David Wagner – d/b/a CROW (1972 great us classic rock by Crow lead singer – vinyl rip – wave)

Even with the huge success of their second single ‘Evil Woman’ (it sold upwards of 600,000 copies in it’s first year, and was covered on the first “Black Sabbath” LP), Crow made fateful choices that killed their career in record time. “Atlantic almost signed us,” said Dave Wagner. “We had Atlantic on one line and Amaret on the other. Amaret was decided upon because (managers) Traut and Golden felt we’d get buried with the Atlantic. In a matter of months, it turned out to be the biggest mistake we ever made.” Between late 1969 and early 1971, Crow either opened for or headlined with Jefferson Airplane, Three Dog Night, Steve Miller Band, Steppenwolf, Eric Burdon & War, Janis Joplin (three separate times) and Iron Butterfly. The group was working more than ever, but seemed to be enjoying it less. “We were becoming more and more disillusioned with Amaret by the day,” said Wagner. “We fought with them over our artistic direction. We had some really good material for what was to be our fourth album all ready. But they turned it all down saying it wasn’t commercial enough, or it wasn’t this or that.” Elektra Records were very interested in the group, but Amaret wouldn’t let them out of their contract, unless they wouldn’t use the name Crow. And Elektra didn’t want Crow without their name. In the closing months of 1971, Dave Wagner, feeling there was absolutely no way out of the band’s financial and managerial mess, left the group. In 1972, Amaret released a “Best Of Crow” (Amaret AST 5012) as a sort of epitaph to a this unique band. That same year, Amaret was sold to MGM records. A deal was worked out with MGM for Dave Wagner to release a solo album. “They sent me a list of material to choose from, about twenty songs,” Wagner said. “One of the songs they insisted I re-record was a Micky Newbury tune we had done as Crow called ‘Mobile Blues.’ I worked with some top-notch musicians. Basically, MGM was fulfilling its obligatory contract to get the album (“Dave Wagner, d/b/a Crow”) out. They had no interest in really backing the project.” And so, the album and Crow’s career, came to a quiet end.

Tracklist 
01. Mobile Blue (3:33) 
02. Cado Queen (3:48) 
03. Everything Has Got To Be Free (2:52) 
04. She Makes Me Warm (3:40) 
05. If It Feels Good, Do It (3:07) 
06. Before My Time (3:32) 
07. The Time That I Love You The Most (3:38) 
08. Load The Boat Up, Captain (3:30) 
09. I Don’t Want My Love Refused (3:03) 
10. Victims Of The Darkness (3:07)

Credits
David Wagner: Lead Vocals, Guitar 
Jim Gordon, Johnny Guerin, Larry Brown, Bobby Hally Porter, Joe Osborn, Mike Deasy, Don Peake, Dean Parks, Michael Omartian, Jackie Kelso, Bud Brisbois, Buddy Childers, Ollie Mitchell, Ron Hicklin, Stan Farber, Gene Morford …

Link

Crow - Mosaic (1971 US Strong Bluesy Hard Rock - Wave)

Minnesota's Crow were one of those bands who made an impressive dent in the charts early on, only to be victimized by a ruthless business and left in disarray before they could truly capitalize on their success. Led by Dave Wagner, this quintet flourished in the midwest for several years under the guise of 'South 40', before changing their name in 1969. That year, Crow bypassed an offer from Atlantic Records and signed with the smaller Amaret instead. This decision marked the beginning of what would eventually cause the band to implode. Their debut, "Crow Music" was issued that year and quickly their first single began its run up the Billboard charts. "Evil Woman" (which was later covered by Black Sabbath) went on to be the band's highest charting single. Despite the grand entrance the band had made, Amaret was unable to market the band properly due to their financial limitations and soon the band's momentum began to wane. Crow hurried into the studio and released "Crow By Crow" in 1970, which did not measure up to the success of their debut. A few singles made low chart entries and the album quickly vanished from distribution.

This album, "Mosaic" was released the following year and features some of the band's most memorable material. With Wagner's gritty vocals falling somewhere between Jim Dandy Mangrum and Janis Joplin, the material here is fiery and driving. Bearing a strong bluesy hard rock feel, each of the nine cuts smolder with a passion that borders on spiritual. Despite the quality of the songwriting, this album sank without a trace and the band fizzled by late 1972. It's sad because alot of the band's early material had been saddled with horn sections, which was forced upon the group by Amaret Records. The band were never happy with the change of direction and it is this album where the band finally return to their true sound. Unfortunately, it was a case of too little too late. Adding insult to injury, the band's three albums have never seen reissue. Luckily, this clean vinyl rip will provide listeners a chance to hear the band at its most distilled and clear. Try this out....you'll dig it.

