line up 1 (1967)

- Jerry Cambell -- lead guitar 

- Dennis Keller -- vocals 

- Michael Stephen Knust (RIP 2003) -- lead guitar

- Don Lampton (RIP 2009) -- keyboards 

- John Tuttle -- drums, percussion 

- E.E. 'Bud' Wolfe -- bass

  line up 2 (1967-70)

- Jerry Cambell -- lead guitar 

- Dennis Keller -- vocals 

- Michael Stephen Knust (RIP 2003) -- lead guitar

NEW - Rob Landes -- keyboards (replaced Don Lampton) 

- John Tuttle -- drums, percussion

- E.E. 'Bud' Wolfe -- bass

  line up 3 (1970)

- Jerry Cambell -- lead guitar 

- Dennis Keller -- vocals 

NEW - Kevin Kelly -- drums (replaced John Tuttle) 

- Grant Johnson -- keyboards (replaced Rob Landes) 

NEW - Michael Stephen Knust (RIP 2003) -- lead guitar

- E.E. 'Bud' Wolfe -- bass

  supporting musicians (1970)

- Hal Blaine -- drums, percussion

- David Cohen -- guitar

- Vanetta Fields -- backing vocals

- Gloria Jones -- backing vocals

- Clydie King -- backing vocals

- Larry Knechtel -- keyboards

- Rob Landes -- keyboards

- Shirlee Matthews -- backing vocals

- Walt Mescal -- guitar

- Joe Osborne -- bass

- John Tuttle -- drums, percussion

-

  line up 4 (1978-79)

NEW - Kenneth Blanchet -- bass

NEW - Pat Brennan -- vocals, keyboards 

- Dennis Keller -- vocals 

NEW - Robbie Parrish -- drums, percussion

- Ark (Michael Knust)

- Rob Landes (solo efforts)

Genre: psych

Rating: 3 stars ***

Title:  Fever Tree

Company: Uni

Catalog: 73024

Year: 1967

Country/State: Houston, Texas

Grade (cover/record): VG+VG+

Comments: original inner sleeve

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 5383

Price: $25.00

By and large Texas-based psych is viewed with great favor within collector's circles, but for some reason Houston's Fever Tree stands as a glaring exception to the rule.  Given the band was actually quite talented, I've wondered why the disconnect and the only really answer I can come up with is that they were viewed as being early 'sell outs' via their contract with Uni Records.   

Before going any further, let me direct everyone to a pair of fascinating Fever Tree related websites.  The first is a great tribute site with one flaw - it's in German so will be of marginal value to most folks: http://homeofsynonym.com/fevertree.htm

The second is an in-depth interview that was conducted by Scott B. (I don't know his last name) with Fever Tree guitarist Michael Knust before his September 2003 death:

http://www.thepsychedelicguitar.com/knust.htm

Fever Tree traces it's roots to the mid-1960s when Knust was still in high school, teaching guitar on the side.  One of his students was E.E. Wolfe.  Inspired by The Beatles (who wasn't), Knust suggested Wolfe might be interested in starting a band.  He also suggested Wolfe might want to switch to bass. Jerry Campbell was a fellow guitar teacher and was invited to join.  Dennis Keller was also taking guitar lessons at the same place.  Knust was less than impressed with Keller's guitar chops, but liked his voice and approached him about handling vocals for a band.  With the addition of keyboardist Don Lampton and drummer John Tuttle the group began rehearsing as The Bostwick Vines, playing local school dances and clubs only to lose Campbell to the draft.  With Knust taking over lead guitar the revamped band hooked up with local newspaper writer Scott Holtzman and his wife Vivian (the pair had previously written material for country artist Tex Ritter, The New Christy Minstrels, as well as the Mary Poppins soundtrack).  The Holtzman's signed on as the group's manager, helping the band get together a repertoire of covers and original material.  Holtzman also used his credentials to line up various club dates, including an opening slot on The Jefferson Airplane's 1966 Houston date.

Holzman also arranged for the band to audition for Bobby Shad's Mainstream label, resulting in Holtzman friend/keyboardist Rob Landes replacing original keyboardist Lampton and the release of their debut single on Mainstream: 'Hey Mister' b/w 'I Can Beat Your Drum' (Mainstream catalog number 661).  That was followed by 'Girl, Oh Girl (Don't Push Me)' b/w 'Steve Lenore' (Mainstream catalog number 665).

