Marshall Tucker Band-Gospel

Gospel

There is something magic about this release. The beauty of "Eye is On the Sparrow," a duet between Doug Gray and daughter Gabrielle; the absolutely MTB sound of "Wayfaring Stranger," and the bittersweet song "Mama Dont Cry Anymore," which was recorded months before the accidental death of Gray's Mother in an auto accident; the country-rocking "Singin with the Saints." Every song is a gem. Bassist Tim Lawter sings "Beauty of Life," a song written by guitarist Rusty Milner, and it is absolutely great. This is much more than just another good MTB album, it is a testimony. Beautiful and uplifting.

This is not really the Marshall Tucker Band. This is Doug Gray's band. Gray was the original vocalist for the Marshall Tucker Band. But that band disbanded in 1983. The leader of that band, Toy Caldwell, died in 1993. Doug Gray's Marshall Tucker Band does not sound anything like the original.

In 1988, Gray and Jerry Eubanks (sax and flute)created a new band, using session musicians and called it the Marshall Tucker Band. They did not sound like the old Marshall Tucker, except when playing the old songs in concert. The band was originally more focused on tradional country music. I haven't heard anything I like by the band.

Eubanks has left the band, and the sax and flute on this album is played by someone who came from firefall -David Muse

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band-Lets Go

Lets Go

Let's Go is the 1983 album from The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. This album marks the return of Nitty Gritty to the band name and Jim Ibbotson to the band. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (aka The Dirt Band) is notable for having many charting albums and singles. This album reached 26 on the US Country charts. Two singles from this album also charted. "Shot Full of Love" reached 19 on the US Country charts. "Dance Little Jean" reached 9 on the US Country charts. Let's Go, released in the middle of 1983, heralded their return to country music, as a largely acoustic band. In 1984, after 17 years with Liberty/UA/Capitol, they switched labels to Warner Bros., and that same year made some headlines as the first American rock band to tour the Soviet Union. Their Warner albums sold well, but by the end of the 1980s the group was moving between labels.

Tom Petty-Live Anthology

Live Anthology

Probably more rock than  country rock, But most people that like country rock also seem to like Tom Petty, I just got this boxed set, So here goes

Four discs-66,55,53,53 minutes each approximately. The discs are in individual cardboard holders,which are slipped into an open side of the cardboard box. The booklet lists venues,dates,and who played on the individual tracks. There is an introduction written by Petty about the making of this box set. The sound (newly mixed),from various venues across 30 years,is uniformly good. The retro style packaging is perfectly in keeping with Petty's approach to music-when a well made and assembled vinyl album made a true r&r statement for an entire (including Petty) generation of listeners.

In this day and age of over-priced "deluxe" releases/re-releases,even of admittedly great r&r,this collection stands apart. Not only are all the tracks heard here chosen by Petty,guitarist Mike Campbell,and their producer,the tracks cover 30 years of TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS in concert. Great music,nice packaging,and a low price make this worth owning. Petty and his band are one of the few groups still playing music that matters. Listen to any track on this collection,and you'll have all the proof you need,no matter if the song is well known,or a live rarity. Their musical sound and approach have changed little over 30 years. Their combination of influences of Dylan/BYRDS,and rootsy garage rock,combined with a bit of the British Invasion sound,have served as the foundation for their sound from the beginning. And that's what gives their music backbone. On these tracks the band effortlessly switches across musical styles,from originals to covers,all with that sound they've played from the beginning.

All the tracks on this set are on an equal footing,from ballads to all out rockers. Long time listeners of the band will need little proof of the great music here. If for some reason you aren't to familiar with the band,and want a lot of their greatest songs ("Breakdown","Refugee","American Girl",etc.),along with some great covers (THUNDERCLAP NEWMAN's "Something In The Air",BOOKER T. AND THE M.G.'S "Green Onions",just two examples),with the added electricity of a live performance-this is it. With hundreds of hours of live material to choose from,distilled down to four discs,a lot of musical ground is covered. Arguably some listeners will wish a certain song was included (personally I would like to hear more Dylan/BYRDS covers),but overall,this is an outstanding overview from one of the few long time bands that still matters.

For anyone who wants to hear music that is important,but more importantly,exciting and visceral,and that guarantees a good time,this is the set to get. Still,listening to this great music makes you wonder-what more great music is still left on the reels? But this collection goes a long way in satisfying that craving (like mine) for a generous overview of TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS doing what they do best-performing great r&r in front of an audience. With that inimitable sound the band has built on all these years,you get the feeling that this band believes in the power and redemption of basic r&r. This set is even better than the 2 CD set released by Immortal,taken from a concert in 2003,in Chicago.

Do your head a favor and purchase this wonderful collection soon. And then sit back and listen to some music from one of the few long time bands that can still rock and roll.

Marshall Tuber Band-Beyond the Horizon

Beyond the horizon

If Toy and Tommy Caldwell were still around I've got to believe that this outing would have their blessing. The songwriting is strong throughout and two of the tracks were written by Toy himself. My personal two favorite tracks ("The Rain" and "Give It All You Got") were both written and sung by Chris Hicks, who has a total of 8 writing or co-writing credits on the cd. Doug Gray is in fine voice on this disc as is Hicks and the rest of the band. The playing is strong throughout, with flautist David Muse carrying on in the style originally established by Jerry Eubanks, and Doug Gray's nephew, Clay Cook, showcasing his incredible talents on a couple of the tracks, as well as co-writing two tunes with Chris Hicks. Original Tucker producer (from the band's glory days on Capricorn Records), Paul Hornsby, lends his keyboard talents to 8 of the tracks, greatly helping to retain the feel of the original MTB line-up. Grumpy Old Tuckerheads will no doubt complain that without a Caldwell in the group it ain't the Marshall Tucker Band, but this is a finely crafted album that is true to the tradition established by the original band and is deserving to be heard by Tucker fans of all stripes. BEYOND THE HORIZON is Marshall Tucker's best album since 1983. On this one, singer/guitarist Chris Hicks shares lead vocals with Doug Gray, singing many songs on his own and giving the band a new voice while returning it to the old 70s sound of records such as the self-titled debut, A NEW LIFE and WHERE WE ALL BELONG. Several songs are not so great, but the great ones make this a 5-star release.

DVD Review-Firefall In concert

DVD Review-Firefall in concert

This is Firefall - live in TN at a festival that featured other classic rocks acts. Let me say this...this is a great live concert from these guys. Firefall was best known for two of the lightest tunes in Rock and Roll history ( You are the Woman & Just Remember I Love You)...however - don't let that fool you...these guys rock out pretty good!! They jam out several of the songs on this DVD, and their are great shots of the entire band ( which is the case with all the DVD's I;ve seen or own by this company). They key in on the guy who is doing the solo..they tell you which song they are playing...this is just a great DVD concert of Firefall. My only complaint is that it is short at only 65 minutes - yet it looks to be their full set from this festival. In any event, if you are reading my review or have looked at this DVD to purchase...your already a Firefall fan..so buy it!!! It is reasonable priced, and does a nice job of showing what these guys are like in concert. Well worth the money!!! This DVD has good sound and picture but the names of the players are not announced during ther concert or on the credits. Further review of this concert appearance (comparing pictures of bandmembers from past CDs) shows that the only original player is Josh Barkley (the lead guitar) and the other guitar player (singer), sax-flute player, bass player along with the drummer have been with Firefall since 1989 and are on the last 2 studio albums. This is an OK concert--just wish the band members were introduced--it was so hard to reconize them except by going thru pictures in the last 2 ALBUMS -Josh Barkley looks so different now but it is him playing lead guitar.

