In late December, 1972, Richard Green alit Amtrak’s Southern Crescent from NYC to Charlottesville, VA., bearing his life’s possessions—four records, a backpack and a Stratocaster—planning on a quick visit. Ten years later (neither he nor anyone else can remember exactly when), he decamped for Washington, DC, having increased his holdings to include a box of books, two boxes of records, a second guitar and a trash bag full of clothes.
In the intervening years, he formed, led and ultimately dissolved what arguably was the most influential central Virginia band of its period, the Charlottesville Allstars. The Allstars was the first local band to tour extensively, ultimately working 250 to 300 one-nighters per year. The band broke open major markets such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and Atlanta for other local bands. Their sole album, “Tip Your Waitress,” was the only commercial LP released by any contemporary Charlottesville band. As many as 20 musicians passed through the Allstars lineup, including players who went on to notoriety in the Skip Castro Band and the Stoned Wheat Things.
Spurred by renewed interest in the 70s music scene inspired by the documentary film “Live . . . from the Hook,” the Allstars reunited in 2007 for a limited schedule of gigs. The current lineup represents the band’s definitive period, from 1976 to 1979. In addition to Green on guitar and vocals are virtuoso Doug Jay, harmonica and vocals; co-founder Steve Bliley, guitar; and the authoritative rhythm section of Paul Hammond, drums and vocals; and Steve Riggs, bass.
This re-release includes no less than 5 previously unreleased performances, all remastered for the digital domain.
- Lucille Schoettle: Vocals
- Dick Green: Vocals, Lead Guitar
- Doug Jay: Vocal Harmonica on "Mean Old Train"
- Steve Bliley: Rhythm Guitar
- Steve Riggs: Bass
- Steve Ramsay: Drums
Additional Musicians:
- Jimmy Thackery: Guitar, Backing Vocals
- Tom Principato: Guitar (Lead on cut 6)
- Sandy Gray: Guitar (cuts 17-20)
- Tony Pallagrosi: Trumpet (cut 20)
- Carlos Novi: Tenor Sax (cut 20)
- Dave Birkin: Tenor Sax
- Billy Clark: Alto Sax
- Paul Hammond: Drums, Vocals (cuts 17-20)
01. Bumble Bee (3:00)
02. Forty Days & Forty Nights (3:20)
03. The Fever (4:58)
04. Voodoo Woman (2:54)
05. My Love Will Never Die (5:05)
06. Wasn't That Good (2:59)
07. Ninety-Nine Pounds (3:52)
08. So Many Roads (So Many Trains) (4:03)
09. Hoodoo Blues (3:23)
10. Tell Mama (3:11)
11. Mean Old Train (3:06)
12. Tell Me All The Tings You Do (4:08)
13. I Pity The Fool (3:47)
14. I'm Tore Down (3:21)
15. Saturday Night Fish Fry (4:29)
16. Further (On) Up The Road (3:08)
17. 25 Miles (4:05)
18. You Don't Care (2:56)
19. Can't Hold Out (3:25)
20. Tell Mama (With Horns) (4:20)
Tracks 13-20 are bonus tracks.
