Tampa Run

A-Side: Tampa Run
B-Side: Ev’rybody’s Talkin’

Record label: Shamley S 44019
Producer: Norman Malkin

Released: 11/69

Merrell Fankhauser | Tampa Run | (Shamley) 1969 | Merrell Fankhauser and HMS Bounty are well documented and have had several re-issues and compilation entries over the years but one of the least highlighted songs is “Tampa Run”, released on Shamley Records at the back end of 1969.

Both numbers on the disc are very different than their earlier recordings, for instance the psychedelic element that we all love and admire has been removed in favour of straight forward, commercial pop music. Merrell, or rather his record company wanted a hit record.

Merrell Fankhauser: “Much to the dismay of the group producers Norm Malkin and Jack Hoffman wanted to take me into the studio to record a solo single – this time with studio musicians, not HMS Bounty. The session players on the dates included Jim Gordon on drums, Carol Kaye on bass, Larry Knetchtel on piano and Al Casey on rhythm guitar. The tracks recorded were my original, “Tampa Run”, and a new song by composer Fred Neil entitled “Everybody’s Talkin’”. They were issued as a single but no chart action followed.”