Outlaws-Eye of the Storm/Hurry Sundown

Eye of the Storm/Hurry Sundown

Dear fellow Outlaw fans. For the most part, the first eight tracks of "In The Eye Of The Storm" are mixed fairly well. When listening to the original album, I was quickly reminded this was not one of the better produced efforts to begin with. However, track 9. "I'll Be Leaving Soon", which is one of my favorite tracks was not remastered well at all. Once the acoustic guitar opening fades and the song starts to kick at the 53-55 second mark, you can tell an album was used as the reccording source. Listen for the bump sound.

The Hurry Sundown tracks are just fine. All in all, the CD would be a good addition to any Outlaw fan's collection. But it would still be nice if the original masters were used for "In The Eye of The Storm" and "Playin To Win". To any record label thinking of issuing " The Outlaws, Los Hombres Malo 1982 release in the future, do us fans a favor. Please use the original Arista master tapes!

Blackfoot-No Reservations

No Reservations

NO RESERVATIONS, Blackfoot's debut album, now out on CD, is great. The opening and closing song, "Railroad Man" is a terrific blues number that just flat out rocks, and the rest of the album is, too. It's highly unfortunate that this album had languished in the vaults until it was reissued on CD in 2004, just in time to coincide with the band's reunion. The fact that the surviving members of Blackfoot, past and present, advocate efforts to free people unjustly imprisoned in foreign countries, increased funding for law enforcement, and the death penalty or life without parole for aggravated kidnapping makes NO RESERVATIONS an essential purchase for both your ears AND your conscience.
Once in awhile, there is an album that just goes, like people say, totally under the radar."No Reservations" is a damn near PERFECT album, maybe with the exception of one song "Big Wheels" but maybe that's just me. From the start 'Railroad Man" kicks it in gear, and you're like "Hey, This is great stuff.'Then comes "Indian World" which you say to yourself "Okay, this is personal.." THEN you're literally BLOWN AWAY by 'STARS','NOT ANOTHER MAKER','BORN TO ROCK AND ROLL','TAKE A TRAIN' and 'I STAND ALONE'.I see people here selling this cd for a lot of money, and people. I gotta say this..It's WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN GOLD.I have easily listened to this over a 1000 times in three months.An album like this you've wished Skynyrd would've made.It's that good.I believe that if more people would listen to this album, they probably would ask Rickey Medlocke to form BLACKFOOT again, and PLAY these songs-along with 'HIGHWAY SONG' from "THE STRIKES" album.

Blackfoot -Flying High

Flying High

If the question were ever broached as to what band could be considered the "tighest" Blackfoot (the classic line-up) would win hands down. One listen to the guitar rhythm harmonies is all one need do to be convinced of this. You would be hard pressed to find any guitar tandem that can play so tight and "in the pocket" as the combination of Charlie Hargrett and Ricky Medlocke. Considering where this record was recorded, (Muscle Shoals Sound Studio) you will be quite impressed of the sonic fidelity that is delivered on this. Medlocke has said in subsequent interviews that he was not too impressed with the over-all sound of the record, but, for that era, circa 1975-1976 this record actually does bring the bacon home. For guitar sound conisseurs, pay particular attention to the guitar tones they are able to achieve (especially listen carefully to "Try a little harder, the soloing) here and you will be quite delighted. However, it is the incredible tightness of the entire band and in particular the pin-point accuracy of the guitar rhythm harmonies that are very impressive. A masterpiece? no, but considering the fact that this record is not only unknown by most southern rock as well as moderate Blackfoot fans, it is glossed over by reviewers (who probably don't even listen to it) and subsequently has become a sadly much underrated album. This record is glaringly obvious evidence of the enormous talent and skills of this band and in particular the great influence of leader Ricky Medlocke. 

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band-All the good times

All the good times

In 1971, after 'Bojangles' went up the charts The Dirt Band were settling into Colorado, their music was still changing. After the success of 'Uncle Charlie', the group recorded this album. "All The Good Times" is composed of two live tracks "Sixteen Tracks" the first track and "Diggy Diggy Lo", the last track. The album is a little rough, the Cajun imitations aren't all that great, "Jamaica Say You Will" is a little out of place. Songs like "Down In Texas" and "Civil War Trilogy" (a McEuen banjo instrumental) and most of the rest of the album is comprised of excellent country-rock reminiscent of late Springfield, or Poco. It's not that bad, pretty good for an album that has become a forgotten piece of their catalog. A lost treasure. songs on this CD include 16 tracks, fish song, jambalaya, down in texas, creepin' round your back door, daisy, slim carter, hoping to say, baltimore, jamaica say you will, do you feel it too, civil war trilogy, and diggy liggy lo.

Gene Clark-Boxed Set

Boxed Set (Bootleg)

A sprawling seven-disc set (eight, including the bonus interview), this Gene Clark box set, believe it or not, barely scratches the surface of his unreleased material and underlines the fact that he remains one of the most prolific, underrated, and talented singer/songwriters to come out of the 1960s. To this end, several collectors that are active on the Gene Clark website and a related listserv have pooled their resources to collect this set of previously unreleased and rare material. The first two discs contain nearly 30 previously unreleased studio recordings, most of them from the 1980s. Some are solo acoustic versions, but most are collaborations with fellow ex-Byrd John York and/or Pat Robinson, who, along with Clark, recorded under the name CRY. Some of the highlights include the fascinating and beautiful "I Am Without You," which was originally written for Clark's unreleased 1967 solo album. Clark had such a huge and impressive catalog of original material to draw on that it's surprising he recorded and performed so many covers, but discs three and four are dedicated to just these songs, and they are particularly enlightening. Several selections predictably draw upon his country roots, like "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "Long Black Veil." While these are wonderful, it's the Beatles and Dylan covers that command the most attention. Clark's readings of "I Shall Be Released" and, especially, "Gates of Eden" get to the heart of the matter and are quite possibly the finest versions of these classic songs, next to Dylan's originals. Discs five and six consist of 40 ultra-rare and alternate studio and live versions of songs that either were never released or somehow slipped through the cracks. The acoustic demos of "In a Misty Morning" and "Gypsy Rider" will take your breath away with their stark vulnerability. There are several exquisite examples of Clark's collaboration with Carla Olsen, particularly their duet on Phil Ochs' "Changes," from the True Voices album, and "Day for Night," from the Textones' Through the Canyon album. The import-only (U.K.) live album Three Byrds in London is well-represented by two of Clark's hardest rockers ever, "Denver or Wherever" and "Hula Bula Man," which come across like Johnny Cash fronting the Rolling Stones in the early '70s. The sound quality, frankly, is wildly inconsistent, and ranges from fair to excellent. The songs and performances, however, are the main reason for picking it up.

