What Are You Listening To? (Part Deux)
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Umbra was founded in 1969 and continued to solidify into 1970. Steve describes Umbra as “a progressive, psychedelic, jam group”. I had the privilege of listening to the band’s “garage” recordings from that period and have to say this was a very diverse and talented ensemble. Steve recalled that the tracks were put down on a 4 track and a 2 track recorder and recorded at a band member’s home.
Most of the band members were from local Denver area high schools with the exception of Nick Melliadis who came from New York. Steve attended South High School which wasn’t a good fit for him back then. “I didn’t care much for high school so I dropped out to pursue my music.” It was a decision that worked very well for Steve. He did achieve his GED, but more importantly acquired a rich and deep education in music with his adventures from Umbra up to the present day.
The name “Umbra” was selected by the band while perusing the dictionary – an exercise common with bands back then (and maybe even now). “Umbra translates to “shadow on moon”, stated Steve. “We wanted a name that was short, mysterious, easy to remember, and sounded cool.”
Because I am The Pumpkinking
A Kind Word Is An Easy Gift To Give -
II Balletto di Bronzo - Sírio 2222
Il Balletto di Bronzo (translation: "The Bronze Ballet") is an Italian progressive rock band from Naples. The band was initially formed as the I Battitori Selvaggi, and played Nato bases in Italy. Early members included Raffaele Cascone, a progressive guitarist and Freddy Cannon on drums. Cannon would later become a very successful record company executive with EMI, Carrere, PWL and join BMI as a senior executive in 1994. They changed their name to Il Balletto di Bronzo in 1969 and released two singles. The singles were Neve Calda / Comincio 'Per Gioco (1969) and Si, Mama Mama / Meditazione (1970). Their albums were Sirio 2222(1970) followed by Ys (1972), before their first break up in 1973.
Because I am The Pumpkinking
A Kind Word Is An Easy Gift To Give -
Local Stev Jochum on CD;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE2rMBc98pM&list=RDLE2rMBc98pM&start_radio=1
Speakers: Polk Lsim, ATC SCM19 v2, NHT SuperzeroSpeaker Cables: DH Labs, Transparent, Wireworld, Canare, Monster: Beer budget, Bose ears -
The Rolling Stones - Some Girls
Picked up at an antique mall in near Toledo, OH. I believe this is an original issue with Lucille Ball and others celebrities on the inner sleeve. If I’m correct I got a deal at $21.60
Because I am The Pumpkinking
A Kind Word Is An Easy Gift To Give -
Pink Floyd 8-tracks CD;
Speakers: Polk Lsim, ATC SCM19 v2, NHT SuperzeroSpeaker Cables: DH Labs, Transparent, Wireworld, Canare, Monster: Beer budget, Bose ears -
Elton John: Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
MCA Records MCA-2142
{Vinyl, LP, stereo, gatefold, 1975}
The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.—Martin Luther King Jr.
