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Though the state has had some strong music acts over the years, McKendree Spring had as good a following as any in the early 1970's, especially when it came to large pockets of fans in Cleveland, Columbus and Athens. OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts was among the happy campers last year to hear that the band was doing their first ever reunion concert at the Beachland Ballroom in the North Collinwood area of Cleveland. The icing on the cake was the live disc cut that night as our intrepid music reporter recently caught up to Shaker Heights violinist Michael "Doc" Dreyfuss to talk about "Live At The Beachland Ballroom" and get some back story for those coming in late to the story. |
| OO: |
How did you get interested in music? |
| MD: |
"My Mom and Dad bought me a fiddle when I was five and made sure I learned how to play it. Mostly classical. One day, in the late 1960's, I heard a band called The United States Of America and their LP that came in a plain brown wrapper. The music was incredibly interesting. In the mix was electric violin, performed through all kinds of toys, including a ring modulator. I was hooked." |
| OO: |
And welcome to the world of rock. How did the band get its name? |
| MD: |
"Driving to New York City for our first ever gig at the Bitter End, we got very nervous about not having a name as we crossed the George Washington Bridge into heavy traffic. The heat was on and our guitarist's name, Fran McKendree, was on the short list. As we approached Greenwich Village, someone yelled "spring" and a name was hatched." |
| OO: |
Are you a native of Cleveland? |
| MD: |
"All my life. Went to Cleveland Heights High and learned to play viola in the orchestra. Studied violin at the Music School Settlement. Learned physics and medicine at Case Western Reserve University. Still live here and love it." |
| OO: |
What national acts have influenced you? |
| MD: |
"The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Tom Rush, John Zorn, Judy Collins, Pink Floyd, Monty Python, The Beatles, Tom Paxton, James Taylor and Jimmy Webb." |
| OO: |
A mixed bag, to say the least. Describe the band's music. |
| MD: |
"An eclectic mix of folk-rock with flashes of electronica and experimental music. McKendree Spring was one of the first rock groups to use an electric violin and viola." |
| OO: |
Name drop whom the band has played with over the years. |
| MD: |
"The Byrds, Fleetwood Mac, Billy Preston, Elton John, Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, Little Richard and Jethro Tull." |
| OO: |
Anyone from Ohio you want to mention? |
| MD: |
"During the 1970's, McKendree Spring shared the bill at various venues and time with Alex Bevan, Michael Stanley and the James Gang. They were all fun gigs." |
| OO: |
Off to the disc. What number is this live one for the band? |
| MD: |
"It is our eighth release. It was recorded Memorial Day week-end 2006. The show was remarkable and the disc captures its energy and spirit beautifully. It's our first live recording and one of the best." |
| OO: |
Having been there live, I have to agree. