Damnation Of Adam Blessing –The general consensus by critics and fans alike is that their first album was their best. With songs like “Cookbook” and a racous version of “Morning Dew”, that point is hard to argue. And The Monkees become a distant memory with a total turnaround of their big hit “Last Train To Clarksville.” The group makes it their own by improvising brilliantly, and making a teen idol pop song a bonafide psych rocker that keeps ringing in your ears long after the music stops.
For a maiden voyage into the studio, this album remains a landmark recording of the sixties. Even though the group didn’t make it big (they should have), this is one of the strongest debut albums of the entire decade of the sixties, hands down. Not only could this group rock, they knew how to pump out complex rythms that bordered on fusion. This I feel put them far ahead of their time when you consider whom their competition was at the time. There weren’t a lot of groups with the talent and ability of The Damnation Of Adam Blessing. One listen to this album will prove all of my points to be absolutely true.
The Second Damnation - I feel hard pressed to say that this album was better than the first. Okay I will. I think this was a better album, when all aspects are taken into consideration. To follow up on such a solid debut had to be an enormous amount of pressure. They were a terrific group that really needed to come up with something that would give them that final push to make it big. As history has it, it never did happen. Regardless of what history wrote, this is a fabulous album.
They decided to get a little more risqué, and consequently benefited from that adventuresome attitude. The group became even more complex and interesting on this outing. By blending aspects of rock, blues, and psychedelic, they had more substance in each and every song. Lead singer Adam Blessing’s (nee Bill Constable) tremendously strong vocal support allowed the group to play loud and proud without having to concern themselves with thoughts of drowning out the lead vocals. Musically, they could go in any direction they wanted to. Having that flexibility with a lead singer is key in the development and growth of any group.
The musical path of this group was headed towards a sound that drew from the basic foundations of fusion. If they had stayed together, I think they would have made some unbelievable jazz-rock fusion albums. The level of maturity on this album is quite noticeable. That ingredient is what made this record so much more diverse and polished than the previous release. While their impressive debut was raw and exciting, this sophomore effort had a confidence and consistency that they never had before. Highlights were the songs; “Death Of A Virgin”, “Money Tree”, and “In The Morning.”
Which Is The Justice, Which Is The Thief…- This is a good album, but it would have been phenomenal if the group’s management hadn’t tampered with the tracks. Adding orchestration to this recording dramatically changed what was to be originally intended for release by the group. This album stands up quite well considering all the changes that it went through from start to finish. Maybe someday the group members will remaster this and take out all of the orchestration so everyone can hear what a truly great album they did make.
What’s ironic is that probably the best song they ever made, “Fingers On A Windmill”, leads things off. It’s a beautifully layered folk-rock-psych piece that sounded like it could have easily been a top-ten hit. “Sometimes I Feel Like I Can’t Go On” is Adam Blessing, and the group, at their very best. It’s a heart wrenching blues-rocker that doesn’t quit for a second. That one song makes the entire album worth having.
Damnation Of Adam Blessing - GLORY released their final album in 1973, but not under the same name. There were some changes in the group’s direction prior to the release of this album. After being dropped by United Artist, the group broke up and then resurfaced as Glory. Ironically the label Avalanche released the album… they were a subsidiary of UA. Adam Blessing reverted back to his given name Bill Constable, and brother Ken also joined the group on vocals and guitar. Ken had a higher voice than Bill, so this made for a splendid give and take between the two brothers, and some soaring sweet harmonies were the product of that sibling vocal tandem. “Glory” is now released as a remastered CD and LP by Akarma Records. This is a great album.
I can see with each album how this group developed. This recording shows how they became more polished, funky, and a harder rocking band than they ever were before. Not only was the musicianship an all around triumph, the vocals were absolutely amazing. Bill and Ken Constable just steal the show. Bill was the backbone of the group and brother Ken added his golden throat to the already stand up vocals. With Bill Schwark (drums), Jim Quinn (rhythm guitar), Ray Benich (bass), and Bob Kalamasz (lead guitar) all present, the entire lineup was intact. They are possessed on this album; they really smoke it from start to finish. Most notable was Kalamasz on lead guitar; he really was coming into his own.
“You Can Believe” is an inspirational rocker with incredible harmonies, and “Nightmare” is a totally kick ass rock and roll number. They really bring down the house on that one. You will find a similarity with Styx in their sound when you hear all the high parts in the vocal harmonies. Just remember that they came around long before Styx ever did. Maybe this is one of the groups the great Styx was influenced by? Chicago is not too far away from Cleveland you know. Then the jumpin‘ “Get Up” really kicks out the jams and gets you all funked up. I was entirely impressed with the rhythmic rocking funky sound of the group at this stage in their career. I wish they had continued with more albums like this. Alas, fate had different plans.
Written by Keith "MUSIKMAN" Hannaleck
Damnation Of Adam Blessing's Friend Space (Top 10)
Our graduation theme song in 73 was back to the river at lakewood high school (OHIO)always loved it as well as money tree just dont make songs like that any more? Terry Nims
Woowwww!! Hey Adam &co, so glad to see ya on myspace!! I'm about your greatest fan on earth since I was seventeen indeed!! Your 4 lps are the crown of my collection!! So how about some new reunion gigs, I'm sure you got more Fans out there than you might think!! All the best see ya soon It's a long hard to walk before we're free haha!! God blessyou ,Martinchu
It is my honor to be your friend. I wish you and yours Happiness, Love and Peace. When you have the time please check out my new, “Finding Peace for the Entire World” blog. Have your best day ever, and tomorrow do the same. Bill
Hey, guys, love the pics added from the Beachland Ballroom! Love you all, so much. Hope all is well! Please give Bill Constable a special hello from me. Love that man!
Friday Night at the Beachland Ballroom took me back to a special time in my life..The summer of 1970. The apartment on Beechmont Country Club.... The house on Bishop Rd... D'Poo's every weekend ..Cincinnati Pop Festival....My 1st Love...What a Joyous Journey back it was. The rich memories...the laughs...the music. From my heart Fellas, Thanks for taking ME.... back to the river...Mickey Brown
The best concert I have seen in a long, long time! Beachland Ballroom was excellent. They sounded wonderful! I wish I could write music like that. Long may they rule!
WOW!!! I said then and I'll say it now , You guys are the best! What a fantastic show, good crowd, great set and closing with Floatin' took me back to Cyrus Erie. 40 years and the sound was as fresh as ever, I hope it won't be the last time you guys come Home. You're are kind of a novelty today, a rock band with REAL singers. God bless and hope to see you again soon.
Jerry
The band I played in when I was in High School done Cookbook, Le' Voyage, You Don't Love Me, Last Train... and Hold on They were some of our favorite songs to play ( nobody could sing em' though, we had shit vocals). See ya all on the 27th, it'll be a gas!