DVD review-Poco Crazy Love

Crazy love DVD

First off, it is a great concert and if you like Poco, the Eagles, CSNY, America, etc. you are going to like this.

There are two versions of this concert on DVD, but this is the one to get. The other is Keeping the Legend Alive CD/DVD

Why? Superior sound! The single DVD version ("Keeping the Legend Alive" by another DVD brand) has all the same extra footage (interviews, photos, rehearsals) but on a single DVD. Thus, to save DVD space to accommodate everything, the stereo track is a compressed Dolby Digital track (not a good thing, all things Dolby are not great). On this version, the extras are moved to a second DVD, and the concert has an uncompressed LPCM soundtrack. I know because I have both versions and this one sounds noticeably better. The single DVD version does come with a cd of the same concert. But this 2-DVD version is the one with the best audio!

But it is the great music why you should buy this!

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band-The rest of the dream

The Rest of the Dream

It seems like everyone has seen this one in the bargain bin, but no one has it. I don't understand that as this is a decent effort by the Dirt Band.

If you are like me, and I hope you are ;), you dig Jeff Hanna's vocals and you tolerate Jimmy Ibbotson's just to hear Hanna. Well if you are like that, you hit the jackpot here, as Hanna is in abundance. In fact, if you really like Hanna, "Just Enough Ashland City" is one of his best latter day efforts. Ibbotson is there too, however, with throw away numbers like "Junior's Grill" and "Hillybilly Hollywood."

The music hear basically fits the sound of "Hold On" and "Working Band"

Songs are: From Small Things; Waitin' on a Dark Eyed Gal; Junior's Grill; Bow Out The Stars, Turn Off the Moon; The Rest of the Dream; Just Enough Ashland City; Hillybilly Hollywood; Snowballs; Wishing Well; You Made Life Good Again.

You can't go wrong buying this, especially with the discount price.

CSN-After the Storm

After the storm

"After The Storm" is a very average CSN album. The songwriting and performances are all good, but they do not match up with the best stuff these guys have done. There is not much that really stands out here and not much that really sticks with the listener. The high points are few, with David Crosby's "Camera" being the best cut on the album. Stephen Still's guitar playing is another bright spot and he really lights it up on several of the tracks. Overall this is not a bad disc, but far from essential. A little spotty at times,But overall this album features some of their best work in years,especially song's like. It won'tgo away,camera,find a dream,and these empty days.Despite a couple weak song's it's definatly an encouraging boost from the album live it up.

DVD Review-Loggins & Messina-Stittin' in Again

Sittin' in Again

Almost 30 years after their 1976 breakup, the hugely successful duo of Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina took their hit-making magic on the road once again in 2005. When they first came together, Loggins was an acclaimed songwriter and Messina a former member of both Buffalo Springfield and Poco. Live finds these two consummate musicians revisiting the music that made them world famous with the passion and energy that have inspired fans for decades. This DVD captures them in front of their hometown audience in Santa Barbara.

The liner notes accompanying Sittin' in Again at Santa Barbara Bowl rank Kenny Loggins & Jimmy Messina among the great pop music duos of all time, including the Everly Brothers and Simon & Garfunkel. That's a serious stretch. Still, there's no denying that back in the day, Loggins & Messina were responsible for a fair share of memorable tunes and commercial hits--and judging from this 2005 concert, recorded nearly thirty years after the pair called it quits, their music has readily stood the test of time. They originally hooked up when Loggins, who was looking for a record deal, found both a producer and a partner in guitarist-singer Messina, a former member of the Buffalo Springfield and Poco; the hits ("Your Mama Don't Dance," "A Love Song," "Danny's Song,"" "House at Pooh Corner") started happening soon thereafter. It was Loggins, not the man he once called his "mentor," who enjoyed the more conspicuously successful solo career after they parted ways in 1976. But while none of his post-Loggins & Messina material is performed here, "Celebrate Me Home" would have been a natural, as this 20-song, two-hour concert has the feel of a joyous family reunion, with the pair's hometown audience very much part of the proceedings. Sure, everyone's hair is shorter and grayer these days (both frontmen were 57 at the time of this recording), and the vibe is a good deal more relaxed (for contrast, check out the breakneck, adrenaline-fueled versions of some of these same tunes from a 1973 appearance on TV's The Midnight Special). But that's precisely what this mellow night in a mellow town called for, and the Loggins & Messina band's country lilt, replete with fiddle, mandolin, and acoustic guitars, flows as freely as the breeze-blown clouds projected on the screen behind them. Clearly, a splendid time was had by all.

Don Felder-Road to forever

Road to forever

This one will be played for quite some time and is a SOLID release.
No stinkers here and I highly recommend you get to know this quality release better.

I've a been a long time Eagles fan and like many of you will agree that the talent and chemistry added by Felder's arrival in 74 was a shot in the arm much along the same lines of Mr. Walsh's arrival a few years later.
I'm one of those fans who quickly realized how much of an MVP Donnie Felder was to all things Eagles. He truly gave them the overdrive they needed to separate themselves from all of the other popular 70's bands.
When "Airborne" was released back in the day, it definitely had its moments but I felt like it didn't go as deep and show as much fire as what Don was capable of.

With this release, it's all about the songs!

We know Don can crank away for hours on his Fender or Les Paul, but it's nice to hear such solid songwriting and production across the board.
I'm thrilled to see and hear Don step behind the mic and get this show on the road.
It's nice to hear Don singing as confident as he ever has. Not that he will ever be mistaken for one of the greatest vocalists ever, but it appears he has really gotten comfortable with his vocals in 2012.

"Road to forever" has some fantastic melodic rhythm playing found within these tracks. It's the meat and potatoes of this release and really propels these songs to another level.
Don picked a great songwriting partner in Timothy Drury and it's also great to see that Tommy Shaw of Styx getting a few co-writes in here.

Fall from the grace of love is by far the best track on this release and the one I can't get enough of. If there is any justice in this world, it would become a top 40 hit. Great to hear Crosby/Stills/Nash along for the ride!

"I believe in you" is a stellar slow tempo tracks which will demand repeated listening's.
"You don't have me" is definitely one of the hardest hitting tracks and I'm relishing that solo at 2:26!! : -)
Other standout tracks include "Girls in black", "Wash Away", "Someday", and the tile track "Road to forever"

It's also not a bad thing to have some other exemplary vets of the music scene along (Lukather, Paich, and Porcaro) for the ride
All in all, "Road to forever" is a consistent and engaging release from Don Felder.
This is a welcome addition to my music collection and one that should be added to yours.
Bravo Don!

