Smooth and ethereal can describe the voice of the late Felix Pappalardi. Known for his great vocal and bass work with Mountain, he was also one superb producer. Cream's Disraeli Gears is an example of his vision. Along with Felix, Corky Laing on drums, Steve Knight on organ and Leslie West on guitar, Mountain created some of the most classic and inspired music of the late 60s and early 70s.
Hits like Mississippi Queen, Theme For An Imaginary Western, and Nantucket Sleighride have created a legacy that can still be heard on rock radio stations today. A testament to their popularity is the number of baby girls given the name Robin Marie after the release of Nantucket Sleighride.
While I have never gotten tired of any of those songs, my favorite was one that originally was recorded on Leslie West's Mountain album produced by Felix. Great intro into Leslie's raw and raspy vocal. Legend has it "Long Red" was written for a long, redhead that Leslie had some naughty thoughts about. Could be, I just think it's just a nice combination of the right melody, vocal and guitar.
Two tastes today. The original recorded version, which first got my attention all those years ago, and a vintage live lick showing off Leslie's guitar and some nice bass by Felix.
"Long Red" - studio
"Long Red" - live in 1969
Down and dirty, let it roll.
I can feel that right in my chest and spine... I didn't realize Mountains lead singer was such a big guy. He had the voice to match too...
ReplyDeleteyes, leslie was a really big guy, no longer. i think he lost a leg to diabetes as well, but still rockin'
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