Week of August 24, 2008

Calliope

Personnel incl:
Paul Goldsmith - Guitar
Clyde Heaton - Organ
Danny O'Keefe - Bass, Vocals
John Simpson - Drums
Luther Rabb - Bass
Scott Strong - Keyboards

Album:
Steamed (Buddah BDS-5023) 1968
CD: RDI (Retro Disc International, S.L., Spain) 33025, 2008

45:
Rainmaker's Daughter/Hello Hello (Buddah 83) 1969

From Seattle, the driving force behind this short-lived outfit was singer/songwriter Danny O'Keefe, who later had one or two Top 20 hits (including "Magdalena"). They made a bit of a splash locally, but like a lot of Seattle bands, they seemed much better live than on record. It seems that bands from Seattle during that period did not get very good support from their record companies... obviously things have changed since then! Calliope's first album is now a very minor collectable, and the second may have remained unissued. The "Steamed" album includes cover versions of "Hello" (Lee Michaels), "California Dreamin'" (with a very good psychedelic guitar solo), "Hound Dog", "Jimmy Bell" (a traditional number), "Like A Rolling Stone" (Dylan), "Nadine" (Chuck Berry) and four originals - two by Goldsmith and two by O'Keefe.

John Simpson, who was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1973, had previously played with Scott Strong in The Bumps and may also be the guy who played drums in Christopher. Prior to joining Calliope, Scott Strong also acted as their road manager. Paul Goldsmith and Luther Rabb had earlier been in Emergency Exit and Clyde Heaton in The Dimensions. Luther Rabb later played with Ballin' Jack.

Compilation appearances have included: "California Dreamin'" on "Psychosis From The 13th Dimension" (CDR & CD).

(Chris Boardman/Darryl F. Riffero/Vernon Joynson)

Taken from: Fuzz, Acid & Flowers - American Garage, Psychedelic & Hippie Rock 1964-1975


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