By Jason Barnard
Terry Dolan recorded an incredible debut album in 1972, with an an all star cast – Nicky Hopkins (The Rolling Stones, The Kinks), John Cipollina (Quicksilver Messenger Service), Lonnie Turner (The Steve Miller Band) and Neal Schon (Santana, Journey).
Each side of the LP was helmed by a legendary UK musician – Nick Hopkins (side A) and Pete Sears (B) ensuring world class production to Terry’s outstanding songs. It was a heaven made marriage of classic songwriting and the best players of the San Fran rock scene. With support from a major label, Warner Brothers, a new star was born. Or so it should have been.
Just two months before release, Warners pulled the plug, left the recordings in the vault and dropped Dolan.
Until now. High Moon Records are releasing this superb album, plus 6 bonus tracks of outtakes on deluxe CD package and vinyl.
Side A stars highlights Nicky Hopkins’ lush production. Opener ‘See What What Your Love Can Do’ is the North American twin to George Harrison’s work, a gorgeous blend of gospel, Americana and blue eyed soul. Hopkin’s influence is apparent on ‘Angie’ with Hopkins’ piano chords from his own ‘Tin Man Was A Dreamer’ complementing. ‘Rainbow’ also takes the infusion but gives a rockier edge to proceedings. ‘Inlaws And Outlaws’, is a powerful ballad that wouldn’t be out of place on Neil Young’s best work of the era.
With the sessions in full swing, Nicky Hopkins was then asked to accompany The Rolling Stones on tour leading to Pete Sears being drafted in after his work on Rod Stewart’s solo albums. It was a tall order to follow-up the high water mark of the earlier sessions, but Sears and Dolan deliver albeit with a slightly cleaner sound.
The second side opens with another powerful ballad ‘Purple An Blonde…?’, ‘Bergundy Blues’ then takes off – a superb band performance to what arguably is the weaker song of the set. Terry then covers J.J. Cale’s ‘Magnolia’, an emotional song that perfectly fits into the set of powerful soul enthused rock. Finishing with Sear’s organ and Terry’s vocals, ‘To Be For You’ acts as a subtle close to this album.
Terry went on to form Terry and The Pirates and became a notable artist in the San Francisco area before passing in 2012. However we’ll never know what would have happened if Warners had released his debut record.
Buy this classic album and discover a lost classic:
