Week of August 24, 2008
Personnel incl:
Paul Goldsmith - Guitar
Clyde Heaton - Organ
Danny O'Keefe - Bass, Vocals
John Simpson - Drums
Luther Rabb - Bass
Scott Strong - Keyboards
Album:
Steamed (Buddah BDS-5023) 1968
CD: RDI (Retro Disc International, S.L., Spain) 33025, 2008
45:
Rainmaker's Daughter/Hello Hello (Buddah 83) 1969
From Seattle, the driving force behind this short-lived outfit was
singer/songwriter Danny O'Keefe, who later had one or two Top 20 hits (including
"Magdalena"). They made a bit of a splash locally, but like a lot of
Seattle bands, they seemed much better live than on record. It seems that bands
from Seattle during that period did not get very good support from their record
companies... obviously things have changed since then! Calliope's first
album is now a very minor collectable, and the second may have remained
unissued. The "Steamed" album includes cover versions of "Hello" (Lee
Michaels), "California Dreamin'" (with a very good psychedelic guitar
solo), "Hound Dog", "Jimmy Bell" (a traditional number), "Like
A Rolling Stone" (Dylan), "Nadine" (Chuck Berry) and
four originals - two by Goldsmith and two by O'Keefe.
John Simpson, who was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1973, had previously
played with Scott Strong in The Bumps and may also be the guy who played
drums in Christopher. Prior to joining Calliope, Scott Strong also
acted as their road manager. Paul Goldsmith and Luther Rabb had earlier been in
Emergency Exit and Clyde Heaton in The Dimensions. Luther Rabb
later played with Ballin' Jack.
Compilation appearances have included: "California Dreamin'" on "Psychosis
From The 13th Dimension" (CDR & CD).
(Chris Boardman/Darryl F. Riffero/Vernon Joynson)
Taken from: Fuzz, Acid & Flowers - American Garage, Psychedelic & Hippie Rock 1964-1975