Jericho - Jericho (1971 Canadian Hard Blues Country Rock)

Jericho - Jericho (1971 Canadian Hard Blues Country Rock)


Formed by Frank DiFelice, Denny Gerrard, Fred Keeler, and Gordon Fleming, the band recorded their only, self-titled album in 1971 at the legendary Bearsville Studio in Woodstock, with Todd Rundgren serving as producer. Part of a musical scene that included acts like Jesse Winchester and The Band, they shared both their producer and art director, Bob Cato, with those groups. Jericho’s sound is reminiscent of The Band, but with a heavier, more intense edge!

The album opens with “True Fine Girl,” a powerful track that combines distorted organ with striking guitar work! Other songs, such as “SS #4,” evoke a hard rock vibe akin to “Cripple Creek,” while “Cheater Man” stands out for its progressive movements and virtuosic Clavinet solos! Gordon Fleming shines as a keyboardist, often overshadowing even the guitar solos—a rarity in rock music! Tracks like “Baby’s Gone Again” feature a vigorous blues feel, and “Backtrack” is an instrumental in the style of Edgar Winter, utilizing unique arrangements that incorporate Garth Hudson’s Leslie speaker! Another highlight is “Goin’ to the Country,” a laid-back blend of psychedelic country that swaps the traditional jug-band bass line for a Moog bass!

Although “Make It Better” achieved some success as a single, the album—and the band itself—ended up being underrated and forgotten; it has never been reissued since its original release! With its impeccable production and a fusion of blues, hard rock, and country, the record deserves to be rediscovered! Its relentless intensity may be one reason it didn’t gain wider recognition, but for fans of authentic classic rock, Jericho’s work is a true hidden gem that perfectly captures the spirit of the early 1970s! The Canadian band **Jericho**, formed by Frank DiFelice, Denny Gerrard, Fred Keeler, and Gordon Fleming, recorded their self-titled and only album in 1971 at the legendary Bearsville Studio in Woodstock, under the production of Todd Rundgren. Part of a musical scene that included names like Jesse Winchester and The Band, they shared both the producer and art director Bob Cato with these groups. Jericho's sound resembles The Band's style but with a heavier and more intense approach. The album opens with "True Fine Girl," a powerful track combining distorted organ and striking guitars. Other songs, such as "SS #4," evoke a hard rock vibe similar to "Cripple Creek," while "Cheater Man" stands out with progressive moves and virtuosic Clavinet solos. Gordon Fleming shines as a keyboardist, often overshadowing even the guitar solos—a rare feat in rock. Tracks like "Baby’s Gone Again" deliver vigorous blues, and "Backtrack" is an Edgar Winter-style instrumental with unique arrangements using Garth Hudson's Leslie speaker. Among the highlights is "Goin’ to the Country," a laid-back blend of psychedelic country with a Moog bass replacing the traditional jug line.

Although "Make It Better" achieved some success