McKendree Spring

McKendree Spring - Tracks - 1972 - Decca

McKendree Spring was an electric folk rock group founded in the Glens Falls area of NY in 1969 by the talented vocalist and guitarist from Connecticut, Fran McKendree. They had a good following and actively played into the mid 1970's. The band mixed synthesizers and electric strings with a strong acoustic base. Fran McKendree’s subtle understated voice backed by Marty Slutsky’s guitar, Fred Holman’s bass, and Michael Dreyfuss’ dynamic violin work gave McKS a unique sound. McKS played many top venues including Carnegie Hall, and the Fillmore East. They opened for some high profile bands including ELP. They also played with many great artists including the late Billy Preston. The band regrouped in 2007 for occasional dates playing with more emphasis on folk music than their earlier recordings. At present, the German Line record label possess the publishing rights to the album posted here, and distribution of McKendree Spring's album are generally limited. Try and listen to the band's "Second Thoughts" album

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

A1 Don't Keep Me Waiting - Fran McKendree 3:51
A2 Underground Railroad - Fran McKendree, David Woods 3:16
A3 The Man In Me - Bob Dylan 3:24
A4 Watch Those Pennies - David Woods 3:05
A5 Shoot Me - Keith Sykes 3:34

B1 Two Of Me - David Woods 3:55
B2 Train To Dixie - Keith Sykes 3:30
B3 Friends Die Easy II - Fran McKendree 4:10
B4 Road To Somewhere - Fred Holman 3:25
B5 Light Up The Skies - Michael Dreyfuss, David Woods (based on Vivaldi's "Four Seasons") 5:00

MUSICIANS

Electric Guitar - Martin Slutsky
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar - Fran McKendree
Guitar [Classical] - David Woods
Guitar [Pedal Steel] - Hank DeVito
Bass, Backing Vocals - Fred Holman
Piano, Organ - Ron MacKinnon
Drums - Andy Newmark
Saxophone [Tenor] - Artie Kaplan
Violin [Electric], Viola, Synthesizer [Moog, Arp] - Michael Dreyfuss
Backing Vocals - Jo Ann Vent
Backing Vocals - Bob Hipwell, John Montgomery on "Watch Those Pennies"

ABOUT MCKENDREE SPRING

Fran McKendree grew up in rural Connecticut where he began to play guitar and, very reluctantly, sing. In high school, a trio he’d joined won a talent contest, first prize being a slot on a folk music radio show, and he was hooked. He began his professional career playing at coffee houses in and around Syracuse University. Moving to the Glens Falls area of NY he formed "McKendree Spring," a four-piece folk-rock ensemble that the legendary promoter/manager Bill Graham dubbed "one of the best unknown bands in the world." The band recorded seven albums and toured with some of the most exciting artists of the 70's, beginning early in their career with several weeks at NY's famous 'Bitter End.' where they shared the bill with an amazing array of talent - from the Everly Brothers to James Taylor. McKendree Spring developed a loyal following, spending the next several years touring the US, the UK and Canada, sharing the stage with everyone from the Average White Band to Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. The band played many memorable venues as well, including Carnegie Hall, the Fillmore East, and with the late Billy Preston, the first ever rock concert at Radio City Music Hall. With the [tiny, but hey, nice to be included!] McKendree Spring exhibit in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio is an attribution that says: “Experimental and innovative, McKendree Spring mixed blues, folk and country with a progressive musical vision." The group eventually disbanded in 1975, and each of the members went on to pursue varied careers. © 2011 Fran McKendree http://www.franmckendree.com/bio.html

BIO (WIKI)

McKendree Spring was a folk-rock band. The band consisted of Fran McKendree (vocals & guitar), Fred Holman (bass), Dr. Michael Dreyfuss (electric violin, viola, Moog, Arp), Martin Slutsky (electric guitar). Christopher Bishop replaced Holman on bass as of the 1973 release Spring Suite. Steve Anderson (bass and vocals) and Alan Stoker (drums and vocals) were added for the "Live at the Beachland" 2007 release. In addition, Dave Morrison (harmonica) also played on the live album. In the summer of 2010, Christopher Bishop [bass and vocals] rejoined the group for the recording of 5 songs for "McKendree Spring: Recording No. 9". This recording also featured Alan Stoker {drums/percussion/vocals], Paul Hollowell [keys] and Fred Mollin [synth].