Extract from Captain Beefheart On Track: Every Album, Every Song.

Extract from Captain Beefheart On Track: Every Album, Every Song.

The Legendary A&M Sessions (EP) (1984)

Personnel:

Don Van Vliet: vocals, harp

Alex St. Clair Snouffer: drums

Jerry Handley: bass

Doug Moon, Rich Hepner, Alex St. Clair (‘Moonchild’): guitar

Paul Blakely: drums (‘Moonchild’)

Producer: David Gates

Studio: Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, CA

Label: A&M

Release date: October 1984

Having established themselves on the local scene by playing covers of blues numbers, the band rapidly built a following. Their sound reflected the blues of the 1960s British Invasion, with inspiration from bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Yardbirds and The Pretty Things. Many people thought Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band were British. The Howlin’ Wolf covers – which dominated their act and can be heard in the live recording from the Avalon Ballroom – suited Don’s vocal style. On the strength of their performances, the Magic…