Customer Reviews

The San Francisco Medicine Ball Band

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found a copy of the 1974 LP in my collection. No idea where I got it, and never listened to it until last night.
The instrumentalists play with skill, harmonic sophistication, and stylistic edge that will satisfy the discerning ear.
The arrangements are impeccable, fun, a little sarcastic here and there, and stylistically dead on target for each tune.
The title song is a seriously beautiful reading with vocal harmonies, done by musicians in love with this song, and then there is a great, silly surprise touch after the ending. The vocalist is the singer that a Mama Cass might have wished to be when she attempted serious work, with a lovely voice and perfect comprehension of the material.
The recording balance and clarity leaves nothing to be desired.
I suppose I never heard of this band because it was out of the mainstream in its time. It's perfect for today's revival of interest in old fashioned musical styles. This recording would grace any collection that includes the best of 20th century American plucked string instruments.

I wanted to give this a 5 star rating but it would have been for sentimental reasons. I heard San Francisco Medicine Ball playing at the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau, Alaska in the summer of '79. I was on shore leave off a tall ship studying whales in the northwest.

They were a blast to listen to live and I bought this very LP while I was there. I still have it. I've always enjoyed it. I am thrilled to find a CD version. Very cool.

I visited San Francisco in 1976 and while in Union Square heard the SFMB letting loose! I bought a copy of 'On a Slow Boat to China' and had it autographed. Great stuff. Happy lively music and happy memories!