This CD not only contains Fever Tree's 1968 self-titled debut long-player, but also an additional seven previously unreleased sides, including a live version of the group's sole charting effort (it reached number 94), "San Francisco Girls (Return of the Native)." The initial incarnation featured Rob Landes (keyboards/woodwind), Dennis Keller (vocals), John Tuttle (percussion), E.E. Wolfe (bass), and Michael Knust (guitar), as well as their patrons Scott Holtzman -- who was one of Houston's top pop DJs -- and his wife Vivian Holtzman.
The pair were no strangers to music publishing, either, having worked with the likes of Tex Ritter and even Walt Disney during the 1930s and '40s. Not only did they provide promotional and presumably financial assistance, they also wrote several of the band's best tunes, including the aforementioned "hit" "San Francisco Girls (Return of the Native)." In addition to strong originals, Fever Tree also chose exemplary covers. Among them are Buffalo Springfield's "Nowadays, Clancy Can't Even Sing," Wilson Pickett's "Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won't Do)'," and an intriguing medley of the Beatles' "Day Tripper" and "We Can Work It Out." This particular coupling is worth mentioning as the songs in question were the respective "A" and "B" sides of the same 45 rpm single.
Contrasting the psychedelic pop leanings are the introspective "The Sun Also Rises," as well as the brilliantly noir and surreptitious "Unlock My Door." Internal conflict began a history of perpetual personnel alterations for Fever Tree, with both Landes and Tuttle leaving prior to the second outing, Another Time, Another Place (1969). No specifics on the bonus material are given; however, the inclusion of Al Jarreau's "You Don't See Me" -- which wasn't issued by the jazz vocalist until the late '70s -- leads to the conclusion that the supplementary sides are from subsequent incarnations. Although the liner info could be considered skimpy at best, the sound quality is thoroughly excellent. Since the band's first two LPs are available on the two-fer title Fever Tree/Another Time Another Place (1997), San Francisco Girls (2003) is more for the hardcore collector and enthusiast rather than the casual listener. (Lindsay Planer, allmusic.com)
pass: SB1
Thanks a lot!
ReplyDeleteDanke Frank! Ich kenne die cd wusste aber nicht das auf dieser 10 unreleased tracks drauf sind.
ReplyDeletethank you muchly.
ReplyDelete"No specifics on the bonus material are given..."
ReplyDeleteAll the bonus material (except Don't Come Crying To Me Girl) comes from the 1978 reincarnation of the band. Since this isn't a patch on the classic era, they are non essential.
Meanwhile, Don't Come Crying To Me Girl is a track on their 2nd LP so I don't understand why it is marked as unreleased
Hi John,
DeleteI understand what you mean, but the rewiew was published by 'Allmusic', and of course I have to confess that I don't always research all the releases of an artist, because this is often very time consuming. And this is also true for my blog.
Personally, I don't really care what any journalist or record company employee tells me. For me, the most important thing is whether I like the music or not. But your point of view is of course understandable.
Have a nice day
Frank
Sorry wasn't trying to be critical. I thought I was adding info for anyone who was interested.
DeleteIf you want me to post the 1978 LP (Live At Lake Charles) I can do so.
Hello John,
Deleteno problem. I was not angry at all. I think I had understood you correctly. It's all good my friend.
Kind regards
Frank