Pure Prairie League- Two Lane Highway

Two Lane Highway

In 1975 , the country rock movement was at something of a crossroads. The Eagles soared with One Of These Nights, but later in the year would drastically change their sound and personnel.The New Riders Of The Purple Sage were, in essence, finished.The Byrds had already disbanded.The Flying Burrito Brothers had again reorganized and were clearly on the downside of their career.Poco again was dealing with personnel changes and was struggling to recapture what they had established in the early 70's.

Pure Prairie League was also at a crossroads. Craig Fuller had been gone for a few years, the band's first two LP's, despite some terrific music, failed to generate the enthusiasm it so richly deserved.RCA did a miserable effort promoting them and dropped them when Fuller left.The band, just resigned by RCA, had toured for two years without a contract and built up a strong fan base. New lead guitarist ,singer/songwriter Larry Goshorn was added to the band joining George Ed Powell , John David Call, Mike Reilly ,Mike Connor and Billy Hinds, all of whom had been together for years and were well aware of Goshorn ,who had the reputation of being the premier guitarist in Cincinnati and surrounding areas. He previously recorded with THE SACRED MUSHROOM.

On TWO LANE HIGHWAY , the band draws heavily on it's diversified musical roots: rock ,country, bluegrass and the blues,all superbly fused into one exciting and invigorating sound. PPL's tight , rich harmonies are always present. The musicianship is exceptional on all levels.In addition to Goshorn , George Ed Powell emerges here as a extremely crafty and gifted singer/songwriter after being in Fuller's shadow the first two LP's. Reilly lays down some strong ,imaginative bass lines and also establishes himself as a vocalist , while Hinds shows a versatility and professionalism on the drums that all to often is taken for granted , given the exceptional music here. Connor adds a creative touch on the piano, a forceful rock approach when called upon or seamlessly blending in at times with a much more eloquent touch. He can do it all-and he does it here. Call serves notice , for those who were still unaware after the debut LP, that he is the premier pedal steel man in country rock. Simply amazing, he can almost single handedly turn any song into something truly special.His "twin leads " with Goshorn became a PPL trademark as they scorched their way to success. At times , they almost blended into one ,an approach above and beyond their country rock peers.