Jeff White - Grey Lord

Jeff White - Grey Lord

Stovepipe ST0001, Canada, 1976

Originally from Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, Jeff White relocated to Ontario in 1974 and recorded this rare private pressing at Eastern Sound Studios in the Yorkville area of Toronto a couple of years later. A very enjoyable folk album, I found the tracks to be full of pleasant surprises. Subtle psych, progressive and pop elements rise and fall. An effected electric violin raises its head, elsewhere a pulsating and somewhat warped bass, the occasional electronic sound, and some nice electric guitar.

Vocally White has a mellow and soothing voice with a decent range that fits the music well. Lyrical inspiration comes from his following of the Baha'i faith at the time. Completely unknown to me when I bought this a few months back, I consider Grey Lord to be one of the choice albums in the Canadian section of my collection (despite the waterstains and scratches on the front cover). The tracks on this album were all written in the early 70s (1970-1974) and the album was issued with an inner lyric sleeve.

Other releases by Jeff White include "While Dylan Grew Whiskers" (a compilation), "Red Arrow" and "Ol' Crazy Half Moon Wheel". I have no information regarding these other than that they are CD releases. In 2005 he formed a duo with vocalist Kati Durst called Young & Foolish.

Side 1 - 1. Charlie (It Was September) (4:44) 2. Jubal (4:12) 3. Happy (A Song For Susan) (2:56) 4. Buffalo Boy (4:46) 5. The Ugly Truth (5:17)
Side 2 - 1. The Merchant Of Shiraz (5:13) 2. Tahirih (5:10) 3. Funeral (3:50) 4. Grey Lord (5:37)

Carp - st

Carp - st

Epic E 30212, Canada, 1970

The main reason I bought this album is because of the inclusion of Gary Busey as drummer, singer and chief song writer (and the shop in question was selling it pretty cheap in good condition). I didn't expect alot musically and upon listening I didn't get a hell of alot, but it was better than I was expecting. Offered up is half decent country rock with some honky tonk piano and Busey's X-tian lyrics. There are some nice lead guitar passages here and there and the song writing is a tad better than some albums of the same style. Occasionally the band even rocks out, in their own fashion. Perhaps as a statement of warning, the notes on the back cover advise that this isn't the typical 60s rock album, going so far as to mention Jefferson Airplane by name. I have seen some criticism of the sleeve design and, like many others, I initially thought that the front was the back until I turned it over. While somewhat unique, this is definitely not a sleeve I would display in a frame.

I have read somewhere that throughout Gary Busey's acting career he has not once mentioned Carp in an interview, though I can't verify this nor the reasoning. I must wonder, though, if during Busey's recent stint on reality show Celebrity Apprentice, was there possibly an impromptu behind the scenes jam session with fellow contestant (and country music star) Trace Adkins?

IMDb mentions that Gary Busey played in several backing bands (including those of Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson) before appearing in his first film in 1971, but does not mention Carp. It does state that he was in an Oklahoma band called The Rubber Band, and while this may have been an earlier name for Carp, sleeve notes state that Carp was formed in spring 1966 and so it is likely the Rubber Band reference is an error. Busey would later perform guitar and vocals for his portrayal of Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story (1978).
The original American issue is of the same year and catalogue number.

Side 1 - 1. Drink To The Queen Of May (2:15) 2. Circuit Preacher Brown (2:30) 3. He's Comin' Back To Check On What You've Done (3:10) 4. Pine Creek Bridge (2:00) 5. Rosabelle Bovine (2:00) 6. Page 258 (2:30)
Side 2 - 1. Jotham Clay, Mississippi (2:46) 2. The Great Kansas Hymn (4:10) 3. Mammoth Mountain Blues (2:50) 4. There Goes The Band (2:00) 5. Jesus Is The Mountain (3:45) 6. Firehouse Dog (0:30)

Gary Busey-drums/vocals; John Crowder-bass; Ron Getman-guitar; Glen Mitchell-piano

Vortex Records - Annual Summer Sale

From Lincoln at Vortex Records -

"Thursday, 20 June - 25% off***
Friday, 21 June - 30% offSaturday, 22 June - 35% offSunday, 23 June - 40% off
We're open 10 - 10 all days except Sunday which'll be 11 - 6.
All USED items will be on sale: CDs, DVDs, Vinyl, Blu-rays. New vinyl will not be on sale.
*** On Thursday, June 20, if you spend more than $100 (before tax), we'll give you an extra 10% off everything, making your discount 35%. This is a great way to avoid lines and get a bigger discount.
Note: We almost didn't have a summer sale because the sales are generally brutal on the staff, with the final day of our last sale being the busiest day in Vortex's history. None of us wanted to go through it again so soon, but we are heavy on stock and low on space so it's happening. 
HOWEVER, please realize that by waiting an extra day or two, the extra discount is not that big. Some of you waited in line last sale for very long periods of time and saved, literally, $2 more than you would have the previous day when there was barely any line at all. We've been questioning your sanity ever since. This summer sale, redeem yourself. Shop smart!
Note 2: We PREFER not to buy stock during our sales so please don't bring things to sell us as we will probably turn you away.
Note 3: You should get to the store early. Last sale we had to lock the door an hour before closing time. If we hadn't, we'd still be serving some of you. We reserve the right to do it again this year. Come early. 
Note 4: When the staff tell you it's time to get in line, IT'S TIME TO GET IN LINE. Seriously. If not, we reserve the right to refuse your service all together, which means you'll get nothing.
Thanks. And it would be AWESOME if you could forward this email to your fiends or share the sale news on your Facebook page so your lovely friends can save cash to.
Pretty please.
Thanks!
Lincoln"

Vortex Records is located at 2309 Yonge Street, Toronto. Tel: 416 483 7437. Website link in column at right.