FEVER TREE - LIVE 1969 (180g LP)

Fever Tree Live 1969 on 180g LP

This 1969 live recording from Mount Carmel High School in Houston represents the final stage appearance by the original lineup of Texas garage combo Fever Tree. With two strong studio LPs for UNI Records behind them, the group began to fragment from internal struggles. Consequently, the label asked for one more album. The group complied and the results are contained in this previously unreleased concert recording, presented here in 180 gram vinyl.

Sharpening their chops on the Gulf Coast circuit, followed by a high-profile opening night gig at Hollywood’s legendary Kaleidoscope, Fever Tree developed a keen sense of musical drama and dynamics. This versatility is in sharp display on the concert’s rendition of their underground radio hit “San Francisco Girls (Return of the Native).” For the rest, Live 1969 focuses on groovers, a perfect set-up for the gliding fuzztones of lead guitarist Michael Knust, the sonic organ of Rob Landes, the thick rhythms provided by E.E. “Bud” Wolfe III on bass and John Tuttle on drums ,and the dynamic, driving lead vocals of Dennis Keller.

“Don’t Come Crying to Me Girl,” a song originally found on the band’s second album, levitates the band beyond any earthly confines. Elsewhere, the set moves between a soaring cover of Donovan’s “Hey Gyp,” their own power pop “Grand Candy Young Sweet” and a whirlng psych take on Wilson Pickett’s “Ninety-Nine and One Half (Won’t Do).” Playing as if their lives depended on it, Live 1969 captures a band at the height of its powers, forever preserved on this final audio testament.

Fever Tree Live 1969 Track Listing:

1. Grand Candy Young Sweet
2. Ninety-Nine and One Half (Won’t Do)
3. Don’t Come Crying to Me Girl
4. Hey Gyp
5. San Francisco Girls (Return of the Native)