While Woodstock went global in 1969 a Kansas group called Morning Dew launched their self titled album to a market incensed with Hendrix, The Doors and Grateful Dead . The story of this incredibly gifted foursome started when the folk rock band The Toads disbanded and formed Morning Dew. The groups first pressing were two elusive singles “No More” and “Be A Friend” until their contract with Morris Levy’s Roulette Label during the early stages of 1969 and the launch of their self titled marvel.
Mal Robinson’s sensational riffs were euphoric like the opening “Crusader’s Smile” or the abstract riffs that spearhead “Young Man”. The raga riffs that run through “Gypsy” are the best in the West since Wizard’s Of Kansas. Acoustic delights are tranquil as in the cello breathe of “Something You Say” with lots of abstract space. The group hailed from Topeka Kansas yet their music was farout psyche apart from “Country Boy Blues”.
The album ends with a bluesy double take on the epic “The Mann” / “Death Is A Dream” filled with great acid lead and Flamenco stealth. Guitarist / pianist and future Kansas Ken Livgren at that time a member of Proto-Kaw penned his debut “Save Me” which the Dew included on the album. Bassist Blair Honeyman was the man who gave of his excellent backup vox to the solid drums of Don Sligar while Don Anderson rolled the organ, later replaced by Dave Howell for the Second Album. Guitarist Fredy Baumgart stepped in for the disappointing follow up. Various Morning Dew sessions were later released by Gear Fab such as the folky “Sing Out”.
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