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Topic: What are the Wilson sessions?

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Jon Paul
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What are the Wilson sessions?
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I see a lot of people talk about but I'm not sure what they are.



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John
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These are the recordings for the intended follow up to the MA album.  

The producer was Frank Wilson but the album from 1974 was shelved due to the band breaking up.

Some of these recordings such as Chained, Fun House, Fresh From The Can, Funky Black Man have been issued in various formats.

There are still some that remain unreleased and in the vaults.  This would have been a killer album for sure.

 



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Corey
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I think there was a lot of pressure on RE.. Live in Chicago,It was their last album with Motown MA didn't do well..I liked it all I don't know.Frank Wilson had new material they were looking for a new start ...and the break up...Everything came to a End all new material was never released.We are all deprieved of music.What i don't understand is why was Tight And Hot Only released in Canada only when RE is a  American Band??



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Anonymous
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1 word...........................................LAWYERS



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RICH
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What tickles me is that some of these same hard feelings exist 40 years later..............kinda dumb.Pride is a bitch,I recently went through something like that.....................then some1 made a call,all 4given.I thiknk PETE is over it,GIL is not ready but he did leave a door open..................only RAPLH can pull this off.



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UK Dave
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Let's not make assumptions Rich. Some wounds are difficult to heal. More importantly, it's none of our business



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Mike D.
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Agreed Dave...it is none of our business. I have the music and that is what matters to me...timeless stuff.



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Bryce Harper
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I have a hunch that Pete and Gil may have spoken recently...

 

As for the Wilson sessions, it wasn't really Rare Earth, Bob Baffert played all the instruments.  If you don't believe me, just check his website.



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UK Dave
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Bob Baffert? The horse trainer???? "Nay" surely not ; )))



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John
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I wouldn't place a bet on that, sounds like there would have been too many hurdles.

Perhaps they needed a gee up.no

I just saw a pink elephant fly past my window



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Ralph Terrana
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Rich,

I appreciate the confidence you seem to have in me. in the end,, it all falls down to Pete and Gil burying the hatchet. after all these years I have to wonder if they really remember what has pissed them off. Talk about the Hatfields and the McCoys....

 

Here is what I proposed to Pete:

I would be happy to broker a peace between the guys and then reform the band as close to it's original form as possible. I'm sure Ray Monette would jump in and I can talk with Mike Urso. Naturally, I would become the keyboard player(who more original than me?) so if I can put this together, the band would be about as original as possible.

 

I have spoke with a very good friend of mine who is a promotwer and has booked RE in the past. He told me that the first question he is asked when booking Oldie groups is"How many original members in the band?" He told me a set up like this would be a lock to book.

 

So this is where I'm at with it. I realize Pete needs some time to reorginize his life after losing Dabar, but time will allow this to at least be discussed.

 

 

I actually have a real crazy thought to take this a step further and bring in Fred Saxon and my brother Russ to form a melding of The Sunliners and Rare Earth. I'm kicking around how this could turn into a real show, but haven't had the chance to run my thoughts by Pete yet.

 

Today I leave for Detroit to attend the annual Detroit Music Awards show. My old mentor Harry Balk is being honored but he isn't aware of it yet.



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Mike D.
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Ralph Terrana wrote:

Rich,

I appreciate the confidence you seem to have in me. in the end,, it all falls down to Pete and Gil burying the hatchet. after all these years I have to wonder if they really remember what has pissed them off. Talk about the Hatfields and the McCoys....

 

Here is what I proposed to Pete:

I would be happy to broker a peace between the guys and then reform the band as close to it's original form as possible. I'm sure Ray Monette would jump in and I can talk with Mike Urso. Naturally, I would become the keyboard player(who more original than me?) so if I can put this together, the band would be about as original as possible.

 

I have spoke with a very good friend of mine who is a promotwer and has booked RE in the past. He told me that the first question he is asked when booking Oldie groups is"How many original members in the band?" He told me a set up like this would be a lock to book.

 

So this is where I'm at with it. I realize Pete needs some time to reorginize his life after losing Dabar, but time will allow this to at least be discussed.

 

 

I actually have a real crazy thought to take this a step further and bring in Fred Saxon and my brother Russ to form a melding of The Sunliners and Rare Earth. I'm kicking around how this could turn into a real show, but haven't had the chance to run my thoughts by Pete yet.

 

Today I leave for Detroit to attend the annual Detroit Music Awards show. My old mentor Harry Balk is being honored but he isn't aware of it yet.


 Ralph,

I like the way you think. But it's ultimately the will of the man upstairs, if ya know what I mean. I'd be there in a heartbeat if anything like that ever happened. No matter what happened between those gents, it's not my business...bless both camps for continuing to play. Just one thought...who would handle the percussion/congas/timables? Just thinking out loud smile



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RICH
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Hell of a project..........Im 2 small to even attempt this,but big enough  to try to have them have a cold1,we new yorkers.....pain in the ass.RALPH.........................He gotta be from Brooklyn.



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Anonymous
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Corey wrote:

I think there was a lot of pressure on RE.. Live in Chicago,It was their last album with Motown MA didn't do well..I liked it all I don't know.Frank Wilson had new material they were looking for a new start ...and the break up...Everything came to a End all new material was never released.We are all deprieved of music.What i don't understand is why was Tight And Hot Only released in Canada only when RE is a  American Band??


 MA was 1 of the top soul albums of 73...................still recieves high marks.



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Anonymous
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Far from Rare Earth's best, the rock fan base dissapeared.

Title track borders on boring, sorry.



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Mike D.
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Anonymous wrote:

Far from Rare Earth's best, the rock fan base dissapeared.

Title track borders on boring, sorry.


 You what they say about opinions, right?



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John
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My point of view is I agree about losing the rock fan base when Ma first came out, certainly in the UK.  

Not my favourite album either and although it is great production their identity as a rock act was thrown away thanks to an over demanding record label.

This site is all about opinions lol.

 



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Mike D.
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John wrote:

My point of view is I agree about losing the rock fan base when Ma first came out, certainly in the UK.  

Not my favourite album either and although it is great production their identity as a rock act was thrown away thanks to an over demanding record label.

This site is all about opinions lol.


I'm surprised Rare Earth never made it to the UK in the early 70's...I can imagine they would've gone over quite well.

I enjoy Ma overall...except for Come With Me...great playing but those "noises" make it sound like background music for a porn flick...not a good idea at all.



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RICH
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Sincerly believe that WR was a watershed event,MA was a desperate attempt to put RE back on track...the soul train.WR was REs white album,RAY himself,believes,that it strayed 2 much from RE.I felt that RE had lost their soul....so did MOTOWN.Ironically WR has some great songs,...............I COULDNT BELIEVE will always be my all time RE fav.I think many get the song MA,confused w/ the album.JOHN,HUM,FACEs..........terrific stuff.NORMAN had to cut MA in half,put another song on.NORMAN loved long songs,RE known 4 thier long songs..........didnt work w/ MA(song).MA did quite a bit better on the rock charts..........1 of the top soul albums of 73!!!But yeah,NORMAN kinda fell short,genius that he was.Damn.WR has some great songs though.............COME WITH YOUR LADY................great rock song.What do u think,PETE&RAY?RALPH?



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UK Dave
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Totally agree with Mike in his view that "Come With Me" was the only real letdown on the Ma album. The title track is a good song but didn't, in my opinion, warrant a whole side of vinyl. I just get the impression that Ma (the album) was put together quickly and released on the heels of Willie Remembers, most likely for reasons highlighted by Rich.

If Ralph is looking in, I wonder how his Detroit Music Awards evening went?

 



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John
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The Ma track is way too long and sets the scene for the album and then there is the chick who is moaning away enters the scene.  Ask yourself is it sexual or is she just irrated by the length of the title track!



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Anonymous
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COME WITH ME.................ok song,some chick moanin,a dream come true.

 



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Gil Bridges
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I normally do not involve myself with any nonsense on any forum. However, I was called by one of my band members to check this conversation out. Let me make something very clear, for the last time: THE ORIGINAL RARE EARTH WILL NEVER REFORM. I've been running Rare Earth for the last 30 years. All of the current band members have been with me for over 20 years, and they have been totally loyal to me. If anyone thinks that I would ever walk away from my band members (the way others have done) to revive the past, they are crazy. I play music for the enjoyment of playing with my close friends and for our fans, not to chase money. Anyone claiming that they could put the original Rare Earth together, as well as add band members----must be on drugs. I can guarantee that won't happen!

 

Also, I would like to add to the ones that told people to mind their own business, thank you! Because that is exactly the way I feel, as well.



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UK Dave
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Gil

Not wishing to cause you any further anxiety, I think I speak for Mike D, John and many others here, when I say that we fully acknowledge the existence of the current Rare Earth line-up. I recognise that Bird, Mike and Floyd have carried the Rare Earth flag for over 20 years with Ray (and Ivan) and yourself...one heck of an achievement. We were delighted to receive the Brand New World CD and it stands up on merit. Whilst this is a forum that is open to the public it is inevitable that on odd occasions something might get posted that is controversial. In such cases these posts are usually challenged or debated. I would like to think that Rare Earth band members, past and present, could visit this forum and go away feeling positive. I wouldn't be here myself if I didn't appreciate the work that you've all put in over 45 years.

On the subject of the post that was brought to your attention, my first thought was that this is not a genuine post. I could be wrong of course, particularly as Ralph hasn't challenged it. I could go on to post my many reasons for doubt but I won't.

