Genre: progressive
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: The Happy Dragon Band
Company: Fiddlers
Catalog: 811015-1157
Year: 1978
Country/State: Detroit, Michigan
Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+
Comments: minor ring, edge and corner wear
Available: SOLD
GEMM Catalog ID: SOLD
Price: SOLD
Having release a little noticed 1974 album for Capitol under the guise of Phantom's Divine Comedy (see separate entry), four years later drummer John Bdanjeck, singer/guitarist Tom Carson, bassist Dennis Craner, keyboardist Mike DeMartino and guitarist Gary Meisner reappeared as The Happy Dragon Band. Released by the small Michigan-based Fiddlers label, anyone expecting to hear another set of faux Doors-inspired psych was bound to be surprised by 1978's "The Happy Dragon Band". Whereas the earlier Phantom LP featured all-original material, here all nine tracks were penned by a Tommy Court. Whoever he was, Court was also credited with production, engineering and direction. Musically the set was a major shocker. Dropping their earlier pseudo-Doors stance, material such as "3-D Free", "In Flight" and the instrumental "Bowling Pin Intro" found the band plunging headlong into outright experimentation. Featuring extended tracks filled with synthesizers, odd sound effects and dazed vocals, the results didn't make for a particularly commercial outing. That said, the album sports a weird, hypnotizing appeal that's worth a couple of spins. Dark, heavy and disturbing, part of the aura may be explained by the liner notes - "This album is in memory of: my friend Ritchie & my child Ritchie Joe". (Our asking price is based on the fact the LP was pressed in miniscule quantities - reportedly 200 copies were printed.)
"The Happy Dragon Band" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) 3-D Free (Tom Court) -
2.) Positive People (Tom Court) -
3.) In Flight (Tom Court) -
4.) A Long Time (Tom Court) -
(side 2)
1.) Bowling Pin Intro (Tom Court) -
2.) Lyrics of Love (Tom Court) -
3.) Disco American (Tom Court) -
4.) Astro Phunk (Tom Court) -
5.) 3-D Free (Electronic) (Tom Court) -