Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Gypsy - Gypsy Box [1970-2016] (6 x CDs)

GYPSY

Gypsy - Gypsy Box [1970-2016] (6 x CDs)

Gypsy, an American progressive rock band, emerged from the musical endeavors of The Underbeats, a group formed in Minnesota in 1962. Their journey through the realms of rock led them to become the house band at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood from September 1969 to April 1971. During this period, they achieved recognition with their Billboard Hot 100 single “Gypsy Queen Part 1,” which reached #62. Their sound, a blend of rock and jazz, was largely shaped by guitarist and singer Enrico Rosenbaum’s compositions.

The band’s debut album, “Gypsy,” released in 1970, was a double album that showcased their unique style. Recorded at Devonshire Studios in North Hollywood, it featured the single “Gypsy Queen,” which became their most notable chart success. The album itself reached #44 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart. It was later re-released under different labels, ensuring its music continued to reach new audiences. The album’s fusion of jazzy progressions and rock elements, along with James “Owl” Walsh’s inventive keyboard work, made it a standout release of its time.

Following their debut, Gypsy released “In The Garden” in 1971, an album that resonated with the hippie-rock ethos of the era. It featured a harmonious blend of Latin percussion and progressive pop, reminiscent of bands like Rare Bird and Barclay James Harvest. The album’s production by Clark Burroughs added a layer of vocal finesse, complementing the band’s instrumental expertise.

Their third album, “Antithesis,” marked a shift in their musical direction, incorporating a wider array of styles and influences. Released in 1972 on the RCA Victor label, it showcased a more diverse sound palette, drawing comparisons to Steely Dan and the Grateful Dead. The album’s lyrical wit and Rico’s dynamic vocals highlighted the band’s evolution and their ability to craft songs that demanded individual attention.

Incorporating the legacy of Gypsy and the subsequent endeavors of James Walsh, the narrative of this band’s history is a rich tapestry of musical innovation and resilience. The band’s fourth album, “Unlock The Gates,” released in 1973, marked the end of an era for Gypsy. However, the spirit of the band lived on through James Walsh, who continued to make music under the banner of The James Walsh Gypsy Band. This offshoot group not only carried the essence of Gypsy’s sound but also infused it with new life, as evidenced by their Hot 100 entry “Cuz, It’s You Girl.”


The James Walsh Gypsy Band’s self-titled album, released in 1978, was a showcase of exceptional talent, drawing comparisons to prominent bands like Tower of Power, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Chicago. Despite the lack of widespread recognition, the album stood out for its soulful, precise arrangements and remains a hidden gem in the annals of rock history.

In 2016, the band released “I’ve Got The Feelin’,” an album that further solidified their reputation for top-quality sound and intricate arrangements. This release was a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and a gift to fans of Adult Oriented Rock (AOR), highlighting the timeless nature of their music.

Throughout their journey, Gypsy and The James Walsh Gypsy Band have navigated the changing tides of the music industry, leaving behind a legacy of albums that continue to captivate listeners. From the early days at the Whisky a Go Go to the later years of The James Walsh Gypsy Band, their music has been a beacon of rock, reflecting the dedication and unique sound that James Walsh and his fellow musicians have brought to the world. Their story is one of passion, creativity, and the enduring power of music.

Throughout their career, Gypsy’s members pursued various paths. Drummer Bill Lordan played with Sly & the Family Stone and Robin Trower, while James Walsh continued the band’s legacy through The James Walsh Gypsy Band. Tragically, the band also faced losses, with Jim Johnson Jim Johnson died of esophageal cancer in hospice care on September 26, 2019 at age 76 and James '"Owl" Walsh died of congestive heart failure at hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 4, 2023, at age 74.

Gypsy’s contribution to progressive rock remains significant. Their albums, a testament to their musical prowess, continue to be celebrated for their innovative approach and enduring appeal. As a band that once captivated audiences at the Whisky a Go Go, their legacy lives on through the timeless quality of their music. (B)

https://www.discogs.com/artist/1430051-The-Underbeats

Gypsy Interview

https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2021/01/gypsy-interview.html