Produced by the Holtzmans who also wrote most of the material with keyboardist Landis, 1967's "Fever Tree" should have been a massive commercial success.  Admittedly these guys weren't the most original band out there, but their debut featured some great material, complete with blistering Knust guitar, acid soaked lyrics ('Unlock My Door'), enough pop smarts for them to score a hit with 'San Francisco Girls', and oodles of studio sound effects (yes that was a real Houston rainstorm they recorded on 'Come with Me (Rainsong)'). Geez a couple of the band members even sported turtle necks and there appeared to be at least one Nehru jacket on the cover.  That left you to wonder why the album's been largely ignored over the ensuing years ...  Shame 'cause it is good.  The good news is that collectors can still find original copies at reasonable prices.   Alright, what about the music?   Musically the album was surprisingly diverse, bouncing all over the spectrum including a slice of Johann Sebastian Bach ('Imitation Situation1 (Toccata and Fugue)'), fuzz-propelled rockers ('Where Do You Go?) and even orchestrated pop ('The Sun Also Rises').  There were plenty of  highlights.  While it wasn't a major chart hit (# 91 pop), 'San Francisco Girls' was probably the best San Francisco-themed song of the time.  'Man Who Painted Pictures' and their "heavied-up" cover of  The Beatles' 'Day Tripper/We Can Work It Out' were top notch rockers.  The band also deserved credit for their good taste in covers.  How could you go wrong with Wilson Pickett, The Beatles, and The Buffalo Springfield.  While lots of critics weren't particularly enamored with lead singer Keller's voice,  I have to admit liking it.  While he may not have had the greatest vocal range, Keller's ragged power was quite impressive and still sounds contemporary today (check out his throat searing cover of Wilson Pickett's 'Ninety Nine and a Half' (Won't Do').  He was certainly more talented than half of the grunge acts that clog today's tightly formatted radio stations. Yeah, it wasn't perfect.  Some of the Dave Angel and Gene Page string arrangements were a bit saccharine and the freak out ending to the ballad  'Filigree and Shadow' was simply boring.   

Propelled by the single and a national tour opening for the likes of The Jeff Beck Group, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Steppenwolf, the album peaked at # 156.  

"Fever Tree" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Imitation Situation1 (Toccata and Fugue) (instrumental)    (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Rob Landes - J.S. Bach) - 2:32   rating: *** stars

Opening up with what sounded like someone shaking a can of spray paint, 'Imitation Situation1  (Toccata and Fugue)' borrowed Bach's 'Toccata and Fugue' before adding a short ballad segment to the end.  More of a song fragment than anything.

2.) Where Do You Go?   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Michael Knust) - 2:25  rating: **** stars

I've always wondered about the interesting opening sound effects?  Early synthesizer?  Guitar effects?  Regardless, 'Where Do You Go?' was an awesome, atmospheric rocker.  Wolfe's fuzz bass was tasty and I even liked the flute solo.

3.) San Francisco Girls (Return of the Native)   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Michael Knust) - 3:58   rating: **** stars

If you were looking for a song to capture mid-'60s zeitgeist for a movie, or commercial, then 'San Francisco Girls (Return of the Native)' would be worth checking out.  Powered by Deniis Keller's rugged voice, the song effortless bounced between top-40 ballad and acid tinged rocker - the latter courtesy of Michael Knust's fuzz drenched solos. Having previously been released as a single, it was their biggest seller, hitting # 91 on the pop charts.  No idea when or where it was recorded, but You Tube has a clip of a late inning version of the band (actually Keller and an anonymous backing band), playing the song.  Keller looks as sounds quite good: Fever Tree Rising - 5 - Return of the Native (San Francisco Girls) - YouTube 

- 1968's 'San Francisco Girls (Return of the Native)' b/w 'Come with Me (Rainsong)' (Uni catalog number 55095)

4.) Ninety Nine and a Half (Won't Do)   (Wilson Pickett - Steve Cropper) - 2:45   rating: *** stars

Credit their courage and audacity to take on a soul classic.  And while they couldn't improve on the Wilson Pickett original, by turning up the psychedelic tones, they ended up with a nice also-ran version.

