Crowfoot: Who Says You Need a Hits To Be a Wonder?
By DarkSinistar
@darksinistar (42)
United States
July 10, 2016 6:38pm CST
I often hear people talk about "obscure" southern rock and country rock bands and mention artists like the Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Pure Prairie League. Well, I hate to tell those folks this, but if the music has been released on compact disc, if the band has had a hit song or two, and/or if the members of the band are still hanging in there playing shows, then the band is not really all that obscure. But now take a band like Crowfoot... there is a band that can truly be called obscure.
Crowfoot was formed in 1964 by guitarist Russell DaShiell, bassist Doug Killmer and drummer Rick Jaeger. Russell and Doug shared vocal duties. The band released their first album in 1970, but by that time, Russell DaShiell was playing bass, guitar and handling all the vocals. By the time a second album was released in 1971, Rick Jaeger had also moved on, but this time DaShiell was accompanied by Sam McCue on guitar, Bill Sutton on bass and Don Francisco on drums. Vocals were contributed by everyone except Sutton.
The self-titled first album included many great tunes and was more of a rocker than the mellower second album, Find the Sun. "California Rock 'n' Roll" was probably the best song on the first release, though it was "Groove Along" that was released as a single. But by far, the song I like best is "Summer's Gone" from the second album.
It is sad to think these two treasures may never make it onto CD or digital downloads. Unfortunately, since these are truly an obscure albums by an obscure band, it seems unlikely. I have found very nice vinyl copies of both records and plan to have them professionally cleaned up and transferred to compact disc for myself, a process that will cost around $70. But these albums are worth every penny!
5 people like this
5 responses
@suziecat7 (3350)
• Asheville, North Carolina
11 Jul 16
Though your link didn't work, I went to check them out and they're great.
2 people like this
@darksinistar (42)
• United States
11 Jul 16
Glad you checked them out despite my incompetence with adding links LOL! I think I finally have it working.
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
12 Jul 16
thanks fer the 'blast to the past' 's i search fer my wreath made'f clover flowers :) i loved this band's well. so glad that'cha found those vinyls'n hopefully they'll restore nicely so's ya can get 'em put'n disc's well. thankfully, bands such's these still've life online. big hugs!
1 person likes this
@darksinistar (42)
• United States
13 Jul 16
I contacted one of the guys in the band to be sure that they have no CD release planned. He said he is trying to get the rights back to release them on CD, but it would probably be a good long while if at all. So looks like I'm going to have to go with having my own CDs made.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
14 Jul 16
@darksinistar i'm glad that'cha made that effort, hon. :) also hope that he's able to do such...those record deals back'n the day t'weren't the fairest...
@FourWalls (67220)
• United States
11 Jul 16
Thanks for sharing this. That first album (which is on You Tube in its entirety) has sort of a Buffalo Springfield-ish feeling to it. I enjoyed that.
1 person likes this
@darksinistar (42)
• United States
11 Jul 16
I stumbled across these guys a few weeks ago and have been hooked ever since. I can't believe they didn't make the big time, but then many of the bands I love never did. I figured you would be familiar with them if anyone would.
1 person likes this
@softbabe44 (5816)
• Vancouver, Washington
11 Jul 16
Yes they are glad to hear about that great information
1 person likes this
@jillybean1222 (6407)
•
11 Jul 16
you have to wonder how many truly great musicians are out there that we miss?
1 person likes this
@darksinistar (42)
• United States
11 Jul 16
These days it can be even harder finding the great bands out there. But at least it is fun seeking them out!