DVD Review- New Riders of the Purple Sage-Live at Turkey Trot

DVD Review- New Riders of the Purple Sage-Live at Turkey Trot

This dvd was filmed at the Turkey Trot Lodge in New York. This is a small and intimate venue. You get a close-up look at the New Riders performing their songs. This is a very "laid-back" and relaxing dvd to watch. It contains excellent jam music, including great steel guitar work. The New Riders really jam it out on extended versions of Portland Woman, and In the Garden of Eden. They perform an encor performance of Pamana Red. If you like good smooth relaxing jam music to watch, you'll enjoy this one. Also, the dvd cover art is beatiful. Another bonus is the CD of this concert which is included in the package. This is a great dvd/cd combo. This performance by the New Riders was quite a surprise. These guys can still bring it after almost forty years. There are two original members left (although technically David Nelson is the only original member since Buddy Cage stepped in for Jerry Garcia on steel guitar early in the group's history), but the fill-ins do very well. The venue is odd, it appears that there are about thirty people on hand at some turkey ranch in New York State.

Tommy Caldwell

Tommy Caldwell

Thomas Michael "Tommy" Caldwell (November 9, 1949 – April 28, 1980) was the bassist and original frontman for The Marshall Tucker Band between 1973 and 1980. He was from Spartanburg, South Carolina. He died from injuries suffered in a Jeep crash on April 28, 1980, at the age of 30. Tommy Caldwell played a lead role in the Marshall Tucker Band, which he formed with his brother, Toy. He composed several of their songs and played bass, percussion, guitar, as well as contributing backup vocals, though he sang lead on "Melody Ann" the only song on which he performed lead vocals. His last performance with the band was on April 18, 1980, just ten days before the fatal accident. This performance is captured on the 2006 release, Live on Long Island. He was the younger brother of bandmate and band co-founder, Toy Caldwell.

The Charlie Daniels Band's 1980 album Full Moon is dedicated to Caldwell.

The Gene Clark Demos

Never before heard solo demos from the 1970-1971 White Light era! do for release soon

The Byrds had been America’s answer to The Beatles and topped the charts with their 1965 debut single, “Mr. Tambourine Man.”

They followed it with a string of folk, and country-influenced songs, many of them from Gene Clark’s pen, including “I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better”coverd by Tom Petty on his multi-platinum, classic, Full Moon Fever. Finding the pressure that came with success too much Clark suddenly left the Byrds in 1966 and withdrew from the public eye. His attempt at a solo career later that year was hampered by a reluctance to tour or fly (earning him the title of “the Byrd who wouldn’t fly”). Teaming up with banjo demon Doug Dillard in 1968, the Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark bluegrass albums around Gene’s well-crafted songs. By early 1970, he left the band, left L.A. for the open spaces of Little River, Calif., near Mendocino, accompanied by his girlfriend and soon to be wife, Carlie McCummings.
Away from the pressure of the music business and inspired by the pastoral beauty of the area, Clark began to write songs that took on a reflective, introspective direction. His songs became more folky and stripped down as Clark swore he’d never again play electric guitar. “There was no deadline,” says McCummings. “He wasn’t under any pressure. And as a result, the songs just flowed out of him. The lyrics were so pure. They don’t come out of any manufactured experience.”
Here Tonight: The White Light Demos, offers a glimpse into the songwriting craft of Clark at the inception of the compositions that would become his first ’70s solo album, White Light, for A&M Records, released in August of 1971.
Of the tracks, six (“White Light,” “For A Spanish Guitar,” “Where My Love Lies Asleep,” “The Virgin” “Because Of You,” and “With Tomorrow”) appeared in final form on White Light. Two (“Opening Day” and “Winter”) appeared in final form as bonus tracks on the 2002 A&M/Universal reissue of the album. One track (”Here Tonight”) is an alternate version of a song that appeared on the Flying Burrito Brothers compilation Close Up The Honky Tonks. And three songs (“For No One,” “Please Mr. Freud” and “Jimmy Christ”) have never been issued previously in any form. 

CD Track List:

1. WHITE LIGHT
2. HERE TONIGHT
3. FOR NO ONE
4. FOR A SPANISH GUITAR
5. PLEASE MR. FREUD
6. JIMMY CHRIST
7. WHERE MY LOVE LIES ASLEEP
8. THE VIRGIN
9. OPENING DAY
10. WINTER IN
11. BECAUSE OF YOU
12. WITH TOMORROW

DVD Review-Poco-Keeping the legend alive

Keeping the legend alive DVD

Keeping the legend alive

This DVD has turned out to be the greatest surprise in many moons. The photography is mature and balanced. The venue, the audience, the lighting: all are in sync. But ultimately, great music is why I buy music dvd's, and this one has me very happy. The sound is full and rich- a gratifying mix of pensive and toe tapping. (I could listen to Rusty Young's slide guitar all night.) I can't help but think they're like the Eagles without the ego trips. Listener friendly, and timeless stuff. Great music. Great people.

Chances are you're not reading this without some knowledge of Poco. If you're in need of some confidence in the quality of the DVD, let me assure you, I had "0" problems with this CD/DVD set. Nothing but first rate.

My only complaint has to do with marketing- why is this set marketed as a music CD (with dvd add-on)? That too often means marginal quality video. Clearly not so in this case. I spend far less these days on CD's than I do on DVD's. This DVD should come up when customers search for new music DVD's. Poco would be making many more people happy. And more people would have yet another reason to agree that so much pop music of today is dismal in comparison.

New riders of the purple sage--- 17 Pine Avenue

17 Pine Avenue

I have not heard this CD yet, So here is a review from Amazon.com

The band won a Life Time Achievement Award from High Times magazine in 2002 while a frail Dawson suffering from emphysema was present . Shortly after the death of Spencer Dryden, a reconstituted line-up of the New Riders began touring in late 2005. It features David Nelson and Buddy Cage, alongside guitarist Michael Falzarano (formerly of Hot Tuna), bassist Ronnie Penque, and drummer Johnny Markowski who all contribute to this great renaissance to the ground breaking psychedelic act.

It includes 12 brand new songs from the originators of country-delic music (I just made that word up). And, it is like being transported back to those `hazy' days of the summer of love. "Prisoner Of Freedom" not only speaks to the state of the world today, but would have been right at home at Woodstock. Not surprisingly, Robert Hunter who so long ago played with the band and will go down in history as the lyricist for so many great Grateful Dead songs does the same on seven of the tunes here.

"Message In A Bottle' is a decidedly Zydeco/Cajun flavored ode to missing the point of messages but more than that lost chances in life and times. " It might have peace and freedom It might have been peace and freedom, I ain't going to grieve no more..." "Just The Way It Goes" is a Falzarano penned tune, a good-bye to love and what was never meant to be. The title tune is a shuffle that would feel right at home in a Grateful Dead set. "Down For The Ride" is a ballad written by Markowski about love and the hope that it lasts. Are you down for the ride?

