Pete Dello And Friends - Into Your Ears (1969-72 uk, gorgeous sunny folk psych, xtra tracks remaster)

Pete Dello was the original leader of the Honeybus, a short-lived but wonderful English baroque-pop group who only managed to release one album in 1970 (finally reissued in 2008-). For all the gems available on compilations like Honeybus At Their Best and She Flies Like A Bird: The Anthology, fans of their brand of summery, rootsy pop couldn’t be truly satisfied without an ear on Dello’s fine solo efforts.

Comparisons to the Beatles are somewhat unavoidable, from the next-level songwriting to the double-tracked voice, chamber orchestra production, but assertions of cheap imitation are unacceptable. Dello’s album is a pretty mix, most songs led with a clean acoustic guitar or piano, flavoring the sound with modest string and brass sections. This is where the record gets its baroque tag, but at times the music, like Honeybus, approaches a country-folk-rock sound. Tracks like I’m A Gambler illustrate that perfect mix of rural rock and sunshine pop, blessed with some especially tasteful percussion. The trick to the record’s charm may be the Nilsson inspired vocal treatments, either Dello’s unassuming lead or the lilting vocal turns and harmony parts.

I wouldn’t call it a perfect record, but it gets pretty close and grows to be very solid. Pete scored with his first Honeybus single, I Can’t Let Maggie Go, and gets a chance at a full showcase with Into Your Ears. Only a couple tracks push the British camp too much for my ears, so take note if you’re fond of skipping sillier tracks. If you’re looking for gems, you’ll be right on target.

by Brendan McGrath, June 10th, 2008

Tracks

1. It's What You've Got - 3:16

2. There's Nothing I Can Do For You - 2:36

3. I'm A Gambler - 3:15

4. Harry The Earwig - 2:22

5. Do I Still Figure In Your Life - 2:40

6. Uptight Basil (Pete Dello, Ray Cane) - 2:41

7. Taking The Heart Out Of Love - 2:54

8. On A Time Said Sylvie - 2:24

9. A Good Song - 2:54

10.It's The Way - 2:07

11.Go Away - 2:24

12.Arise Sir Henry - 2:39

13.Taking The Heart Out Of Love - 3:21

14.Uptight Basil (Pete Dello, Ray Cane) - 2:30

15.Hear Me Lonely - 4:08

16.Madame Chairman Of The Committee - 3:16

All songs by Pete Dello except where indicated

Personnel

*Pete Dello - Vocals, Guitar

*Ray Cane - Bass, Vocals

*Colin Hare - Guitar, Vocals

*Mike Green - Guitar

*Jim Kelly - Guitar

*Pete Kircher - Drums, Vocals

*Bobby Henrit - Drums

*Roger Rettig - Steel Guitar

*Tommy Moeller - Vocals

*Lem Lubin - Vocals

*Russ Ballard - Accordian

*Pat Halling - Strings, Orchestration

Related Acts

1967-73  Honeybus - She Flies Like A Bird The Anthology  

1971  Colin Hare - March Hare (2015 remaster)  

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Headstone - Still Looking (1974 us, excellent heavy fuzz psych with hard garage shades, 2009 bonus tracks remaster)

Headstone consisted of three Fiynn brothers and a friend Torn Applegate who recorded this, their sole album at the Rome Recording Studios in Columbus Ohio in 1974. Interestingly the Rome Studios, which still exist today, was run by jack Casey and provided studio facilities to primarily Christian bands at the time although there is no evidence that Headstone were a Xian band. Ohio was full of obscure hard rock bands in the 70s and many of their self-released albums have stood the test of time.

This album is of a consistent high quality throughout and has been described as psychedelic and there are certainly some psych tinges but what we are talking about here is good old-fashioned hard rock of the BOC, Steppenwolf or ZZ Top variety mixed with a couple of potentially commercial and catchy hard rock pop tracks like "Peace of Mind*" and "Springtime" with vocals that would compete for the AOR FM plays if it weren't for the roughness of the production.

