Although not a "rocker", Saranac Laker Phil Klein is a great musician and entertainer. He is Professor of Music Emeritus at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, a solo pianist, band pianist, composer, arranger and raconteur. Along with these pursuits he is also in the process of putting together a book based on his memories of Saranac Lake. Give a listen to some of Phil's stuff and see if you are as hooked as I am. Phil was a student of the late-great Lorreto Leonard, who taught piano on Park Avenue for many years.
Phil has written many songs for movies and TV and here are a couple of his country tunes. He does the vocal on Take My Love And Shove It Up Your Heart using the alias "BIG BILL GASPER"!
L-R: Steve Hardy, Josh Clement, Bruce Arnold, Brian Lewis, Rob Stout and Walt Lewis
Cloning Cooper's first CD is a must-have, especially if you're an Adirondacker and particularly if you're a Saranac Laker. It's hard to pick a personal favorite because every track on it is great. Not only is the music and editing outstanding but there is a lot of thought behind the lyrics. I was impressed by the sound and message behind "SAGITTARIUS", a tribute to the average guy, "BIDING MY TIME", a statement about the local political situation and "THE INNER CRITIC". (The lead-in is an actual scanner sound bite of a notorious SLPD incident.)
The track, "PAMPLONA", has a distinct Spanish accent and it's fitting that the release of the album coincides with the eight days of the "running of the bulls" in Pamplona, Spain. This daredevil event was popularized by Hemingway in, "The Sun Also Rises".
"We each run our own personal "PAMPLONA" every day of our lives". says Josh. "We try to keep one step ahead of the bulls of financial failure, health worries, family concerns and then there's that secret bull we keep hidden deep inside."
"That's the one that will get you.", says Rob.
"Ole!" shout Walt and Brian in unison.
The offbeat final track, "I DON'T GET DRUNK ANYMORE", is guaranteed to leave you laughing. If you didn't make it to town for the CD release show at THE WATERHOLE on July 11th you can get the CD at: AMAZON.COM. and CD BABY You can also download the CD or single tracks at iTunes. Below is a sample:
JUST A FEW YEARS BACK
IF YOU HAVE A SARANAC LAKE MUSICIAN PIC TO ADD SEND IT IN!
Remember Major Dawson's in Lake Clear? Here is the group who entertained you there. the MAJORS included Jay "Major" Dawson, Jim Goodrich, Dan Spada and Steve Thomas on the drums. (Thanks to Steve Thomas)
Steve's daughter, Jenn, inherited Steve's skills at the drums. Here she is beating the skins at Schue's Adirondack Grill. Remember Schue's? (Thanks to Steve Thomas)
YOU CAN BUY THE CDs, "HEARTS SO COLD! THE NORTH COUNTRY '60s SCENE" AND "CRY OF ATLANTIS: THE NORTH COUNTRY SCENE '58 - 67" AT AMAZON.COM! THESE INCLUDE SONGS BY THE PERSUADERS AND THE FUGITIVES. THE PERSUADERS AND THE FUGITIVES ARE ALSO FEATURED IN ISSUE #27 OF "UGLY THINGS". CHECK IT OUT AT UGLY THINGS.
Kevin Kunath has been stationed in Guam, Germany, Korea and Japan in his 12 years in the Air Force. Wherever he goes he brings his trusty guitar. Here he is at Osana Air Base, in South Korea.Check him out on his YOUTUBE site.
CLONING COOPER
THE MAJORS
1953 PROM BAND
THE SONS, A GREAT GROUP FROM THE 60's WHO PLAYED AT THE BIRCHES
