Album Notes

Agents of Change are a classic acoustic duo in the same tradition as Bob Dylan & Bruce Langhorne, and Jerry Jeff Walker & David Bromberg.

The two talents making up the Agents of Change duo are Adrian Hladky & Richard Terres (agents 55 & 77, respectively).

The terms: "acoustic thunder"; and "hard folk", have been coined by their fans in describing the duo's original music.

Agents of Change appeared on the S.F. Bay area coffeehouse circuit in may 1996.





Both Agents 77 & 55 write and play songs from the heart about what is important to them.

Recently, Billy Goodman, (Goodman Bros. et al) said about the duo, "The Agents of Change aren't messing around. They give 110% and they are as serious as a heart attack." During performances, the duo appreciates the opportunity to stretch out and explore uncharted territory.

This effect, combined with the dynamics of the songs can be heard on the CD: "Live at Hyde St. Studios- Across The Wires session" which was recorded at Wally Heider's old studio - Hyde St. Studios, as it is known now.

The same place where the Grateful Dead recorded Workingman's Dead and American Beauty.

The entire album was done live with no overdubs one evening at the hallowed SF facility and released on Hard Folk Records in March of 1998.

Agents of Change have a chemistry that allows them to weave their guitar sounds and create a rich fabric of music.

While their distance has rendered appearances too few and far between, they continue to develop their sound via 4-track recordings as they come up with new material.

Most recently, Agent 77, released a solo CD entitled "All Folked Up" on their label and the agents are preparing to go back to Hyde St. to make their second album.

While both 55 & 77 stand strongly on their own as solo artists, it is agents of change which is foremost on their minds.

As a virtuoso on vocals, guitar and harmonica, Agent 77 is a force to be reckoned with.

His lyrical imagery is apparent on both "Change of Heart"; and "Sit Tight".

You can hear more on his solo disc.

Agent 55 has been writing songs for 30-odd years.

His passion, the love song, has developed into a deep, introspective examination of the world of relationship.

At one time, it can be a simple observation and at another, multi-layered, with the interpretation left to the listener.

He is emerging as a slide (bottleneck) player, adding to his abilities as a fingerpicker and a solid rhythm guitarist.

The song "Before the Story's End"(track 9), written in dedication to Jerry Garcia on the day of his death, is reminiscent of acoustic Hot Tuna.

"Fat Chance in a Thin World" (track 4) has a Van Morrison quality.

While the influences can be pegged by the experienced listener, Agents of Change, are solid in their originality.

Live shows will often treat the audience to the occasional obscure cover: "Handle Me With Care" by the Traveling Wilburys; "My Bird Performs" by XTC; and an inspirational "Dream Operator" by the Talking Heads.

These are an indication that while Agents of Change are clear about their roots, their ears are always open to other sounds and reflect new twist on a different genre.

This is one reason their supporters are not from any one particular demographic.

The heart and soul of Agents of Change is very much about the heart and soul of change, and the heart and soul of change is the heart and soul of humanity.

Check 'em out.

Bob Dowt, Boulder, Co.

July 4, 2001


AGENTS OF CHANGE ----- UPDATE


APRIL 24 2006 IT'S BEEN AWHILE!

well 5 years have certainly brought a lot of change to agents of change. agent 55 has had the priviledge of caretaking for his parents and helping them end their lives in comfort and with dignity. dad died may 29 2003 at 90 and mom on feb 7 2006 at 87. he became a grandpa at 50. his daughter is off to csu in the fall to vet school. meanwhile it seems like his work in colorado is coming to an end. musically he looks forward to the day when he and agent 77 can live close by and continue this project in proximity once again (it's been 10 years!) they kept it alive with the help of 4 track tapes and visiting each other over the years. remarkably they have grown and the vision remains. these days agent 77 plays all electric, harp and harmony giving aoc a raw intense edgy sound. there are many new songs reflecting agent 55's changes - lost love, self-reflection, personal growth and thoughts on how to navigate the turbulent seas of life. if anything the music is harder (folk) and more (acoustic) thunderous. live shows in colorado keep setting the bar higher. agent 77 is working on his rep of over 70 songs and they both as aoc have about 40 tunes on their setlist. this week april 28 will find them at the cannonmine coffee company in lafayette colorado. live shows are often recorded and soon some of these will be available on cdbaby. see ya!

bob dowt,
lafayette,colorado
april 24, 2006

Howdy!
After a 10 years and 1200 miles apart, Agents 55 and 77 are back in the same town again! Ol' 55 came back after too many snowstorms. The duo has been woodsheddin with an amped up sound and tons of new material. 77 swapped his acoustic for a strat and claws his way into the stratosphere. 55 is playin bass on selected tunes written by 77. of course all the familar old stuff got a good kick in the ass. They'll be giggin around the bay soon. new releases will be coming too. Stay tuned...

bob dowt
fairfax,(yaay!)california
april 24, 2008