But this is a good thing in the same way as say the Morgan album. OK Morgen is more psychedelic hue that's more to do with the time gap of 1969 to this album’s 1974 and the Headstone vocals are more Styx than the punky snarl of Morgan but both albums have the same raw energy and pounding drumming high up in the mix making it part of the music rather than simply a rhythm section.

This album is full of fuzz and extended guitar solos and most of the tracks are well constructed with lots of tempo changes and well played with super swirling Hammond, hard drumming, hard riffing and lots of guitar effects. Headstones sole album is presented here with 6 extra tracks consisting of both sides of their non-album 45s.

Tracks
1. Still Looking (David Flynn, Bruce Flynn, Barry Flynn, Tom Applegate) - 8:29
2. I Like It (David Flynn) - 7:47
3. Misery (David Flynn, Barry Flynn) - 4:09
4. Those Days - 5:45
5. Peace Of Mind (Barry Flynn) - 5:01
6. Springtime (Barry Flynn, Tom Applegate) - 4:08
7. I Love You - 5:03
8. Buying Time (Barry Flynn) - 2:34
9. Snake Dance (David Flynn, Bruce Flynn, Barry Flynn, Tom Applegate) - 2:20
10.What People Say (Bruce Flynn) - 3:14
11.Carry Me On - 3:20
12.Hey Boy - 3:15
13.Ragin' River - 4:42
All tracks by David Flynn, Bruce Flynn, Barry Flynn except where noted

Headstone
*David Flynn - Drums, Vocals
*Bruce Flynn - Guitars
*Barry Flynn - Bass, Vocals
*Tom Applegate - Keyboards

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Kathy Smith - 2 (1971 us, wonderful jazzy folk psych, 2010 remaster)

Again, using this column to shine a bit of light on an album that’s been pinched between the cracks. While there are dozens of reissues pressing down each month, it seems that for each complete knockout, there are just as many superfluous retreads of dollar bin fodder best left to their original incarnations. So Necessary Repress finds me wandering through those records that elude local capture or beg too much on the secondary market. An apt example as any would certainly be the sophomore LP from L.A. folk artist Kathy Smith. Though she’s been a collector’s gem for quite some time, I came to Smith (as I imagine many might have) through Andy Votel’s lovely compilation Folk Is Not A Four Letter Word. Her song “It’s Taking So Long” from 2 gets prime placement on the comp and acts as an easy hook into Smith’s songwriting and style. 

Like her equally scarce debut, Some Songs I’ve Saved, 2 was issued on Richie Havens’ pet label Stormy Forest, which aside from the ‘70s output of Havens himself, only issued the works of Smith, Havens associate Bob Brown, and Canadian folk singer Bruce Murdoch. It’s little wonder then that her albums suffered from a slight lack of promotion. The record breaks from her debut to push a slightly more eclectic mix of songs, though both have a bit of Havens’ stamp of mixed instrumentation and jazz touches – augmenting the album with flutes, slight funk nodes and psychedelic overtones. Her second album is Smith at her peak.

It would have seemed like she was poised for greater things with 2. She’d played to an audience of 600,000 at the Isle of Wight just the year prior and with the album’s expanded palliate it certainly had some potential. However, like other psych-folk gems from the likes of Linda Perhacs, Vashti Bunyan, and Susan Christie, it would prove to slip through the fingers of the buying public. Though unlike any of those it has yet to find a second life in reissue glory. It feels like a record with enough of a cult following to make the crossover. Plus, while its a great record no one needs to spend $100 + on a copy. Recommending this one for a repress, puttin’ the vibes out to the universe. 

