Pure Prairie League Condensed Highlights
On February 23, 2020 Pure Prairie League https://pureprairieleague.com/ visited the Greenwich Odeum http://www.greenwichodeum.com/ as a part of their 50th Anniversary Tour. The group was tight and very entertaining sharing stories of how they had 4 major albums in 4 years and then “Pfffft”. They reflected upon having had various personnel changes over the years while the pedal steel player remains an original with the bass player not far behind. The vocals were strong and the instrumental support was spot on. The sell-out crowd loved this show. The program booklet offered the following history.
From their beginnings in mid-60s Ohio as a group of friends playing cover tunes to the present-day unit featuring founding member/Pedal steel innovator John David Call, veteran bassist Mike Reilly, propulsive drummer Scott Thompson and guitar ace Donnie Clark, Pure Prairie League continues to embellish the rich 43-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 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 during the 70s and 80s, highlighting contributions from several noteworthy members, including original cofounder George Ed Powell, Cincinnati's legendary Goshorn Brothers, Country Hall of Famer's Gary Burr and Vince Gill, award-winning writer Jeff Wilson (three Top-20 singles) and a host of other guest appearances from Chet Atkins, Johnny Gimble, Emmylou Harris, David Sanborn, Eagle Don Felder, Nicolette Larson, and many more.
Now in their fifth 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.
As crisp and clean as spring water and as comfortable as a well-worn cowboy shirt, Pure Prairie League still brings it all back home.
Read MoreFrom their beginnings in mid-60s Ohio as a group of friends playing cover tunes to the present-day unit featuring founding member/Pedal steel innovator John David Call, veteran bassist Mike Reilly, propulsive drummer Scott Thompson and guitar ace Donnie Clark, Pure Prairie League continues to embellish the rich 43-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 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 during the 70s and 80s, highlighting contributions from several noteworthy members, including original cofounder George Ed Powell, Cincinnati's legendary Goshorn Brothers, Country Hall of Famer's Gary Burr and Vince Gill, award-winning writer Jeff Wilson (three Top-20 singles) and a host of other guest appearances from Chet Atkins, Johnny Gimble, Emmylou Harris, David Sanborn, Eagle Don Felder, Nicolette Larson, and many more.
Now in their fifth 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.
As crisp and clean as spring water and as comfortable as a well-worn cowboy shirt, Pure Prairie League still brings it all back home.