Tracklist
01. (Don't Try To Lay No Boogie Woogie On The) King Of Rock & Roll (2:22) 
02. Easy Street (4:48)
03. Yellow Dawg (2:54)
04. Sky Is Crying (5:41)
05. I Need Love (4:08)
06. Keeps Me Runnin' (2:48)
07. Watching Can Waste Up The Time (3:53)
08. Satisfied (4:56)
09. Watch That Cat (5:11)
10. Let's Not Say Goodbye (4:52)
11. Something In Your Blood (Bonus Track) (2:37)
12. Mobile Blues (Bonus Track) (3:22)
13. I Want Sunshine (as South 40) (Bonus Track) (3:10)

Credits
David Wagner – Lead Vocals 
Dick Wiegand – Guitar  
Larry Wiegand – Bass & Vocals 
Dave "Kink" Middlemist – Keyboards & Vocals
Denny Caswell – Drums, Percussion & Vocals 

Link

Crow - Crow Music & Crow By Crow (1969/1970 US Strong Bluesy Hard Rock - Wave)

CROW had a truly unique sound which included aggressive musical interpretations combined with a distinctive blues rock sound. “Evil Woman Don’t Play Your Games With Me” charted nationally and hit the top ten of the national Billboard 500 during the winter of 1969. So diversely influential in the music world this release from the band was that Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath covered the hit on their very first release in 1970, an album which was not at the time released in the United States, but has since been released in the United States on the 2004 Black Sabbath Greatest Hits compilation CD. Also, Ike and Tina Turner covered “Evil Woman Don’t Play Your Games With Me” on their album “Come Together.”

During its original hay day of the 1960’s and 1970’s, CROW toured nationally and shared the bill with the likes of Janis Joplin, Iron Butterfly, Jefferson Starship, The Steve Miller Band, Eric Burdon and the Animals, and numerous others. Top honors for a top band. A total of four albums were released including “Crow Music”, “Crow By Crow”, “Mosaic”, and “The Best of Crow”.

1st and 2nd Lps of Crow in one cd .

Credits
David Wagner – Lead Vocals 
Dick Wiegand – Guitar  
Larry Wiegand – Bass & Vocals 
Dave "Kink" Middlemist – Keyboards & Vocals
Denny Caswell – Drums, Percussion & Vocals 

Links
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Dschinn - Dschinn (1972 Great German Psych Hard Rock - Wave)

Sole and rare 1972 release from this German band given the high quality Second Battle Treatment. The cover is a great Salvador Dali pastiche, whilst the music inside is powerful heavy rock with some excellent lead guitar riffs and classic hard rock vocals. The CD contains outtakes and a whole bunch of pre - Dschinn tracks.
The Dschinn record had a very convincing Dali plagiate painting on its sleeve, courtesy of one Klaus Holitzka. I can reveal that the music isn't as surrealistic as the sleeve would imply, it's a quite conventional type of hard rock. This is not meant as a criticism, though - it is a great album! The lack of originality is nonchalantly replaced by sheer power, both in the music and the vocals. They wrote all nine tracks together, except for the cover version of "For Your Love". It was recorded at Tonstudio Mitte, Bremen and produced by Rolf Jenzen, a character unknown to me. Sadly this one album is their sole legacy, apart from a track on the 1973 sampler Mama Rock & The Sons Of Rock'n'Roll (Bacillus BLS 5526; 2nd edition BAC 2025), named "Rock'n'Roll Dschinny". Not even a single was lifted from their eponymous album and the group disappeared without trace.(From Chris Goes Rock)

Tracklist
01 - Freedom - 4.47
02 - Fortune - 4.56
03 - I'm In Love - 4.45
04 - Train - 4.55
05 - Let's Go Together - 3.10
06 - Smile Of The Devil - 4.23
07 - I Wanna Know - 3.34
08 - Are You Ready - 4.02
09 - For Your Love - 4.12
10 - Rock'N'Roll Dschinny - 3.09
11 - Hear What I Say (The Dischas) - 2.53
12 - Come On Come Back (The Dischas) - 2.31
13 - Let's Go Together (The Dischas) - 2.18
14 - Never, Never (The Dischas) - 2.52
15 - Take Me Back (The Dischas) - 3.27
16 - Hurry Up (The Dischas) - 3.39
17 - Woman (The Dischas) - 2.26
18 - (The Dischas) - 2.20
19 - Can't You See (Outtake) - 3.10
20 - Give Me A Little Love (Outtake) - 2.58
21 - Day After Day (Outtake) - 2.43

Credits
Bernd Capito (Capo) : Lead Guitar, Vocals
Peter Lorenz (Eddy) : Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Silvio Verfurth : Bass Guitar, Vocals
Athanasios Paltoglou (Jacky) : Drums & Percussion
Uli Mund : Drums & Percussion

Link

Landslide - Two Sided Fantasy (1972 US Psychedelic Heavy Blues - Wave)

When Landslide cut their album Two Sided Fantasy on Capitol Records, the band and the label probably had no clue that everything would end so fast. The album became a rare collector’s item because of their lack of success. I am sure the album disappeared from LP racks in stores very quickly giving it the “hard to find” tag that turned it into a valued and sought after piece.
This was a good rock band that had a sound comparable to Cream and at times early Santana. They did not do anything special or out of the ordinary, at least not anything that was unique at the time that would separate them from all the other bands doing the same thing. Possibly, with more time to develop as a group and a campaign to spread the word about their music, it may have changed the outcome of their fate.
We have evidence of their efforts and one that has survived many years on this reissue. The fact that this LP resurfaced is a nod to their legacy. It does not matter how short their stay in the music world was or the importance to the history of music, they were a part of the early ‘70’s rock that would become the classic rock that you now hear on top rock radio stations to this day. I read a review that considered their labors as inconsequential, I do not agree. If in fact what they recorded did not matter, this album would not have become a collector’s item nor would music fans have the opportunity to hear it again today. Indeed this is not a great memorable album that ranks amongst the all-time classics; it is however, a solid and enjoyable listen.(Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck)

