Vanilla Fudge - Renaissaince & Near The Beginning (Reissue) (1968-69/2008)

The story of VANILLA FUDGE started (in my opinion a pivotal progressive band in the vein of KING CRIMSON, COLOSSEUM and THE NICE) in the New York era when Mark Stein (organ and lead vocals) and Tim Bogert (bass guitar) played in a band called Rick Martin & The Snowmen. Tim and Mark were so impressed by the sound of THE RASCALS (swinging and floods of organ) that they dediced to form their own band with Vinnie Martell on guitar and Rick Martin's drummer Joey Brennan. They named themselves The PIGEONS but, after the replacement of Joey Brennan by Carmine Appice, the new name became VANILLA FUDGE. In '71 the band signed with Atco Records, a division of the famous Atlantic label. They released the single "You Keep Me Hangin'On" and then their first album "Vanilla Fudge". The second album "The Beat Goes On" was the ambitious project of producer Shadow Morton to tell the entire history of contemporary music (from MOZART to COLE PORTER and ELVIS PRESLEY). Unfortunately it all sounded too weird: a 44 minutes nonstop tapestry of sonic images and interruptions by sound bites from band Atco re-released the first single "You Keep Me Hangin'On" and historical figures. To stop the possible demise of the hoped for the best. It became a small hit and soon they released their third album "Renaissance" that consisted primarily of original material. February '69 their fourth album "Near The Beginning" (with the sidelong live track "Break Song") came out and in september '69 their fifth and final album called "Rock & Roll" was released. After these five LP's VANILLA FUDGE decided to split up and to look for other musical challenges. VANILLA FUDGE's sound is a captivating and exciting blend of soul, blues, rock and progrock with strong hints from JIMI HENDRIX (fiery electric guitar) and THE RASCALS (floods of Hammond B3 organ).

The best way to get an impression of the dynamic and alternating VANILLA FUDGE sound is the compilation-CD "Psychedelic Sundae (the best of..)": some Rhythm & blues with soul/gospel-like vocals and vocal harmonies but mainly music that is based upon great interplay between the fierce electric guitar (like JIMI HENDRIX) and the powerful Hammond B3 organ. The compositions range from slow, almost hypnotizing to propulsive with heavy outbursts. The vocals sound soulful, a rather unusual combination in progrock. Discover this captivating, very progressive blend of different styles and keep in mind that YES, DEEP PURPLE and URIAH HEEP pointed at VANILLA FUDGE as their main influence! Best albums to start with are "Near the Beginning" and "Rock & Roll".