Top quality Danish psych prog from 1971 with English vocals. Ranges from powerful guitar driven tracks through to Sitar drenched chill out's. Of it's type, one of the best Scandinavian albums of the '70s and originally on a major label!.
Hurdy Gurdy emerged from the Danish group Peter Belli and the Boom Boom Brothers (aka The B.B. Brothers) in June 1967, when three members of the B.B. Brothers, guitarist Claus Bøhling, drummer Jens Otzen and British vocalist and bassist Mac MacLeod formed the power trio HUrdy Gurdy. Inspired by Cream but with more psychedelic leanings, they split from Peter Belli and MacLeod named the band ‘Hurdy Gurdy’.
Otzen and Bøhling had to return to Denmark shortly after those recordings, as they were unable to secure work permits from the Musician's Union. A new bassist (Torben Forne) was recruited to replace MacLeod, and in the early 1971 they released a self-titled album for CBS. MacLeod briefly joined the post Zombies group Argent.
Claus also designed all the artwork for the single cover and rare poster, plus many unseen paintings on the printed inner sleeve and insert of this reissue. The single itself on famous Spectator Records is harder to get than the CBS album. What the band “Charlies” was for Finland, “Hurdy Gurdy” was for Denmark. Extra heavy guitar psychedelic with great drums and bass and extra cool vocals, on the same musical level as British Cream, sometimes even better! We love this album – solid underground all the way!
Tracks
1. Ride On (Claus Bøhling, Torben Forne) - 5:09
2. The Giant (Claus Bøhling) - 4:37
3. Tell Me Your Name (Claus Bøhling, Jens Marqvard Otzen, Torben Forne) - 4:28
The band’s American label, Bell Records, urged the group to return to their original pop crossover country sound, as opposed to Dodson’s “more rockier” approach and for this album they did just that for the most part. The album produced hit singles with the ballads “Minstrel Gypsy”, “Oh My Lady”, the catchy pop styled “Julia Get Up” and the 50’s styled rocker “Johnny Lightning”.
Tracks
1. Minstrel Gypsy (Kim Berly) - 3:42
2. No Destination (Ronnie King) - 2:10
3. Mumbo Jumbo (Rich Dodson) - 2:52
4. Got To Get Me Back Home (Ronnie King) - 3:16
5. I Don't Know (What To Call It) (Kim Berly) - 3:04
Minnesoda did an obscure but fairly interesting self-titled jazz-rock album for Capitol in 1972, produced by Bob Johnston (famous for his work with Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen, Simon & Garfunkel, and numerous others). The record was in limited respects like the first recordings of Chicago and, more distantly, Blood, Sweat & Tears in its jazz-rock-with-vocals format. Minnesoda, however, had a substantially greater funk flavor, and a speedier, more aggressive edge to their material, though they didn't have the pop-friendly melodies of the more renowned bands. Half of Minnesoda's eight members were on horns, with tenor saxophonist Dave Gustafson playing flute as well, adding to the rock band-as-big-band feel.
A couple of the musicians in Minnesoda had performed with name acts prior to the album. Trombonist Don Lehnhoff had played with Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. Much more unexpectedly, trumpeter Eddie Shaw had in the 1960s been the bassist for the Monks, the 1960s band of ex-GIs who recorded an album of ludicrously minimalist, furious pre-punk in Germany in the mid-1960s -- a record that was unknown by 1972, but which by the 1990s had an avid cult following.
Minnesoda were at first called Copperhead, but without the band's knowledge, they were renamed Minnesoda (in a nod to their Minnesota origins) for the Capitol album. (They were no relation to another band called Copperhead, including ex-Quicksilver Messenger Service guitarist John Cipollina, that also recorded in the early 1970s.)
