Gandalf (American band)

Gandalf
Origin New York
Genres
Years active 1965-1968
Labels Capitol Records, Sundazed
Past members Peter Sando (Guitar)
Frank Hubach (Keyboards)
Bob Muller (Bass Guitar)
Davy Bauer (Drums)

Gandalf were an influential late 1960s psychedelic rock group.

They were an American band originally called the Rahgoos and formed by Peter Sando, Frank Hubach, Bob Muller and Davy Bauer.

They signed a record deal with Capitol Records in 1967. Producers Koppelman & Rubin were not happy with the bands name, and suggested that it should be changed to the Knockrockers.[1] However Peter Sando Commented that “We hated that and bantered about various names”.[2] Despite being against the bands will, and losing local fan recognition, Davy suggested the name "Gandalf and The Wizards", which ended up sticking as "Gandalf".[3]

They recorded their first and only LP the same year. The record includes covers of Tim Hardin, Eden Ahbez and Bonner & Gordon (the writers of "Happy Together") and two songs composed by the band's guitarist Peter Sando.

But Capitol spurned them and only released the LP in 1969 with the wrong record inside the sleeve. The copies were recalled and damaged the band's career. Capitol didn't promote the record which made the sales worse.

Over the years the album's reputation grew and it was re-released by Sundazed records in 2002.

Track listing

  1. "Golden Earrings" (Ray Evans/Jay Livingston/Victor Young cover)
  2. "Hang On To A Dream" (Tim Hardin cover)
  3. "Never Too Far" (Hardin)
  4. "Scarlet Ribbons" (Evelyn Danzig/Jack Segal cover)
  5. "You Upset The Grace Of Living" (Hardin)
  6. "Can You Travel In The Dark Alone" (Peter Sando)
  7. "Nature Boy" (Eden Ahbez cover)
  8. "Tiffany Rings" (Garry Bonner/Alan Gordon cover)
  9. "Me About You" (Bonner/Gordon)
  10. "I Watch The Moon" (Sando)

References

  1. ↑ http://musicneedshelp.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/lost-bands-2-gandalf-interview-with.html
  2. ↑ http://musicneedshelp.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/lost-bands-2-gandalf-interview-with.html
  3. ↑ http://www.petersando.com/gandhome.html

External links