Don’t know whether is was the fertile soil which ended up in the pots of the marijuana plants or the natural “Rocky Mountain High” at 5000 feet above sea level, but something in Boulder, Colorado in the early 70′s spawned successful recording artists like no other spot on the planet. Everybody hung out there, from the likes of Chicago and Elton John to Stephen Stills and Joe Walsh.

In between all of this “artistry”, guitarist Jock Bartley, along with ex-Flying Burrito Brother Rick Roberts, tested the waters with Firefall
in the local club scene, and before they knew it, they had a record deal. You remember them. A staple on the Adult Contemporary charts, the band scored twelve Top 50 hits between 1976 and 1983. I wore out several C-60 magnetic cassette tapes constantly listening to “You are the Woman,” “Just Remember I Love You” and “Strange Way” on my Panasonic portable.

As much as I hate to give away my age, Three Dog Night was mandatory listening material during my formative years. Founded in 1968, the band’s earliest lineup landed over twenty top-forty hits by 1974, all of which were rotated at our junior high school mixers. And I was still getting mileage out of their stuff by the time I hit college.

Lead guitarist Michael Allsup’s work laces a score of the band’s Billboard heyday tunes, among them “One,” “Never Been to Spain,” “Mama Told Me Not to Come” and “Shambala.” Whether wielding a Les Paul or a Strat, you’ll find him still playing TDN’s greatest hits to a tee live on stage with the current formation.

Incidentally, Mike’s “official web site” charts high on my fave list, pulling in 5+ stars for its Netscape nostalgia, “menus to hell” and sense of humor. Be sure to read his online tales from the rock and roll road.

Three Dog Night’s current tour schedule can be found at their decidedly more conventional site.

Seldom can employees boast 40 years’ company seniority. Both Rick Haynes and Terry Clements can.

Not only that, bassist Rick and lead guitarist Terry have worked for the same boss – Mr. Gordon Lightfoot – for a combined 81 years’ tenure. Both were instrumental (pun intended) in polishing the legendary troubadour’s signature sound during the peak of his career.

Gordon knows, accept no substitutes. These stringbending siamese twins are still backing their boss and don’t show any signs of calling it quits. As long as an unstoppable Lightfoot keeps their fingers nimble by taking his show on the road, it’s likely we’ll see Rick and Terry performing at their respective diamond jubilees.

Gordon Lightfoot @ Massey Hall 2011

Footnote: We got word late yesterday about Terry Clements’ untimely passing on Sunday, February 20. On behalf of Don and myself, our heartfelt condolences to the Clements family, Gordon Lightfoot and band, and all who loved him. May he rest peacefully.
– Mary Bieler, Webmaster

Would you buy a vintage mandolin from a Banana? How about one from a multi-instrumentalist and original member of an American band responsible for generations “Get(ting) Together?”

If you answered yes to either of the above, then read no further and head over to Players Vintage Instruments to place your order.

If you want to be sure where your heading before you click, rest assured it’s to Lowell Levinger, a.k.a. Banana, known for his association with the seminal folk band “The Youngbloods.” The group, fronted by singer/songwriter Jesse Colin Young, scored playlist favorites with “Get Together,” “Sunlight” and “Darkness, Darkness” between 1967-69. If you still don’t recall Banana, play the accompanying video and just look for the hair.

Can somebody out there please explain to us why we see artists like John Mayer showing up more often than Steve Hackett in those so-called “All-Time Greatest Guitarists” rankings regurgitated by guitar magazines, instrument manufacturers and pop music critics? We’re a lot closer to solving the ancient riddle of the Sphinx than figuring out that one.

Hackett’s guitar was “instrumental” in solidifying Genesis’ progressive live sound during the early and mid 70′s. After leaving the band in 1977, he has since enjoyed success as a solo artist or as a collaborator, charting his own waters a safe enough distance from the music business “assembly line.”

In March of this year, Steve Hackett was inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the legacy members of Genesis. His newest work, Out of the Tunnel’s Mouth will be released in the U.S. on June 8th.

More about Steve at www.hackettsongs.com

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