Tracklist:
01. Doin' What I Want (05:08)
02. Creep Feelin' (04:01)
03. Everybody Knows [Slippin'] (07:18)
04. Dream Traveler (04:37)
05. Susan (05:54)
06. Sad And Lonely (03:01)
07. Little Bird (04:58)
08. Happy (05:51)

Credits:
Tommy Caglioti - Percussion, Drums, Sitar 
Joseph Caruate - Guitar 
Ed Cass - Percussion, Drums, Vocals 
Bobby Sallustio - Bass
Billy Savoca - Guitar, Vocals, Slide Guitar 

Link

Jericho - Jericho (1972 Israel Great Heavy Psych Hard Rock - Wave)

This band was originally from Israel and they were known as the "Churchills". They moved to England in 1968 and released an album under the name of the "Churchills". They later re-named the band to "Jericho Jones" and released an excellent album in 1971 named "Junkies, Monkies and Donkies". For some reason they changed their name again, this time only dropping the "Jones" and going as "Jericho". This album was released in 1972 and received some FM airplay. It was very well received by the critics.
"Ethiopa" - This song got some airplay from self-respecting radio stations that were allowed to play their own setlists. This is a fast tempo, hard rocker right out of the early RUSH soundbook. The first two and a half minutes are a hardrocking instrumental that sets the tempo and melody. There is some great bass playing and guitar soloing. Rob Huxley's throaty vocals then scream in. The tempo is fast and heavy with plenty of guitar fills (a mixture of King Crimson and Led Zeppelin). A fantastic hard rock song. Rating - *****
"Don't You Let Me Down" - Acoustic guitar opens this tune, but doesn't stay long. Electric guitar, drums and vocals soon take over. Heavy bass lines and drum beat with vocals that sound like Badfinger on steroids. The tune has a strong, surging rhythm with fantastic bass work and guitar playing. A very hard rocking song. Rating - ****
"Featherbed" - The sound is reminiscent of early Alice Cooper, "Killer" era. There is some nice vocal harmonizing with a strong '60's vibe going on. The song has a few tempo changes ranging from hard and fast with blazing guitar solos, to slow and mesmerizing like Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida". Extended guitar solo with psychedelic echoing and distortion. The guitars are given ample room to shine. The song then returns to its main theme and ends with Who-esque drum crashing and power chording. Another fine piece. Rating - ****
"Justin And Nova" - Synthesizer effects of a spaceship landing opens this song. Acoustic guitar and piano with some group humming, followed by drums and bass. A very psychedelic, spacey feeling envelopes this song. Orchestral strings in the background helps the mood reach the stars. There again is great bass playing and nice guitar fills throughout. The lyrics are space flight oriented (chemical or mechanical determined by the listener)! The piano and strings get alot of attention. The tempo changes throughout but the ethereal feeling remains. High pitched "AHHHHS" along with Keith Moon-like drumming and repeating guitar melody lands you back to Earth. A beautiful piece. Rating - ****
"Kill Me With Your Love" - The sound of water accompanied by acoustic guitar, clears the way for the electric guitar with echo effects. Flute playing then joins adding color and ambiance. Thunder-like effects gives one the feeling of listenig to a storm while laying in bed. The tempo and mood then makes a 180 degree turn, as the drum and bass kick in. The tempo turns fast; the drums are hard, bass heavy and guitar chugging. "Move it up and down. That's what she told me. Spin it round and round. That's what she told me." Hey! She told me the same thing! Oh, well. The lyrics are funny but the musicianship is excellent. This a very heavy, hard rocking song that KILLS! Great work. Rating - ****
This was the last album the band did, as the group split up shortly after this release and returned to Israel. Even though the band no longer exists, thankfully this music still does. This is a lost gem from the progressive/hardock era that highlights the awesome musicianship from that bygone time. The playing is topnotch and the album is as well. (By doggiedogma "doggiedogma")

Tracklist
01. Ethiopia (4:34)
02. Don't You Let Me Down (3:40)
03. Featherbed (9:41)
04. Justin And Nova (8:30)
05. Kill Me With Your Love (11:17)

Credits
Robb Huxley – Guitar
Ami Triebich – Drums
Haim Romano – Lead Guitar
Michael Gabriellov – Bass
Danny Shoshan – Lead Singer

Link

Joseph - Stone Age Man (1970 Great Us Heavy Psychedelic Rock - Wave)

