RFI: Arthur Gee

Personnel:
BILL ALEXANDER synth, keyb'ds, celeste A B
BOB ALLISON vcls A
CLYDE ALEXANDER vcls A
MARCUS DAMERT gtr, celeste, perc, vcls A B
ARTHUR GEE vcl, accoustic gtr, jaw harp, mouth harp A B
DOUG GUNN drms A
RICHARD HATHAWAY bs, drms, vcls A B
DONNIE KRYNOVICH vcls A
DON RIGGS drms, vcl A B
STEVE VAN GELDER violin, vcl, gtr, piano A B
SNAZZ WALL pedal steel gtr A
DAVE WILLIAMS recorder, horns A
REX WILLIAMS vcls A B
(PAUL BEAVER moog B)

ALBUMS:
1(A) ARTHUR GEE (Tumbleweed TWS 101) 1971
2(B) CITY COWBOY (Tumbleweed TWS 107) 1972

NB: (1) issued with a songbook.

From Colorado, a noteworthy singer/songwriter who released two albums mixing dreamy ballads, psych, prog and country. The first one is especially good and came housed in a superb gatefold sleeve with a songbook. The lyrics are quite mystic and not always easy to understand. With a tight yet loose band backing him, Gee starts out on his troubled journey with conviction and musical intelligence from the very first note. Rural elements are strongly present, though never intrusive and always stylish. The production is simple and clear and the songs are mostly fairly persuasive, while Gee's voice is a fine and emotional vehicle, again without anything pushy about it. The rocking Waterweight is quite good with its lovely flute and expert arrangement, as is the opening Dimensions, a sombre and introspective song. The very esoteric Confessions with mellotron and an eerie wavering sound could easily pass for what seems to be called "downer-folk" nowadays. Not very spectacular, but a worthwhile effort nonetheless.

The second is more on the country side but contains some nice moments too (notably on High House and Re-Affirmation).

Both albums were produced by Marcus Damerst.
"

(doesn't sound like any relation to Michael Stanley, except the label... maybe long-lost cousins...)