Re: Reported today: How one band survived trends

[Terry A. Smith]

Thanks to Barry for posting the article about Kent, Ohio's The Numbers
Band. As I've mentioned on this list before, this band -- originally
called 15-60-75 -- was my first "bar band" - the first band I ever saw
live in a bar, and remains near the top of my list of live bands, whether
in a bar, an arena or a stadium. As a 16-year-old in nearby Stow, Ohio,
around 1971-72, myself and my pals would hitch-hike into Kent, slide into the
subterranean Kove bar, taking turns using my brother's draft card, and sit
in the front church-pew, blowing joints, and getting blown away by this
kick-ass blues band that mixed rawness and urbanity, with consumate
professionalism and musicianship. They mixed originals with blues and RB
standards, such as Sea Cruise, Big-Legged Woman, Dust My Broom, Kansas
City, and on and on. I'll never forget 'em. -- Terry Smith

ps just for info, their sax player's sister was some little-known rock
singer from Cuyahoga Falls named Chrissie Hynde.

Re: Reported today: How one band survived trends

[alnjen]

By the mid-1980s, band members were clearing less than $100 a week each and
making their own albums on a shoestring. Players came and went.

Twang content: For a 5-year stretch in the mid-90's the bass player in the
Numbers Band was my good friend Bill Watson, currently part of that
swingin' ensemble Hillbilly Idol.
Bob Kidney also toured with the Golden Palominos, when Syd Straw was the
lead singer.

Allen

***

Boot Heel Drag can be heard on CJSW 90.9 FM , Calgary,AB
Tuesdays at 6:30 PM MST and on realaudio at www.cjsw.com.