Bloggerhythms

From left: Danny Hutton, Cory Wells, Chuck Negron I was saddened last night when I heard the news about the sudden death of singer Cory Wells who was an important member of one of my favorite bands from the first half of the 70s, Three Dog Night. The septet was huge for a long period of time and had a stable lineup for most of their major hitmaking years of 1969 to 1974. Three Dog Night had an unusual configuration: three singers who took turns singing lead backed by a four piece rock band who did not sing. The band's trademark and ace in the hole was the vocal trio of Wells, Danny Hutton, and my favorite, Chuck Negron. However, Wells was no slouch as his leads on "Try A Little Tenderness," "Eli's Coming," Mama Told Me Not To Come," "Never Been To Spain," Shambala," "Let Me Serenade You," and "Play Something Sweet (Brickyard Blues)" all proved. The singers were dynamic. All three could rave like a soul man an...

When it first came out I quickly picked up a copy of Eric Clapton's Me and Mr. Johnson before ever hearing a note. I played it a couple of times and then sold it. Looking back on it later I wasn't sure why we parted ways and I regretted my decision. I haven't heard Clapton's fourteen song tribute to bluesman Robert Johnson (perhaps the founding member of the 27 Club ) in many years so when I found a used copy recently for only $1.99 I picked it up again and listened to it intently in my car. Given a second chance this still isn't the album it could have been but it is a keeper. The former Bluesbreaker and Domino who also was in Cream and Blind Faith assembled an outstanding band of all-stars. Steve Gadd played drums, Nathan East was on bass, while Andy Fairweather Low and Doyle Bramhall II accompanied the star on guitars. Jerry Portnoy contributed very fine harmonica. Pino Palladino (bass) and Jim Keltner (drums) also assisted on one track, "Travel...