:55

6. Back In The City (Raymond Cichon) - 2:05

7. Shades Of Winter (Raymond Cichon) - 2:30

8. I'll Get To You (Raymond Cichon) - 2:40

9. In The Beginning (Raymond Cichon) - 2:55

10.Message To The People (Raymond Cichon) - 3:50

11.Molly (Raymond Cichon) - 2:48

Lazarus

*Steve McNicol - Guitar, Vocals

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Toby Beau - My Angel Baby (1978 us, country soft rock, 2000 reissue)

"Toby Beau," commonly refers to the Texas band formed in the early 70's most commonly known for the hit single, "My Angel Baby" in 1978. Though little is known around the world about this band past this top fifteen single, the band is, in fact, still in existence today, and continues to perform in the club circuit.

Formed in the Rio Grande Valley, the original members included guitarists Danny McKenna, Balde Silva, Art Mendoza, bassist Steve Zipper and drummer Rob Young. After numerous club performances around South Texas, the band moved to San Antonio, Texas and received a major record deal from RCA (now BMG). This deal would recruit the production talents of Sean Delaney, who at the time was also producing a young band named "KISS". In addition, guitarist Mendoza was replaced with guitarist and banjo extraordinaire Ron Rose, who added a sort of County-flavor to the band.

Upon completion of the self-titled first album, the band moved to New York, and would embark on major tours with artists and bands such as the Doobie Brothers, Bob Seger, and the Steve Miller Band. Popularity of the band would gradually arise through these tours, but this would suddenly become a skyrocket when the pop ballad "My Angel Baby" scored number 1 on the Easy Listening Chart for two weeks. Suddenly the album would score major sales, and "My Angel Baby" would eventually achieve gold status by being awarded the coveted "Million-Aire Award" by BMI for over a million radio plays. There was even a re-release of the album, this time with "My Angel Baby" as the album title which was added to the cover art.

Following the success of the first album, the band temporarily moved to Miami. There, recording sessions for the second album would not at all be impressive to the producers, and almost all recorded songs would be eliminated from the album. It was suggested that the band move to Tennessee and record with the likes of major session players. It was this move that started to break the band apart.

Although the addition of the production talents of Daniel Moore (writer for B.W. Stevenson and Three Dog Night) and Norbert Putnam (who had worked with Jimmy Buffet), as well as talented musicians like Victor Feldman (from Steely Dan fame) and Larry Londin (who later worked with Journey) provided a smooth fusion style to the music, members of the band felt the tradition of the music was severely altered. This initially resulted in McKenna's choice to leave the band before completion of the second album, entitled "More Than a Love Song," released in 1979.

This album would score a top 40 single in the cover of John D. Loudermilk's "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye," but otherwise the album remained a financial disappointment to the band, and less than a year after the release, Zipper, Rose, and Young departed, leaving Silva at the helm with one album left on the contract.

Although it was a large burden on him to complete the third album single-handedly, this provided numerous successes, such as all legal rights to retain the band's name. Silva moved to Los Angeles to record the third album with producer Jerry Fuller. With the help of numerous studio artists, the third album, "If You Believe" was successfully released in 1980. Although not viewed as a commercial success, the album did score a third hit in the ballad "If I Were You," which might demonstrate a preview of how the band would sound in years to come.

After the third album, the band was dropped from RCA, but Silva has refused to let the band fall, having adopted the name of "Toby Beau," himself as his stage name. In the 80's, wife Rennetta (under the stage name Dennett) joined the band and the two would recruit numerous other musicians in the band for years to come. Sessions for a fourth album have been recorded numerous times in the 80's and again in the late 90's, but as of now, no plans have been made for any studio release, but self-made recordings have been produced, and can usually be bought from members of the band or at certain venues they work for.

Currently, the band continues to perform the club circuit with guest musicians who sit in frequently. Most recent guest musicians have included trumpeter and piano sensation Michael Schuler and Silva's son, saxophonist Michael Silva. The band can usually be located around South Padre Island, Texas and performing for the cruise ship industry or by checking the web site. Group leader, Danny McKenna, age 54, died in his McAllen, Texas home, April 26th 2006.

