I scanned this CD cover because there are no copies available anywhere (mea culpa, Henry's website has it available for purchase there). This was my "Boston".
Right before Henry did "Shannon" (song about a dog for goodness sake), he released a monster recording that after all this time, had my CD Player today on my trip to Washington. Henry Gross is a fine guitar player, owner of a massive falsetto voice and employing a crack studio band. Even though this album was produced by Terry Cashman, it ranks right up there with Boston's first and Journey's "Infinity" as some of the ballsiest production projects. The phrase I can use to describe this album is crisp, pop music. Sweet guitars, great playing, fun writing has made this album (that is out of print) one of my alltime favorites. Henry Gross may be one of the most underrated guitar players of our time. I am not sure why this cat wasn't a huge star. Sometimes, it's like that, just ask the members of Shooting Star
3 comments:
If memory serves, the inspiration for the song "Shannon" was Beach Boy Carl Wilson's dog, who died unexpectedly, and he and his family were grieving the loss on a day when his friend Henry happened to pay a visit to them, and Henry wrote the song that night. Hence also the Beach Boys-like harmonies on the record on which Carl contributed vocals.
At least that's what Casey Kasem said back in '76. Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reachin' for cigars...
Agreed, a great, overlooked LP. Henry Gross lives down here in Nashville now, and sometimes pops up in one of the clubs.
"Shannon" unfortunately marked Gross as Top 40 fodder - he was one of those unlucky artists whose career was killed by a hit single.
My brother had this release on 8 Track. For some reason I never really listened to it but I sure do remember that cover.
Max...
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