"No Time" reminds us that this ain't no time to 'freak' around. The album is filled with great tunes that remind us how good it was back then and how pertinent those bands are still today. The lyrics and the music are still filled with double entendre and innuendo, the message is simple, the trip is fun. The New Riders manage the seemingly impossible. They remained true to the original musical vision and integrity without becoming outdated or archaic in the process. This ain't no nostalgia act, they still have songs with messages for today.

New Riders Of The Purple Sage. Long may they ride. To 17 Pine Avenue or wherever. " When the bullets have left the gun. There ain't no time to duck. Do not ask what must be done. Just drive the 'freakin' truck!".

Tom Petty-Wildflowers

Wildflowers

This is Tom Petty's finest album. He made it at a time when he realized he wasn't getting any younger, his midlife crisis work with Jeff Lynne past him, battling the end of his marriage; all those strange feelings were condensed and channeled through his songwriting, and the result was the magnificent WILDFLOWERS. It's Petty's first album produced by Rick Rubin (who had already lent his talents to the Heartbreakers' teriffic "Mary Jane's Last Dance" the previous year), and the earthy, crisp sound is a perfect compliment to both Petty's voice and his songs. The beauty of Tom Petty's music is both the casual ease he seems to effortlessly slip into, and the way his songs just manage to stick in your head. At first listen, you'll always find one or two songs that stand out, and certainly the others are good, but not necessarily great. But then, they get stuck. Try as you might, you simply can't get them out of your head. And it's at this point that you realize, all these other songs are just as great. And by that time, you realize just how beautiful the album is. WILDFLOWERS is no exception. The simple instrumentation (powered by Steve Ferrone's minimal drumming) hides the complexity of the work.

Lyrically, this is also Petty's strongest album to date. "You Don't Know How It Feels" and "Hard On Me" deal with the pain of isolation, the fear of loneliness. Songs like "Only A Broken Heart" and the title track are almost reassurances, like he's saying it's okay to feel this pain, you're headed somewhere better. "A Higher Place" and "It's Good To Be King" have a twinge of cynicism beneath their ideologies, while "To Find A Friend" and "Crawling Back To You" are about the pain of a relationship (the latter especially touching). And in "Wake Up Time," a very fitting coda, Petty especially confronts his age, with wisdom, reflection, even a little pessimism and wonder ("You were so cool, back in high school, What happened?").

Musically, while most of the Heartbreakers did end up contributing a lot towards the album (certainly much more than on FULL MOON FEVER), this is a Tom Petty solo album, so it allows for more creative arrangements, and plenty of guest stars. Ringo Starr plays drums on "To Find A Friend," the wonderful slide guitarist Marty Rifkin is buried deep in the mix on "House In The Woods," and Petty himself even takes his hand at lead guitar on a couple of numbers. There are a few absolute get-yer-yayas-out jam tunes, "You Wreck Me" and especially "Honey Bee," sort of the sweatier, swampier second-cousin to "Mary Jane's Last Dance." Petty would continue to record teriffic music, more or less with his fellow Heartbreakers, but he'd never quite reach this level of sophistication and artistry again. A must-own.

DVD Review-Eagles-California Nights

California Nights Interview

The content of this DVD is actually very good. The interviews are in depth, and cover a lot of history, song development, relations amongst the members of the band, outside band activities (i.e. worthy causes, etc.), etc. Each interview is an individual interview with either Don Henley or Glenn Frey.

Also, there is a segment on the band's induction into the hall of fame, and then a final interview (which is very good in video quality) of the entire band during their first reuinion tour (around 1994).

So the overall content (subject matter) is good. However, and this is a big "however, the video quality leaves much to be desired. Especially the first interview with Glenn Frey and Bob Costas (even the sound quality is not great on this interview). Because the quality is not all that great, and the sound on the first Glenn Frey interview is poor as well, the price of the DVD should not be so high. I think this maybe a bootleg DVD tho, some research maybe needed to confirm.

Rossington Collins Band

Rossington Collins Band

The Rossington Collins Band was a southern rock band founded in 1979 by guitarists Allen Collins and Gary Rossington following the 1977 plane crash which killed three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, of which both had been members. The band included two other surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Billy Powell and Leon Wilkeson. The band wished to develop their own sound rather than being regarded as a reformed Lynyrd Skynyrd, and toward that objective they hired a female lead vocalist, Dale Krantz, who later married Rossington. The Jacksonville-based band released two albums before disbanding in 1982. Their biggest hit, "Don't Misunderstand Me," charted in late 1980.

Jerry Garcia-Pizza Tapes

Pizza Tapes

So, you don't own The Pizza Tapes yet? Well, what are you waiting for? A great album by some of music's best. Those familiar with Garcia, Grisman, and Rice will know what I mean. I came to enjoy folk and acoustic music through my love of the Dead and Garcia, and I will always have Jerry to thank for that.

This, like previous Garcia/Grisman releases, showcases the great rapport between the two, and Rice is a welcome addition. They all move beautifully through these tracks, weaving a tapestry of music you will be hard pressed to not absolutely love. I mean you will dig this music. Not all folk like on Shady Grove either, they go to many different places here.

I was going to cite my favorite tracks, but realized that I would have to list them all. The jams are superb, reason enough to purchase the disk. And the conversations and interplay between the three that Grisman included are a welcome addition.

If you love the Dead, buy this cd. If you love JGB, buy this cd. If you love Grisman, buy this cd. If you love Rice, buy this cd. If you love music, buy this cd. You won't be disappointed.

Some people just dont get it. This was not recorded for us. It was never intended for release. It was friends, rather talented friends, having fun while leaving the egos at the door. There are warts, but that is the charm. The "banter" that some talk about make it interesting for fans of these men. It is not a bluegrass album. Not all of Tony's albums/songs are strictly bluegrass. Most people know this. One made the insightful observance that Tony doesnt sing at all on this. He leaves out the fact that Tony's voice had been out of commision for several years when this was recorded. (as it is at the time of this posting) David released this because there were so many copies on the black market due to Jerry's tape being stolen by a pizza delivery man: hence the name of the album. If you buy the album, take it for what it is: a good time by some excellent musicians. There are some really great moments.

Uncle Tupelo

Uncle Tupelo

Uncle Tupelo was an alternative country music group from Belleville, Illinois, active between 1987 and 1994. Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy, and Mike Heidorn formed the band after the lead singer of their previous band, The Primitives, left to attend college. The trio recorded three albums for Rockville Records, before signing with Sire Records and expanding to a five-piece. Shortly after the release of the band's major label debut album Anodyne, Farrar announced his decision to leave the band owing to a soured relationship with his co-songwriter Tweedy. Uncle Tupelo split on May 1, 1994, after completing a farewell tour. Following the breakup, Farrar formed Son Volt with Heidorn, while the remaining members continued as Wilco.

