JULY 1976

HIGH GEAR

AUDIO FEEDBACK

By Frank Savage

"You Can Know All I Am," (A collection of short plays), Holly Near with Jeff Langley (Redwood Records, 565 Doolin Canyon, Ukiah, California, 95482).

It is a rare album that has the right combination of poignant poetry, impeccable production, and innovative, yet simple instrumental melodies. Holly Near's powerfully calming voice moves the work into a psychomusical effort which ranks admirably with the "superstar" genre of Barbara Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Helen Reddy. Yet to compare her to these women does her an injustice for she is refreshingly unique.

Ms. Near is a feminist. From my conversations with area lesbians, it appears that she is not predominantly gay. But at the same time she is, for her poetic license is so humanly encompassing that there are clear illusions to all peoples.

Three particular cuts on this collaborated album shine. "Nicolia" haunts the mind with its full women's choir and bouncing rhythms. "You've Got Me Flying" is launched with a rollicking piano run by Jeff Langley which climaxes into a peppered violin solo by Marcy Dicterow. "Don't Take My Sunday Paper" is a provocative favorite, one that I'd love to see Ohio personality Tiffany Jones perform.

Whatever your musical tastes, there's an odds on end chance that you'll like this album. Holly Near is not widely known. Indeed, it is unlikely that an interested listener can purchase "You Can Know All I Am" at commercial record outlets. Those who wish to experience a truly avant-garde audio journey

can

get the album through Coventry Books, 1824 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, (216) 932-8111. The time for Holly Near has come.

"Resolution," Andy Pratt (Nemperor Records).

I first heard of Andy Pratt when Eric Broush spun "Avenging Annie" at the Shaker Club back in 1973. Now it's three years past, and Pratt has finally released his third album. The times, they have a' changed. Decadence is passe'. There is a pervading boredom with cynicism. And movements are becoming more and more in vogue.

"Resolution," perhaps, reflects the desire for some renewal. It's all you need is love" has been heard before. The Beatles gave it to us most recently in 67. But Pratt proves that frame of mind still maintains a powerful pull.

The reviews of this album have been intriguingly mixed. Lauded by Rolling Stone as "accomplishing the fusion of rock and classical music," Pratt '76 was panned by a Scene staff person who said it was

unmelodic.

If you like Beach Boys type harmonies sung with a Jagger inflection, open-dimensioned love lyrics, and rock music, this album may be your cup of tea. Contemporary music presently finds itself in a transitional stage. "Resolution" offers one legitimate new frontier worth watching.

"Ca-The-Drals," D.C. Larue (Pyramid Records)

America, get ready. A massive onslaught of media hype on D.C. Larue is waiting in the wings and due to hit the public at anytime. Unfortunately, that's all it'll be-hype. Larue is being touted as the new musical Messiah, and his claim to fame appears to rest on his synthesis of disco and progressive rock.

Inspired by the "very now" Jimmy Carter, America's latest trend is being all things to all people. But as can be expected, there are few who can attain this illuminated guruism. The problem with "Ca-The-Drals" is that the "progressive" rock is nowhere to be heard. Almost

catalystically, it is neglected by a packaged disco which offers little more than your standard lush N.Y. fare.

One side of the album is entirely made up of a single song (shades of "In-a-gadda-davida") and it is bor-ing Repetitious lyrics and doldrum instrumental arrangements do not make a Messiah. Side two is a slight improvement. The title cut is the highlight and catchy enough to be successful in area discos. Embellished with conga drums and a pulsating rhythm, "Cathedrals" hints at what D.C. Larue could be.

Though this album deserves to be panned, Larue doesn't. His Al Stewartish voice and high ambitions are appealing. Now if he would only hire a lyricist and new arranger, he just might become a bishop.

"Hungry people in the night, they could fill cathedrals."

SUPREMES TRIUMPH WITH "HIGH ENERGY"

by Van Ault

Those of you who grew up listening to the countless hit records of the Supremes, as I did, during their ascension to becoming a musical institution, will dig the immortal trio in a fresh new perspective. Although there have been the inevitable personnel changes over the years, the Supremes have used these changes to evolve into a brilliant group that far surpasses the original. "High Energy", their appropriately titled first release of 1976, finds the Supremes in the midst of another such transition. Cindy Birdsong, who stepped out of the group in February, is more than adequately replaced by the remarkable talents of singer-

songwriter Susaye Green, formerly of Wonderlove.

"High Energy" opens with Susaye Green leading the title cut. Her incredible four octave range provides some stunning vocal music, and she makes a promising debut as a Supreme. Susaye also hits some breathtaking heights on the popular disco smash, "Let My Heart Do The Walking", which is led by the soulful wailing of Scherrie Payne. Obviously the Supremes' strongest asset, Scherrie is a dynamo of the highest caliber. Her sizzling offertory of "Only You" demonstrates her incisive phrasing, and "You Keep Me Moving On" is charged with some dangerously high voltage. This is Scherrie Payne, at her funkiest.

Side two features senior Supreme Mary Wilson, the group's original member, who proves to be a distinctive inter-

preter of lyrics. Especially adept at soft, sensuous ballads, Mary caresses these congs with a precise blend of sultry and innocent aplomb. She sparkles on "Don't Let My Teardrops Bother You", one of her finest recorded achievements, with "Till The Boat Sails Away" running a close second.

The Supremes have never been "just another singing group". They are a rare combination of individuals, who are musical instruments in themselves. Their contributions to the performing arts have earned them the position of the world's top female group.

"High Energy" is a milestone in the career of the Supremes, their most exceptional creation to date, and it proves that this trio of gifted women have once, again lived up to its name: the ultimate, the unsurpassable, the supreme.

Page 27

Drink at

Baker's

24 Public Square

You're Invited!

Lima, O.

Feel free to invite ALL your friends

to

THE

WATER MAIN

202 N MAIN STREET PIQUA, OHIO 45356 (513) 773-9277 773-9095

JULY 10 Drag Show

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JULY 17-

Jockey Short Dance Contest

JULY 29 Drag Show

AUGUST 6,7,8 Piqua Chautauqua Days

WANT A

SPEAKER?

CLEVELAND Established at the June 30 meeting of the G.E.A.R. Foundation, the Speaker's Bureau and Resources Center will provide both lecturers and referrals to the community-at-large. A committee appointed to handle the coordination of the bureau recommended that 1) Different individuals with experienced backgrounds in certain areas will handle respective specialties. 2) A resource list will be compiled of speakers, their specialties, legal referrals, medical referrals, programs, etc. 3) An organized effort toward the planning of workshops at hospitals, schools, etc. will be made. 4) A resource list will be sent out to the community-atlarge, media, social service agencies and colleges.

Two of the four members of the Speaker's Bureau Committee will be required to hear the presentation of every individual before s/he is sent out. The comImittee is in the process of compiling a list of resources. Anyone knowing of gay doctors, lawyers, psychologists, medical treatment programs, or any other services beneficial to gay people in Northeastern Ohio are requested to call in information to the Gey Switchboard, (216) 696-5330, any evening after 6 p.m.

Those interested in having a speaker from the Bureau give a presentation to their organization or club should also call the Gay Switchboard to make arrangements.