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Track lists

CD1

01 Gypsy - Gypsy Part One 4:21

02 Gypsy - Gypsy Part Two 2:28

03 Gypsy - Man Of Reason 3:01

04 Gypsy - Dream If You Can 2:49

05 Gypsy - Late December 4:11

06 Gypsy - The Third Eye 4:53

07 Gypsy - Decisions 8:14

08 Gypsy - I Was So Young 4:11

09 Gypsy - Here In My Loneliness 2:56

10 Gypsy - The Vision 5:14

11 Gypsy - More Time 7:28

12 Gypsy - Dead And Gone 10:54

13 Gypsy - Tomorrow Is The Last To Be Heard 5:47

14 Gypsy - The Innocence 4:36


CD2

01 Gypsy - Around You 5:34

02 Gypsy - Reach Out Your Hand 2:44

03 Gypsy - As Far As You Can See 12:10

04 Gypsy - Here In The Garden Part 1 6:43

05 Gypsy - Here In The Garden Part 2 3:09

06 Gypsy - Blind Man 4:08

07 Gypsy - Time Will Make It Better 2:59

08 Gypsy - Twenty Years Ago Today 5:00


CD3

01 Gypsy - Crusader 3:10

02 Gypsy - Day After Day 3:14

03 Gypsy - The Creeper 3:13

04 Gypsy - Facing Time 4:12

05 Gypsy - Lean On Me 3:12

06 Gypsy - Young Gypsy 3:06

07 Gypsy - Don't Bother Me 3:12

08 Gypsy - Travelin' Minnesota Blues 2:31

09 Gypsy - So Many Promises 2:23

10 Gypsy - Antithesis (Keep Your Faith) 3:21

11 Gypsy - Edgar (Don't Hoover Over Me) 3:24

12 Gypsy - Money 4:51


CD4

01 Gypsy - Is That News 3:17

02 Gypsy - Make Peace 3:17

03 Gypsy - One Step Away 3:12

04 Gypsy - Bad Whore (The Machine) 2:50

05 Gypsy - Unlock The Gates 3:40

06 Gypsy - Join In 2:49

07 Gypsy - Need You Baby 3:03

08 Gypsy - Smooth Operator 3:22

09 Gypsy - Don't Get Mad (Get Even) 3:16

10 Gypsy - Precious One 4:19


CD5

01 James Walsh Gypsy Band - I've Got The Feelin' 3:49

02 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Looks Like You Got Down In Love 2:46

03 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Lie To Me 3:39

04 James Walsh Gypsy Band - The Caves Of Altamira 3:20

05 James Walsh Gypsy Band - It's Over Now 3:34

06 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Where Do We Get Off 3:30

07 James Walsh Gypsy Band - This Time The Feelin' Is Right 2:42

08 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Alabama Eyes 4:11

09 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Lovin' You 3:32

10 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Just Like Fallin' In Love 3:34


CD6

01 James Walsh Gypsy Band - You Make Me Feel Like Livin' 3:15

02 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Love Is For The Best In Us 3:26

03 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Bring Yourself Around 4:02

04 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Don't Look Back 3:50

05 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Cuz It's You, Girl 4:03

06 James Walsh Gypsy Band - You 4:11

07 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Gray Tears 5:18

08 James Walsh Gypsy Band - My Star 1:59

09 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Whole Lotta Givin' To Do 3:37

10 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Lookin' Up I See 5:25

11 James Walsh Gypsy Band - Someday 3:23

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10 comments:

  1. Do you have anything by "The Good Rats" ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rich L.
      https://pixeldrain.com/u/3cnS7o4G
      Cheers.

      Delete
    2. Appreciate it - do you have the entire discography of "The Good Rats"? I was really excited to see the discography of Gypsy. The gypsy double LP from Metromedia was my first buy way back when it was released.

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    3. Hi Rich L.
      Sorry for the delayed response. I missed this earlier.
      I do have their discography. I will post them as a special at some stage soon.
      Cheers.

      Delete
    4. Please don't forget the 'Good Rats' discography - thanks in advance!!!

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    5. Hi Rich L.
      I haven't forgotten the Good Rats I promised. As soon as I have pulled it together as a post, I will Let you know.
      Cheers.

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    6. Hi Rich L.
      You will be pleased to know I will post The Good Rats later today.
      It's all ready to go. I just want a break between this and what has been posted today. Enjoy!
      Cheers.

      Delete
  2. Wow. Very strange for me to see this. This morning I was trying to explain a particular sound that phases and the only example I could immediately think of was the old use of phasing on drums during the late 60s/early 70s and the example I was using was the drum solo on, I think, "Tomorrow is the Last to Be Heard" on that first Gypsy album. This was just this morning! Memories to relive ... thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi rotasi,
      Great to hear. Memories to relive ...
      There is a lot to be said about memory transfer (If you believe the brain is a processor)
      FYI. I prepared this set two weeks ago and listened to it many times. There are many comments that suggest that the first track is the real listening experience on the first album. But I feel that their albums are much better than that. This whole set exists to help see that. You are obviously tuned in, don't lose that.
      Cheers.

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