For most of their short existence Rashamra was the only band in Adelaide playing all-original material, as it was virtually impossible to get gigs without playing mostly covers. Rashamra had a DIY ethic and organised their own shows, gained a fan-base who rushed out and bought their singles, propelling them into the Top 5 on 5KA Radio (as a result, all the venues suddenly wanted them to play) -- basically a prog-rock band with a punk ethic before punk happened! Memorable gigs at the Largs Pier Hotel and Elizabeth's Octagon Theatre were sold out, packed out, hot and sweaty affairs.
Years later, members of Cold Chisel spoke of being inspired by these gigs and of the cautionary tale of getting out of Adelaide before being ground down by the all-powerful agency system of the time. Rashamra was formed in 1970 and by 1971 had the world at it’s feet. They became an instant success in Adelaide and Melbourne, had two hit singles and a much-anticipated debut album was nearing completion. The band split and the album was never completed with all traces of the songs disappearing.
When all members eventually returned to Adelaide in the 90’s they considered a reformation but it never eventuated. This collection of songs is the work of lead guitarist Pete Jesser who wrote much of the music for Rashamra and contains remakes of some of the principal Rashamra songs along with songs that were written after the demise of the band and thereafter. In collaboration with lead vocalist Andy Peake, pianist Peter (Brat) Staben and bass player John Falletti this album is a result of countless hours of recording, research and reconstructing. For those who recall the heady days of the early seventies, this is the “Lost Album”. For music lovers in general this represents a body of Adelaide songs that exist to “Right the Wrongs” for all of those elements that conspired to extinguish what should have been one of Australia’s premier hard rock bands. Recorded at the Tin Shed Studio, Newton SA. Engineered, mixed and mastered by Pete Jesser. John Haffert has since died.
Members
Andy Peake (vocals) Pete Jesser (guitar piano) Peter Staben (piano) John Faletti (bass)
John Haffert (drums)
SINGLES
''Mr. Timekeeper (#78) / Paradise Found'' 1972 Edition One
''Antelope (#89) / Hang On To What You Have'' 1972 Edition One
References
http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/
When all members eventually returned to Adelaide in the 90’s they considered a reformation but it never eventuated. This collection of songs is the work of lead guitarist Pete Jesser who wrote much of the music for Rashamra and contains remakes of some of the principal Rashamra songs along with songs that were written after the demise of the band and thereafter. In collaboration with lead vocalist Andy Peake, pianist Peter (Brat) Staben and bass player John Falletti this album is a result of countless hours of recording, research and reconstructing. For those who recall the heady days of the early seventies, this is the “Lost Album”. For music lovers in general this represents a body of Adelaide songs that exist to “Right the Wrongs” for all of those elements that conspired to extinguish what should have been one of Australia’s premier hard rock bands. Recorded at the Tin Shed Studio, Newton SA. Engineered, mixed and mastered by Pete Jesser. John Haffert has since died.
Members
Andy Peake (vocals) Pete Jesser (guitar piano) Peter Staben (piano) John Faletti (bass)
John Haffert (drums)
''Mr. Timekeeper (#78) / Paradise Found'' 1972 Edition One
''Antelope (#89) / Hang On To What You Have'' 1972 Edition One
ALBUMS
'Unforgotten' 2009
References
http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/
Wow this brings back some of the better days from my school years Pete Jesser was my class and arts teacher, ame nd my class mates were fortunate to put on a concert at the octagen in elizabeth called Stobe.along with Rashamra, two other up and coming bands were shocased, and if memory serves me, bothe these two bands played songs for the first time. Which went on to be No1 hits,
ReplyDeleteThe two bands i m talking about were Darryl Braithwaite, and Sherbert sing Cassandra, then it was Red Simons and Skyhooks with living in the seventies, what a great experience it was.