The Boston Beat

Part One of an interview with singer, guitarist, writer of Orpheus. Between 1967 and 1969 this Boston-based soft-rock quartet recorded three well-received albums for MGM, but rose above the label’s hype of the so-called “Bosstown Sound,” a promotion conceived by producer Alan Lorber. The Orpheus lineup included singer/guitarists Bruce Arnold and Jack McKennes, originally a folk duo from Worcester called The Villagers, plus bassist Eric “The Snake” Gulliksen and drummer Harry Sandler. 

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Interviews with longtime band members Frank Rowe & Carl Biancucci along with an archival interview with the late Billy Borgioli. Includes insights from Kenne Highland. Traces the group history from their formation as Baby's Arm up to the release of "Lassie Eats Chicken" LP. Features clips from the "1 + 1 < 2" EP & the "Lassie Eats Chicken" LP. 

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Interview with Billy Connors, writer, guitarist from the Boize who had 2 songs on the legendary "Live At The Rat" LP.  Features clips of songs from that LP as well as songs from his current project, Cadillac Heart & the "Cadillac Heart" CD. 

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Interview with Dick Weisberg,  the drummer from The Beacon Street Union, one of the 3, along with Orpheus & Ultimate Spinach, known as the main "Bosstown Sound" labeled bands. Formed in the summer of  1966, the band lineup was Keyboardist Bob (Rhodes) Rosenblatt, Wayne Ulaky on  bass,  John Lincoln Wright  on vocals, Paul Tartachny on guitar, and Dick Weisberg on drums. They played many gigs throughout the country featuring  some originals & British blues covers of American blues classics. The band was also  initially heavily influenced by The Yardbirds’ Little Games album and the exploration of “psychedelic” sounds. This episode features songs from their two critically acclaimed LP's "The Eyes Of The Beacon Street Union" & "The Clown Died In Marvin Gardens".   

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Interview with  Victor "Moulty" Moulton, known as "the drummer with a hook", from the Barbarians, from Provincetown. They were one of the first bands to break out of NE with their singles "Are You A Boy Or Are You A Girl" & "Moulty". They also made a notable appearance on the TAMI Show. Features song clips from their LP "The Barbarians".Episode credits:

Interview with Ian Bruce - Douglas guitarist, writer & leader of Ultimate Spinach, one of the three main bands known under the "Bosstown Sound" banner. Their debut LP sold over 100,000 copies upon it's release with no single. Features songs from their 2 well received LP's.

Orpheus - Harry Sandler, drummer from Orpheus, Interview Part 2

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Interview with Bob Cohan, the guitarist from local legends The Rising Storm. While students at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA they formed a band & in 1967  recorded a brilliant self-produced LP with a run of only 500 copies that went on to become a cult classic, with original & original bootleg  copies now fetching high prices on online auctions. This interview features songs from both the original LP "Calm Before" & their second release, a CD released in 1999,  "Second Wind".   

  Part one of interview with Harry Sandler the drummer with Orpheus. They were one of the 3 main "Bosstown Sound" bands.  The Orpheus lineup included singer/guitarists Bruce Arnold and Jack McKennes, originally a folk duo from Worcester called The Villagers, plus bassist Eric “The Snake” Gulliksen and drummer Harry Sandler. Many of their coolest songs, including "Congress Alley", were written by local songwriter Stephen Martin. In 1967 they scored a big regional hit with "Can't Find The Time" & recorded 3 well received LP's. 

Interview with Len Cirelli, keyboard player for the Rockin' Ramrods. Formed in 1962 they went on to record 8 singles for various labels & opened for the Rolling Stones first US tour in 1965. Various members came & went but the lineup when Len was in the band was Vin Campisi (guitar and vocals, Ronn Campisi (bass and vocals), Lenny Cirelli (organ), Bob Henderson (drums and vocals). Ronn would, in 1968, form another band & record under the name Puff.