I know it's been a while since I posted anything new.  Hope I haven't lost both of my readers;-)  Before I get started on this post, lets help out a brother.  Blog participant Tom needs our help.  He needs to bolster his musical library of  live NRPS shows, but doesn't have anything to trade, yet.  I'll start by doing a few B&P for him, how about the rest of you?  His e-mail address is tgeren@comcast.net
or just contact me through the blog. Contact him with what you have and work out a B&P.  Lets get some trading and B&P going around.  Now on with the post.

I have always liked the music of Skip ever since the It Was I / Cherry Pie days of Skip and Flip.  I have always maintained that the best version of the Byrds was McGuinn, Skip, Gene Parsons and Clarence White.  His contribution to NRPS is monumental.  I have seen NRPS 3 times, all in 1974 with Skip. Some of his best work was with the Flying Burrito Brothers in the 80's. He was also an accomplished pianist, and a great example of what I call "Lead Bass".

His distinctive vocals were a joy to listen to. He spoke (and sang) fluent Italian.   A truly multi talented musician.

There was almost more to this story.  There was a demo called "Starlite Special" (from from the NRPS song "Strangers on a Train"). This is from his lady Peggy regarding the demo.

It is one he and I put together here in his studio in the house.  It is a compilation from several older material sources which we assembled and tweaked a little to meet his perfectionist standards.  When it was finished it was sent out to several producers around the country.  Among them was Burnside Records in Portland.  We hand delivered it to Terry Currier  late one night when we went up to see Gene Parsons perform.  Later Terry contacted Skip and wanted to produce a CD.  We worked at a studio in Portland for 2 days, but then Skip's alzheimers  began to cause him problems playing, so we had to stop in the middle and it was never finished. 

If not for the Alzheimers, there would have been another collection of Skip's great work.  Wish it could have been finished.  I'll bet it would have been great.

Picture provided by Peggy (her favorite) from her collection

OK folks, if you're following the blog, (and shame on you if you're not) an Anonymous poster had wondered if Buddy Cage or Steve Love could (or would) comment on the story that "Bad Dog" had been a possible name for The San Francisco All-Stars, the super group with Buddy Cage, Steve Love, John and Mario Cippolina and Joey Covington.  I received this from Buddy Cage, but rather than post as a comment I will post it as a new thread.

When I get some decent time - it's a great story. A John Cipollina Story, more precisely...
I'm in an Internet Cafe in Vegas getting mail cleared before I set up for the www.at40vegas.com show. Load in: Noon. You can pass this on to the bloggers. When I get back to NYC, I'll do the Story. bc

Stay tuned, when I get this it will be added to this thread. It gonna be great.  db

         Steve Love   Circa 1976

Steve's short tenure in the band included what I feel are 2 of the best albums all, "Who Are Those Guys", and "Marin County Line".  His considerable songwriting talents and 4 octive voice range (before going into falsetto) were a welcome addition to the band, which was coming off the MCA album, "New Riders". This was a good album to be sure, but not very much originality. At this time the band became very polished, but still with some of the old edgy sound.  I plan to do some album reviews later, but right now lets talk about Steve.

Coming to NRPS through Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band, Steve was already a veteran of the music scene.  His first job in Hollywood was with the Kingsman.  Yeah, Louie, Louie.  He also had center stage in The Byrds for 3 years, sharing lead vocals with Roger.

We'll all be looking forward to that...Thanks Steve!

What can be said about Marmaduke that hasn't already been said. Simply put, he is The New Riders of the Purple Sage.  Great songwriter, great singer, leader of the band.  Unfortunately his many health issues will probably mean The High Times Doobie Awards show was the last time we'll see him perform.  I had the pleasure only three times, I can only find evidence of the band playing San Diego once in 71 w/ The Dead, and three shows in 74.  These were the three I saw live, during the Skip Battin era.  Fantastic shows, 3/8/74 my buddies and I were 6" off the stage between Duke and Battin, close enough to speak between songs. This was a venue that held maybe 300.  I would have liked to see some of the other incarnations but I treasure the memories of these very special times of my life. Lets all keep John in our prayers, maybe we can see him perform again.

TOP: Calderone Concert Hall 6/25/76 

BOTTOM:  The High Times Doobie Awards 2002 where the

guys accepted the Lifetime Achievment award.  BB King's NYC.

Dave Torbert's widow Patti accepted his award.

David Nelson, only current Rider not to have been featured yet on the blog.  One of my favorite songs, from one of my favorite albums, (High Rollers, Who are those Guys) without David's distinctive vocals would have been just another crappy Terry Melcher song.  His vocals along with his smoking lead guitar were a major part of the early days, and even more so now with Marmaduke not able to participate in the reunion. 

Check out www.nelsonband.com to see what David is up to.

Top-Early 70's     Bottom-2002

Wow!!! Somebody is out there!  Welcome to Neon Gods, who kindly sent these pics of the rest of the reformed band members.

Which brings up the point...If you have comments, just leave them under comments.  If you have pics, stories or rememberences,  more like something to start a new thread, e mail them and (within reason) I will post them as a new thread.  Neon, I am somewhat limited as to space, couldn't post all the pics you sent, but they are appreciated.

Top pic: Ronnie Penque, bass-Michael Falzarone, guitar,mandolin

Bottom pic:  Johnny Markowski, drums              

Before Buddy joined, NRPS was a great band.  He

made them the greatest band, ever.

Very early pic of  the best

Later pic from Rob Bleetstein's 40th birthday party at

The Sweetwater 10/7/01

For info on whats going on with Buddy, check on the net

at BuddyCage.net

Dave Torbert     1948-1982

Skip Battin           1934-2003

Spencer Dryden     1938-2005