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The Free Spirits

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The Free Spirits
The Free Spirits in 1966
The Free Spirits in 1966
Background information
OriginNew York City, U.S.
GenresJazz-rock
Years active1965–1968
LabelsSunbeam, ABC
Past members

The Free Spirits was an American band credited as the first jazz-rock group.[1] The band also incorporated elements of pop[2] and garage rock.[3] Their first album, Out of Sight and Sound, was recorded in 1966[4] and released in 1967.

History[edit]

The band formed in New York as a jazz group. Every member except Chip Baker had a background in jazz. According to drummer Bob Moses, guitarist Larry Coryell turned the group to more rock-oriented music.[1] The band played several times in a New York club called The Scene but made little money from the shows, getting paid only ten dollars as a group per night. The band also performed with Mitch Ryder and The Rascals.[5]

By 1967, Coryell left the band to play with Gary Burton. Moses also joined Burton because he "knew that it wasn't going to be the same without Coryell".[6] Pepper, Hills, and Baker formed the band Everything is Everything with Lee Reinoehl on Hammond C-3 organ and both John Waller and Jim Zitro on drums. Vanguard released their self-titled album, which included Pepper's composition "Witchi Tai To".[7] Moses later recorded with Jack DeJohnette, Steve Swallow, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, and Coryell.[8]

Personnel[edit]

  • Larry Coryell – lead guitar, sitar, lead vocals
  • Columbus "Chip" Baker – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Jim Pepper – tenor sax, flute
  • Chris Hills – bass guitar
  • Bob Moses – drums

Discography[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Unterberger 1998, p. 329.
  2. ^ Unterberger, Richie. "The Free Spirits". AllMusic. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  3. ^ Spicer, Daniel (8 November 2006). "The Free Spirits: Out of Sight and Sound". PopMatters. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  4. ^ Out of Sight and Sound - The Free Spirits | Releases | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-09-08
  5. ^ Unterberger 1998, p. 330.
  6. ^ Unterberger 1998, p. 333.
  7. ^ "Everything Is Everything". AllMusic. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  8. ^ Unterberger 1998, p. 334.