This one doesn't show up too often, but from time to time you'll see it as a big dollar item on psych lists. That's kind of a misnomer since Joseph Longeria's album is actually more blues-rock oriented than traditional psych. Maybe we're just being too anal here ... Regardless, he's a helluva guitar player and the album's well worth the asking price. 
We'll be real honest and admit we can't tell you much about this guy. Different reference works show him as being from Texas, or Tennessee. What little we do know is lifted from the liner notes accompanying his sole album, so take the information with a grain of salt. A&R man/producer Steve Tyrell apparently discovered Longeria playing in a Houston, Texas battle of the blues bands competition. Signing him to a contract with Scepter Records (a surprising choice given the label's fondness for MOR acts such as Dionne Warwick), Joseph's 1970 debut "Stoned Age Man" was recorded in Memphis' famed American Studios. Produced by Chips Moman, Mark James and Glen Spreen, the latter two were also credited with co-writing the majority of the nine tracks. So what's the album like? As we said earlier, the bulk of the album has a bluesy feel to it. Longeria doesn't have much of a voice, but his ragged growl and blazing guitar compliment one another, giving tracks such as "Trick Bag", his adaptation of "The House of the Rising Sun" and the title track considerable kick. The collection's also pretty cool in that Longeria writes some of the strangest lyrics we've ever heard - check out the bizarre "I Ain't Fattenin' No More Frogs for Snakes" and the sitar-propelled "Cold Biscuits and Fish Heads".
As far as we can tell, this is Longeria's only foray into recording. Anyone know what happened to him? (By RDTEN1)

This album is an amazing mixture of hard-blues, primitive hard-rock with obvious psychedelic influences. The husky voice of Joseph is powerful and wild. 
The tracks are excellent. There is a cover of "House of the Rising Son". 
It is said that Joseph "Long" Longeria, a gifted guitarist and singer, has been discovered by Steve Tyrell during one of those guitar duels ("Battle of the Blues Guitars") which were very popular and attracted the crowds in the Blues clubs. Joseph was not afraid of challenging T. Bone Walker and B.B. King.
This band, due to a lack of success and promotion disbanded after their only one album. 
Glen Spreen, the keyboard player, is later mentioned playing for Elvis Presley, Dan Fogelberg and Ian Matthews while Joseph disappeared of the scene.
This forgetten gem deserves to be discovered, especially for the wild blues freak with good guitar playing and husky voice.(By PC_Music) 

Tracklist
01- Trick Bag (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) -  
02- I Ain't Fattenin' No More Frogs for Snakes (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen - Steve Tyrell) -  
03- Cold Biscuits and Fish Heads (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) -  
04- Stone Age Man (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) -  
05- I'm Gonna Build a Mountain (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) -  
06- Mojo Gumbo (Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) -  
07- The House of the Rising Sun (adapted by Joseph Longeria - Mark Jones - Glen Spreen) - 
08- Gotta Get Away (G. Allman - J. Hurley - R. Witkins) -  
09- Come the Sun Tomorrow (S. Walton - D. Collins) - 

Credits
Vocals, Guitar - Joseph "Long" Longeria*
Keyboards - Glen Spreen 
Recorded at American Sound Studios, Memphis, Tennessee. 

Link

Boomerang - Boomerang (1971 Great Us Psychedelic Heavy Rock - Wave)

An hard rock group formed by Mark Stein after Vanilla Fudge. If you like "Rock Music" you WILL love Boomerang's self titled one and only album. Forget the fact that this was recorded 31 years ago, like any great music this is timeless!
You might recognize Mark Stein's name from the Vanilla Fudge. Gone are the complex arrangements and psychedelic effects that were a trade mark of the Fudge. But Stein's distinctive vocals and his awesome Hammond B3 organ sounds are still here.
Guitarist Richard Rameriz was amazingly only 16 years old when this album was recorded. However he plays like a veteran of many years and studio sessions.
"Juke It", "Hard Times", "Mockingbird", "Cynthia Fever" and "The Peddler" are solid rockers that will stick with you. "Fisherman" is a lesson on greed. The ballad "Brother's Comin' Home" is a tribute to returning war veterans, something that was rare in that time of our history.
The only drawback to this album is there is not enough of it! Only 7 tunes...but what tunes they are. This album is a classic in the progressive rock history.(By Ray Hollingsworth) 

Tracklist
01. Juke It  
02. Fisherman  
03. Hard Times  
04. Mockingbird  
05. Cynthia Fever  
06. Brothers Comin Home  
07. The Peddler  

Credits
Mark Stein - Organ, Piano & Vocals
James Galluzi - Drums & Percussion
Richard Rameriz - Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Joe Casmir - Bass Guitar & Vocals  

Link

Fuzzy Duck - Fuzzy Duck (1971 UK Great Heavy Progressive Rock - Wave)

This is one of the many harder-edged and organ dominated progressive bands that emerged in the early Seventies. Unfortunately very little is known about FUZZY DUCK's history. The musicians were Paul Francis (drums, percussion), Mick (Doc) Hawksworth (bass, vocals, acoustic 12-string, electric cello), Roy (Daze) Sharland (organ, electric piano) and Grahame White (guitar, vocals, acoustic guitar). The eponymous album from 1971 was released on CD by both the German Repertoire Records and the UK Aftermath Records. It has obvious hints from mainly Atomic Rooter but also Vanilla Fudge.(ProgArchives)