Minnesoda's little-known self-titled LP is pretty hot white funk jazz-rock, sounding a little like Chicago or Blood, Sweat & Tears might have had those stars decided to go less commercial rather than more commercial after their first albums. Actually, Minnesoda are rawer and more frenetic than Chicago or BS&T were even at their earthiest, though their material lacks the pop hooks of even the boldest Chicago/BS&T outings. A quartet of brassmen on tenor sax, flute, trumpet, and trombone augment the usual rock lineup in this octet, fronted by John Elms' credibly high-octane, lusty upper-register blue-eyed soul vocals.
There's sometimes an almost big band-like dexterity to the horns, yet the more jagged, at times hyper, thrust of the guitars and drums give it a solid funk base. The melodies are often more ominous than they usually are in this kind of fare, frequently jetting off into unexpected, improvised-sounding horn interjections and key changes. Only the adventure film theme-like "Flexible Flyer," and the uncharacteristically reflective, jazzy ballad "Party" slow the tempo down much.
Johnston recorded a second album with the band that went a little further into jazz, and further away from any rough similarities with Chicago, although they were still present. But Johnston was unable to get the album released, and Minnesoda remained their only issued LP.
by Richie Unterberger
Tracks
1. Let's Get It On (Jerry Lacroix, Edgar Winter) - 6:00
A short-lived Los Angeles-based project. Their album has a great cover. The contents incorporate several different styles. All the music is written by W. David Mohr except couple of tracks, and much of it is heavy with lots of fuzz guitar reminiscent of Iron Butterfly. A sorta West Coast sound which seems in places distinctly similar to Fever Tree's San Francisco Girls (well spotted, Max!); pretentious pop with lots of keyboards (Midnight Candle); gimmickry with lots of sound effects (Does Your Head Need Straightening?) to the very plesant After The Storm, which has some delighfful soothing piano.
The original sleeve of this eclectic collection of Los Angeles psychedelia promised it would deliver 'a feeling of newness'. And indeed few albums from 1968 could boast such a range of styles, taking in acid rock, sunshine pop and heavy soul, with plenty of fuzz guitar and progressive keyboard interludes along the way. An overlooked gem that's sure to appeal to fans of classic underground music.
Tracks
1. Debby's Party - 0:32
2. The Ballad of Captain Bob and the Good Ship Venus (Bob Gay, Darrell Devlin) - 4:39
3. Love Allusions - 3:08
4. Milk And Honey Lovin' - 3:56
5. I Just Want to Make Love to You (Willie Dixon) - 4:48
6. Leaf Clover - 3:17
7. Prelude to the Music Makers Concerto - 1:28
8. Does Your Head Need Straightening? - 6:02
9. Midnight Candle - 6:17
10.Mary Lou - 1:51
11.Everything's - Cool 2:38
12.After the Storm - 5:28
All songs by W. David Mohr except where indicated
Rainbow
*Darrell Devlin - Drums, Percussion, Vocals
*Bob Gay - Bass
*W David Mohr - Organ, Piano, Flute, Trumpet, Vocals
After four years of amateur gigs and high-school dates around Toronto, Steel River began playing professionally in 1969 and signed with Tuesday Records the following year. From their 1970 debut album Weighin' Heavy, "Ten Pound Note" became a hit in Canada. Steel River broke up three years after 1971's A Better Road, but re-formed in 1979 to record the single "Armoured Car."
“Southbound Train“, the hit single from A Better Road was recorded at Toronto Sound with Greg Hambleton producing, Terry Brown engineering in 1972 and mixed by Bob Liftin (Regent Sound, NY). The album was released in Canada on Greg’s Tuesday label and licensed by the Stereo Dimension label in the States. Distributed worldwide by Phonogram, the single promoted the album and supported their extensive international touring schedule in major arenas. “Mexican Lady“, featuring John Dudgeon‘s blues-rock vocals and their 3rd hit single, is included along with “Do You Know Where You’re Going?“, “What You Are” & “Take It Slowly“. Completing the lineup was Bob Forrester on keyboards, Ray Angrove on drums, Rob Cockell on bass and Tony Dunning on guitar.
