Passing Through The Night

A-Side: Passing Through The Night
B-Side: The Castaway Of Capt. Haze

Record label: American Music Makers AMM008
Producer: Lou Guarino

Released: 1967

Prior to this release on AMM this Pittsburgh group were operating under the name of The Grand Prees. Perhaps their drastic change to full blown psychedelia prompted a new identity but as it turned out this was their final release and another fine set of musicians went their separate ways.

Both sides of the disc were written by Bob Wyler and with “The Castaway Of Capt. Haze” he’s fully embraced the introspective side of the psychedelic sound. They’re worthy sides and have been compiled in the past. The best place is on Burghers Volume 1. This was decades ago and they’re due an upgrade.

”The Castaway Of Capt. Haze” is a slow burner, quite mellow and laid back, a teen psych tripper that ends in a haze of stunning Farfisa organ. I can’t help but think about ”Scarecrow” by Pink Floyd when I hear this, it’s very early Floyd . . . magical.

Misc:

The Grains Of Sand hired Lou Guarino who became an internationally known music producer who on his Pittsburgh based record labels, Calico, Robbee Records, and World Artists Records, was responsible for launching the careers of several well known recording artists, including the Skyliners, best known for their blockbuster hit “Since I Don’t Have You” and Chad and Jeremy, a British Invasion duo that soared to the top of the charts with “A Summer Song.”

Lou’s additional hits include “This I Swear,” “Pennies From Heaven,” “The Jury,” “Daddy’s Little Girl,” “Little Did I Know,” “Ronnie,” and “Since Gary Went To The Navy” among many others. Lou died 29/09/14.