| »The Left Banke - Talent Plus |
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From Teen's Top Magazine December 1967 "Walk Away Renee," written by Mike Brown, represented the first time a pop rock group combined a rock dance beat with classically inspired and arranged compositions. The harpsichord (which the Left Banke first introduced) and the string quartet helped make "Renee" an important record and brought on a barrage of Baroque-styled pop songs. That the Left Banke is considered a trend-setting rather than trend-following group was proven by their second release, "Pretty Ballerina." On a TV special, Leonard Bernstein, conductor of the N.Y. Philharmonic Orchestra, singled out "Ballerina" as an example of how proper musical construction can be combined with pop beats to produce a commercial success. Mike expresses his feeling that "We can't be confined to any particular musical 'bag.' We only try to stay away from established trends, and do our best to innovate rather than duplicate. We have a lot of interest in haunting, classical melodies and constructions, but that isn't our only 'bag.'" A listen to the Banke's first LP, "The Left Banke," on the Smash label, will show you how versatile the group really is. Baroque melodies such as "Shadows Breaking Over My Head" and "Barterers and Their Wives" stand side-by-side with hard rock numbers like, "Lazy Day" and "Haven't Got the Nerve." The album also contains their third single, "She May Call You Up Tonight" and "Her Evening Gown," which is a completely new sound. The kind of songs the Left Banke write require good vocalists, and since the group originally started out as a vocal group, it is not surprizing that loud, screaming numbers as "Haven't Got the Nerve." Steve has gotten a reputation of one of the finest vocalists in the business. Lending support to Steve's lead are drummer George Cameron and bass guitarist Tom Finn. The blend of their voices is beautiful, and they can work out complex harmony arrangements to new songs in minutes. Instrumentally, the LB has a strong accent of descending bass lines. Tom, who learned his instrument as a member of the group, now has a unique touch on the bass, and his patterns are an important part of the group's sound. George's drums are more syncopated than most, and his steady beats and unusual cymbal strikes add to their groovy sound. While a recording studio gives you the opportunity of using strings and wind instruments, their live performances were disappointing until the addition of lead guitarist Rick Brand to the group. To say that Rick can make his guitar sound like a violin or an oboe is an understatement-his amazing riffs usually get by enchanted concert-goers, and they are unaware that the string quartet is missing. This is no kidding! He is amazing, and in numbers that are arranged for guitar rather than strings, his riffs seem wild, but, are actually totally prepared. In "Lazy Day" Rick changes guitar chords faster than you can name them, and as a performer he is someone to keep your eye on. Another difference between the Banke and other groups is the importance of the lyrics. Listen to their numbers, and I'm sure you will realize why, the group puts it's vocal out front, rather than bury it as many others do. Tho' there is no particular `message' carried in the music of the Left Banke, there is a sincerity that every listener can dig, both in the writing and the delivery. |