Steel Tiver became an international touring success and performed on three major American tours with The James Gang, Melanie, Steppenwolf, Black Sabbath, Three Dog Night, Edgar Winters, etc. Band members Bob Forrester (keyboards), Rob Cockell (bass), Tony Dunning (lead Guitar) Ray Angrove (drums) and with lead singer John Dudgeon wrote most of the material on their first and second album 'A Better Road' including "Southbound Train" and "Mexican Lady". Licensed by Polygram for release outside North America, all three singles charted in Canada and the States.
Tracks
1. Mexican Lady (Bob Forrester, Rob Cockell, Tony Dunning) - 3:50
2. Do You Know Where You're Going? (Bob Forrester) - 4:39
3. Take It Slowly (John Dudgeon) - 3:09
4. What You Are (Ray Angrove, Bob Forrester) - 3:18
5. They've Been Waiting (John Dudgeon) - 3:47
6. Southbound Train (Bob Forrester, Rob Cockell, Tony Dunning) - 3:56
7. Don't Tell Me (Rob Cockell, Tony Dunning) - 2:40
8. No One Will Hear You (John Dudgeon) - 3:01
9. Take You Away (Bob Forrester, Rob Cockell, Tony Dunning) - 2:45
10.Joyful Judy (John Dudgeon) - 3:11
11.Love Can't Be Made Of Gold / Let's Think Ahead (John Dudgeon) - 5:12
Steel River
*John Dudgeon - Lead Vocals
*Bob Forrester - Organ, Piano
*Rob Cockell - Bass
*Tony Dunning - Guitar
*Ray Angrove - Drums
With
*Lafe (H.F). Buckner And The Funky Hedgehogs - Backing Vocals, Percussion
One of the great British vocalists, with an immediately distinctive sound,Roden cut his teeth with the Alan Bown Set in the 60’s, achieving a minor hit with the single “Emergency 999”. He eventually left to form the band “Bronco” which recorded two albums, which though well received, particularly “Ace of Sunlight” failed to set the world on fire. Roden surfaced again on the eponymously titled “Butts Band” album, a wonderful collection of songs performed by a great band comprising Roden, Robbie Krieger and John Densmore of The Doors, and session favourite Phil Chen on bass. Check out the wonderful “Baja Bus” and “Sweet Danger”.
Around this time Roden also appeared on Keef Hartleys “Lancashire Hustler” album with Robert Palmer. Island records then stood by Roden for a string of great albums, both solo and with his band. The self-titled “Jess Roden” album features the wonderful “Ferry Cross”. “The Player Not The Game” ia a beautifully made album with the cream of New Orleans session men, including Allan Toussaint. Jess also made a memorable version of “You can leave your hat on ” from the album “Keep Your Hat on”.
Sadly, he was never destined for the big time, and albums like “Play it Dirty” and “Stonechaser” became the rarities at the back of the record shop. A brief return in the 80’s with “Multiplay” by the Rivits and some session work, notably Grace Jones “Nightclubbing” album marked a less productive Roden.
However, in the mid 90’s he made a surprise return with a band called The Humans,featuring ex-Strider and Rod Stewart guitarist Gary Grainger, recording one great album, subsequently disappearing from the scene once more following a live album.
This Kidderminster born vocalist has a voice of pure gold, and for most of the record buying public, he is an undiscovered gem, check him out!