The Toby Beau

Tracks

1. Moonshine (Ron Rose, Sean Delaney) - 2:45

2. California (Balde Silva, Sean Delaney) - 3:02

3. Same Old Line (Balde Silva, Denny McKenna) - 2:59

4. Into The Night (Denny McKenna, Balde Silva, Steve Zipper) - 3:44

5. My Angel Baby (Denny McKenna, Balde Silva) - 3:32

6. Westbound Train (Ron Rose, Denny McKenna, Balde Silva) - 4:24

7. Buckaroo (Denny McKenna, Ron Rose) - 4:04

8. Watching The World Go By (Denny McKenna, Ron Rose, Sean Delaney) - 3:23

9. Bulldog (Ron Rose, Sean Delaney) - 2:38

10.Wink Of An Eye (Sean Delaney) - 2:53

11.Broken Down Cowboy (Balde Silva, Danny McKenna, Robert Young, Ron Rose Sean Delaney, Steve Zipper) - 2:39

Toby Beau

*Rob Young - Drums, Percussion

*Steve Zipper - Vocals, Bass

*Ron Rose - Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin

*Balde Silva - Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica

*Danny McKenna - Vocals, Lead Guitar

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Randy And The Radiants - Memphis Beat The Sun Recordings (1964-66 us, solid garage beat roots 'n' roll, 2007 remaster)

In 1964, when the British Invasion reared its ugly – to the established American record biz – head, Memphis’ original pathfinding rock’n’roll imprint, Sun Records, was in its twilight years. Sam Phillips was never a follower of trends, but when his son Knox presented a fine example of the local grass roots reaction to the British in the shape of the Radiants, Phillips acknowledged their talent, and signed the enthusiastic youngsters to Sun. Their two singles on the iconic yellow label now count as the highlights of its latterday catalogue.

True to the diffuse nature of its musical heritage, Memphis had an interesting and unpredictable take on what the Beatles and their ilk inspired. Randy & The Radiants are an excellent example of this, and most likely the earliest: slightly derivative perhaps, but certainly inspired in content. Though the garage rock crowd know the band’s name for the crunchy chording of My Way Of Thinking, the considerable cache of Sun sessions from 1964 and 1966, the best of which are included upon “Memphis Beat”, reveal the Radiants as several fret-notches above the average teenage combo of the time.

There is the expected quotient of frat-band raunch and Anglicised rockabilly – while it is fascinating to hear the band cover older Sun copyrights such as Boppin’ The Blues– but the true gems in the Radiants canon are guitarist Bob Simon’s contemplative originals, with their own mature blend of harmony and soul, akin to that of the best British beat like the Searchers. The searing, irresistible Truth From My Eyes would have made a great mid-period Hollies single, and tunes like To Seek And Then Find, Nobody Walks Out On Me or I Won’t Ask Why are so effortlessly Mersey in execution, it’s easy to forget the grandaddy of rockabilly is behind the mixing desk. Add the warm, authoritative rasp of Randy Haspel, Memphis’ answer to Allan Clarke, and one can understand Sun’s excitement in having found a local and commercially-potent interpretation of the British beat.

As Haspel relates in a fascinating memoir included in the booklet to MEMPHIS BEAT, the tremendous promise of the Radiants was cut short just as they were hitting their stride, largely due to events beyond their control. But any group should be proud of what Randy & The Radiants accomplished in what was a relatively brief time together. That Knox and Sam Phillips helped them to their moment in the sun (pun intended) is the icing on the cake.

by Alec Palao

Tracks

1. My Way of Thinking (Donna Weiss) - 2:37

2. Nobody Walks Out On Me (Bob Simon) - 2:18

3. Be Good While I'm Gone (Bob Simon) - 1:36

4. Truth from My Eyes (Bob Simon) - 2:23

5. You Are the One (Donna Weiss, Mary Unobsky) - 2:23

6. Peek-A-Boo (Bob Simon) - 2:08

7. Boppin' the Blues (Carl Perkins, Howard Griffin) - 2:03

8. To Seek and Then Find (Bob Simon) - 2:26

9. Grow Up Little Girl (John Monasco) - 2:20

10.Lucille (Albert Collins, Richard Penniman) - 2:57

11.I Won't Ask Why (Bob Simon) - 2:30

12.True and Sweet (Bob Simon) - 2:27

13.Glad All Over (Dave Clark, Mike Smith) - 2:39]

14.Hope We Meet Next Summer (Donna Weiss) - 2:23

15.Money (That's What I Want) (Janie Bradford, Berry Gordy) - 3:24

16.Blue Suede Shoes (Carl Perkins) - 2:04

17.The Mountain's High (Dick St. John) - 2:38

18.You Can't Judge a Book By the Cover (Ellas McDaniel) - 2:38

19.Dedicated to the One I Love (Lowman Pauling, Ralph Bass) - 3:25

20.Walk Softly (Bob Simon) - 1:37

21.Nobody Walks Out On Me (Bob Simon) - 2:06

22.I Won't Ask Why (Bob Simon) - 2:11

23.A Love of the Past (Bob Simon) - 2:21

24.Turn on Your Lovelight (Deadric Malone, Joseph Scott) - 3:09

Randy And The Radiants

*Randy Haspel - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals

*Bob Simon - Vocals

*Ed Marshall - Guitar

*Howard Calhoun - Bass, Keyboards

*Mike Gardner - Drums

*Bill Slais Jr. - Saxophone, Vocals

*Otis Glasscock - Background Vocals

*Jimmy Beckemeyer - Background Vocals

*Gregg Grinspan - Background Vocals

*Tony Rossini - Background Vocals

1976-78 Firefall - Firefall / Luna Sea / Elan (2016 double disc set)

