Some of you may not be familiar with Quicksilver Messenger Service so here’s a quick introduction from my copy of Lillian Roxon’s Rock Encyclopedia…..
One of the very first bands to take part in the San Francisco rock scene of the sixties. Quicksilver can trace its roots back to 1965. They played mostly for the citizens of Haight-Asbury at free concerts and for the patrons of the Fillmore and Avalon at the height of the flower period in 1966 and 1967. They did not record until quite late in their careers, turning down offers until they considered themselves entirely put together and ready for the studio. Their first album disappointed some of their fans in that it was a “studio” album in the traditional sense, with much of the band’s in-concert power pasteurized (albeit magnificently). They more than made up for this lack of edge on their second album, Happy Trails, one of the finest live albums ever recorded. Lead guitarist Cipollina’s glittering, quivering guitar lines stole the show, making the hard-hitting band sound like the equivalent of a sea resort “happy feet” machine.
So with this as an introduction I give you the first two Quicksilver albums in their entirety. I highly recommend that you take the time to enjoy the talents of John Cipollina (guitar), Gary Duncan (guitar, vocals), David Freiberg (bass, vocals), and Greg Elmore (drums)……..
Quicksilver Messenger Service (1968)
Happy Trails (1969)
While the two albums above were represent Quicksilver at the height of their musical prowess, their biggest radio hit was still yet to come in 1970. As a bonus, here is a great 1971 live version of that hit, Fresh Air, from 1971 at the Fillmore.
By the time of this performance John Cipollina had left the band and Dino Valente had returned. (note: Dino was a founding member of the group but was in jail for a pot bust by the time the group recorded their first two albums.)
thebestmusicyouhaveneverheard 