(There's lots of theories about this album - I'm trying to boil it down here.) Tim Dawe is often mistaken being an alias for the Iron Butterfly and Rhinoceros bassist Jerry Penrod, due to what seems to be the title of this one-off album for Straight. But "Penrod" was actually Dawe's band, named after the cartoon figure pictured on the cover. Their live act was spotted by Zappa's manager Herbie Cohen at the Trubadour Club in Los Angeles. He liked them a lot and offered a contract soon after. There were great hopes for the group within the label. The material - as singer/songwriter with rock backing - was already complete and well rehearsed with a tight sound from previous performances so the recording didn't take long. The band consisted of Arnie Goodman - keyboards, Claude Mathis - drums, Don Parrish - bass and Chris Kebeck - electric guitar. Album produced by Jerry Yester (some say with help from Zappa) and the result sounds surprisingly professional for a debute. Songs are in a number of styles - psych, prog, blues, ballads and rock'n'roll. The lyrics are memorable and the melodies goes from cool to experimental. Dawe's voice is appealing and arrangements on the spot with some adventurous keyboards, psych guitars and occational strings. Favorite tracks - "Sometimes Alone", "Scarlet Woman" and "Junkie John". For mysterious reasons the album failed to sell and the band never really showed on the public radar. It's been re-discovered last decade, mostly by label collectors and Zappa fans. But even if you're not one of those the music itself is rewarding enough. UK 1970 issue had same number, label type and sleeve design as US. 2008 CD on Collectors Choice (CCM 09022). Premier US stock came on regular pink/orange/yellow label in a thick, matt fold/out cover with "Straight" inner. (SYSÖ*) (YZÄ*) (ÖRJ*)
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar