Sweet Smoke is an American band created in 1967 and playing progressive rock . This is primarily a live band known for its long, impromptu performances.
| Sweet smoke | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Progressive rock |
| Years | 1967 - 1974 |
| A country |  USA |
| Where from | Brooklyn new york |
| Labels | Columbia Records , EMI |
| Composition | Andrew Dershin Mike Paris Steve Rosenstein Jay Dorfman Marvin Kaminowitz |
| http://sweetsmokeband.com | |
Content
History
It was created by Andrew Dershin, Mike Paris, Victor Sacco, Jay Dorfman and Marvin Kaminowitz in Brooklyn, New York. In the beginning, the group played in American clubs in front of a small audience. Then she moved to the Virgin Islands under the name “Ice Company”, because the leadership of local clubs believed that the name “Sweet Smoke” and “ hippy image” were too provocative. After spending a short time in the Caribbean, the group moved to Germany at the end of 1969, where its members received the support of the famous German sculptor Waldemar Kuhn .
Their first 1970 album Just A Poke consisted of only two lengthy songs, Baby Night (16:22 min) and Silly Sally (16:24 min). The first, probably the most famous composition of the group, mainly due to the distinctive flutes of Michael Paris. The second is remembered by Dorfman's long drum solo, played in a stereo effect (the so-called ping-pong effect). The first album gave the group the status of a cult underground icon, which arose in Europe as a response to the American hippie scene.
Thanks to their live performances, where the band was often supplemented by numerous other musicians, it gained great popularity. Unfortunately, after the second Darkness to Light album of 1973, serious disagreements began in the group. Paris and Rosenstein left Sweet Smoke. After recording the last live album of 1974, Sweet Smoke Live, the band finally broke up. Only in 1999 there was a one-time reunion of former band members to perform.
Here is what one of its founders and leaders Mike Paris said about the work of the group:
- “Sweet Smoke music was not just a collection of songs that people sat and listened to. The group was more likely a conductor through which its members shared with the audience their vision and joy of life. The concerts were an interaction between the group and the public. Sweet Smoke was akin to a spaceship constantly exploring the unknown expanses of the musical universe . ” [one]
Discography
Albums
- 1970 Just A Poke
- 1973 From Darkness To Light
- 1974 Sweet Smoke Live
Group members
- Andrew Dershin - bass , percussion
- Mike Paris - tenor saxophone , flute , vocals , percussion
- Steve Rosenstein - guitar , vocals
- Jay Dorfman - drums , percussion
- Marvin Kaminowitz - solo guitar , vocals
- Rochus Kun - cello
- Rick D. G. Race - Sitar
- Martin Rosenberg - Tambourine
Interesting Facts
Musicians always came to their performances with members of their hippy commune (about 10-15 people), who helped them create a special musical atmosphere on and off stage.