Though the brief career of Fuzzy Duck may only have consisted of one album and two singles the musical history of its various members reads like a "Who's who of rock and roll".
Formed in 1970 and based in North London the original line up consisted of guitarist/vocalist Grahame White, ex-Andromeda, bassist Mick Hawksworth, organist Roy Sharland and ex-Tucky Buzzard drummer Paul Francis. Managed by Gordon Mills, who also managed Tom Jones and Gilbert O'Sullivan, Fuzzy Duck signed to MAM Records, a subsidiary of Decca, and recorded their self-titled debut LP (MAM LP 1005). However just before the album was released White left (later turning up in Capability Brown, Krazy Kat and Jackie Lynton Band) and was replaced by Garth Watt Roy. His first recordings with the band came via the "Double Time Woman"/"Just Look Around You" single (MAM 37) released in August 1971. A second single "Big Brass Band"/"One More Hour"(MAM 51) was released in November 1971 but by the end of the year they decided to go their separate ways.
Garth Watt Roy teamed up with his bassist brother Norman to form the Greatest Show On Earth who released two albums, "Horizons" and "The Going's Easy", for EMI's progressive Harvest label. Since then he's recorded with the likes of East Of Eden, Limey, Marmalade, Steamhammer, Bonnie Tyler, Barbara Dickson, The Barron Knights and was also a founder member of The Q Tips. Mick Hawksworth went on to work with Matthew Fisher before teaming up with Alvin Lee for The Ten Years After LPs "Rocket Fuel" and "Ride On". Drummer Paul Francis went on to work with Tranquillity, Maggie Bell, Mick Ronson, and Chris Spedding and has recently been touring with Steve Harley.(Mark Brennan)

Tracklist
01- Time Will Be Your Doctor (5:06)
02- Mrs. Prout  (6:45)
03- Just Look Around You  (4:20)
04- Afternoon Out  (5:20)
05- More Than I Am  (5:30)
06- Country Boy  (6:00)
07- In Our Time  (6:49)
08- A Word From Big D  (1:51)
Bonus Tracks
09- Double Time Woman  (2:58)
10- Big Brass Band  (2:56)
11- One More Hour  (3:58)
12- No Name Face 

Credits
Mick Hawksworth - bass, vocals (lead Vocals 3-5-7), 12-string acoustic guitar and electric cello on "In Our Time"
Roy Sharland - organ, vocal on "A Word From Big D", electric piano on "Just Look Around You"
Paul Francis – drums, percussion
Grahame White (album tracks) – electric guitar, vocals (lead Vocals 1-2-4-6), acoustic guitar on "Mrs. Prout"
Garth Watt Roy (bonus tracks) - electric guitar, vocals (lead Vocals 9-10-11-12)

Link

The O Band - The Knife - (1977 Uk classic rock blended progressive rock - Wave)

The Band Called "O" final studio LP contains stunning versions of Spirit's "Look To The Left Look To The Right" and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Almost Saturday Night" as well as nice quality self composed songs. Through never achieving the commercial success they merited there's no doubting that the O-Band were one of the UK's finest Rock bands of the 70's. However, this album is excellent, and can be regarded as a swan song succeeded ...
 Musically, their style had already evolved from progressive rock to soft-rock, but it then moved towards a pop style. They changed their name to "The O Band" and released a 12" EP Look to the Left, Look to the Right in 1977. before recording their final album The Knife, from which the single "Almost Saturday Night"/"Love Ain't A Keeper" was taken, also in 1977. Shortly before a planned change of management, Pix Pickford decided to leave for a solo career. The O Band later disbanded at the end of 1977. 

Tracklist
01. Look To The Left Look To The Right
02. Almost Saturday Night
03. Im Gonna Leave You
04. Strange Lovin
05. Back Alley Lightning
06. Time Seems To Fly
07. The Knife
08. Got To Run
09. Venus Avenue
10. A Smile Is Diamond ( Maxi Version)
11. Fine White Wine

Credits
Mark Anders - Bass Guitar
Pix Pickford - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Greg Anders - Vocals, Guitar, Slide Guitar
Jeff Bannister - Vocals, Keyboards
Derek Ballard - Drums, Percussion

Link

A Band Called O - Within Reach - (1976 Uk classic rock blended progressive rock - Cd rip - Wave)

I saw this band three times on the UK college circuit (at UCW Aberystwyth in the mid-70s) and they sounded almost exactly as they do on this album: wonderfully melodic very tight musicianship led by Pix on lead guitar; West Coast US inspired, but nevertheless 'English sounding'. Pix is still playing with a band called Racket: he is better than Mark Knopfler, but having just as distinctive a signature sound. Pix was from the Channel Islands. A picture of him shows him playing a strat and still looking in good health. There is a telephone number given on which you can book gigs, by Racket, that is, but sadly not by The O Band. 
  The band used to be obsessed about getting the sound-engineering just right on stage and would keep us waiting for 10 to 15 minutes, playing to an empty, locked auditorium while the engineer made fine adjustments on the desk. You could watch through the windows in the doors. The wait was always worth it. The band were fine vocalists as well as great players. When I saw them they were first called Oasis! I do not know why they changed name. I remember Pix played with a slightly distracted look of concentration and absorption by the music. He used to look above the heads of the audience, apparantly studying the wall behind us, but seeing nothing I guess. He took his picking really seriously.
  So to the album. Each track has a complimentary momentum and feel so that the overall effect is very coherent. The last track is a kind of gentle 'goodbye'. Smile is a Diamond seems to be the most highly regarded track, but I find them all equally good.
  If you want a benchmark, I would place Crosby Stills Nash and Young 'Deja Vu' and The Band 'Stagefright' slightly ahead of this album. In other words Within Reach by The O Band is World Class Country Rock and an essential album for any blissed-out soft rocker. I love it.
  Dear Pix: any chance of an O Band reunion gig? You'd find me in the front row and before that, trying to get in just to enjoy the sound check. Dig your style! How did you develop it and what set up did you use back then? Stay in good health: too many rockers die young!!
(By Dr. S. L. Smith "Steve Smith"

Tracklist
01. Smile Is Diamond
02. Feel Alright
03. Lucia Loser
04. Don't Cha Wanna
05. Money Talk
06. Still Burning
07. Paradise Blue
08. Long Long Way
09. Within Reach
10. A Smile Is Diamond (Single Version)
11. Coasting (Single B-Side) 
12. Love Ain't a Keeper (Single B-Side) 

Credits
Pix - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Mark Anders - Bass
Derek Ballard - Drums, Percussion  
Craig Anders - Vocals, Peddle Steel Guitar, Slide Guitar 
Jeff Bannister - Vocals, Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Synthesizer

Link

A Band Called O - Oasis - (1975 Uk classic rock blended progressive rock - Vinyl rip - Wave)

Tracklist
01. Amovin' (3:44)
02. Foolin' Round (4:31)
03. Sleeping (5:20)
04. Morrocan Roll (2:41)
05. Fine White Wine (3:46)
06. Take Your Time (3:12)
07. Bird Of Paradise (4:11)
08. Ice (2:12)
09. That's Up (3:17)
10. Some People (5:46)

Credits
Pix - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Craig Anders - Lead Guitar, Slide Guitar
Derek Ballard - Drums & Percussion
Peter Filleul - Electric Piano, Clavinet, Synthesizer, Vocals  
Mark Anders - Bass Guitar 

In 1975, they released their second album, Oasis. They had one track "There Ain't Nothing I Wouldn't Do" on a single to promote their tour with Sassafras and Randy Pie as the "Hot On The Tracks" package. Musically it found the group teamed with producer Nicky Graham.  Clearly interested in courting a larger audience, material like the funky 'Amovin'', 'Foolin' Round' and 'Fine White Wine' found the band working in a more commercial mid-1970s AOR genre. With all five members and producer Graham contributing to the writing chores, the set wasn't bad. Powered by some nice lead vocals from Pickford, the collection was tuneful and occasionally fun (check out 'Bird of Paradise'). Powered by some jumpy synthesizers the group composition 'Take Your Time' showcased a mild progressive feel.  Similarly. complete with a pretty melody and weird reggae mid-section 'Sleeping' offered up a nod to their progressive roots and was probably the most atypical of the ten songs.  

Link

A Band Called O - A Band Called O - (1972 Uk classic rock blended progressive rock - Vinyl rip - Wave)

Tracklist 
01 Red Light Mama Red Hot  (6:20) 
02 Angelica  (3:41) 
03 Helping Hand  (3:38) 
04 Lady Beatrice  (3:55)
05 Ride, Ride, Ride  (3:12) 
06 Rock Roll Clown  (3:38) 
07 All I Need  (2:02) 
08 Get Funky (3:30) 
09 Captain Cellophane / Sidewalk Ship (12:00) 

Credits
Pix - Vocals, Guitar
Derek Ballard - Drums
Peter Filleul - Electric Piano, Vocals  
Mark Anders - Bass Guitar 
Craig Anders - Guitar, Slide Guitar

A Band Called O were a band from Jersey, Channel Islands. Originally known as "The Parlour Band", playing progressive rock, they renamed to "A Band Called O" for two albums on CBS/Epic and later to "The O Band" for a further albums with UA. Despite issuing five albums, on three major labels, and being championed by John Peel, for whom they recorded four Peel Sessions, they had no chart success; but were a popular live act, who toured Britain and Europe.

Formed in Jersey, Channel Islands, circa 1970, as "The Parlour Band", the early line up comprised brothers Mark Anders (bass and vocals) and Craig Anders (lead guitar and vocals) with Peter Filleul (keyboards and vocals) formerly of the Climax Blues Band , John “Pix” Pickford (guitar and vocals) and Jerry Robbins (drums). Released in 1972, The Parlour Band's only album Is a Friend?, was produced by Nick Tauber in a melodic progressive rock style, sounding like a "more mainstream, less art-rock-inclined Yes" with strong keyboard and guitar parts.The Parlour Band toured supporting Caravan and Steve Hillage’s Khan.