From my point of view, we now have two bands to follow. Rare Earth, which features yourself and Ray plus colleagues, and Peter with his colleagues, plugged and unplugged. Both are keeping the Rare Earth flame alive and kicking, both do the classic hits justice and long may they continue to do what they are doing. We've good reason to feel grateful and I for one support both.

Finally, as a RE fan based in the UK, I bought all of your records from Get Ready through to Grand Slam. Likewise John and Richard who started this website. We never had the priviledge of press articles, not to mention the chance to see you play live. This is "catch up" for us. It's great that American followers share their experiences and knowledge with us, and it' nice that a few members past and present hop in occasionally to comment. The website also covers Rare Earth, the label. So, we get to hear about R. Dean Taylor through to Dan the Banjo Man and XIT. There's always the possibility of nonsense arising, but I hope (and believe) that it doesn't happen too often here. Certainly not to the extent that I've seen on other band forums. This forum is great for celebrating the work that you guys have done in your lifetime and I'd hate for you to label us all as "baddies" just because of an occasional controversial post.



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John
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Posts are verified by ip addresses



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Mike D.
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I lovelib love this forum. It's a place fore us fans too talk about a band that is near and dear to our hearts. I truly appreciate that past and present members have and continue to share their thoughts and memories with us. To me, having Pete, Gil, Ray, Ralph and Rod contribute is a privilege...though Gil and Rod haven't been here for some time. No matter, we as fans are very lucky. And there is a small but great group of fans here too. I just wish we could be as lucky with unreleased material from Motown. Someday perhaps. 

Back to the Wilson sessions...the songs released thus far point towards an album that would've topped Ma. 



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Gil Bridges
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Dave, I want to apologize if I offended you or any of the others on the Rare Earth Forum. I do try to get on here occasionally, and I do appreciate the fans and their opinions, as well as, all of the hard work of the ones that run Rare Earth World and Rare Earth Forum. I just don't post because I hate computers. I was only referring to the nonsense that was posted regarding the reforming of and regrouping of Rare Earth......that's nonsense! This is the only post that has really ticked me off; in fact it made me furious. I do recognize and really appreciate your support of the Rare Earth of today. Thank you and God Bless you all.

Gil



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UK Dave
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Gil

It's ok. I wasn't offended. You needed to say what you did. I recall you commented in the recent past that a reunion won't happen, so most of us crossed it off our wishlist and dropped the subject. I think the only item on my wishlist nowadays is a belated release of Live in Chicago. That has to be worth fighting for. It's all about the music : )



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Ralph Terrana
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Gil,

I saw your response to my post.; I'm in Detroit for a week. Maybe we can talk. I think you need to consider what I'm dishing. been talking to a promotor that loves the idea and said it would be a very bookable act. Think about it. Its time for you and Pete to let things go. enough is enough and business is business.



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Mike Trout
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In all honesty. Pete and Gil and/or Ray playing together wouldn't draw anymore than the current RE or any of Pete's recent bands.  It's not even a cash grab, it's a fantasy...



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Anonymous
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We will never know!  



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Mike D .
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The guys can do what they want...as long as they are happy and healthy, that is what counts. The music of Rare Earth has provided countless hours of enjoyment. 



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UK Dave
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Mike hit the nail on the head.



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RICH
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Way back when..........I posted RARE EARTH REUNION.it actually had NOTHING to do w/ music.Basically through some cursory contact I came to the conclusion that PETE was wrong,that GIL did not hate him as I believe he stated in his book.It was more like...maybe these 2 should have a beer.I aplogized 4 this post,because it could have subjugated GILs position w /FLOYD.

                                                            Computers have taken over,kind of scary,genie out the bag,dont blame GIL.though his input would be nice,obviously...its his life.Hell of a forum which we should all appreciate.Poor FRANK,he must be turnin over in his grave.



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Rich
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Gil Bridges wrote:

Dave, I want to apologize if I offended you or any of the others on the Rare Earth Forum. I do try to get on here occasionally, and I do appreciate the fans and their opinions, as well as, all of the hard work of the ones that run Rare Earth World and Rare Earth Forum. I just don't post because I hate computers. I was only referring to the nonsense that was posted regarding the reforming of and regrouping of Rare Earth......that's nonsense! This is the only post that has really ticked me off; in fact it made me furious. I do recognize and really appreciate your support of the Rare Earth of today. Thank you and God Bless you all.

Gil


 No harm done,a little controversy thats all.I guess we all pissed off that the Wilson sessions r still in the can.



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Anonymous
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RICH, you ain't getting the message. Speculation and interference is not just unhelpful, it's potentially making things worse. For goodness sake, let it lie.

I can't follow your posts at the best of times, but who the heck is Frank? On second thoughts, maybe I shouldn't ask.



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Anonymous
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FRANK WILSON OBVIOUSLY



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Anonymous
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Oh yeah, silly me.



