Terry Dolan (Blk)

Part mellifluous singer-songwriter album; part scorching template/unrivaled progenitor for a sound that has come to be known as "jam band." The musicians on this phenomenal album seem to have been cherry-picked from a rock and roll fan's dreams: Nicky Hopkins (legendary for his piano work with The Rolling Stones) plays some of the most fiery work of his career. Guitarists John Cipollina (Quicksilver Messenger Service) and Greg Douglas (Country Weather, Steve Miller Band) contribute all shades of electric guitar, from sweet, sustained melodies, to epic, dueling solos. Bassist Lonnie Turner (Steve Miller Band) plays funky and tastefully on the album's first side. The drums are played alternately by Spencer Dryden (Jefferson Airplane) and Prairie Prince (future Tubes). Side two features Pete Sears (Rod Stewart) on bass and a post-Santana, pre-Journey Neal Schon on electric guitar. Terry Dolan's songs are instantly memorable, from out-and-out rocking to beautiful ballads. His voice manages to be strong and supple at the same time. Backing him on half of the tracks are The Pointer Sisters (a year before their own debut album), adding layers of gorgeous, Gospel-inspired harmonies. This record is going to blow a lot of minds. David Fricke, Senior Writer of Rolling Stone, upon hearing the unreleased Terry Dolan album for the first time, said: "The Terry Dolan record is a historic gem, incredible that Warner Bros. Left it on the vine.