Monday, November 4, 2024

Firefall - Greatest Hits (1976-83 us, magnificent country guitar smooth rock)

Sharing a light, lush airiness with bands like Poco, America, and Air Supply, Firefall sang fluffy love songs that were weak in lyrical nutrients but abundant with softened chords and harmonies. When radio was saturated with light rock in the mid- to late-'70s, they were right in the heart of it, reaching number nine on Billboard's Top 40 with the gentle "You Are the Woman," which remained on the charts for a startling 15 weeks. Firefall's greatest hits collects all of their mellow rock favorites in one place, presenting some thin but not unlistenable soft rock tunes. Lead singer Rick Roberts pours his heart out but still manages to stir up a decent tempo with "Just Remember I Love You," their second biggest single.

The blue of the Colorado skyline, the band's home state, is visioned on the soothing flow of "Break of Dawn," and a slight attractiveness is felt throughout "Strange Way," another chart single in 1978. Roberts, who replaced Gram Parsons in the Flying Burrito Brothers, and drummer Michael Clarke, a onetime Byrds member, did give Firefall a talented history within its lineup, but the music being produced contained ample amounts of schlock that soon faded as radio became tired of this shallow drivel. Sometimes harboring a country feel a la Michael Martin Murphy best heard in songs like "Someday Soon" and "It Doesn't Matter," it was evident that the band had only one direction, which was that of a folk-rock sound. Since their material never strayed from this subtle easiness, Firefall's greatest hits is their most worthwhile offering.

by Mike DeGagne

Tracks

1. Livin' Ain't Livin' (Rick Roberts) - 3:51

2. Cinderella (Larry Burnett) - 3:36

3. You Are The Woman (Rick Roberts) - 2:43

4. Mexico (Rick Roberts) - 4:19

5. It Doesn't Matter (Chris Hillman, Rick Roberts, Stephen Stills) - 3:31

6. Just Remember I Love You (Rick Roberts) - 3:18

7. So Long (Rick Roberts) - 5:30

8. Someday Soon (Rick Roberts) - 4:06

9. Strange Way (Rick Roberts) - 3:26

10.Goodbye, I Love You (Rick Roberts) - 4:24

11.Sweet And Sour (Jock Bartley, Rick Roberts) - 3:36

12.Love That Got Away (Rick Roberts) - 3:25

13.Headed For A Fall (Rick Roberts) - 4:12

14.Staying With It (John Lewis Parker, Tom Snow) - 3:04

15.Break Of Dawn (Jock Bartley) - 3:48

16.Always (John Sambataro, Paul Crosta) - 3:48

17.Runaway Love (Jock Bartley, John Sambataro, Paul Crosta) - 3:58

18.Run Run Away (Jock Bartley) - 4:45

Firefall

*Jock Bartley - Lead Electric, Slide Guitars, Bigsby Palm Pedal Guitar

*Larry Burnett - Electric, Acoustic Rhythm Guitars, Vocals (Tracks1-14)

*David Muse - Piano, Clavinet Synthesizer Flute, Tenor Sax, Harmonica (Tracks1-14)

*Rick Roberts - Acoustic Guitars, Vocals (Tracks1-14,18)

*Mark Andes - Bass, Vocals (Tracks1-13)

*Michael Clarke - Drums (Tracks1-13)

*George Hawkins - Bass, Vocals (Track 14)

*Tris Imboden - Drums, Percussion (Tracks 14)

With

*Joe Lala - Congas Timbales Shakers Tambourine Finger Cymbals, Sand Blocks (Tracks1-13,15,16)

*Timothy B. Schmit - Backing Vocals (Track 6)

*Jim Keltner - Drums (Track 11)

*Billy Payne - Organ (Track 12)

*Paul Harris - Electric Piano (Track 13)

*Lisa Nemzo - Vocals (Track 14)

*Arnold Paseiro - Bass (Track 15)

*Stephen Stills - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals (Track 15)

*David Sanborn - Alto Saxophone (Track 16)

*Richie Goldman - Bass (Track 16)

*Kip Kuepper - Bass (Track 18)

Saturday, November 2, 2024

The Enfields / Friends Of The Family - The Songs Of Ted Munda (1966-68 us, awesome garage folk psych rock)

The Enfields were one of the countless garage bands competing for airplay in the 1960s. They released a series of quality local 45s before morphing into the more progressive Friends of the Family, of which by that time, principal songwriter Ted Munda was the only surviving member. The Enfields hailed from Wilmington, Delaware, where they were unquestionably the area’s top group.

