Atlanta Rhythm Section, Pure Prairie League, and Firefall

The Atlanta Rhythm Section
ARS… In the annals of rock and roll, where do they fit? They put out 15 albums of excellent original material, and consistently put on entertaining live shows-both of which helped establish a broad if not huge fan base. They had some big hits and have been a major player in the Southern Rock scene. But is that the whole story? In some circles, maybe. But for those who’ve really gotten to know their music over the years, there’s a lot more to the story.

ARS was paired with contemporaries Lynyrd Skynyrd as the successors to the Allman Brothers – carrying the mantle of “Southern Rock” in the late 70s. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, it may have made sense at the time. But performing songs that were more musically diverse and having hits that had a softer, pop sound, the “Southern Rock” label was a mixed blessing and many of their unique musical accomplishments became lost in a genre that has lived on to this day-but never really fit ARS.

Pure Prairie League
From their beginnings in mid-Sixties Ohio as a group of friends playing cover tunes to the present-day unit featuring the propulsive team of drummer Scott Thompson and bassist Jared Camic, Keyboard Master Randy Harper, Guitar Ace/vocalist Jeff Zona and Pedal Steel/Saxophonist John Heinrich, PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE continues to embellish the rich 50-plus year history of one of Country-Rock’s pioneering forces. As one reviewer recently wrote: “PPL’s sound combines sweet memories with edgy, contemporary muscle. Their vocals are as strong as Kentucky moonshine and the musicianship and performance skills are as sharp as a straight razor”.

Their eponymous first album – featuring the Norman Rockwell/Saturday Evening Post cover that introduced fans to PPL’s trademark cowpoke “Sad Luke” – has been hailed as a “major early influence in the emerging popularity of Country-Rock music”. Their second effort, the multi-platinum “Bustin’ Out” brought us the Craig Fuller-penned classic “Amie”, along with other gems of the genre. With “Two Lane Highway”, nine more albums and countless shows, a legacy has been forged and enriched, highlighting contributions from several noteworthy members, including original co-founder George Ed Powell, Cincinnati’s legendary Goshorn Brothers, Country Hall of Famers Gary Burr and Vince Gill, award-winning writer Jeff Wilson (3 Top-20 singles), top Nashville session vocalist Curtis Wright and a host of other guest appearances from Chet Atkins, Johnny Gimble, EmmyLou Harris, David Sanborn, Eagle Don Felder, Nicolette Larson, Rosemary Butler, Jenifer Wrinkle, Jeff (Birdman) Kirk, Mat Britain and many more.

Now in their sixth decade, Pure Prairie League continues to lead the way for the new generation of Country/Rockers such as Keith Urban, Nickel Creek, Wilco, Counting Crows and so many others that cite PPL as a major influence.  Now, with the release of their new album “Back On Track” PPL brings it all back home with a dozen new songs that complete the circle begun in 1970 and continues to this day.

Firefall
Firefall is an American rock band that originated in Boulder, Colorado, in 1974. The group was co-founded by Rick Roberts, formerly of the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Jock Bartley, who had played with Zephyr. The band quickly became known for its melodic blend of country rock, pop rock, and soft rock, contributing to the signature “Colorado sound” of the 1970s.

Key Members – Past and Present

Founders: Rick Roberts and Jock Bartley

Notable Members: Mark Andes (Spirit, Jo Jo Gunne, later Heart), Larry Burnett, David Muse, and Michael Clarke (The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers)

Current Lineup: Jock Bartley, John Bisaha (The Babys), Sandy Ficca, Steven Weinmeister, and Jim Waddell