The "Mighty" Groundhogs:The '70's

moshkito wrote: cannon wrote: The Groundhogs were part of the 2nd. wave of the British blues revival and got thier start backing up John Lee Hooker in 1965. Entering the '70's the band left behind thier "traditional" blues influences are started to fuse prog, heavy psych, and hard rock. Your fav album from the band in the '70's?   Not so sure about that ... I think I read somewhere that Toni and Eric came from the same school or area ... and both are quite blues leaning ... but if I have a chance to make a call, I would take Toni any day of the week, because his music and playing is far more exciting and lively and talented than Eric's. Eric may have the biggest hit, but Toni has the better sound, and music all around for my tastes.   "Crosscut Saw" is my favorite and then some, and some cuts on "Black Diamond" are unreal! ... But if you never heard his original guitar anthem that inspired Jimi to do his own at Woodstock, you haven't lived. "Amazing Grace" is probably just as important a piece as the other ... it just didn't have all the garbage for you to check out in front of you! And you all really have to hear "Live Right" from the Black Diamond album ... absolutely awesome music, writing and creativity.

 

Split is an excellent album. Cherry Red rocks!

moshkito wrote: cannon wrote: The Groundhogs were part of the 2nd. wave of the British blues revival and got thier start backing up John Lee Hooker in 1965. Entering the '70's the band left behind thier "traditional" blues influences are started to fuse prog, heavy psych, and hard rock. Your fav album from the band in the '70's?   Not so sure about that ... I think I read somewhere that Toni and Eric came from the same school or area ... and both are quite blues leaning ... but if I have a chance to make a call, I would take Toni any day of the week, because his music and playing is far more exciting and lively and talented than Eric's. Eric may have the biggest hit, but Toni has the better sound, and music all around for my tastes.   "Crosscut Saw" is my favorite and then some, and some cuts on "Black Diamond" are unreal! ... But if you never heard his original guitar anthem that inspired Jimi to do his own at Woodstock, you haven't lived. "Amazing Grace" is probably just as important a piece as the other ... it just didn't have all the garbage for you to check out in front of you! And you all really have to hear "Live Right" from the Black Diamond album ... absolutely awesome music, writing and creativity.

I've never heard of any link with Clapton & McPhee, they came from opposite ends of the country - it's possible, but unlikely. McPhee was asked to be Clapton's replacement in the Bluesbreakers in 1967 but turned the gig down. They certainly were aware of each other during the mid and late 60s since while even though McPhee wasn't "famous" he was well known to other musicians at the time.

presdoug wrote: Any of you folks seen the Groundhogs Live dvd recorded in 1998?

I have it, and it is very good, despite the fact that poor McPhee had the flu when it was recorded (as he explains in the intro)
        There are classic period pieces and some more recent ones, and it is wonderful!

It is a shame that a legend such as McPhee is playing to small audiences. About 25 years ago I was staying with a friend in Wales and we popped down to his local social club and, much to our surprise, the band that night was The Groundhogs. At least there were more than 7 people there but not many were very interested in the band.

Dick Heath wrote: The Groundhogs while touring Split, apparently had McPhee using some of the early radio mikes and pick-ups. A police car message broke through onto  his speakers during the stage announcements of one gig in the UK. As quick as a flash McPhee apologised to the audience explaining he was having problems with his fuzz-box.       Yours truly with TMcP, just after his signing the album on which I first heard the Groundhogs (and Tony McPhee with the excellent Jo Anne Kelly) - McPhee on seeing that  LP sleeve whilst having a leisurely pint at a DeMont Hall's bar in 2004, said "when the f*** did you get that?" - to which I replied: "Since the day it was released."  (Around 1968-9)

Top Bloke Tony sadly last time i saw him was in Summerton Somerset he did a solo gig but there was only 7 of us who turned up (poor gig advertising and organization) felt so sorry for the guy he is such a Legend to me just love his music, but we got to have good chat with him he signed my mates copy of Split. he played a few tunes then gave up  so we  all went to the bar for few beers .   i also remember the Hogs playing a cracking set at a festival at some racecourse up north  they played early in the morning couse they were of after to play at another festival  in Yorkshire some where.  Top Bloke Tony !!!

The Groundhogs while touring Split, apparently had McPhee using some of the early radio mikes and pick-ups. A police car message broke through onto  his speakers during the stage announcements of one gig in the UK. As quick as a flash McPhee apologised to the audience explaining he was having problems with his fuzz-box.

Edited by Dick Heath - March 02 2011 at 12:58

I only have Blues Obituary. I find it rather boring, sadly. :(

Any of you folks seen the Groundhogs Live dvd recorded in 1998?

I've only heard the first two and out of those I really like Split, so that gets my vote.