- Emory Gordy - bass (1974)
- Glen Hardin - keyboards (1974)
- Emmylou Harris - vocals, guitar

- Joe Kelly - bass (1963-65)

- Bernie Leadon - guitar (1974)

- Gram Parsons (aka Cecil Ingram Connor) (RIP 1974) -

  vocals, guitar

- Herb Pederson - acoustic guitar (1974)
- N.D. Smart - rhythm guitar (1974)
- Paul Surratt - banjo (1963-65)

- Ronnie Tutt - drums, percussion (1974) 

- George Wingley - guitar (1963-65)

- The Byrds

- The Flying Burrito Brothers

- The International Submarine Band

Genre: country-rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  GP

Company: Reprise

Catalog: MS-2123

Year: 1973

Country/State: US

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: minor ring wear; gatefold sleeve

Available: 2

GEMM catalog ID: 2383

Price: $25.00

Since his untimely death in 1974, singer/songwriter Gram Parsons' reputation has continued to grow, reaching the point where many people now credit him as one of the founders of modern country-rock. Ironically, Parsons remains best known for his work with The International Submarine Band, The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers. In contrast, Parsons' abbreviated solo career largely fails to live up to his posthumous legend.

Signed by Reprise, Parsons made his solo debut with 1973's "GP". Co-produced with Ric Grech (of Blind Faith and Family fame), the collection highlighted Parson's sweet voice while underscoring his country roots. Musically the set proved enjoyable, if somewhat erratic. Originals such as 'How Much I Lied', 'She' and 'The New Soft Shoe' were first-rate, while other tracks ('Streets of Baltimore' and 'A Song for You') succumbed to pedestrian ideas and bland country arrangements. Other highlights included Emmylou Harris' sterling backup work ('We'll Sweep Out the Ashes In the Morning' and 'That's All It Took' and excellent support from members of Elvis Presley's old band. (The album was originally released with a gatefold sleeve.) 

"GP" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Still Feeling Blue (Gram Parsons) - 2:38
2.) We'll Sweep Out the Ashes In the Morning Allsup) - 3:13
3.) A Song for You (Gram Parsons) - 4:57
4.) Streets of Baltimore (Glaser Howard) - 2:50
5.) She (Gram Parsons - Ethridge) - 4:55

(side 2)

1.) That's All It Took (Edwards - Grier - Jones) - 2:57
2.) The New Soft Shoe (Gram Parsons) - 3:52
3.) Kiss the Children (Gram Parsons - Rik Grech) - 2:50
4.) Cry One More Time (Wolf - Justman) - 3:55
5.) How Much I've Lied (Gram Parsons - Rifkin) - 2:27
6.) Big Mouth Blues (Gram Parsons) - 3:52

Unfortunately, at the end of a brief tour in support of the album Parsons suffered a sudden and fatal heart attack. Only 26, years of alcohol and drug abuse (including a nasty heroin problem) apparently caught up with him. 

In one of rock's odder stories, following Parsons death, manager Phil Kaufman and longtime friend Michael Martin stole his body; transported it to Cap Rock national monument; burned it; and scattered the ashes over the area. Prosecuted, the two claimed they were following Parsons wishes, were fined $750 and released.

Genre: folk

Rating: ** (2 stars)

Title:  Gram Parsons The Early Years 1963-1965

Company: Sierra/Briar

Catalog: SRS-8702

Year: 1979

Country/State: US

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: includes the multi-page booklet

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4569

Price: $20.00

Cost: $66.00

The late Gram Parsons is one of those acts that seems to generate a much bigger following in death than he ever saw while alive.  That fan base continues to grow and is exceptionally dedicated to Parson's legacy ...

As a 17 year old, Parsons found himself in Greenville, South Carolina where he hooked up with The Shilos (banjo player Paul Surratt, bassist Joe Kelly and guitarist George Wingley).  With an extensive folk music repertoire, the quartet became rather popular on the local party, dance and coffeehouse scene.  Those local successes culminated in a 1965 recording session at The Bob Jones University radio station.  Those sessions subsequently lay on tape for some 14 years before being released as 1979's "Gram Parsons The Early Years 1963-1965". 

Before going on, let me warn everyone expecting to hear something along Parson's patented country-rock moves ...  this set may disappoint you. Here's what the liner notes say: "This album of early tapes by Gram Parsons with the group, The Shilos, has been issued by Sierra/Briar Records partly as an historical record illustrating the development of Parsons as a gifted performer and songwriter; and partly as a means of demonstrating our respect for and thanks to an artist who has given - and, through his later recordings, continues to give - joy to countless fans around the world. May his legend never stop growing. Recorded live with two microphones and Surrat handing production chores, this is Kingston Trio/Peter, Paul and Mary-styled acoustic folk.  There's nothing really wrong with it, but it hasn't aged particularly well.  There are actually two Parson's originals on the album - 'Zah's Blues' and 'Surfinanny'.  They also happen to be the two most interesting songs.

"Gram Parsons The Early Years 1963-1965" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) May Be Right   (Dick Weissman) - 2:03

2.) Big Country   (Jay Irwin) - 2:53

3.) Zah's Blues   (Gram Parsons) - 4:02

4.) Mary Don't You Weep   (Dennis Hupp) - 2:21

5.) Bells of Rhymney   (I.D. Ris Davis, Pete Seeger) - 5:38

(side 2)
1.) Goin' Away, Don't You Wanta Go   (Pat Sullivan) - 3:43

2.) They Still Go Down   (Dick Weissman) - 2:02

3.) On My Journey Home   (traditional) - 2:07

4.) Surfinanny   (Gram Parsons) - 3:09

5.) Oh Didn't They Crucify My Lord   (traditional) - 2:51