As a fan of Jerry Goodman’s violin work with Mahavishnu Orchestra and The Dixie Dregs, I figured I should check out his first band The Flock. This is a live archival release of two shows between 1969 and 1970. Upon first listen, the band is obviously drawing influence from the music of Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears. The opening “Store Bought, Store Thought” features an extended guitar jam with the horns kicking from behind, but very little of Goodman can be heard. Guitarist Fred Glickstein gets to take off, and as the lead vocalist, he has a gritty soulful voice. Unfortunately, as the second track “Clown” kicks in, the sound quality seems to drop off. Goodman gets a chance to step out, and then the band falls into a slower, spacey section that feels improvised, with the horn section playing off of each other exchanging riffs. The song wonders aimlessly until the band comes back together for the ending. “Truth” is a slow blues number, with Goodman riffing opposite the vocal. As with “Clown” the song seems to get lost in the middle, Goodman’s solo leaves me wanting more, it’s a bit too bland and not enough fire. The band is working the crowd, but as a listener this is honestly boring. From here they segues into a guitar solo, which is the last thing I want to hear after the endless noodling of the previous tracks. Ultimately, you only have 5 songs in total with a few being performed twice (2 different shows), I would only recommend for the avid fan/collector.
Track List:
Denver Pop Festival �" 6/27/69
1. Store Bought, Store Thought
2. Clown
3. Truth
4. Guitar Solo & More Truth
Warehouse, New Orleans LA �" 1/31/70
1. What The Flock
2. Clown
3. Store Bought, Store Thought
4. Truth
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