by Andy French

Tracks

1. Lady Of Lavender (Jimmie Spheeris) - 3:47

2. It's Taking So Long (C. Jackson Brown) - 4:57

3. Rock 'n' Roll Star (Pamela Polland) - 4:00

4. Willie (Jimmie Spheeris) - 3:55

5. Fly Off With The Wind - 4:32

6. Seven Virgins (Jimmie Spheeris) - 3:49

7. For Emile - 3:43

8. Travel In A Circle - 5:57

9. Blessed Be The People - 4:57 

Lyrics and Music by Kathy Smith, except where noted

Personnel

*Kathy Smith - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals

*Don Alias - Drums, Percussion

*Warren Bernhardt - Keyboards

*Jan Hammer - Keyboards

*Gerald Jemmott - Bass

*Leslie Jones - Guitar

*Bill Lavorgna - Drums, Percussion

*Tony Levin - Bass

*Donald McDonald - Drums, Percussion

*Don Sarlin - Guitar

*Jimmie Spheeris - Vocals

*Jeremy Steig - Flute

*Daniel Ben Zebulon - Congas 

1970  Kathy Smith - Some Songs I've Saved (2007 edition)  

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Kathy Smith - Some Songs I've Saved (1970 us, bautiful baroque folk psych rock, 2007 edition)

Kathy Smith began as a fixture around the Los Angeles hippie and folk scene of the 60’s and 70’s, playing regularly at venues such as Paradox, the Troubador, along with coffeehouses around town. Eventually, she captured the attention of Richie Havens, who would release her equally rare debut album Some Songs I’ve Saved, along with the followup 2 on his label, Stormy Forest. 

"Some Songs I've Saved", is one of the best-kept secrets in the history of singer-songwriting, this wonderful album is sure to appeal to fans of artists like Carole King, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. A glorious blend of melodic songs, deeply personal lyrics and imaginative arrangements (incorporating sitar, tabla and flute alongside guitars and piano), it's beautifully sung and features support from Pamela Polland (The Gentle Soul) and Jim Fielder (Blood, Sweat & Tears), as well as session favourites Jeremy Steig, Artie Traum and Eric Weissberg. Produced by long-time Richie Havens collaborator Mark Roth and engineered by Val Valentin (Frank Zappa, the Velvet Underground, Lee Hazlewood), it was originally released in 1970. 

by Jocelyn Romo

Tracks

1. Topanga - 3:34

2. What Nancy Knows (Dennis D'Asaro) - 4:37

3. A Vision Of Two Saints (Pamela Polland) - 3:56

4. End Of World - 6:34

5. Same Old Lady - 4:42

6. Blackbird And The Pearl (Jim Spheeris) - 4:38

7. Russel: Gemeni Ii - 3:27

8. If I Could Touch You (Pamela Polland) - 3:05

9. Circles Of Love - 3:36

Words and Music by Kathy Smith, except where stated

Musicians

*Kathy Smith - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals

*Warren Bernhardt - Piano

*Monte Dunn - Guitar

*Jim Fielder - Bass

*Bill LaVorgna - Drums

*Chuck Rainey - Bass

*Jeremy Steig - Flute

*Stormy Forest Freaks - Choir, Chorus, Handclapping

*Artie Traum - Banjo, Guitar

*Collin Walcott - Tabla

*Eric Weissberg - Fiddle 

*Don Sarlin - Guitar

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The Flatlanders - More A Legend Than A Band (1972 us, stunning americana country rock, feat. Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock)

This became my favorite new record in under a full day. Normally, we are looking at albums that we’ve sat with, kinda know inside out, but this is an emergency. It’s been an evil secret that nobody told me about this one sooner.

Originally released in 1972, and only available on 8-track cassette until 1990, when it was finally put out on CD- just in time for the alt-country kids to scoop it up- this is a perfect country album. If you’ve ever detected a note of irony when the Byrds put their cowboy hearts on for Sweetheart, this is the record to set you straight. The real deal (and you know because it’s on Rounder).

It’s hard to describe what it is about the sweet spot this record hits, but here’s a shot: The Flatlanders match an electric sound with acoustic, bluegrass instrumentation (sans banjo). They play in an old-timey (lazy fiddle) way with a swing in their step, and add a nice psych touch with the musical saw (imagine a tasteful theremin adding hints of accompaniment on about half the record). Jimmie Dale’s singing is A+ number one and the harmony is also great. Oh and listen to that fine dobro work on Stars In My Life.