5.) Man Who Paints the Pictures   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman) - 2:32  rating: **** stars

Psych for people who still want to hold on to a catchy melody ...  Powered by a throat ripping Dennis Keller vocal, 'Man Who Paints the Pictures' was one of my picks for album standout performance.  Shame the song wasn't a bit longer; the hit-a-brick-wall abrupt ending was jarring.  Would have made a dandy single.

6.) Filigree and Shadow   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman) - 3:51   rating: *** stars

Opening up with some interesting Don Landes organ, the heavily orchestrated ballad 'Filigree and Shadow' sounded like the band had been listening to too much of The Left Banke, or The Zombies. The song was certainly pretty, featuring a nice Michael Knust guitar solo, but it felt a bit too precious.  And in the last 30 seconds the track crashed into lysergic meltdown territory, complete with backwards tapes.

(side 2)
1.) The Sun Also Rises   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman) - 2:41   rating: *** stars

Another catchy ballad, 'The Sun Also Rises' showcased the band's commercial edge, but the effect was dampened by the David Angel's clumsy string arrangement. 

2.) Day Tripper/We Can Work It Out   (John Lennon - Paul McCartney) - 3:27   rating: *** stars

Apparently mid-'60s recording contracts included some sort of clause requiring every album include a Beatles cover.  Credit Fever Tree for doing more than rushing through their cover.  The opening section of their medley found the band revamping the classics 'Day Tripper' and 'We Can Work It Out' as Vanilla Fudge styled sludge rockers. I won't try to convince you these were classic cover, but it was a fun three minutes and The 'Eleanor Rigby' horn chart was a giggle.

3.) Clancy (Nowdays Clancy Can't Even Sing)   (Neil Young) - 3:00   rating: *** stars

You wouldn't want to overdo The Beatles' content, so why not a Buffalo Springfield tune?   Musically their version didn't differ that much from the original. Since I grew up with the Springfield version, that's the version that I identify with.  While I liked Ritchie Furay's original vocals, Keller may have had the stronger instrument.  Once again David Angel's string arrangement took some of the energy out of the performance.  Uni tapped the song as the album's second single:

- 1969's 'Clancy (Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing)' b/w 'The Sun Also Rises' (Uni catalog number 55172)

4.) Unlock My Door   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Rob Landes) - 3:45  rating: **** stars

'Unlock My Door' was a pretty  ballad with some awesome Knust  acoustic guitar .  It was also one of the few tracks where the string arrangement added to the tune's appeal.  For anyone into covers, Dutch singer Linda van Dyck had an interesting take on the song. 

5.) Come with Me (Rainsong)   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Rob Landes)  - 3:45   rating: **** star

Hard to believe the closing ballad Come with Me (Rainsong)' wasn't tapped as a single.  It had everything mid-'60s radio was looking for - nice vocal, strong melody and catchy rainstorm sound effects.  It was another tune that reminded me of Steve Martin and the Left Banke.

© Scott R. Blackerby November 2022

Genre: psych

Rating: 3 stars ***

Title:  Another Time Another Place

Company: Uni

Catalog: 73040

Year: 1968

Country/State: Houston, Texas

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: unifold sleeve

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 3283

Price: $30.00

Recorded in and around the band's first national tour, 1968's "Another Time, Another Place" found the group continuing their partnership with Scott and Vivian Holzman, who again produced and wrote most of the material with various band members.  Reflecting growing confidence and comfort in a recording environment, the sophomore album was stronger and more diverse than their debut.  That diversity was somewhat of a mixed blessing, but at their best, material like 'Man Who Paints the Pictures, Part II', 'Don't Come Crying To Me Girl' and a blazing cover of Little Willie John's 'Fever' avoided the debut's already somewhat dated pop and psych-flavored outings in favor of a heavier rock sound.  That was a smart move since Keller's gruff delivery (he occasionally recalled a less coarse Jim Morrison), was perfectly suited for their more rock oriented repertoire.  Having listened to the album for the first time in a couple of years, The Doors comparison wasn't half bad - anyone doubting the comparison need only check out 'Grand Candy Young Sweet'.  The shift to a more rock oriented attack also played well to the band's instrumental strengths.  Knust turned in a series of nice performances - check out his fuzz solo on their surprisingly effective cover of the old chestnut 'Fever'.  That said the album wasn't perfect.  Inspired by sufferings associated with a case of strep throat, 'I've Never Seen Evergreen' served as the LP's psych number, while 'What Time Did You Say It Is In Salt Lake City' was a bland blues number, and the jazzy 'Jokes Are for Sad People' served as a needless showcased for Landes' instrumental prowess (including a flute solo).  In spite of some flaws (notably on side two) the set was worth checking out.

