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Not much is known about this US power trio from Carbondale in southern Illinois. Steven Jay Morris (guitar, synthesiser, vocals), Ben Russell (bass, flute, vocals) and George Jake Tutko (drums, percussion, marimba) played heavy psychedelic rock with progressive elements. Their first LP, Documents of Captivity, was recorded in November 1973 with the support of pianist and author Leon Felts and produced by Morris, who wrote most of the material. The concept album consists of a series of „six documents“ that explore the course of life with its limitations, the struggle between good and evil, and social conflicts. The liner notes by Leon Felts, who wrote all the lyrics for the album, describe the themes as follows:
„We were dogs among bitches, in the deep December, hiding from the cold; and under icy skies, with only whiskey warmth. Alone in the City, among greystone towers, down busy streets; we began, and continued through rages, phases, losses and gains; into the drizzlin' Southern Spring, and through the quiet, dusky Summer. Living and learning, and cementing the Sound, in countless smoky, lonely Mid-Western bars, among the sad faces and the smiles. Here then; are songs of Forests and Warriors, Devils and elusive Ladies, that all sound far better than my poor power to describe.“
The whole thing is underpinned by experimental psychedelic jams, melodic acoustic passages and complex arrangements featuring heavy acid guitar. The album was released in a small number of copies (it is assumed only 1000 copies) as a private pressing on the tiny local label MRT Records in 1973. Due to a lack of promotion and distribution, their only LP received virtually no attention. One year later the trio disbanded. A lot of money is now being paid for this coveted gem of the 1970s American underground scene.
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