A Band Called O
They relocated from Jersey to Leicester, changed their name to "A Band Called O", and their drummer to Derek Ballard. This line-up released their first album on the Epic label, produced by Ben Sidran of the Steve Miller Band, and Chris White of the Zombies. A Band Called O (1974) and, despite being an album orientated band, a single "Rock and Roll Clown"/"Red Light Mama Red Hot" was released in Germany while they recorded the first of four Peel Sessions on 24 September 1974. They recorded their second Peel Session on 18 March 1975, before touring with Man and John Cipollina. Later that year, they released their second album, Oasis. They had one track "There Ain't Nothing I Wouldn't Do" on a single to promote their tour with Sassafras and Randy Pie as the "Hot On The Tracks" package.
Filleul left and was replaced by Ian Lynne, after about 6 months he was also replaced by Jeff Bannister, formerly with the John Barry Seven, The Alan Bown Set and Jess Roden’s Bronco.[8] The band changed label from CBS/Epic to United Artists, played their third Peel Session on 23 March 1976 and released their third album Within Reach later that year.[9] A promotional single "Excerpts from Within Reach" was issued in the UK whilst two singles were taken from the album: "A Smile Is Diamond" / "Coasting" was issued in Germany, and "Don't cha Wanna" /"Coasting" in the UK. They played their fourth and final Peel Session on 22 February 1977.

The O Band
Musically, their style had already evolved from progressive rock to soft-rock, but it then moved towards a pop style. They changed their name to "The O Band" and released a 12" EP Look to the Left, Look to the Right in 1977. before recording their final album The Knife, from which the single "Almost Saturday Night"/"Love Ain't A Keeper" was taken, also in 1977. Shortly before a planned change of management, Pix Pickford decided to leave for a solo career. The O Band later disbanded at the end of 1977.

Link

The Parlour Band - He's A Friend - 1972 (Progressive Melodic/Hard Rock "Pre Band Called O" - Wave)

Tracklist
01. Forgotten Dreams (2:41)
02. Pretty Haired Girl (2:52)
03. Springs' Sweet Comfort (5:09)
04. Early Morning Eyes (3:52)
05. Follow Me (4:56)
06. Evening (4:58)
07. Don't Be Sad (3:21)
08. Little Goldie (3:20)
09. To Happiness (3:04)
10. Home (7:37)

Credits
Peter Filleul - lead vocals, keyboards, rhythm acoustic
Pix - vocals, lead vocals (6), wah wah Gibson
Craig Anders - vocals, electric & acoustic & slide guitar
Mark Ashley Anders - vocals, bass
Jerry Robins - percussion

"Parlour Band's only LP is progressive rock-tinged mainstream early-'70s British album-oriented rock, competent but no more than that. Both keyboard and guitar parts take a strong role, and there's a bit of the multiple tempo changes and classical-tinged organ burble of bands like Yes in songs like 'Forgotten Dreams.' Some other songs steer well clear of art rock, though, 'Pretty Haired Girl' coming across like prototypical early-'70s mellow California harmony rock. Even when it doesn't sound as Californian, though, the album's a pretty laid-back affair and, though it's agreeable, it's lacking in both power and first-rate songs. 'Little Goldie' sounds a good deal like the early-'70s work of Todd Rundgren in its bouncy pop optimism and relatively sophisticated keyboard-based arrangement, though it's not typical of the record. A bit, though no more than a crumb, of art rock pretension creeps into the final cut, the three-part, seven-minute mini-opus 'Home.'"



Link 

Marc Benno Band & John Cipollina - Live At Chi Chi Club - S.F - April 2nd 1988 (Flac)

Disc 1
(First Set)
01. Ready For You 4:38
02. Monterey Pen 6:35
03. Intros 0:27
04. Saint James Infirmary 10:04
05. Problem Child 6:29
06. Caress Me Baby 7:59
07. Night Time 6:06

(Second Set)
08. /Hartford Blues 6:45
09. Tuning 1:00
10. Mustang Sally 8:02
11. Oh Carol 5:26
12. Got My Mojo Working 5:12
13. Love In My Soul/ 9:17

Disc 2
14. Teeny Weeny Bit 6:19
15. Intro, Tuning 1:31 
16. Walking The Dog * 4:33
17. Unknown * 6:51
18. Key To The Highway 3:44
19. The Thrill Is Gone 7:42
20. Hall Street Jive 5:51

(Encore)
21. Rock And Roll Me Again 4:34
John Cipollina- Guitar, Vocals
Marc Benno- Guitar, Vocals
Pete Sears- Keyboards
Rolly Sally- Bass
Scott Lovontia- Drums
Guest
* Teresa- Vocals

Third song "Southern Women" is missing. Tape is unusable due to 
tape speed problem caused by an accident in the sound booth.

