I found this record in a department store cut-out bin. The cover had this weird-ass cowboy with dark eyes, a cloven right hand and two fingers on his left hand. The back cover had some hippie-looking musicians hanging out of a house or maybe a barn.
As I recall, there was little notice on the back of the record on who the players were. All the recommendations I needed for this 99-cent wonder were the mention of Capricorn and Muscle Shoals Studios and production by Johnny Sandlin. I was deep in Southern Rock when I came across this album so I knew it would have some goodness.
There was one song I was familiar with from the 1972 An Anthology (Duane Allman) record. Please Be With Me was on this record and I loved that song. There were 2 takes of Please Be With Me and the one on An Anthology was the outtake. Both have Duane on dobro and it is a fabulous tune. You may have heard Eric Clapton cover it on 461 Ocean Boulevard, released in 1974.
Personnel:
· Scott Boyer – lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, violin
· Tommy Talton – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, lead guitar
· Pete Kowalke – vocals, acoustic guitar, lead guitar, drums
· Bill Pillmore – vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, fiddle
· George Clark – bass guitar
· Tom Wynn – drums, percussion
· Chuck Leavell — piano
· Duane Allman — dobro, electric guitar
· Johnny Sandlin – recording, remixing
· Steve Smith – recording
· George Marino – mastering
· Frank Fenter – executive supervision
· B.T. Brandhorst – artwork
· Jimm Roberts – photography
Chuck Leavell performed here before moving to the Allman Brothers. Leavell has been a member of the Rolling Stones’ touring band for some time now.
All tracks by Tommy Talton, except where noted.
1. She Carries a Child – Scott Boyer
2. Hey There Babe
3. 5’ll Getcha Ten
4. The Wonder – John McKenze
5. Shoestrings – Scott Boyer, Bill Pillmore
6. Lookin’ for You – Scott Boyer
7. Seven Four Tune – Bill Pillmore
8. Right on Friend – Scott Boyer
9. All My Friends – Scott Boyer
10. Innocence Song – Scott Boyer, Bill Pillmore
11. Please Be with Me – Scott Boyer
12. What I Want Is You – Pater Kowalke
This album fits in well with my love of country rock. Shades of Poco and Buffalo Springfield shine through. Lovely arrangements and the guitars of Boyer/Talton and Kowalke come through like sunshine on a summers day.
The title track, The Wonder, All My Friends and Please Be With Me are the top tracks but as a whole this is a release of peaceful, easy feelings. Roll one up and take a ride with Cowboy. You will find me out on that range, for sure.
Please Be With Me
Oh my word, what does it mean?
Is it love or is it me
That makes me change so suddenly?
Looking out, feeling free
Sit here lying in my bed
Wondering what it was I'd said
That made me think I'd lost my head
When I knew I lost my heart instead
Won't you please read my signs, be a gypsy?
Tell me what I hope to find deep within me
Because you can find my mind, please be with me
Of all the better things I've heard
Loving you has made the words
And all the rest seem so absurd
'Cause in the end, it all comes out unsure
Won't you please read my signs, be a gypsy?
Tell me what I hope to find deep within me
Because you can find my mind, please be with me