While the LP proved a decent seller hitting # 86 on the US album charts (selling much better than their debut album), the pressures of touring; growing business issues that left the band stuck with some massive touring bills, and personality conflicts saw Keller quit in late 1968.  The band subsequently called it quits with Knust returning to Houston where he briefly formed the band Ark.

"Another Time Another Place" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Man Who Paints the Pictures, Part II   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Michael Knust) - 6:53  rating: **** stars

The liner notes included commentary about the individual songs.  "We did "Man Who Paints the Pictures" on our first album and as far as we can remember, it's probably the first time a group released two different arrangements of the same song, but we felt the nucleus was there but it needed expanding.  We feel it is the heaviest band we've ever cut.  Hope you agree."  On the surface 'Man Who Paints the Pictures, Part 2' was a predictable blues-rocker, but if you gave it a shot, it was far better than that.  Keller turned in one of his best performances with his growling voice, easily giving Jim Morrison a run for his money.  The always dependable Michael Knust's fuzz guitar added some wonderful textures.  The big surprise on this one came in the form of John Tuttle's excellent drums.

2.) What Time Did You Say It Is In Salt Lake City   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman) - 3:16   rating: ** stars

From the liner notes: "Somewhere in the album (we'd tell you exactly where but you can;t trust producers, especially when he walks on water a lot and she can talk to dolphins) there is a song called ''"What Time Did You Say It Is In Salt Lake City". which could be an acid (oops) comment on the regimentation of modern life and a plea for tolerance and individual respoibility but is actually the story of Dennis' life.  It was cut at Andrus Studio and as you can hear, you never know who will walk in if you forget to lock the door."   Well, they were touring heavily when they recorded the album, so maybe this one was an autobiographical effort?   Musically it was a bland honky tonk bluesy number that didn't do much for me.   The background crowd noises were simply irritating.   I've always wondered why Uni picked this one as a single.

- 1968's 'What Time Did You Say It Is In Salt Lake City' b/w 'Where Do You Go?' (Uni catalog number 55095)

3.) Don't Come Crying To Me Girl   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Rob Landes) - 2:35   rating: **** stars

Powered by Rob Landes keyboards, I've always found Don't Come Crying To Me Girl' to be one of their most mesmerizing compositions.  One of their best rockers.  Interestingly, this time out Keller reminded of David Clayton-Thomas, while Knust's fuzz solo was truly memorable.  Not all of the liner note comments made sense. "As for " Don't Come Crying To Me Girl" ... if you don't like this album, don't  [sic] E.E. Wolfe doesn't want to talk about it any more and John is still trying to find out what time it is in Grand Falls, Montana."  

4.) Fever   (Eddie Cooley - John Davenport) - 3:43   rating: **** stars

I remember wondering why these guys were bothering to cover this Little Willie John blues classic.  I just figured it was going to be little more than a let's-show-our-credentials efforts and  the initial segment was just kind of bland.  And then at the 1:15 mark, the spirit takes over and Keller and company start to deliver the goods, turning in a blazing cover that serves as one of the album's creative highlights.  ""Fever" has been done to death (most badly) and we knew we were facing criticism (Get it?  Fever Tree does "Fever" see?  and it's like a tie-in see/)  Truth is we did it because it's a strong song."

5.) Grand Candy Young Sweet   (Frank Davis) -1:53

Even if you don't hear The Doors influences in Keller's gritty, stream-of-conscious delivery, 'Grand Candy Young Sweet' was worth hearing for the growling lead guitars.  Urban legend has it that a young Billy Gibbons played on the track though the liner notes don't make any mention of it.. And from the liner notes: "Grand Candy Young Sweet" is a song that leaves you feeling.  (That isn't an incomplete sentence, it just leaves you feeling.)  What do you expect when one of the greatest undscovered talents in America, Frank Davis, wrote it?

