Artist description Boyd Albritton has dug into his treasure vault and found a true gem, studio master tapes from the spring and fall of 1975. Recorded at Studio C Wally Heider and Blue Bear Studios, both located in San Francisco. With such a great line up of musicians and songs, it's a wonder the tapes have never been released before.

Music Style Classic Southern Rock by way of San Francisco

Musical Influences Raven, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Nicky Hopkins

Similar Artists Head East, Elvin Bishop, Grand Funk Railroad

Artist History Boyd himself and Skip Olsen had been professional "sidemen". Both playing with the likes of Charlie Musslewhite, Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker. Boyd had also played with Buddy Miles during this time. They both went on to perform with Quicksilver Messenger Service, where Olsen is featured on their 1975 release of Solid Silver. Boyd wrote the song "Clouds" with Quicksilver guitarist John Cipollina for his Raven album. Olson became Raven's bass player. Hence evolved the Albritton project "Prehistoric Raven". Yes Boyd and Skip had some help from a stellar cast. Nicky Hopkins on piano. Sammy Piazza on drums. Hutch Hutchinson on lead vocals. Gregg Douglass on guitar and slide guitar. Michael Lewis on keyboards and synthesizer. Harold Acevas on drums and percussion. Nicky, Sammy, Michael and Harold all have played with Quicksilver, while Gregg and Hutch both played with Cipollina's Raven.

Group Members Boyd Albritton: Guitar, Pedal Steel, Vocals Nicky Hopkins: Piano Sammy Piazza: Drums Skip Olsen: Bass, Vocals Hutch Hutchinson: Lead Vocals Greg Douglass: Guitar, Slide Guitar Michael Lewis: Keyboards & Synthesizer Harold Acevas: Drums & Percussion

Albums Prehistoric Raven (with Nicky Hopkins)

Press Reviews So what about the music? You're thinking that great rock and roll must be contained in this new CD. You're right! The first song is an Albritton composition titled "Feel It". Boyd uses some nice guitar work and solid backing vocals to deliver a blues number. Funky beat is found in the lyrics and it says it all. "Thinking Of You" opens with some fine Nicky piano playing. This is a catchy song, with a good time feeling to it. This song features song strong lead vocals by Hutch. "Two Roads" finds Albritton writing with Hutch on a classic sounding song. This tune clocks in at a little over five minutes, and gives the group room to stretch out. Some fine slide guitar is woven through the song. "The blues has got you...got you knocked down", just a little of the lyrics to wet you whistle. "Give Me Love" leads us into a nice groove. It's hard not to get into this melody...very hard. The title says it all...Hold on let me enjoy this...Ya! Nice! Very nice! "Song Of Peace" starts out slow but soon gives way to some fine playing by the band. "Headed For Boston" starts out with some great guitar licks. This is a great rocker, with a classic sound. "Hiway Boogie" starts off in overdrive and never slows down. This song sounds a little like a southern rocker and clocking in at 8:22 your in for a ride. Hold on and enjoy. "Sawthooth" is a tune written by Hutch with Douglass, all the tunes on this CD are very enjoyable and it's hard for me to pick out a favorite. This song is a strong contender. "Skip's Blues" by Boyd, Hutch and Sammy is, as the title says, a blues number. Not just a blues song but a sweet blues tune. Nicky is killer on this number along with stinging guitar work. I can smell the tobacco and spilled beer. I feel the the mood to sing a little blues, I hope you don't mind Boyd, I can't help myself. The last two numbers are alternate takes of "Thinking Of You" and "Headed To Boston". It's enough to say there both are nice the second time around. All the above tunes are written by Boyd except were I have mentioned. I have heard that Boyd Albritton is working on a all new CD. I can't wait to hear Boyd's work today, almost 25 years later. In the mean time you can enjoy this Prehistoric Raven recording today. I am also left with only one aching question, are there any more recordings left in the can by The Boyd Albritton Band? If so I hope there will be a volume two out soon. - John Barthel

Location Mooresville, NC - USA

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