Link

Estes Brothers - Transitions (1971 Great US Psychedelic Rock - Flac)

A long time in coming, but well worth the wait. This album contains the first efforts of a group that has endured all the changes of the fast changing music scene. I personally feel they have made all the necessary transitions. Not only does the album contain beautiful slow type ballads, but it moves easily into hard rock in grand fashion.
Each member of the "Estes Brothers" puts forth fantastic energy and drive into each number and everyone gets his own style across in the last cut of side two. Lead guitarist, John Estes, and drummer, Joe Estes, have been together for as long as two brothers can be. Don Smith and Bill Marren have both paid their dues in different groups. We hope you take the album, relax, and get right into the music.
Share it with a friend! I feel this is only the beginning of some great music that we'll be hearing from the "Estes Brothers." Anyone lucky enough to have heard the group perform will notice a definite change in their live music. This is an indication of the varied talents each member possesses. In this, their first album, each of them has one of his own original numbers included. 
This is advantageous as they do not depend solely upon one member for their material. Is it any wonder,with this type of attutide and talent, fame is predicted for the "Estes Brothers!"
by Milan R. Relic

The Estes Brothers are from a family of 7 brothers and 5 sisters. The beginning of Estes Bros, was late Bro. Bill on vocals and harmonica. Jerry keyboards, John guitar and late Bro. Joe on drums with Richard managing the band in 1966.
From 1966 till present there has been 38 different members and numerous styles of music, but always leading back to Blues and Rock. At present, the band line up is Jerry as original member on keyboards and bass. John also original member on guitar. Jerry s son Brian, on drums and vocals, and our great friend and guitarist Dennis Caldweall. When the album was done Jerry was in the army from 1969-71. but recorded on Tomorrows Sunlight/ Yesterdays Blues. Joe was 14. Jerry 15 and John 18, Fred Hanker played bass - the recording took 3 hrs! We wrote the songs on the way to the studio.
The album cost 500 Dollars to record and we only had 1 song written plus at that time Bill Marren had about 3 songs. It took 8 hrs of Jamming and partying. Only one song "Wooden Thoughts" was rehearsed. And 100 demo copies were made.

Tracklist
01. Never coming down  
02. This morning  
03. Wooden thoughts  
04. Do what is real  
05. Let me live my own life  
06. Gary's thought  
07. Tomorrow's sunlight (single version)  
08. On the wings of a butterfly  
09. Love is all I need  
10. Tomorrow's sunlight  
11. Wooden thoughts  
12. All along the watchtower  
13. Blue skies  
14. Woman  

Credits
Don Smith - Bass Guitar
Bill Marren - Piano, Vocals
John Estes - Lead Guitar
Joe Estes - Drums. Vocals

Link

Spirit - Keele University - Keele - UK - March 15Th 1973

Good grief! I started as a student at Keele in late 1973, and even then the place was still buzzing about Spirit's performance earlier that year (maybe because according to those who were there & actually remembered the event Randy finished the set naked, it was so hot) but despite rumours of a bootleg, about which I've heard nothing for over 30 years, I never imagined I would actually get to hear the concert. This is so unlikely it can't even be called my Holy Grail - I'd never even hoped to find a copy. Oh Wow!!! - (Terry)
Hi, I saw the Walthamstow show and then three or four more on the tour. been wanting to hear the Keele show for ages too.(Martyn)
Tracks Listing
01 Fresh Garbage
02 Turn To The Right
03 Nature's Way
04 Miss This Train >
05 Rain // *
06 It's Such A Drag
07 Instrumental
08 Prelude / Nothin' To Hide >
09 Why Can't I Be Free
10 Mr Skin >
11 It's All The Same >
12 Drums / Jam >
13 It's All The Same
14 1984 >
15 I Got A Line On You (cut very end)
Credits
Randy California ; Guitar,Vocals
Larry "Fuzzy" Knight : Bass, Vocals
Ed Cassidy : Drums
Very Good Audience Recording
Link

Randy California Band - Marquee Club - London - UK - May 15th 1985 (Flac)

Great gig by Randy and his band .Good audience ...Enjoy !!! 

Tracklist
Veruska
Nature's Way
One Man's Heaven
Restless Night
Like a Rolling Stone
Downer
Vietnam
Run to your Lover
Jack Rabbit (tape flip)
Childhoods End
Hey Joe
I got a line on you
Sister tell me > Band intro
Don't walk away
Wild Thing
Second Child > If I miss this Train

Credits
Randy California - guitar & lead vocals
Scott Monahan - keyboards & vocals
Mike Sheppard - bass & vocals
Les Warner - drums

Link

Mitch Ryder & Engerling - The old Man Springs A Boner (2002 Great Live Album - Wave)

Mitch Ryder had his first successes with the Band "Detroit Wheels" in the 1960s. He managed to tour in Germany frequently with some guitarists from the USA. This way he was able to build a fanbase in Germany together with "Engerling" from eastern Germany. The recordings of this live-concert perfectly carries the voice of Mitch Ryder to the ear of the listener.

Tracklist
01. War
02. Terrorist
03. Freezin' In Hell
04. Ain't Nobody White
05. Heart Of Stone
06. Wicked Messenger
07. Red Scar Eyes
08. True Love
09. Gimme Shelter
10. Soulkitchen

Credits
Mitch Ryder - Vocals
Boddi Bodag - Keyboards
Heiner Witte - Guitar
Robert Gillespie - Guitar
Manne Pokrandt - Bass
Vincent Brisach - Drums 

Link