RARE 1970 ORIG = RON ELLIOTT = CANDLESTICKMAKER = SERENE RICH ROCKY WILDERNESS

$

61

                   RON ELLIOTT

          CANDLESTICKMAKER

\                              USA - (olive green) WARNER BROTHERS - 1833

Includes the scarce LYRICS BOOKLET

VERY RARE as a Original 1970 first pressing of the main BEAU BRUMMELS member ... the cat that wrote the infectious melodies turns in a stunning performance that went under the radar of many, many collectors...here's the scoup:

Now here’s a record that, for all practical purposes, should not be this obscure. In fact, we're often taken aback at how many Beau Brummels fans aren’t even aware that Ron Elliott, said group’s guitarist and songwriter, ever cut a record on his own.

The music here is beautiful. Mining a deep spiritual vein that was only hinted at in the last two Beau Brummels records (on 1968's Triangle, in particular) Elliott’s vivid word craft and west coast roots are bolstered by the musicianship of such luminaries as Chris Ethridge, Bud Shank, Ry Cooder, and Mark McClure. Elliott’s voice is a marked contrast to Sal Valentino’s tremulous purr, boasting a rich depth that calls to mind that crown prince of Americana, John Stewart. Interestingly enough, this entire record makes one think of the dense, rocky wildernesses of the Pacific northwest. Maybe this has something to do with how the overall sound of the band is rather sparse, while managing to invoke a richly woven sound. Even the backing arrangements of Bob Thompson convey an organic and understated character.

When a record only holds five songs, it seems ridiculous to pick highlights, but “All Time Green” and the gently flowing train song “Deep River Runs Blue” really are absolutely beautiful. Mark McClure’s sharp, spidery guitar lines on the former, while Ry Cooder’s distinctive slide work on the latter blends majestically with either Elliott or McClure’s burbling wah guitar. Meanwhile, Bud Shank’s flute marks the mellow complex folk of “Lazy Day,” and Leon Russell’s subtle backing arrangements drive “To the City, To the Sea.” Each of these little touches make the songs both memorable and distinctive.

The magnum opus here, however, is clearly the fifteen minute long title track. As Elliott suggests the song “has a healing quality to it.” The lyrics build on what seems to me to be a driving theme throughout The Candlestickmaker: man’s struggle to break through the cold iron landscape of modern capitalist society and rediscover a free, wild America. Arguably a common theme in the early 1970s United States, but rarely one so eloquently presented. The music never once falters: Ethridge’s bass runs warm and melodic, while McClure’s guitar craft truly sparkles as it trails around Elliott’s words. Indeed, McClure proves himself to be one of the greatest revelations, and his grace on his instrument draws me towards exploring his own work further.

Molly In The Middle

Lazy Day

All Time Green

To The City,to The Sea

Deep River Runs Blue

The Candlestick Maker Suite

A. Dark Into Dawn

B. Questions

CONDITION: The cover: The dark cover, even IF found (rare Lp) is usually with major shelf wear (highly wear prone) ... here a VG++ highly collectible solid copy with no split seams, no bends, no writing...has a bit of light shelf wear but nothing alarming and certainly worth the score with the MINTY clean vinyl below>>>>fresh original colors, no delete marks, no split seams, no bends, and no writing  ... collection worthy rarity ...

The vinyl: all clean and clear M- looks and plays fantastic ...clean olive Warner Brothers labels ...

      A cool addition to anyone's music library!

SEE: SELLERS OTher items for similar cool sounds for "head" people...

EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING

All imperfections are noted both cover & record