Although Uncle Tupelo broke up before it achieved commercial success, the band is renowned for its impact on the alternative country music scene. The group's first album, No Depression, became a byword for the genre and was widely influential. Uncle Tupelo's sound was unlike popular country music of the time, drawing inspiration from styles as diverse as the hardcore punk of The Minutemen and the country instrumentation and harmony of the Carter Family and Hank Williams. Farrar and Tweedy lyrics frequently referred to Middle America and the working class of Belleville.

It's strange to hear Uncle Tupelo mentioned because what we were doing was in such a long line of musical history. People are wrong in starting with us and saying we started anything because we were just picking up the ball, starting with Woody Guthrie and on to the early '60s and the Flying Burrito Brothers that we were influenced by. We didn't start a genre. We contributed to a long line of fairly good music. That's the way we looked at it at the time—doing what was right for the song.

Chris Robinson

Chris Robinson

 

Christopher Mark "Chris" Robinson (born December 20, 1966) is the singer of the rock and roll band The Black Crowes and brother of its guitarist Rich Robinson.

In 1989 Mr. Crowe's Garden changed their name to The Black Crowes. They were signed to Rick Rubin's label Def American and released their debut album Shake Your Money Maker. With the success of their album they went out on tour to support it. They played several dates supporting ZZ Top. During this tour Chris was criticized for talking to the audience about his opposition to corporate sponsorship. This led to ZZ Top firing The Black Crowes from the tour.

In May 1991, Chris Robinson spat at or on a female customer at a 7-Eleven convenience store. Robinson was arrested for assault and disturbing the peace, and pled no contest six months later. In the media, Robinson would openly discuss his use of marijuana.

Over the next nine years The Black Crowes went through many lineup changes and released six studio albums. In 1997, The Black Crowes headlined the second Furthur Festival, which had been spawned in the summer of 1996 by the remaining members of the Grateful Dead following Jerry Garcia's death in August 1995. In early 2002 it was announced that drummer Steve Gorman would be leaving the band and that The Black Crowes would be taking a break.

lthough his band may have slowly disappeared from the mainstream after making a grand splash, Chris Robinson and the Black Crowes cultivated a dedicated audience that ensured they would go down as one of the most respected and well-liked roots rockers of the '90s. By going back to a classic sound in the mold of Humble Pie and the Faces, the Black Crowes were one of the few truly popular bands to continue making rock music that wasn't rooted in a particular decade during the era of hair metal and (later) grunge. Furthermore, Robinson's celebrity status afforded him a platform to support political causes and fiercely champion bands like the Jayhawks before the mainstream took notice of their efforts.

Emmylou Harris-Quarter Moon in a 10 cent town

Quarter Moon in a 10 cent town

This album has much to recommend it and has a similar country rock styling to Emmylou's previous album, Luxury liner. It features three of her own country hits and two other songs that were major country hits for others soon afterwards.

Two more bottles of wine was originally written and recorded by Delbert McClinton, but the song remained obscure for a couple of years. Emmylou made the song her own and topped the country charts with it. In the nineties, Martina McBride covered it and included it on her Wild angels album.

To Daddy was written and recorded by Dolly Parton but plans to release it were dropped when Dolly heard Emmylou's rendition of the song. Dolly's original version is brilliant - it eventually appeared on the compilation Essential volume 1 I will always love you - but despite her exuberance, Dolly is very modest about her own talents and it is entirely in character that she withheld her own version to allow Emmylou to have the first publicly available version of the song. It was another huge country hit for Emmylou, peaking at number three.

Easy from now on, the excellent ballad that opens the set, was another single released from the album, just failing to make the country top ten. Carlene Carter later revived it by including it on her album, I fell in love, one of my favorite albums of all time.

Leaving Louisiana in the broad daylight (a huge country hit for the Oak ridge boys) and I ain't living long like this (a huge country hit for Waylon Jennings) are both outstanding up-tempo songs that could have been Emmylou's own hits - she recorded them first - but you can only release so many singles from an album as a single and it is a tribute to the strength of this album that others could have hits with covers of her album tracks.

Among the other tracks are two excellent Jesse Winchester songs (Defying gravity and My songbird), while Willie Nelson puts in an appearance on One paper kid. Two other excellent songs, Green rolling hills and Burn that candle, round off this masterpiece.

Jay Farrar

Jay Farrar

Jay Farrar (born December 26, 1966 in Belleville, Illinois) is an American songwriter and musician currently based in St. Louis, Missouri. A veteran of two critically acclaimed music groups, Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt, he began his solo music career in 2001. Beyond his established talents as a songwriter, he is a guitarist, harmonicist, and a vocalist.

His musical style ranges from sparse, unaccompanied folk music to full rock and roll band arrangements comparable to Neil Young or Dinosaur Jr.. His solo recordings also often include sound experiments, reminiscent of psychedelia, with a distinctly Eastern bent. One of the hallmarks of his sound is the use of alternate tunings on the guitar. His love for Woody Guthrie inspired a custom guitar made by Creston Lea of Vermont. The guitar was made from artifacts Jay gathered from the site of Guthrie's childhood home.

Blackhawk

Blackhawk

Blackhawk is an American country music group founded in 1992 by Henry Paul (lead vocals, mandolin, acoustic guitar), Van Stephenson (background vocals, electric guitar), and Dave Robbins (background vocals, keyboards).[1] Several backing musicians also performed with the trio; however, these backing musicians were not officially part of Blackhawk until 2008.

Prior to the group's formation, Robbins and Stephenson had co-written several Number One singles for the country pop band Restless Heart, and Stephenson had also charted two pop hits in the early 1980s.[2] Paul was previously a member of the Southern rock band Outlaws as well.

In 1993, Blackhawk was signed to a record deal with Arista Nashville. Their debut single, "Goodbye Says It All", was released that year, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) charts, and their first album (1994's BlackHawk) was certified 2× Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. Throughout the rest of the 1990s, the band continued to chart several singles, in addition to releasing three more albums and a Greatest Hits package.

Van Stephenson departed the group in 2000 due to complications from skin cancer. He was replaced with Randy Threet (also a former member of the Outlaws), who made his first appearance on Spirit Dancer, the band's fifth studio album. After Threet's departure in 2003, Anthony Crawford took over as tenor vocalist and lead guitarist; Crawford was, in turn, succeeded by Michael Randall four years later. From early 2008 until he re-joined in 2010, Robbins left the group to resume his songwriting career, and Threet re-joined. Since then, BlackHawk's backing band has been subsumed into the main group, which comprises Paul (lead vocals, guitar, mandolin), Randall (acoustic guitar, background vocals), Threet (bass guitar, background vocals), Chris Anderson (lead guitar, background vocals), Dave Robbins (keyboards, background vocals), and Monte Yoho (drums, percussion).

The group's name was derived from the Stutz Blackhawk, a model of car. All three members had experience with other musicians prior to the formation; Stephenson, a former solo artist who charted two hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in the mid-1980s, had written several songs for the country pop band Restless Heart, frequently collaborating with Robbins. In addition, Henry Paul was formerly a member of Outlaws, a Southern rock band.