(side 2)
1.) Jokes Are for Sad People (instrumental)   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Rob Landes)  - 7:17  rating: *** stars

"Jokes Are for Sad People" was a pretty Landes power instrumental.  Very light and jazzy touch and nothing like what you'd expect from these guys.  Landes' flute arrangement didn't do a great deal for me.  "Don't ever mention in passing that an instrumental band would be nice because Rob gets this glazed look in his eyes and the next thing you know he comes up with over seven minutes of 'Jokes Are for Sad People'  Michael wanted to cal it :Theme from an Untitled Movie" but our producers won."

2.) I've Never Seen Evergreen   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Michael Knust) - 3:25   rating: *** stars

Pretty acoustic ballad with some oddball lyrics. This one featured Knust on vocals (easy to see why Keller handled most of the vocals).  "You'll never believe the next one, proving once and for all that fiction sounds better than truth, but Michael got strep throat in a mountain cabin in Colorado and went out of his head with fever.  (There's that word again..)  He talked about seven swords and cages and a puzzle he had to solve.  Scott and Vivian listened and turned it into " I've Never Seen Evergreen".  Michael wrote the melody and we felt that it was such a personal thing that he should sing it."

3.) Peace of Mind   (Nick Woods) - 3:14   rating: *** stars

No idea what relationship former New Christie Minstrels member Nick Woods had with the band, but he provided the band with one of the more interesting tblues-rock tracks on their sophomore album.  Kenner again reminded me of David Clayton-Thomas on this one.

"It may be that "Peace of Mind" is part of the answer.  As the very least, Nick Woods has written a  great song .. a timeless statement we consider the musical diagnosis of the year."

4.) Death Is the Dancer   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Rob Landes) - 3:56  rating: *** stars

"Death is the Dancer" started with Knust playing the stark chords of "We Shall Overcome" before abruptly shifting into another Doors-styled blues-rocker.

"Death Is the Dance" asks questions.  It is being used on a TV inquiry into teen-age suicide,  That's one question.  It also asks a lot of other questions.  We wish somebody knew the answers.  We don't pretend to.  This song is respectfully dedicated to all victims of bullets and bigotry."

© Scott R. Blackerby November 2022

Genre: psych

Rating: 3 stars ***

Title:  Creation

Company: Uni

Catalog: 73067

Year: 1969

Country/State: Houston, Texas

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: --

Available: SOLD

Catalog ID: SOLD

Price: SOLD

"Creation" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Woman, Woman  (Jancy Lee Tyler) - 

2.) Love Makes the Sun Rise   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Frank Davis) - 

- 1969's  'Love Makes the Sun Rise' b/w 'Filigree and Shadow' (Uni catalog number 55146 ).

3.) Catcher In the Rye   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Rob Landes) - 

'Catcher In the Rye' b/w 'What Time Did You Say It Is In Salt Lake City' (Uni catalog number 55202)

4.) Wild Woman Ways   (Jancy Lee Tyler) - 

5.) Fever Glue   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman) - 

(side 2)

1.) Run Past My Window   (Jancy Lee Tyler) - 

2.) Imitation Situation 1 (complete and unabridged)   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Rob Landes) - 

3.) Time Is Now   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Michael Knust) - 

4.) The God Game   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holztman - Rob Landes) - 

The band began touring in support of the LP, but the recently married Keller decided he'd had enough of it and opted out, returning to Houston.  The band subsequently called it quits another time though that didn't stop Uni from releasing a posthumous single:

- 1969's 'I Am' b/w 'Grand Candy Young Sweet' (Uni catalog number 55228)