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rich
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Let it lie years ago.......................totally blown out of proportion.Somehow we got from WILSON sessions to I dont even know.



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John
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Time for chill out!

What will be will be so let's enjoy what we have.

 



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Mike
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John wrote:

Time for chill out!

What will be will be so let's enjoy what we have.

 


 yeah, john said. smile



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Ralph Terrana
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I'm on the hotel computerr. Had lunch with H
arry Balk and promoter Joe Peraino. Ran my scheme by them and both agreed that this could work very well. But nothing happens if Gil and Pete remain at odds. Pete and Gil...if you guys are looking in...this is strictly business. Think about it. I'm not going to beat my head against the wall to make you guys understand where things stand at this oint in our lives.



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Anonymous
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You should beat your head against the wall!  Maybe then you would learn the meaning of NO!!!!



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RICH
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Leave RALPH alone,u gotta respect some1 whom at the very least................TRIED.Every1 has a price,though GIL has a very strong crew............doubt it would happen.Hope GIL tells him in a nice way,every1 goes back........decades.



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UK Dave
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Total respect to Gil for standing by his current band. I fully admire him for that. It speaks volumes.

To be fair to the other surviving members of the 1974 line-up, none of them have publicly expressed any interest in this idea as far as I'm aware. I suspect that Peter is as happy with his current projects as Gil is with his. If any discussion is to happen, I'd feel a lot happier if it was done behind closed doors. It's really not for public consumption. Whilst I try hard not to, I keep posting my thoughts. It's difficult to watch without commenting. I don't have any sides in this though. I'm completely neutral.

 

 



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John
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Bring Me Together and Bring Back The Thrill both 1974.

 



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Mike D.
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Peace everyone. 

Let's get back to the Wilson sessions. If fate had been different and the album completed, this could've been a galbums lab of vinyl. Chained (both mixes), Fun House, Funky Black Man and Fresh From The Can ('Thoughts' with Urso overdubbing a bass line) are all solid tracks with great production. And I also recall that Bring Me Together (Four Tops) and a song of Mark's was also tracked. I am assure other stuff was recorded as well. I truly believe the finished album would've been better than Ma. 



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Mike D.
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Sorry for the typing errors. I meant to say 'great slab of vinyl'. Darned iPhone.



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UK Dave
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Bring Me Together and Bring Back The Thrill. I'd love to hear those.



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AL FROM CANADA
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Is there anything that we the fans can do to bring these recordings to the light of day?



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UK Dave
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Strength in numbers ;)



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Anonymous
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Right Dave strength in numbers so with that in mind what would be our first step?



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AL FROM CANADA
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OOPS! FORGOT TO PUT MY NAME ON THAT LAST POST



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Ralph Tertrana
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I suppose it wasn't one of my better ideas to post my plan on the forum, but I didn't know how else to get the attention Of Pete and Gil. A further case can be made that it is none of my business and to a point, it isn't.

However, and I'm addressing this directly to the poster who told me to quit "beating my head against the wall". Dude, Pete, Gil and I go so far back you would have a hard time understanding it. These guys are my brothers and I care about them. The concept I have been kicking around has been validated by Harry Balk and Joe Peraino. It could work. I'm done with it for now and only ask the guys to kick it around a bit. This is strictly business. Have you guys been making the same money you were ten years ago? Five? I doubt it. We're getting older, but not so old we couldn't light it up one more time.

I just returned from Detroit last night. Gil, Pete....the motel where I was staying just happened to be down the street form UAW 182. When I first saw it, I couldn't believe it. I shot some pics of the outside AND inside which I will post on the Soulful Detroit forum soon. Gang, this is the place where things started to happen for The Sunliners. A teen club run by Bob Brower who would become our manager and we would record our first record, "The Hully Guilly Twist". In the song is a line "the whole thing started at 182". Going into the place brought back floods of good memories.

 

Okay, I have had my say and am done with it. Just think about it.



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RICH
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More power to u,RALPH.These are your boys,when I posted RARE EARTH REUNION some time ago,i 4got to print 1 word...NONMUSICAL.It seemed to me & I was right.....NO HATE between the 2.Yeah some hard feelings remain...I guess.GIL has made it clear, hes got a tight unit....he wants to be in peaceHope u dont care about any forum repercusions...these are your boys ,any biz.......is no ones biz....let them blame me.Im in the BRONX.



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UK Dave
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In answer to Al from Canada's question (see above), the only way that I can think of to gather more public awareness and support for "Live in Chicago" would be to set up a Facebook "page" as a petition to try and get it released. Hopefully the page would achieve many visitors who don't get to visit or post on this forum. If they just click on "like" this would give an indication of support. Of course, if it doesn't get many "likes" it could be counter productive. 



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AL FROM CANADA
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The power of the the people Dave is all we can hope for.

 

I SAY LET'S DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



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