Swampwater
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| Swampwater | |
|---|---|
| Genre(s) | Folk Rock, Country, Country Rock, Cajun, |
| Years active | 1968 - 1971 |
| Associated acts | The Flying Burrito Brothers, Gram Parsons, Linda Ronstadt, Poco |
Swampwater is a pioneering American country rock band that formed and started out initially as Linda Ronstadt’s backing group in the late 60’s soon after she went solo. They are famous for incorporating cajun and swamp-rock elements into their music. Its members included cajun fiddler Gib Guilbeau, John Beland, before either of them would join The Flying Burrito Brothers, [1] Stan Pratt, Thad Maxwell, and Eric White (Clarence White of The Byrds' brother). Swampwater would go on to back Ronstadt in 1971 on TV's The Johnny Cash Show and their appearance on the show would help Swampwater secure a record deal with RCA.[2].[3]
They appeared to be combining west coast California country rock with influences from bands like The Byrds, The Dillards, Hearts & Flowers, the Beach Boys and theEverly Brothers. Their stylized guitar riffs would coincidentally be influential in the early records of the Eagles - listen to "River People" and then to "Take It Easy" for similarities
Guilbeau and Gene Parsons had released a few early country-rock singles in the late 60’s as well as an album which eventually saw light of day in 1970 (although recorded in 1968). The two recruited Clarence White in 1968 to record the legendary Nashville West album. Eric White, Clarence’s brother was also in the band and prior to forming Swampwater had been in the Kentucky Colonels. Swampwater made two distinct albums in the early 70’s without Linda Ronstadt’s involvement. [4]
[edit] References
- ^ The Rising Storm. Swampwater on Swampwater. Retrieved on June 14, 2007.
- ^ The Barking Spider. John Beland. Retrieved on June 14, 2007.
- ^ Gib Guilbeau, 1970-1972. Swampwater. Retrieved on June 14, 2007.
- ^ The Rising Storm. Swampwater on Swampwater. Retrieved on June 14, 2007.
