Notes From The Underground — Notes From The Underground 1968 (USA, West Coast, Psychedelic Rock)
The band was formed in Berkeley, California, in 1965 and initially consisted of multi-instrumentalist Fred Sokolow, guitarist Mark Mandell, bassist Mike O'Connor, keyboardist John Miller, and drummer Joe Luke. They were among the first Bay Area acts to perform at the legendary "Family Dog" party at Longshoreman's Hall, and also regularly performed at the local club Jabberwock when the house band, their main rivals Country Joe & The Fish, were off duty. At the end of the year, keyboardist Jim Work and drummer Peter Ostwald replaced Miller and Luke. Soon, "Notes From The Underground" attracted the attention of up-and-coming producer Chris Strachwitz, who arranged for the recording and release of an EP on the Changes label in 1966. Growing popularity helped the band become a fixture at the New Orleans House and sign a contract with Vanguard Records. Replacing Jim Work with new keyboardist Skip Rose, the guys headed to New York to record an album. After the recording sessions, O'Connor and Ostwald left the band, and Vanguard, deciding to save money on album promotion, cancelled their contract. Sokolow and Mandell revamped the band's lineup, recruiting bassist Bing Nathan and drummer Furry Grasso. Prodigal son John Miller also joined, and the band relocated to Taos, New Mexico, where it lasted until 1969. Sokolow and Mandell later returned to Berkeley, where they formed the short-lived project Prince Bakaradi. Fred Sokolow subsequently worked with many artists, released a solo album, "Bluegrass Banjo Inventions," and is now known as the author of instructional books on guitar, banjo, dobro, mandolin, and ukulele.
Tracks:
01. Follow Me Down - 0:00
02. I Wish I Was A Punk - 5:42
03. Mainliner - 8:20
04. Down In The Basement - 11:22
05. What Am I Doing Here - 13:39
06. Where I'm At - 13:58
07. Cantalope Island - 18:59
08. Why Did You Put Me On - 23:27
09. Tristesse - 26:10
10. Who Needs Me - 29:22
Personnel:
Fred Sokolow – guitar, banjo, mandolin, tambourine, vocals Mark Mandell – guitar, vocals Skip Rose - piano, organ, harpsichord Mike O'Connor - bass, vocals Peter Ostwald – drums
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