This album consists of selections from the Chad
Mitchell Trio's studio sessions for Colpix from 1960, twelve of which were
released on the Arrives album (SCP-411). From those
sessions remained four rejected songs ("Herbie
Spear," "Devil Road," "Rodger
Young," and "Vaya Con Dios"). With
the trio signed to Kapp, Colpix did not have enough material to issue a second
album, so they decided to build a "live" album around the four tunes, dubbing in
poorly EQ'd audience applause, guitar tuning, and even coughing to simulate a
live concert. In addition to the four unreleased tracks, Colpix added the
released versions of "I Do Adore Her" and "Sally Ann" from the Arrives album to
round out side one. As for the unreleased tracks, "Devil Road" is simply a
reworked version of "Wayfaring Stranger" with new lyrics, while "Rodger Young"
features a rare solo by original member Mike Pugh. "Vaya Con Dios" is actually a
beautiful and tender rendition of the ballad made famous by Les Paul & Mary
Ford.
Side two of the album features an unknown folk quartet called the Gatemen
singing songs that could have been sung by the Mitchell Trio (folk staples
"Jesse James" and "Wabash Cannonball"). The problem is, these guys couldn't
sing. In addition, the group made the unfortunate decision to include a piano
and a ponderous rock & roll wannabe drummer in the group. It results in some
very painful listening. On top of these abysmal performances, Colpix adds the
same phony applause used on the Mitchell tracks. No clue is given as to the
Gatemen's identity (it's just as well). A photo on the cover shows six teenagers
sitting in what looks like a run-down bohemian apartment room. ~ Cary Ginell,
All Music Guide |