Genre: psych

Rating: 3 stars ***

Title:  For Sale

Company: Ampex

Catalog: A-10113

Year: 1970

Country/State: Houston, Texas

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: minor corner wear

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 5369

Price: $30.00

Though credited as a Fever Tree release, 1970's Scott Holtzman produced "For Sale" was little more than a haphazard retrospective pulling together their first two Mainstream singles ('Hey Mister' and 'Girl Don't Push Me') rounded out by five Uni-era odds and ends.  A quick glance at the liner notes indicated the band had basically collapsed with keyboardist Rob Landis and drummer John Tuttle appearing on the two Mainstream songs where they were credited as 'formerly of Fever Tree'.  Their places were taken by former Byrds drummer Kevin Kelley, keyboardist Grant Johnson, various members of the Wrecking Crew with The Blackberries adding ill conceived backing vocals.  In an online interview guitarist Michael Knust expressed few memories of working on the LP.  In fact the only track he seemed to have any recollections of were putting lead guitar on the group's cover of Love's 'She Comes In Colors'.  Most of the material was less than impressive with lead singer Dennis Keller sounding particularly uninspired.  On tracks like You're Not the Same Baby'' he actually sounded like he was singing with marbles in his mouth.  As for the side long cover of 'Hey Joe' - well it was long ...  For his part lead guitarist Michael Knust was all but absent from the proceedings.  That left their 1966 debut single 'Hey Mister', a cover of The Music Machines 'Come On In' and a cover of Arthur Lee and Love's 'She Comes In Colors' as the album highlights.

"For Sale" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) I Put a Spell On You (Herb Slotkin - Screaming Jay Hawkins) - 3:23 rating: ** stars

It's been covered by a slew of acts ranging from The Crazy World of Arthur Brown through Marilyn Manson.  That said, the Screaming Jay Hawkins original is the only one that really matters.  The Fever Tree version sticks with the original melody, but slows it down adding some heavy church organ and harpsichord.  It's also one of vocalist Dennis Keller better performances, though The Blackberries backing vocals are distracting and needless.

- 1970's 'I Put a Spell On You' b/w 'Hey Joe, Where You Gonna Go' (Ampex catalog number A-11028)

2.) You're Not the Same Baby (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holtzman) - 3:46 rating: *** stars

Dennis Keller's vocals on the bluesy 'You're Not the Same Baby' have always reminded me a bit of Jim Morrison and the Doors.  

3.) She Comes In Colors (Arthur Lee) - 3:04 rating: **** stars

It shouldn't come as a surprise that one band would try a cover of a song they admired.  What's surprising is how good Fever Tree's cover of Arthur Lee and Love's classic 'She Comes In Colors' iwas.  The Fever Tree version stuck with the original melody, but injected a more mainstream and commercial edge to the performance. The Love original was superior, but this version came close.  Once again, it would have been even better without the Blackberries chirping background vocals.   Given it was one of the album's more commercial offerings I can see why Ampex released it as the leadoff single.

- 1970's 'She Comes In Colors' b/w 'You're No the Same Baby' (Ampex catalog number A-11013)

4.) Hey Mister (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holtzman) - 2:06  rating: **** stars

The first of two tracks from their days on Mainstream, 'Hey Mister'  featured the band's sophomore line-up including keyboardist Rob Landes and drummer John Tuttle.  An odd mix of waltz and psych influences it was actually a pretty cool song, though given it served as their debut 1966 single, I've always wondered why it was included on the album.  Other than offering songwriters Scott and Vivian Holtzman an additional stream on income I'm at a loss to explain its presence.  Somewhere I read this was a different version of the song, but is certainly sounded like the same track.  

5.) Come On In (Sean Bonniwell) - 2:50  rating: **** stars

Another cover - this time the source was Sean Bonniwell and the Music Machine.  The track original appeared as the "B: side to their 'Talk Talk' single.  Once again their cover stuck pretty close to the original though they substituted harpsichord for the original's Vox organ.  I'll also admit that I like Kerner's Doors-styled vocals better than Bonniwell's.

6.) Girl Don't Push Me (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holtzman) - 2:39 rating: ** stars

'Girl Don't Push Me' was the second Mainstream track.  Originally entitled 'Girl, Oh Girl (Don't Push Me)' it served as their second single. I've always found it to be a boring ballad.

(side 2)

1.) Hey Joe (Billy Roberts) - 12:56 rating: ** stars

Does anyone need to hear a twelve minute cover of 'Hey Joe'?  Based on this effort the answer was a resounding no.  A heavily edited version of the song appeared as the "A" side to their 'I Put a Spell On You' 45.

