Multi-instrumentalist Chris Darrow was a prolific session player in the LA rock scene of the 1960s and '70s, and an early figure in the growth of Southern California's country-rock sound. Beginning with his stint in the influential and eclectic psychedelic folk-rock band Kalaeidoscope, Darrow played in a variety of bands and on countless albums in several styles... Here's a quick look at his work...
Chris Darrow "Artist Proof" (1972)
Chris Darrow "Chris Darrow" (1973)
Chris Darrow "Under My Own Disguise" (1974)
Rank Strangers "Rank Strangers" (Pacific Arts, 1978) (LP)
(Produced by Chris Darrow & Chester Crill)
This short-lived band was formed by Chris Darrow and songwriter Robb Strandlund, along with singer Cindy Edwards, who had all worked together on Strandlund's first solo album... They covered some oldies, like "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" and Dan Penn's "Do Right Woman," along with a bunch of originals, several gems by Chris Darrow. Overall the vibe was a little too folk-ish for me, though it was an interesting approach, much less rock-oriented than their Southern California contemporaries, and more anchored in the pre-Nashville stringband sounds of early rural artists such as the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. I always enjoy Strandlund's voice, and while Edwards added nice harmonies, when she's put in the foreground, it doesn't do much for me. Still, an intriguing and rewarding album, one of the lost nuggets of Michael Nesmith's fabled Pacific Arts label... Apparently there's a reissue edition that also includes some bonus tracks, with an alternate version of Strandlund's bar-room classic, "Just Another Country Song," along with a cover of Hank Locklin's "Send Me the Pillow You Dream On." Haven't heard that edition, though.
Chris Darrow "Fretless" (1979)
Chris Darrow "Southern California Drive" (1980)
Chris Darrow & Max Buda "Eye Of The Storm" (Takoma, 1981) (LP)
Chris Darrow "Coyote: Straight From The Heart" (Taxim, 1997)
Chris Darrow "Harem Girl" (Taxim, 1998)
Chris Darrow "Slide On In" (Taxim, 2002)
Chris Darrow & Robb Strandlund "Wages Of Sin" (Taxim, 2006)
Chris Darrow & Max Buda "Island Girl" (Global Recording Artists, 2013)