Bob Weir

Bob Weir

Robert Hall "Bob" Weir (born October 16, 1947) is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, most recognized as a founding member of the Grateful Dead. After the Grateful Dead disbanded in 1995, Weir performed with The Other Ones, later known as The Dead, together with other former members of the Grateful Dead. Weir also founded and played in several other bands during and after his career with the Grateful Dead, including Kingfish, the Bob Weir Band, Bobby and the Midnites, Scaring the Children, RatDog, and his newest band Furthur, co-led by former Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh.[1]

During his career with the Grateful Dead, Weir played mostly rhythm guitar and sang most of the band's rock-n-roll tunes (Jerry Garcia sang The Dead's more melodic tunes). He is known for his unique style of complex voiceleading, bringing unusual depth and a new approach to the role of rhythm guitar expression.

On New Year's Eve, 1963, 16-year-old Weir and another underage friend were wandering the back alleys of Palo Alto, looking for a club that would admit them, when they heard banjo music. They followed the music to its source, Dana Morgan's Music Store. Here, a young Jerry Garcia, oblivious to the date, was waiting for his students to arrive. Weir and Garcia spent the night playing music together and then decided to form a band. The Beatles significantly influenced their musical direction. "The Beatles were why we turned from a jug band into a rock 'n' roll band," said Bob Weir. "What we saw them doing was impossibly attractive. I couldn't think of anything else more worth doing." Originally called Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions, the band was later renamed The Warlocks and eventually the Grateful Dead.

Weir played rhythm guitar and sang a large portion of the lead vocals through all of the Dead's 30-year career. In the fall of 1968, the Dead played some concerts without Weir and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan. These shows, with the band billed as "Mickey and the Hartbeats", were intermixed with full-lineup Grateful Dead concerts. In his biography of Jerry Garcia, Blair Jackson notes, "Garcia and Lesh determined that Weir and Pigpen were not pulling their weight musically in the band . . . Most of the band fights at this time were about Bobby's guitar playing."  Late in the year, the band relented and took Weir and Pigpen back in full time.)

Website:
http://www.rat-dog.com

ZZ top

ZZ Top

ZZ Top is an American rock band formed in June 1969 in Houston, Texas. The band consists of guitarist and lead vocalist Billy Gibbons, bassist and co-lead vocalist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard. The band and its members went through a several reconfigurations throughout 1969, achieving their current form when Hill replaced bassist Billy Etheridge in February 1970, shortly before the band was signed to London Records. Etheridge's departure emanated primarily from his unwillingness to be bound by a recording contract.

Since the release of the band's debut album in January 1971, ZZ Top has become known for its strong blues roots and humorous lyrical motifs, relying heavily on double entendres and innuendo. ZZ Top's musical style has changed over the years, beginning with blues-inspired rock on their early albums, then incorporating New Wave, punk rock and dance-rock, with heavy use of synthesizers.

ZZ Top were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. As a group, ZZ Top possesses 11 gold records and 7 platinum (13 multi-platinum) records; their 1983 album, Eliminator, remains the group's most commercially successful record, selling over 10 million units. ZZ Top also ranks 80th in U.S. album sales, with 25 million units. The band released their latest studio album, La Futura, in September 2012 and began a supporting tour in October.

The original lineup formed in Houston, Texas by Gibbons, organist Lanier Greig and drummer Dan Mitchell. ZZ Top was managed by Waxahachie-native Bill Ham, who befriended Gibbons a year earlier. They released their first single, "Salt Lick", in 1969, and side B contained the song "Miller's Farm"; both songs were credited to Gibbons. Immediately after the recording of "Salt Lick", Greig was replaced by bassist Billy Etheridge, a band mate of Jimmie Vaughan, and Mitchell was replaced by Frank Beard of the American Blues. Due to lack of interest from record companies, ZZ Top was presented with a record deal from London Records. Unwilling to sign a recording contract, Etheridge quit the band and Dusty Hill was selected as his replacement. After Hill moved from Dallas to Houston, ZZ Top signed with London in 1970. They performed their first concert together at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Beaumont on February 10.

In addition to assuming the role as the band's leader, Gibbons became the main lyricist and musical arranger. With the assistance of Ham and engineer Robin Hood Brians, ZZ Top's First Album (1971) was released and saw the inclusion of the band's humor, with "barrelhouse" rhythms, distorted guitars, double entendres and innuendo. The music and songs closely reflected on ZZ Top's blues influences. Following their debut album, the band released Rio Grande Mud (1972), which failed commercially and the promotional tour consisted of mostly auditoriums.

Website:
http://www.zztop.com

Highwayman- Highwayman II

Highwayman 2

When this cd came out, all the critics wrote it off saying, "It seems very rushed." Well I can kind of agree with that assumption. A few songs here sound like they were basically chosen out of pure desparation.

But on the other hand, this cd features some of the best, if not the best vocals Waylon Jennings has ever put on record. Johnny Cash does one of the best performances of his post Columbia Records days on "Anthem '84 and Living Legend." There is the towering Peformance on "Born And Raised in Black and White" that should have gotten them the "Vocal Event" award at the 1991 CMA awards (and was played as their nomination was announced).

This is a very solid release, although a bit rushed. But only these men could rush and make something so good. These men at their worst are 100 times better than most "artists" at their best.

It's amazing how each song highlights each one of the foursome's strong points. This CD really made me stand up and listen. The CD opens with "Silver Stallion" and one cannot help but think of bygone cowboy days. Waylon Jennings transforms "Angels Love Bad Men" into one of his trademark wicked songs. Reminds you of the "Waylon and Willie days" when everybody wanted to be an outlaw. This album would get five stars if it had included their version of "Help Me Make it Through the Night" (a danceable form of the famous Kristoferson tune). And, it's nice to know that Johnny Cash sounds as good as ever.

Ringo Starr-Beucoup of Blues

Ringo's second album was a country album. Unlike every other country album recorded by a rock star, this album doesn't feature any cover versions of classic country songs. Instead, a batch of original songs were written for Ringo by some top country songwriters. Ringo traveled to Nashville and recorded the album with top Nashville session musicians. The album ended up sounding pretty much like a typical country album from 1970. Except sung by Ringo Starr. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's a decent enough album, if you are into this sort of thing. The CD features two bonus tracks. "Coochy Coochy" was the b-side of "Beaucoups of Blues". I guess it was left off the album because it's not really a country song. "Nashville Jam" is a jam session, obviously. This album isn't for everybody, but if you are a Beatles fan that also enjoys country music, you will probably like it.

ingo always loved country music. Liberated to try a variety of musical styles with the break up of The Beatles, Ringo was, surprisingly, the most eclectic of the Fabs tackling an album of standards (way before it became fashionable) with Sentimental Journeyand an authentic country album recorded in the heart of Nashville. Ringo's best album is still Ringo along with Goodnight Vienna, Time Takes Timebut this is a strong contender.

