Description
The self-titled debut album by the American rock combo The Alpha Band was released on Arista Records in 1976, a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures Industries. The album was recorded during August 19, 20 and 21 by Larry Hirsch at Paramount Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California. “At last a band that takes real chances…” according to Melody Maker.
The Alpha Band was an americana rock group formed in July 1976 from the remnants of Bob Dylan‘s backup band during the legendary Rolling Thunder Revue tour. The core members of The Alpha Band were T-Bone Burnett, Steven Soles, and David Mansfield. They were joined by sidemen who differed from record to record. Additional musicians on the debut album were David Jackson on bass and Matt Betton on drums, with K.O. Thomas sitting in on piano on one track.
Coining the phrase “surrealistic rock” in order to describe the recently signed Alpha Band, Davis played and read the lyrics to «Interviews» from Alpha’s soon to be released album. He stated: “I feel they will be as meaningful as any group I have ever been associated with.” The Alpha Band were members of the group backing Bob Dylan during the Rolling Thunder Revue tour. [Record World, October 23, 1976 (excerpt from “Davis Talk Stresses Awareness,” a note covering Arista Records president Clive Davis’ speech at a New York presentation sponsored by the Music and Performing Arts Lodge)]
THE ALPHA BAND, “THE ALPHA BAND.” Steven Soles, David Mansfield and T-Bone Burnett comprise the Alpha Band (aided here by David Jackson and Matt Betton). They’re part of a largely New York based group of musicians who make keeping it loose an asset. “Interviews,” “Ten Figures” and “Last Chance to Dance,” however, are more solid than first seems. Arista AL 4102 (6.98). [Record World (Hits of the Week/Album section), November 13, 1976]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-alpha-band/1309728935)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Interviews” – 3:52
A2. “Cheap Perfume” – 2:49
A3. “Keep It In The Family” – 4:34
A4. “Ten Figures” – 4:09
A5. “Wouldn’t You Know” – 3:51
Side Two
B1. “Madman” – 4:23
B2. “The Dogs” – 4:20
B3. “Arizona Telegram” – 4:25
B4. “Dark Eyes” – 3:34
B5. “Last Chance To Dance” – 3:18
Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Arista Records. Re-issued by Acadia in 2005 as a part of the 2CD The Arista Albums.
CREDITS. Recorded by Larry Hirsch at Paramount Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California; August 19, 20 and 21. Cover Photography by Deborah Turbeville. Sleeve Photography by Ken Regan, Camera 5. Design and Art Direction by Nancy Greenberg.
Musicians: The Alpha Band – Steven Soles (Vocals, Guitar), T-Bone Burnett (Vocals, Guitar, Piano), David Mansfield (Violin, Mandolin, Guitar). Additional Musicians: David Jackson (Bass), Matt Betton (Drums), K.O. Thomas (Piano on track A3), Roscoe West (Vocals on track A1), Rosanna Taplin (Vocals on track B2).
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