FREEDOM NORTH - S/T - Aquarius Label - 1970

$ 80

$ 80 Sold For

Jun 25, 2013 Sold Date

Jun 24, 2013 Start Date

1 Number Of Bids

USA Country Of Seller

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Description

The roots of this band starts in the early 60's when Bill Hill and Allan Nichols formed "J.B. and the Playboys". They hailed from Montreal, Quebec and were one of the very first bands to cover "The Beatles" before they were really known in North America. By May of 1965 they had three hit singles in the top 50. By summer that year their first album was released on RCA (Canada). They also had a bit part in the psycho movie "Playboy Killer". By the end of the year they changed their name to "The Jaybees" because of some name confusion with "Gary Lewis and the Playboys" in America. More singles were released and they were as popular as ever playing clubs like "The Vaudreuil Inn", "The Maurice Richard Arena" and the 1967 EXPO in their hometown. They also had a brief appearance in the film 'Waiting For Caroline". During this period, psychedelic music was at the forefront. Members of the band had changed somewhat over time and they decided to call themselves "The Carnival Connection". This band released one unsuccessful single. Then they went to New York for a one month stay playing clubs for notice in the states. It didn't work out and Allan decided to move on. He left the band and starred in the Broadway versions of "Hair" and "Jesus Christ Superstar". Bill Hill (lead guitar) went back to Canada to unite with members of the Montreal band “The Munks” starring Rick St Jean (rhythm guitar) and Eddy Kaye (drums). Also added was Les Leroux (bass) and former “Riverson” vocalist Franki Hart They were called ”Freedom North" and toured with the likes of “April Wine” and “Mashmakhan” all over Eastern Canada. One album was recorded and released on Aquarius Records.

This is a pretty good psychedelic vocal band with the dreamy female vocals of Franki Hart, beautiful harmonies, great fuzz and psychedelic guitar licks, and special effects. But, the music is very diverse with horns on one cut, country sounds on another and moody distant sounds elsewhere. Depending on the song I hear similarities to "Lacewing", "Blood Sweat and Tears" or "Morse Code Transmission". The album was not released in the US and sank out of site. Bill Hill opened up a recording studio that is still active in Montreal. After Broadway, Allan Nichols had stints with "Mashmakhan" and "Lighthouse" then traveled to Hollywood for bit parts in the movies "Nashville" and "Slapshot". He wound up directing skits with Lorne Michaels on "Saturday Night Live".

The album cover has some edge wear with the beginnings of a small split at 9:00 and slight ring wear. The record plays with some minor ticks here and there, but over all plays well.

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