"Beacoups of Blues" took awhile for me to get used to because I expected, well, Beatlesque music. It's a strong album covering a variety of songs solicited for the album ("Without Her" isn't the Nilsson song by the way--I mention that because Nilsson did write material for Ringo later)and the titles could easily confuse one. The CD reissue features Ringo's b-side to the single "Beacoups of Blues" entitled "Coohy Coohy" and "Nashville Jam" which is exactly that running a little over six minutes.

Ringo receives stellar support from pedal steel player Pete Drake, D. J. Fontana on drums, Jerry Reed on guitar and The Jordanaires among others. The 1995 CD reissue sounds pretty good and, although it wasn't all that successful when released (it only reached # 65 on the Billboard charts), the stature of the album has grown with time due to Ringo's natural affinity for country music, the strong originals and stellar playing.

As long as you realize this isn't a Rock 'n' Roll album and are prepared for a journey down a country road, you'll enjoy the album.

Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Ozark Mountain Daredevils

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils are a Southern rock/country rock band formed in 1972 in Springfield, Missouri, USA. They are most widely known for their singles "If You Wanna Get To Heaven" in 1974 and "Jackie Blue" in 1975.

The Daredevils are also mentioned in the "Don's Story" chapter of American humorist David Sedaris' book Barrel Fever. Bassist Michael "Supe" Granda has also written a book about the band, It Shined.

The "Daredevils" name has much to do with the long hair and beards sported by the band in the 1970s, a rejection of the more conservative style of their native Ozarks during that decade. It is mentioned in the book about the band "It Shined", by Michael Granda, that the band name was derived from "Cosmic Corn Cob & His Amazing Ozark Mountain Daredevils", a name that John Dillon came up with at a Kansas City "naming party" after the band was told that the name they had previously been using, "Family Tree", was already taken. The band shortened the name because none of the band members at the time wanted to be called "Cosmic Corn Cob", and they did not want the name to sound similar to The Amazing Rhythm Aces.

The first record, Ozark Mountain Daredevils (also referred to as "The Quilt Album"), was released in December 1973 and spawned the Top 30 hit "If You Wanna Get to Heaven" in the summer of 1974. The album introduced the band's unique mixture of rock, country, bluegrass and pop to the world and is still the favorite of many of the group's fans

For the second album, It'll Shine When It Shines (October 1974), Johns and Anderle came to Missouri to record, utilizing a mobile recording truck set up outside of the band's rehearsal home. During the sessions, Johns overheard Larry Lee sitting at a piano playing and singing a song about a mysterious friend of his who sometimes dealt drugs on the side. Johns loved the melody and thought it could be a smash hit if the lyrics were altered to be about a girl and the drug references downplayed. Lee and Cash did as Johns asked and the song, "Jackie Blue", became the Daredevils' signature song and a huge hit (No. 3) in early 1975.

The Ozark's third release, The Car Over the Lake Album (Fall 1975), produced by Anderle alone, featured their old compatriot, Bill Jones, joining them to play and arrange their songs. He also toured with them in 1975-1976. Another face from the past, Steve Canaday, also came back into the group's life at this same time as road manager and opening act before joining the band in 1976. The album sold fairly well but produced no hits. One reason why the band's fortunes began to falter might have been their reluctance to relocate to Southern California after being asked to do so by A&M co-head Jerry Moss. As a result, A&M might also have begun to lose a bit of their enthusiasm for the act at this point.

Personnel shifts within the group also began to change the chemistry. Randle Chowning left in May 1976 (following a European tour), due to the bad work ethic of other band members and their unwillingness to do a major tour, to form his own Randle Chowning Band. Norwegian musician Rune Walle, whom the band had met while on tour in Europe with his band The Flying Norwegians, then joined to replace him.

That same year the Daredevils headed west to the Rockies, to Caribou Ranch near Nederland, Colorado, to record their fourth album, which they had originally titled Nuclear Fishin ' but then changed to Men From Earth after A&M objected. The Nuclear Fishin' title was later used up in Canada for a greatest hits pack. Anderle was once again in the producer's chair and Evergreen, Colorado native Jerry Mills joined the band on mandolin and also served as the group's advance publicist.

In the fall of 1976, Buddy Brayfield departed to study medicine and Ruell Chappell (vocals, keyboards) from the popular Springfield group Spillwater Junction came in. But the band's next several releases -- Men From Earth (fall 1976), Don't Look Down (fall 1977, produced by David Kershenbaum) and It's Alive (September 1978) -- sold in lesser quantities than their previous records had. Jerry Mills and his mandolin were dropped from the group after It's Alive since the band was performing fewer acoustic numbers in their show by this time.

Website:
http://www.ozarkdaredevils.com

Buddy Cage

Buddy Cage (born February 18, 1946 in Toronto, Canada) is an American pedal steel guitarist, best known as a longtime member of the New Riders of the Purple Sage.

Popular both as a performer and session musician, he has played with many bands and recording artists, including Anne Murray, Bob Dylan, Brewer & Shipley, David Bromberg, and the Zen Tricksters.

Buddy Cage learned to play pedal steel guitar at a young age. By the mid-1960s he was working as a professional musician. When the folk music duo of Ian and Sylvia decided to go electric in 1969, he joined their band, known as the Great Speckled Bird. Great Speckled Bird was part of the Festival Express concert tour in 1970. From 1969 to 1972, Cage also recorded four albums with Anne Murray, and one album with Brewer & Shipley.

It was on the Festival Express tour that the New Riders of the Purple Sage became acquainted with Cage. The New Riders were a psychedelic influenced country rock band that had been founded by Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, along with John Dawson and David Nelson. The New Riders and the Dead would perform concerts together, with Garcia playing pedal steel for the New Riders, then playing electric guitar and singing with the Dead. Near the end of 1971, Garcia left the New Riders, enabling them to headline their own concert tours. Buddy Cage was invited to join the band as Garcia's replacement.

Cage was the New Riders' pedal steel guitar player from 1971 to 1982, except for a period of about a year in the late 1970s. The New Riders were quite popular. They toured extensively, and released a number of albums. During this same period Cage continued working as a session musician, recording with various musical artists, including David Bromberg and Robert Hunter. In 1974, Bob Dylan asked him to play on recording sessions for the album Blood on the Tracks.

In the years after Cage's departure from the New Riders, he continued working with many different bands and musicians, including Solar Circus, Stir Fried, the Brooklyn Cowboys, the Zen Tricksters, and Mike Gordon.

The New Riders of the Purple Sage, led by John Dawson, but without Buddy Cage or David Nelson, had continued touring and recording albums from 1982 until Dawson's retirement from the music business in 1997. In 2005, Cage and Nelson re-formed the New Riders of the Purple Sage. The band continues to perform concerts throughout the United States. They have released three albums — Wanted: Live at Turkey Trot, Where I Come From, and 17 Pine Avenue. Cage is also still working as a session musician with other artists, including collaborations with Boris Garcia, George Hamilton IV, and Richard Buckner.