by Kev Moore
Tracks
1. You Can Leave Your Hat On (Randy Newman) - 4:01
2. Jump Mama (Jess Roden) - 3:59
3. Blowin’ (John Cartwright, Jess Roden) - 3:24
4. In A Circle (John Cartwright, Steve Webb) - 5:29
5. On A Winner With You (Jess Roden, Steve Webb) - 3:18
6. Mama Roux (Dr John, J. Hill) - 3:31
7. Desperado (Don Henley, Glen Frey) - 5:21
8. Too Far Gone (Billy Sherrill) - 5:12
9. Send It To You (John Cartwright) - 4:05
10.U.S. Dream (John Cartwright, Steve Webb) - 3:52
11.Stay In Bed (Jess Roden) - 3:57
12.Can’t Get Next To You (Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong) - 7:01
13.Dirty Bars (John Cartwright) - 4:39
14.Me And Crystal Eye (Jess Roden, Steve Webb) - 4:14
15.Stone Chaser (Jess Roden, Steve Webb) - 5:33
16.The Ballad Of Big Sally (John Cartwright, Bruce Roberts) - 5:43
In 1972 the New York born guitarist Howard Feiten who had previous played with Paul Butterfiled for their 1969 "Keep On Moving", met Neil Larsen who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, together they formed the band Full Moon along with Gene Dinwiddie, Philip Wilson who both also had been in the Butterfield band. The LP was on an obscure label, never charted, and was relegated early on to the cut out bins. Even though the sound was an excellent amalgam of fusion “feel good” jazz rock.
Buzz Feiten with Butterfield, toured internationally and played at the Atlantic City Pop Festival and the Woodstock Festival, he was lead guitarist for The Rascals on their albums "Peaceful World" and "Island of Real". Feiten worked with many artists such as Gregg Allman, The Brecker Brothers, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Michael Franks, Al Jarreau, Rickie Lee Jones, Chaka Khan, Dave Koz, Kenny Loggins, Bette Midler, Olivia Newton-John, Wilson Pickett, David Sanborn, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder,Etta James, Dave Weckl and Don McLean.
Neil Larson was briefly a member of the Soul Survivors, later he began touring as a member of Gregg Allman's band in 1975. He also collaborated with many musicians. From 2008, he had toured and recorded as a member of Leonard Cohen's band.
Tracks
1. The Heavy Scuffle's On (Buzz Feiten, Neil Larsen, Gene Dinwiddie, Phillip Wilson, Freddie Beckmeier) - 2:53
2. To Know (Buzz Feiten) - 4:03
3. Malibu (Neil Larsen) - 4:13
4. Take This Winter Out Of My Mind (Gene Dinwiddie) - 5:26
5. Midnight Pass (Neil Larsen) - 4:22
6. Need Your Love (Buzz Feiten) - 4:10
7. Selfish People (Buzz Feiten, Phillip Wilson) - 7:49
8. Three Step Dance (Dave Holland) - 10:21
9. Jam (Buzz Feiten, Neil Larsen, Gene Dinwiddie, Phillip Wilson, Freddie Beckmeier) - 11:41
Cuby and the Blizzards started as The Rocking Strings with Eelco Gelling (guitar), Nico Schröder (bass guitar, replaced by bassist Willy Middel, ex-Sinister Silhouettes), Hans Kinds (rhythm guitar) and Wim Kinds (drums). Singer Harry Muskee was former double bass player of The Old Fashioned Jazz Group. In the years around 1964 the group performed regularly in the former factory hall "'t Krotje" in Groningen, where the competition was entered into with the local band "Little John and the Rocking Tigers". When the first single, Stumble and fall,was recorded for record company CNR, Dick Beekman was the drummer. The drummer left in 1966 for the beat group Ro-d-Ys,but would return to the band for a year in 1968. His replacement was Hans Waterman from Groningen. At that time, the group rehearsed in a part of the farm that Muskee had rented in Grolloo. In the formation Muskee, Gelling, Middel, Waterman and Hans Kinds, a number of singles were recorded for the Philips label of Phonogram Records,of which Back Home (A Man) reached the lower echelons of the Top 40.
For the recording of the first album, Desolation,the group was expanded with Henk Hilbrandie (piano), who had previously toured with the group for a year. Harry Muskee and Henk already knew each other from The Old Fashioned Jazzgroup,of which they were both part. This album was awarded an Edisonin 1968. In 1967 Hans Kinds had to go into military service and was replaced by pianist Herman Brood from The Moans. With Brood in the band, the album Greetings from Grollo was recorded, of which Another day another road became a reasonable hit. The album also featured the classic Somebody will know someday,inspired by Muskee's broken relationship with Miep Huisman. The band toured in 1967 and 1968 with Van Morrison, Eddie Boyd, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers and Alexis Korner.