© Scott R. Blackerby November 2022

Genre: psych

Rating: 3 stars ***

Title:  Return

Company: Buttermilk

Catalog: 711X4779-102

Year: 1978

Country/State: Houston, Texas

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: 4 track 7" EP

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 5

Price: $35.00

Prodded by former manager Scott Holtzman, in 1978 guitarist Michael Knust returned to Houston and resurrected Fever Tree with with original singer Dennis Keller.  Fronted by Keller and Knust with support from new members Kenneth Blanchet (bass), Pat Brennan (keyboards/vocals) and Robbie Parrish (drums), the group began playing around Houston and the Gulf Coast club circuit.  Unfortunately personality issues reared themselves and within a year both manager Holtzman and Keller been fired.  Keyboardist Brennan picked up the vocals with the resurrected line up struggling through a four track EP "Return" and a live set (see below), before collapsing.  

left to right

Robbie Parris - Pat Brennan - Michael Knust - Kenneth Blanchet

"Return" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Mama Hang On   (Scott Holtzman - Vivian Holtzman) - 2:40

2.) Nowdays Clancy Can't Even Sing   (Neil Young) - 2:22

(side 2)

1.) Rhythm Fix   (Keith Blanchet - Mike Palmer) - 2:25

2.) You Don't See Me   (Al Jarreau)

ee Me

Genre: psych

Rating: 3 stars ***

Title:  Live At Lake Charles 1978

Company: Shroom

Catalog: 98004
Year: 1999

Country/State: Houston, Texas

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG

Comments: --

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 5

Price: $

"Live At Lake Charles 1978" captured the final performance of the resurrected late-1970s era Fever Tree (Robbie Parris - Pat Brennan - Michael Knust - Kenneth Blanchet).  According to an interview with Fever Tree guitarist Michael Knust, the idea for a live set was his and he was responsible for contacting Charly Bickly of Buttermilk Music in arranging for the live recording.  Ironically ensuing issues with respect to ownership of the resulting master tapes kept the album shelved for some 20 years.  Essentially Knust with a cast of backing musicians, the album featured a mixture of revamped Fever Tree numbers and more recent Knust compositions.  Several of those newer numbers reflected an unexpected jazz-rock fusion edge which was apparently a reflection of where Knust's personal interests had led him during the mid-1970s when he lived in Southern California.

"Live At Lakes Charles 1978" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Mama Hang Around   (Michael Knust) - 

2.) San Francisco Girls (Return of the Native) 

3.) Don't It Burn   (Michael Knust) - 

4.) The Man Who Paints the Pictures

5.) Cruzzin'   (Michael Knust) - 

(side 2)

1.) Puppetmaster   (Michael Knust) - 

2.) Angelina   (Scott Holtzman) - 

3.) Party Time Anytime   (Michael Knust) - 

4.) Know I Care   (Michael Knust) - 

5.) Spirit   (Al Jarreau)

Following the album's release Knust moved back to Houston where he bought a home, built a small studio (Airtight Recording Studio) and began playing in local bands, including Special Forces.  In the early 1990s he relocated to Austin where he continued his production work, as well gigging as part of the Michael Knust Band and The Knightsnakes.  Unfortunately a pair of nasty car accidents severely damaged his playing hand, forcing him to undergo multiple surgeries and essentially re-learn the guitar.  Sadly Knust reportedly died from a drug overdose in September 2003.  He was only 54.

I'm not sure what Dennis Keller is doing.

Rob Landes was teaching at Florida's St. Thomas University, but appears to have moved on as of 2007 (I didn't see his name on the faculty listing).

Drummer John Tuttle got out of music and found work in construction.

Bassist John Wolfe also got out of music and found his calling in photography.

Band managers Scott and Vivian Holtzman have also both passed on. 

There are a slew of posthumous 'best of' compilations.  Some are legitimate, some questionable.  

1985 saw the US Backtrac label release "The Best of Fever Tree" (Backtrac catalog number MSP-30003).

1986 saw the French Era label release "San Francisco Girls: The Best of Fever Tree".  A 16 track compilation, the album featured a mix of the Mainstream singles, a heavy dollop of material from the debut, a couple of rarities, and a nice biography (ERA catalog number 5015-2).

1986 also saw the British See for Miles label release "San Francisco Girls".  A 17 track set, the retrospective included the debut LP in it's entirity, along with seven miscellaneous tracks, including a live version of 'San Francisco Girls (Return of the Native', a radio commercial, and a couple of forgotten late inning tracks (See for Miles catalog number 71).  The Gear Fab label reissued this one in CD format in 2001 (Gear Fab catalog number GF-199).

Released by the Phantom label, 2002 saw the CD format "Filigree and Shadow".  A 15 track set, it covers the same ground as the earlier retrospectives.