Or look at it this way: 13 great new songs to love, a beautiful forgotten classic for your shelves, and a serious contender for Sweetheart of the Rodeo’s coveted country-rock trophy spot. Yes, it’s the newest record in my collection, but I think I would grab for it first on my way to the island.

by Brendan McGrath, April 23rd, 2007

Tracks

1. Dallas (Jimmie Dale Gilmore) - 2:46

2. Tonight I'm Gonna Go Downtown (Jimmie Dale Gilmore, John Reed) - 2:41

3. You've Never Seen Me Cry (Butch Hancock) - 2:09

4. She Had Everything (Butch Hancock) - 2:07

5. Rose From The Mountain (Louis Driver) - 2:00

6. One Day At A Time (Willie Nelson) - 3:42

7. Jole Blon (Traditional) - 3:27

8. Down In My Hometown (Jimmie Dale Gilmore) - 2:42

9. Bhagavan Decreed (Ed Vizard) - 2:45

10.The Heart You Left Behind (Angela Strehll) - 2:18

11.Keeper Of The Mountain (Angela Strehll) - 2:44

12.Stars In My Life (Butch Hancock) - 3:00

13.One Road More (Butch Hancock) - 2:25

The Flatlanders

*Joe Ely - Harmony Vocals, Harmonica, Guitar, Dobro

*Jimmie Dale Gilmore - Lead Vocals, Guitar

*Butch Hancock - Harmony Vocals, Guitar

*Syl Rice - String Bass

*Tommy Hancock - Fiddle 

*Tony Pearson - Mandolin

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Complex - The Way We Feel (1971 uk, fascinating swinging beat psychedelia)

During their stint, Complex released two excellent albums pitched somewhere between psychedelic power pop and progressive rock. My favorite of the pair happens to be the British band’s second effort, The Way We Feel, which initially surfaced in 1971 on the Deroy Sound Studio imprint.

From the super sunny sensations of “Every Time I Hear That Song” to the hard and heavy jamming of the jazz influenced “We Don’t Exist,” the disc conveys an abundance of excitement and adventure.

Toe-tapping rhythms and nagging hooks are wired tight throughout cuts such as “The Way I Feel” and the paisley pinched “Lemon Pie Fair,” while “Moving Moor” is a brooding instrumental formed of classical music passages reflecting those of Procol Harum and the Moody Blues.

Beaming vocals, assisted by sweeping harmonies, expansive organ drills and stabbing guitar riffs are staples of Complex’s intricately crafted material. Although a hypnotic vibe holds the reins, the music maintains a lively and colorful exterior.

Commercial aspirations interact nicely with an experimental bent, resulting in the kind of record that would satisfy both top 40 listeners and followers of underground rock. A masterpiece of its genre sadly heard by few due to an extremely limited pressing, The Way We Feel is much deserving of a reissue. So kudos to the Wooden Hill label for recognizing the band’s worth back in 1999, and allowing their music to be enjoyed by a wider net of folks. 

by Beverly Paterson

Tracks

1. Every Time I Hear That Song - 2:47

2. Am I - 4:10

3. We Don't Exist - 5:55

4. Lemon Pie Fair - 3:19

5. The Way I Feel - 3:22

6. Moving Moor (Steve Coe) - 4:48

7. Jeananette - 4:32

8. Hey Girl You've Got Style - 3:02

9. If You Are My Love (Steve Coe) - 6:42 - 

10.Moving Moor (Steve Coe) - 4:49

11.The Way I Feel - 3:17

All songs by Bob Mitchell, Steve Coe except where indicated

Bonus Tracks 10-11

Complex

*Steve Coe - Organ, Electric Piano

*Brian Lee - Guitars, Backing Vocals

*Lance Fogg - Bass, Backing Vocals

*Tony Shakespeare - Lead Vocals, Drums

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The Electric Flag - The Band Kept Playing (1974 us, blues rock vibes, 2002 edition)

In 1974 the original Electric Flag members reunited for one album on Atlantic Records. The Band Kept Playing was their last album, and contains some of the best music ever recorded by the Electric Flag. "Every Now and Then" ranks among the best songs Buddy Miles ever wrote, and Grevenite's "Earthquake Country" is a classic piece of early‘70s soul-rock and the standout boogie "Doctor Oh Doctor (Massive Infusion), also penned by Gravenites, also most of the other material is well-played.

