Hydra
Live - After All These Years
Phenomenal LIVE CD by this powerhouse band featuring 13 songs (79 mins.) of outstanding, big league, 'in-your-face' classic rock and southern blues/rock.
Wayne Bruce-Guitar/Vocals - Spencer Kirkpatrick-Guitar - Steve Pace-Drums - Tommy Vickery-Bass
The new first ever "live" release by HYDRA is a long awaited recording by fans of the band and will become a welcome addition to both established and new fan's collections alike. The tracks included on this release was recently digitally recorded multi-track and is a representation of the band as never before captured on a recording. If you like high-energy, big league 'in-your-face' rock, southern rock and blues rock, you will love Hydra.
HYDRA - After All These Years.........
Hydra is a product of the Atlanta club scene in the late 1960s. Steve Pace and Spencer Kirkpatrick first played together in 1968 in the band "Strange Brew". Wayne Bruce was playing in the band "Nickelodian" and was invited to join Pace and Kirkpatrick in the short lived "Noah Mayflower”. The three remained together in the band "Osmosis” and by the end of the decade Hydra emerged. Enlisting a succession of bassists the lineup was finally set with the inclusion of Orville Davis in that slot and the band embarked on its campaign for rock 'n roll success.
They first conquered Atlanta, quickly becoming the premiere act on the local scene. By 1971 they had been signed to management and booking contracts, and soon began expanding their territory playing further and further afield. They began opening concerts for major international acts and playing larger and more prestigious venues. Hydra was becoming a Southern legend and a tight, proven act. I joined the Hydra organization in early 1971, becoming the band's road manager and audio engineer soon thereafter.
In 1973 Hydra signed a recording contract with Capricorn Records. Two albums resulted: The self-titled debut release in 1974, and 1975's more representative release, "Land Of Money”. It seemed as if things were progressing according to script, but by late 1975 it became obvious that the growth of the band’s success had stalled and a change was in order. Davis left the band, new management was secured, and a new recording contract was inked with the band moving to Polydor Records. In 1977 Hydra released what would be, until now, their final and some feel their finest, recording, "Rock The World”. The album featured a streamlined three piece band with Bruce moving from guitar to bass, and a cleaner "live" sound which was immediately recognizable as Hydra. The changes, and the new start, created a renewed enthusiasm. Unfortunately it was short lived, by the end of 1977 Hydra was all but disbanded. They played together occasionally during 1977 and 1978, but then it was over. In 1998 Capricorn Records reissued Hydra's first two albums in CD format for the first time ever. Every single CD that was manufactured and distributed was sold and this speaks volumes to the band'’s continuing popularity.
In the ensuing 27 years there have been only a few opportunities to hear and see Hydra perform. In 1997 an organized reunion occurred at an Atlanta night spot called "The Doghouse". First Jimmy Cobb, then Tommy Vickery, filled in on bass for the absent Davis (who had been erroneously reported as deceased). The band performed two nights a week for 12 weeks until other commitments forced an end to the reunion. These shows did, however, cement the inclusion of Vickery into the Hydra family. After his first set with the band Steve Pace smiled and said; "Playing with him felt as comfortable as putting on an old pair of shoes".
In April 2005 it was announced that Hydra would reunite for a performance at the "Atlanta International Guitar Show”. I decided that, for once, a quality live recording should be attempted. This was one thing that had not been accomplished during the band’s career. I began to conceptualize a live CD intended for non-commercial distribution. At the same time, Steven Hawkins and Charlotte Hannon of the Atlanta Music Group and Emphasis Records inquired about the possibility of doing the same thing for possible commercial release. It was decided that we would combine our efforts, and a new live Hydra recording is the result of that collaboration. An additional performance was scheduled and, in addition to the May 7 show, the band performed before a large, enthusiastic crowd at "Jake's Toadhouse" on July 28. This performance was also recorded and is well represented in this collection.
The future of HYDRA looks promising. Everyone is having fun again and the enthusiastic response of the fans has been extremely contagious! The band's music is being played on the radio again thanks to the advent of XM-40 DEEP TRACKS on XM Radio, and the band is planning to write new material and record a new album in the near future. Speaking for all HYDRA fans, old and new......WE WAIT WITH BATED BREATH !!!!!!! Edgar "Big Ed" Brimer
Rock: 70's Rock