“In The Eyes Of The World” was their first Richie 45 released in late 65/early 66. This track is really a teenbeat gem with the great reverbed hollow-body guitar work of John Bernard and plenty of ghostly harmonies via Ted Munda and Charlie Berl. “In The Eyes Of The World” did not have a B-side but sold well locally, making Wilmington’s top 40 and established the group as a force to be reckoned with. The Enfields’ next number, “She Already Has Somebody/I’m For Things You Do” was a #4 local smash and perhaps their finest moment on vinyl. Very similar to the Dovers’ material from around the same time, “She Already Has Somebody” is a minor key folk-rocker with solid hooks, lots of nervous energy and fine guitar work. By the release of their third single the Enfields began branching out into harder, more aggressive sounds. “Face to Face,” another near classic from 1966, opens with a toggle switch guitar sound (probably influenced by the Who), features tough Taxman-like riffs and a brief psychedelic guitar solo. The single’s A-side, “You Don’t Have Very Far” is musically very strong but represents somewhat of a throwback to the 1965 folk-rock sound. This is definitely a “must own”45 from 1966!

After the Enfields broke up in 1967, Ted Munda formed Friends of the Family. He recruited Wayne Watson and Jimmy Crawford from local group the Turfs. They released one disappointing 45 in 1968 but thankfullly made it into the studio for two recording sessions. Munda and his new group recorded throughout 1967 and 1968, amassing about an album’s worth of material (11 songs). While these recordings barely reached the demo stage, the music is accomplished and worth your time. Tracks like the excellent “Last Beach Crusade,” “Together” and the 6 minute “Hot Apple Betty” are progressive and sound like a jazz influenced Left Banke. These three tracks were recorded in 1968 and show the Friends experimenting with lots of keyboards, challenging guitar solos, Zombies/Beatles’ influenced vocals and complex song arrangements. “Funny Flowers,” one of the earlier songs recorded in 1967, is just as appealing but more song-based (jangly folk-rock). “You See I’ve Got This Cold,” another highlight from the 1968 sessions, is a personal favorite that reminds me of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention. It’s full of psychedelic weirdness; check out the bizarre lyrics, tinkling piano, and trippy wah-wah. The band forged on into late 68 opening for The Who and Pink Floyd at the Philadelphia Music Festival. Eventually, Friends of the Family broke up and some years later Ted Munda formed Hotspur, who released an album on Columbia in 1974.

The best way to hear the Enfields/Friends of the Family saga is through Get Hip’s superb cd reissue, Classic Sounds of the 60s. Normally a patchwork reissue like this doesn’t work but Ted Munda rarely recorded anything bad, making The Enfields/and early Friends of the Family a very impressive release.

by Jason Nardelli

Tracks

1. In The Eyes Of The World (Charlie Berl, Ted Munda) - 2:15

2. I'm For The Things You Do - 2:30

3. She Already Has Somebody (Ted Munda, Vince Rago) - 2:47

4. You Don't Have Very Far - 2:33

5. Face To Face - 2:34

6. Twelve Months Coming - 2:14

7. Time Card - 2:25

8. Time Music - 1:52

9. Wallace He Plays With Frogs - 2:30

10.Funny Flowers - 2:30

11.Blue Boats Make Me Sad - 3:15

12.Jello Lights - 2:25

13.Bambi's March - 2:22

14.You See I've Got This Cold - 1:29

15.Last Beach Crusade - 3:17

16.Hot Apple Betty - 6:01

17.Together - 3:39

18.Sing A Song - 2:29

All songs by Ted Munda except where indicated

The Enfields / Friends Of The Family

*Ted Munda - Vocals, Guitar

*Charlie Berl - Vocals, Tambourine (Tracks 1-7)

*John Bernard - Guitar (Tracks 1-7)

*Gordon Berl - Drums (Tracks 1-7)

*Bill Gallery - Bass (Tracks 1-4)

*Wayne Watson - Guitar (Tracks 8-18)

*John Rhoads - Bass (Tracks 5-13)

*Ray Andrews - Bass, Vocals (Tracks 14-18)

*Lindsay Lee - Organ, Vocals (Tracks 14-18)