After the recordings for the hit Distant Smile at the end of 1967, the band disbanded for the first time because Herman Brood had to undergo imprisonment for possession of narcotics,and disagreements had arisen between Muskee and Gelling about the future of the band. Muskee wanted to continue with Willy Middel and Dick Beekman, Gelling with Waterman and bassist Jaap van Eik. However, record company Phonogram managed to glue the break and the new line-up of Cuby + Blizzards consisted of Muskee, Gelling, Beekman, Brood and Van Eik. After about a year Beekman and Van Eik were kicked out of the band again and replaced by Herman Deinum and Hans la Faille from Blues Dimension. A few months later Brood was permanently kicked out of the band due to persistent drug use and replaced by Helmig van der Vegt (also from Blues Dimension).
The Muskee, Gelling, Deinum, La Faille and Van der Vegt occupation continued to exist for three years from mid-1969. After a few incidents that did the band little good, the fut was gone. The "Zwolse" members left the band and in 1972 the band was over. Joost den Draaijer set up the band Red White 'n Blue with Muskee and Gelling, who released one LP but that was not a commercial success. The name was changed again to Cuby+Blizzards. After Herman Brood re-joined the group, he gained some fame again. But after a short time, Brood and others left the group. After the departure in 1977 of Eelco Gelling to Golden Earring, Harry Muskee continued under the names Harry Muskee Band,then The Muskee Gang and again later Muskee.
In the mid-nineties, the old band name was picked up again with veterans Herman Deinum, Helmig van der Vegt and Hans la Faille, while Erwin Java remained sologitarist in favor of Eelco Gelling. Former football player Johan Derksen was manager of the blues band in the nineties. Derksen and Muskee knew each other from the sixties. In 2004, Cuby + Blizzards made a theater tour with an ode to blues singer John Lee Hooker. In 2006 a box with DVD, CD,documentary photo book about the blues band was released, compiled by former VARApresenter Jan Douwe Kroeske.
On September 26, 2011, Harry Muskee died of liver cancer, making Cuby + Blizzards definitive history. In March 2012 Hans la Faille released his biography Showbizz blues with many stories about Cuby + Blizzards. He also presented his new band, Hans la Faille's Showbizz Bluesband. Erwin Java founded the group King of the world around that time, named after one of the tracks from the album Groeten uit Grollo.
"Against the Grain" contained a dozen original songs written by Dodson, Berly and King in the style of the band was unique but it has been compared to such American bands as CCR, Poco or even the Byrds at times but with a Canadian twist to the lyrics. The album garnered Juno Awards for ‘Best Vocal Instrumental Group,’ ‘Best Producer,’ ‘Best Single’ and ‘Best Composer’ and was released in England and Europe.
Tracks
1. Carry Me - 2:55
2. Train To Nowhere - 2:54
3. Gator Road (Ronnie King) - 2:23
4. Only A Friend - 2:30
5. Oklahoma Country - 2:59
6. You Got To Go (Kim Berly) - 2:36
7. Sweet City Woman - 3:24
8. Sunday Prayin' - 3:05
9. Tuscaloosa Women (Ronnie King) - 2:48
10.With You I Got Wheels - 2:20
11.I Didn't Love You Anyhow (Ronnie King) - 2:19
12.Man From P.E.I. - 2:51
13.Oui Tu Es Mon Ami (Rich Dodson, Nicole Dufour) - 3:22
"From the Fire" is the third full length studio album from Canadian band, The Stampeders. Consistently releasing two albums per year at this point, the band continued their string of well produced, well composed and well received projects with this release. The album charted at 12th in Canada, which was their fourth straight album to appear in the top 20.