Tracks

1. Sweet Soul Music (Michael Bloomfield, Arthur Conley, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Roger Troy) - 3:56

2. Every Now and Then (Buddy Miles, Vonda Shepard, Roger Troy) - 3:45

3. Sudden Change (Roger Troy) - 3:56

4. Earthquake Country (Nick Gravenites) - 4:03

5. Doctor Oh Doctor (Massive Infusion) (Nick Gravenites) - 5:22

6. Lonely Song (Mark Naftalin) - 3:59

7. Make Your Move (Buddy Miles) - 4:20

8. Inside Information (Mick Jones, Sonny Thompson) - 3:40

9. Talkin' Won't Get It (Michael Bloomfield, Buddy Miles) - 4:12

10.The Band Kept Playing (Michael Bloomfield) - 5:12

The Electric Flag

*Michael Bloomfield - Guitar, Vocals

*Nick Gravenites - Guitar, Vocals

*Barry Goldberg - Keyboards

*Buddy Miles - Drums, Vocals

*Roger Troy - Bass 

With

*Barry Beckett - Keyboards, Mellotron, Moog Synthesizer

*Albhy Galuten - Keyboards

*King Biscuit Boy - Harmonica

*Nicky Marrero - Percussion

*Richard Newell - Harmonica

*Richard Tee - Keyboards

*George Terry - Guitar

1967  Electric Flag - The Trip
1968-69  Electric Flag - An American Music Band / A Long Time Comin'  
196?-7?  The Electric Flag - Live
Related Acts

1964  The Original Lost Elektra Sessions
1965  The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
1966  East West
1966  The Butterfield Blues Band - East-West (2014 Hybrid SACD limited adition) 
1966-68  Strawberry Jam

1965-66  The Barry Goldberg Blues Band - Blowing My Mind ..Plus (2003 remaster and expanded)

1968  Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper, Steve Stills - The Super Sessions (2014 Hybrid Multichannel SACD 24/88) 

1968  Al Kooper, Mike Bloomfield - The Lost Concert Tapes, Filmore East
1969  Mike Bloomfield And Al Kooper - The Live Adventures
1969  Michael Bloomfield with Nick Gravenites And Friends - Live At Bill Graham's Fillmore West
1969  Nick Gravenites - My Labors 

1968  The Barry Goldberg Reunion - There's No Hole In My Soul

1969  Barry Goldberg - Two Jews Blues (vinyl edition)
1970-71  Big Brother And The Holding Company - Be A Brother / How Hard It Is 

1972  Nick Gravenites And Mike Bloomfield - Steel Yard Blues (2015 remaster)
1973  Bloomfield, Hammond, Dr.John - Triumvirate (Japan remaster)
1976  KGB - KGB
1976-77  Michael Bloomfield - Live at the Old Waldorf
1977  Prescription For The Blues
1972  Various Artists - Mill Valley Bunch Casting Pearls

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Charley Musselwhite Blues Band - Stone Blues (1968 us, high energy chicago electric blues, 2005 remaster)

The late Big Joe Williams said: "Charlie Musselwhite is one of the greatest living harp players of country blues. He is right up there with Sonny Boy Williamson." The Memphis-born harp player is one of few white harp players who have stamped their mark on the blues, mainly because he was one of the first and also remains faithful to the style.

Musselwhite began playing blues with people he'd read about in Sam Charters' Country Blues-.-Memphis greats such as Furry Lewis, Will Shade and Gus Cannon. It was these rural roots that set him apart from Paul Butterfield.

