Crowfoot: Who Says You Need a Hits To Be a Wonder?

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I often hear people talk about "obscure" southern rock and country rock bands and mention artists like the Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Pure Prairie League. Well, I hate to tell those folks this, but if the music has been released on compact disc, if the band has had a hit song or two, and/or if the members of the band are still hanging in there playing shows, then the band is not really all that obscure. But now take a band like Crowfoot... there is a band that can truly be called obscure. Crowfoot was formed in 1964 by guitarist Russell DaShiell, bassist Doug Killmer and drummer Rick Jaeger. Russell and Doug shared vocal duties. The band released their first album in 1970, but by that time, Russell DaShiell was playing bass, guitar and handling all the vocals. By the time a second album was released in 1971, Rick Jaeger had also moved on, but this time DaShiell was accompanied by Sam McCue on guitar, Bill Sutton on bass and Don Francisco on drums. Vocals were contributed by everyone except Sutton. The self-titled first album included many great tunes and was more of a rocker than the mellower second album, Find the Sun. "California Rock 'n' Roll" was probably the best song on the first release, though it was "Groove Along" that was released as a single. But by far, the song I like best is "Summer's Gone" from the second album. It is sad to think these two treasures may never make it onto CD or digital downloads. Unfortunately, since these are truly an obscure albums by an obscure band, it seems unlikely. I have found very nice vinyl copies of both records and plan to have them professionally cleaned up and transferred to compact disc for myself, a process that will cost around $70. But these albums are worth every penny!