The Legendary A & M Sessions (1965) – Released 1984
Sunset Sound Recorders studio Hollywood
Record label – A & M
Released as an E.P. in 1984 by Edsel
Personnel:
David Gates: producer
Don Van Vliet: vocals, harp
Alex St Clair Snouffer: drums
Jerry Handley: bass
Doug Moon: guitar
Rich Hepner: guitar
Alex St Clair: guitar (on Moonchild)
Paul Blakely: drums (on Moonchild)
Having established themselves on the local scene, playing covers of blues numbers, the band rapidly built a following. Their sound reflected the blues of the British sixties’ invasion with inspiration from bands such as the Rolling Stones, Animals, Yardbirds and Pretty Things. Many people thought that 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 Ballrooms, suited Don’s vocal delivery.
On the strength of their performances, they were signed to A & M Records for a two single deal.
In 1965 the band made their first steps into a recording studio and laid down five tracks. Four of these came out on the two singles released by A & M and one languished in the vaults undiscovered until the 1980s when it was finally released on this E.P. brought out by Edsel.