Connecting The Dots: World of Oz, Kansas Hook, American Jam Band and The Casuals
Recently I have discovered that the internets don’t know everything. For instance, what is the connection between 60’s psychedelic pop whimsies World of Oz and their offshoots, the proggy/soulful Kansas Hook, the glam-induced American Jam Band and the sunshine popsters The Casuals? The music is great, but the amount of info on these bands is sorely lacking. Nevertheless, over the holidays, I did some research and here’s what I found:
In the 60’s, World of Oz had a sound somewhere in between Herman’s Hermits and Tommy James and the Shondells. They wrote whimsical paisley tunes like “Muffin Man,” but achieved little success. Afterwards, members of Oz joined Kansas Hook, a 70’s proto-prog band, who recorded an awesome track called “Nervous Shakin’.”
Now, here’s where it gets a little confusing, but no less awesome. According to Purepop, Kansas Hook and the ex-members of World of Oz became the T-Rex-ish, non-Phish sounding, American Jam Band and released two singles in the early 70’s, “American Jam” and the kick-ass “Jam Jam.” The b-side of the former, also appeared as the b-side of the 1972 single “Tara Tiger Girl,” by Kansas Hook’s other alias, The Casuals! Jeeez, talk about multi-tasking!
If you aren’t too dizzy, have a listen to all four bands, and check out RPM Records for cool comps with similar music.
American Jam Band – American Jam
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Kansas Hook – Nervous Shakin’ (Highly Recommended)
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American Jam Band – Jam Jam (Highly Recommended)
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The Casuals – Tara Tiger Girl (Highly Recommended)
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Kansas hook also releaed a single clled Echo Park , have you any idea where i can download that from.
The lead singer of most of the band is Chris Evans , he is a mate of mine, he does not have a copy
Hi,i’m Julian Burrowes,i was the bass player in Kansas Hook,i’m playing on Nervous Shakin,and also the fabulous B side called Mr Universe,you should up load it here!!!i do have a copy of Echo Park!!but it will take some prising away form me,i would love to know what Chris Evans is up to nowdays,it’s been a long time since we have met or spoken to each other,take it easy,Julian.
Julian ring me on 07734924846, will let you know where Chris is
I’m also hunting Kansas Hook’s Echo Park.
Anyone know of a site hosting a copy?
Greetings!
I am a sound engineer & have an awful lot of respect for the amazing work you produced in the 60’s & 70’s. It’s simply Jaw dropping work! I would love to hear what Chris is up to these days. He had such a voice. Like myself, there are many people who would love hear about any stories you have about those days. There is such little information on “World of Oz” & “Kansas”. Would Chris be willing to do an interview or respond to some questions via a letter or Email?
Also, it might come as a shock to you that the younger generation are not only Inspired by your work, but look at it as an example of sheer brilliance in Sound & Music. Just because it didn’t earn you a bullet like John Lennon doesn’t mean that it’s quality & Potential isn’t superior.
Do you still speak to anyone from the Band Days? Tony Clarkson? David Reay? Barry or Kubie? Was Rob Moore the 2nd Drummer?
Please take my E-mail KINDLE@bethere.co.uk or my Number 07900087848 & let us know.
Honestly, I don’t think you realise just how unique your material is! My Favourite Happens to be Peter’s Birthday (the Black Sheep) which isn’t even on the Album! You have to get an import. My Farther has it on 45 Single – Side B! I have now found it on MP3 but would you know? It’s the ONLY Version that isn’t in STEREO. What kind of Mickey take is that!
I have tried contacting Repertoire Entertainment® (who released the Re-master 2006 edition) for the Separates so I can start to work on re-mastering it, but they haven’t responded.
Now, I know that it’s often the case where the artists themselves never have this material, but please PLEASE let me know if you have ANY information that could help me in the restoration of these timeless tracks.
If you don’t believe how serious I am about this, I don’t blame you! I DO kind of sound like a Fan! But let me assure you, I am not a Fan, but a mere musician who believes in treasuring the classics. There is no way in hell that we could ever recreate even the genre to which you fall into, let alone your sound. This is why I’d like to do an interview of some sort. Your Music will only become more & more special as time goes on. It would be amateurish & filmed on a simple HD Cam-Corder but even so, when you are all but gone your legacy will live on & inspire through the ages!
Anyway, there is something I am somewhat a bit weary of, but I think you of all people deserve to hear…
I have never been happy with the cheap & quick Stereolization that big budget Studios & greedy record labels have given us. So I have just finished Re-Mastering “The Muffin Man” & a Demo can be heard at: http://soundcloud.com/kindle/the-muffin-man-world-of-oz-re-mastering-demo
Like you, I don’t get any money out of it! And have done it out of passion & the anger at the Lack of Quality imposed on your Tracks transition from MONO to STEREO.
And by the way, I’m not one of these incompetent vermin who think that speeding a song up & Sticking a Back Beat with it is a ‘Re-Master’. I have spent a Great deal of many hours making sure that the balance between old & new is just right. There are a few new sounds & I have extended it a little as the end was rushed by Decca if you ask me! But I have essentially made sure that I have “Improved the Original”, not Remixed it. If you are unhappy with it, please let me know & I will take it down, & follow your instructions in re-attempting it or yielding to failure.
If you want a Copy I can supply it to you either by E-mail, or by uploading it as a Waveform (.Wav) which is best Quality.
Mr Davis, maybe you could pass this on to Mr Evans for me? And I’m sure he would be slightly amused to hear that his Music is still as good now, as it was back then.
Kind Regards, Robert Porter. 28’ of ESSEX!
Please can you remove my Mobile Number/Cell Phone Number (Or delete the entire msg) above, as it is causing me quite a lot of Scamming Messages! Thank you very much.
Robert.