Musselwhite migrated north from Memphis in his teens, in search of the mythical $3 per hour job, which had lured a significant portion of the black population onto the same route. He became a familiar face at blues haunts like Pepper's, Turner's, and Theresa's, eventually playing alongside harmonica greats such as Little Walter, Walter Horton, Good Rockin' Charles and Sonny Boy Williamson. Before recording his first album, Musselwhite appeared on LPs by Tracy Nelson and John Hammond and duetted with Walter Horton on Vanguard's Chicago/The Blues/Today series.

"Stone Blues" is a high energy blues album. Strong Little Walter feel (includes the man's 'Juke', amongst other tracks) and a rocking band featuring Tim Kaihatsu (later with Johnny Winter).

Charlie Musselwhite's tone and his performance are unique. His playing is extremely sensitive, balanced and innovative. His appearance is incredibly congenial, and his singing has gained in intensity, feeling and humor over the years.

Charlie has appeared on albums by such diverse musicians and bands as INXS, Tom Waits, Cyndi Lauper, the Blind Boys Of Alabama, Vassar Clements, Cat Stevens, and Bonnie Raitt. He has been honored with lifetime achievement awards. His open, friendly and human nature and elegant coolness have made him one of today's great ambassadors of the blues. 

Charlie Musselwhite still lives in Northern California. He can look back on more than 50 years of history as a professional musician, has released about 30 albums, won the Blues Music Award of the Blues Foundation in Memphis countless times, was inducted into the 'Blues Music Hall of Fame' in 2010 and, after ten nominations, received a Grammy Award together with Ben Harper for the album 'Get Up!'

by Detlev Hoegen, February 2019

Tracks

1. My Buddy Buddy Friends (Aaron Corhton) - 1:54

2. Everything's Gonna be Allright (Little Walter) - 2:37

3. My Baby's Sweeter (Little Walter) - 4:21

4. Clay's Tune (Clay Cotton) - 5:12

5. Gone and Left Me (Little Walter) - 3:42

6. Cry for Me Baby (Elmore James) - 2:32

7. Hey Baby (Albert King) - 4:28

8. Juke (Little Walter) - 2:19

9. She Belongs to Me (Al Benson, Magic Sam) - 2:35

10.Bag Gloom Brew (Clay Cotton) - 10:52

Personnel

*Charlie Musselwhite - Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals 

*Tim Kaihatsu - Guitar 

*Fast Eddie Hoh - Drums 

*Clay Cotton - Keyboards, Vocals 

*Carl Severeiol - Bass 

*Larry Welker - Guitar 

*Barry Goldberg - Keyboards

1967  Charley Musselwhite - Stand Back! Here Comes Charley Musselwhite's Southside Band  

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The Chambers Brothers - A New Time A New Day (1968 us, excellent soul blues psych rock)

Thriving in blues, rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, and rhythm and blues idioms, the Chambers Brothers had the respect of music critics and many of their peers. Not long after releasing their first record with Vault, the brothers garnered the attention of record execs at Columbia. Signing with Columbia sometime in 1966, the band teamed up with famed producer David Rubinson, psychedelicized their soul, and began to make inroads on mainstream radio with songs like “Time Has Come Today”, Betty Marby’s “Uptown”, and Otis Redding’s “I Can’t Turn You Lose”. To the band’s delight, their music was not only being played on the radio, but it was also being purchased.

To better understand the group’s diverse style, it’s necessary to briefly examine their Southern roots. Siblings Lester, Joe, Willie, and George Chambers were born and reared in Lee County, Mississippi, where their family labored as sharecroppers. Life was arduous in the Jim Crow South, but there were moments of pleasure for the Chambers brothers. Like so many African Americans, the young boys found solace, tremendous encouragement, and opportunities for artistic development within the walls of the black church. Taking in all of the lessons provided in black America’s sacred and secular worlds, the Chambers soaked up the energy and sounds of the church, while also paying close attention to the rhythms and vibes of the blues.

Skilled singers and musicians by the time their family headed for Los Angeles in the ’50s, the Chambers Brothers were more than ready when doors began to open for the group. Their big break came in 1961, when LA’s Ash Grove club included them on a bill with Barbara Dane, Sonny Terry, and Brownie McGhee. Celebrated for both their talent and “authenticity”, the Chambers Brothers — with their particular brand of gospel, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll — became regulars on the folk circuit. 

