Esoteric Records Reissues Prog Rock Albums from Happy the Man

TalkBass

TalkBass

News Poster
Mar 12, 2004
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#1
Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the first ever UK release of the classic 1977 self- titled debut album by American progressive rock group Happy the Man. Formed in Harrisonburg, Virginia in 1973, the band was influenced by British progressive groups such as Genesis and King Crimson. By 1976 they came to the ear of Peter Gabriel who considered utilizing the band on his first solo album. Although this failed to materialise, the band came to the attention of Arista Records, securing a deal the same year. With a line-up of Stanley Whitaker (guitars, vocals), Kit Waktins (keyboards), Frank Wyatt (sax, flute, keyboards), Rick Kennell (bass) and Mike Beck (drums), the band recorded their first album under the production supervision of Ken Scott (who had worked with Supertramp and David Bowie). Featuring excellent pieces such as "Mr. Mirror's Reflection on Dreams" and "New York Dreams Suite," the album ranks as one of the great American progressive rock albums. Happy the Man was voted one of the top 50 Progressive Rock Albums of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine. This Esoteric Recordings reissue has been newly remastered and features a booklet that fully restores all original album artwork with a new essay.

Esoteric Recordings is also pleased to announce the first ever UK release of the classic 1978 album Crafty Hands by American progressive rock group Happy the Man. Greeted with excellent reviews, the band recorded their second album for Arista in 1978, produced once more by Ken Scott, and featuring Ron Riddle on drums. Arguably their finest hour, the album featured only one vocal track and ranks as one of the most important in US progressive rock history. This Esoteric Recordings reissue has been newly remastered and features a booklet that fully restores all original album artwork with a new essay.

50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums of All Time

Happy the Man/Crafty Hands ....import CD $21.99

happy.jpg

crafty.jpg


Esoteric Recordings Catalog in The Artist Shop
 
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#9
This was one of my favorite bands back in the day. I grew up near DC and used to go to see this band at the Cellar Door in Georgetown. I love that some of this old music is being heard again.
 
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#12
Londo Molari said:
My band did a cover of Steaming Pipes back in the late 70's. Such a kick ass tune.
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Hey Londo

Any old tapes laying around? Would love to hear it!

I never got to hear it, but when David Rosenthal was rooming with Steve Vai at Berkley, they had a band called Morning Thunder and did a number of Happy the Man tunes. When Steve was busy charting out all of the Frank Zappa tunes, David was charting out all the Happy the Man stuff. David eventually replaced Kit and appeared with us on the "Muse Awakens" record.

The Mercy High School percussion ensemble plays a version of "Stumpy Meets the Firecracker in Stencil Forest" here. It's a terribly raw production - but I always get such a kick out of it:

 
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#14
Lobster11 said:
Please continue....

(You can trust us -- we won't tell anybody. Promise.)
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Again, thanks for all the kind comments.

Hey Lee

Nice to see you here.

Sorry, as I have learned from the past - it's hard to win when you speculate. But there is hopefully some news coming down the pike this year....
 
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#18
BassHappy said:
Hey SirMjac

Yes, I would be one of the founding members and navigated the bass on all the albums. See the link below.
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That is incredible how in the world did I not know this? wow you are just one incredible talent I remember way back when that if you went into any record store and talked about Happy the Man the store clerk knew you weren't some putz you got respect. Congrats on a killer career and is there any news on a new tour?
 
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#20
SirMjac28 said:
That is incredible how in the world did I not know this? wow you are just one incredible talent I remember way back when that if you went into any record store and talked about Happy the Man the store clerk knew you weren't some putz you got respect. Congrats on a killer career and is there any news on a new tour?
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Hey, thanks so much SirMjac - means a lot coming from you! We have some cancer in the family so it doesn't look like another tour is in the works - unfortunately. But with any luck and god-wiling - there may be some other re-releases and even a new recording coming. Stay Tuned!
 
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