With the great success of their ABC Records debut, "Head Over Heels," and of their hit single , "Keep On Tryin'," Poco finally came into their own. It has taken the country-rock quartet several years to reach their well deserved goal of mass acceptance, but none of the time or the music was wasted. Every Poco album, from their debut "Pickin' Up The Pieces," in 1969, until now, has shown growth, each reaching out to a wider, more enthusiastic audience. Their new ABC album, "Rose Of Cimarron," is their strongest effort yet and should establish their musical superiority beyond all question.
As an extra treat to Poco fans and as a new spice to their patented sound, violinist/sax man Al Garth lends his musical skills to the production. A long-time Poco friend with several quest spots on past Poco products, Garth appears on half of the new material and will travel with the group as they embark on their latest cross-country tour. First coming to public attention as the wind in the sails of the original Loggins & Messina Band, appearing on their first five LP's, Garth's musical dexterity broadens Poco's range even further.
Rusty, in whose hands the pedal steel guitar can sound like anything from a symphony orchestra to a synthesizer, has established himself as pop's premier pedal steel player and has added banjo, dobro and assorted guitars to his arsenal of sound. Rusty also recently authored "The Pedal Steel Handbook," published by Guitar Player Press, and has gotten more and more into songwriting, penning four new tunes for "Rose of Cimarron."
Drummer Geroge Grantham hails from Denver, Colorado. He began his professional career in a group called Boenzye Creeque and is equally renowned for his vocal as well as his drumming skills.
Timothy B. Schmit, bassist, was a teen idol in Sacramento as a member of the group now known as Redwing. He has stepped out more and more over the years with his strong, clear voice, his pointed songwriting and his instrumental abilities.
Paul Cotton's first contributuion to the group's songbook was "Bad Weather," a Poco classic, and his contributions have continued to rivet audience's attentions. Recruited from the Illinois Speed Press in time for the "From the Inside" LP, Paul is a cornerstone of the Poco sound, adding lead vocals and lead guitar to the distinctive mix.
Poco will keep on making excellent music that will appeal to people of all ages and musical temperaments. "Rose Of Cimarron" is just the latest chapter in a long, rich history.
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