A fine group of musicians who, despite their eclectic style, made a name for themselves in the ’60s. Competition for the hearts and dollars of young America was fierce during this period, but the Chambers Brothers successfully carved out a niche for themselves in the ever changing world of black popular music.

Pop Matters 14 February 2008 

Tracks

1. I Can't Turn You Loose (Otis Redding) - 4:56

2. Guess Who (Jesse Belvin, JoAnn Belvin) - 4:21

3. Do Your Thing (Brian Keenan, George Chambers, Joseph Chambers, Lester Chambers, Willie Chambers) - 3:19

4. Where Have All The Flowers Gone? (Pete Seeger) - 3:40

5. Love Is All I Have (Brian Keenan) - 2:45

6. You Got The Power - To Turn Me On (Willie Chambers) - 3:22

7. I Wish It Would Rain (Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield, Roger Penzabene) - 3:23

8. Rock Me Mama (Arthur Crudup, Big Bill Broonzy) - 6:09

9. No, No, No Don't Say Good-Bye (Willie Chambers) - 4:19

10.Satisfy You (Gary St. Clair, Timothy Michael O'Brien) - 3:56

11.A New Time - A New Day (Brian Keenan, Joseph Chambers) - 7:25

The Chambers Brothers

*Willie Chambers - Guitars, Vocals

*Lester Chambers - Harp, Vocals

*Joe Chambers - Guitars, Vocals

*George Chambers - Bass, Vocals

*Brian Keenan - Drums

1967  The Chambers Brothers - The Time Has Come
1969  The Chambers Brothers - Love, Peace and Happiness

1970  The Chambers Brothers - Feelin' The Blues (2012 remaster)

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Ritchie Francis - Song Bird (1972 uk, orchestrated melodic silky rock, 2006 remaster and xpanded)

This is Ritchie Francis's only solo work "Song Bird", released in 1972. Ritchie, was a talented musician, from Neath, Wales, UK,  he began his career in mid sixties as a  bass player for The Mustangs, before they change their name to Eyes Of Blue and releasing two albums, in 1968 "Crossroads Of Time" and 1969 "In Fields Of Ardath". In 1971 they changed again their name, as Big Sleep and released  the wonderful “Bluebell Wood”. Soon after this release the band split.

Ritchie Francis recorded “Song Bird” with the help of Will Malone. The orchestration by Wil Malone is effectively and  the whole result is like a little prog-rock pop kaleidoscope.  It’s a trip from melancholic and melodious songs to bright songs.

Tracks

1. Song Bird - 7:05

2. Dizzy Sycamore - 4:53

3. I'm Not Alone - 4:40

4. It Will Last - 4:17

5. My Music - 1:48

6. Don't You Ask Me Why - 5:03

7. There's A Time - 8:03

8. Yet To Come - 6:07

9. Friends - 4:01

10.You're Never Gonna Make It - 4:21

11.To Follow You - 3:26

12.Crossroads Of Time - 4:52

13.Largo - 3:14

14.Yesterday - 4:22

15.Little Bird - 2:32

All compositions by Ritchie Francis

Bonus Tracks 12-15 as "Eyes Of Blue"

Personnel

*Ritchie Francis - Piano, Vocals

*William Malone - Drums, Orchestra Conductor

*Barry Morgan - Drums  

*John Rostill - Bass

*Jim Sullivan - Guitar

*Ray Taff Williams - Guitar 

*Phil Curtis - Bass 

*Mike Kellie - Drums

Related Acts 

1966-68  Eyes Of Blue - Crossroads Of Time (2012 extra tracks remaster) 

1969  Eyes Of Blue - In Fields Of Ardath (2012 remaster and expanded)  

1971  Big Sleep - Bluebell Wood (2007 remastered edition) 

1970  Wil Malone - Wil Malone / Until the End

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