Album Notes

Imagine the New York City music scene 1970-71...
Pre-Glitter-Glam Rock-& Punk
Pre-Kiss-Blondie-Talking Heads -Ramones & New York Dolls
Pre-CBGB's-Mercer Arts Center {"Max's" upstairs closed since the "Velvet Underground" played their last gigs there some time ago...}
That was when the "Magic Tramps" arrived in New York City
from Hollywood-California with a unique, creative and theatrical style of music in the early 70's.
The "Magic Tramps" had a unique lineup-

Sesu Coleman on drums -Native American look & sound
feathers & face paint..with a primal rhythmic sound

Lary Chaplan-electric violin-a classically trained mystro-
with a Middle Ages sound

Young Blood-guitar-A neon space man with melodic rhythms
& a black light stage...

After being unveiled in LA with
Alice Cooper-Eric Burdon & War -Lee Michaels
The LA Times wrote simply
"an unknown experimental Rock band "

with the addition of a vocalist from New York City named
Eric Emerson-Andy Warhol Superstar
{Lonesome Cowboy---Heat---Chelsea Girls}
the "Magic Tramps" were complete
Eric carried a leather whip -yodeled & wore leather hot pants
A perfect fit-the band now complete-with music & theatrics not yet seen to date.
Their arrival to New York City paved the way to the music explosion about to take place in the early 70's.
This music is a missing link to the early Rock & Roll roots of the NYC music scene.
This CD has not been heard or made available for nearly 35 years.
This compilation CD spans three time periods.
1} Hollywood-Ca. tracks #'s 1-5 {circa-1970} Eric Emerson-vocals...
2} New York City-NY-tracks #'s 6-8-{circa- 73-74} Eric Emerson-vocals.
3} New York City-NY-tracks #'s 9-12 {circa-74-75}
Jay Mala-vocals
{Tracks #'s 9-10 Live @ The Diplomat Hotel-NYC -
Easter 4-14-74
Tracks #'s 11-12 Live-Allentown-Pa. "Foxx" circa 1975}

The lineups:
Tracks #'s 1-8

Eric Emerson-vocals
Sesu Coleman-drums
Lary Chaplan-electric violin
Young Blood-guitar
{*tracks #'s 6-7-8-Walter Ego [Greenberg] -bass}

Tracks #'s 9-12

Jay Mala-vocals-formerly of "Koala" & "Joe Perry Project"-{Arrowsmith}
"Flying Fingers" Steve Caveretta-guitar
Sesu Coleman-drums
Lary Chaplan-electric violin
Tom Manuel-bass
{*Ben Mitchell-bass -tracks #'s 11-12}

Although the sound quality varies-it was left in tact as not to compromise the integrity of the time period. You are hearing it as it was recorded at the time.{Lyrics sheet included}
These songs were selected off three full length unreleased CD's being shopped with Record labels currently for release.
{two with Eric Emerson on vocals & one with Jay Mala on vocals}
For those of you interested in this music movement period {circa 1970-75}
This is a must have in your collection.

With "Patti Smith" reading poetry {pre-band}
and the "New York Dolls" opening for the "Magic Tramps" at the Mercer Arts Center ---
The music scene exploded...
Bands formed & clubs opened...
With the "Magic Tramps" leading the way...
---Cocked & Loaded---

for more info & history on the "Magic Tramps" & the NYC R&R scene in the early 70's
visit us on line @

www.magictramps.com



Reviews:

"The Magic Tramps-A band which suggests new possibilities for the tired Rock & Roll fans-Tin Pan Alley Rock. It's a touch of Vaudville,a taste of Swing, a pinch of the Middle Ages and enough Rock to hold it all together"

Robert Weiner-Interview Magazine-Feb.-72


"I don't know exactly what they're up to, but I think they are the most exciting thing since the "Marx Brothers."

Jonas Mekas-"Village Voice"


"These guys are just great!"

-Link Wray-
-guitarist


"Among New York City's best Rock & Roll bands"

-Tambourine Magazine-NY


"Eric Emerson, who fronted one of New Yorks best unsigned bands, the Magic Tramps, found a new locale & they began playing regularly at the Mercer Arts Center"

-From the Velvets to the Voidoids-
-Clinton Heylin-


"Eric [Emerson & the Magic Tramps] said he wanted us to come down & open for him" {Mercer Arts Center}

-David Johansen-singer
-The New York Dolls-
-From the Velvets to the Voidoids