Re: summer breeze
maeissin@capnet.ucla.edu
Thu, Apr 20 1995 15:41:14 GMT
>>became a Baha'i during the height of their popularity and went to
>
>I became a Baha'i before they had become popular. I first saw them in Phila-
>delphia where they were the 1st act on the bill, i.e., they opened the night
>at 7pm before two other bands went on. They went back to the apartment of a
>Baha'i for some after concert food and gave me my first fireside. I remember
>them telling me about how some of their songs got written.
>
>>In general, all of their albums had at least one overt reference to the
>
>Their first album is full of material from the Writings, but was not a major
>label distribution. Their second album was more "commercial" and less direct
>regarding many of the songs. The Summer Breeze and Diamond Girl albums had
>more explicit Baha'i references with the former even having a quote from the
>Writings on the back.
>
>>Although not rock and roll, their musical style was original - blending
>>jazz, eastern influences, the use of mandolin, etc. A lot of it still
>>sounds fresh to my ears and I enjoy listening to it today. A lot of
>>good stuff.
>
>I'd agree, I knew nothing about the Faith but found their originality very
>enjoyable.
Jim and Dash had at least one album per year from 1969 to 1980, In
1976-1977 they actually had about 4 albums, as there were two greatest
hits packages, a reissue of the first two albums and the sound-track
of a movie "One on One".
With the exception of the soundtrack, all albums contained blantant
references to the Faith, including "For more information on the Baha'i
Faith contact the Baha'i National Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette,
Il., 60069 (and the phone number, which I can't remember).
Every concert always included a large fireside (sometimes with 1000+
in attendance). They used to provide seekers with a stack of pamphlets
and a copy of Gloria Faizi's Introduction. In fact, during that time
the Publishing Trust sold that particular book in lots of 1000 and
5000 to accomodate the number of books that Jim and Dash were
distributing.
All but two or three of their albums went Gold, a couple went Platinum
and one went Double Platinum.
I disagree with the comment that they weren't Rock'n'Roll. Until about
the late 70's when Rock radio reorganized itself, they were considered
a mainline rock act. I worked for over 11 years in Rock Radio, and
Seals & Crofts were a staple of the early 70's on Album Rock stations.
Michael Eissinger
Los Angeles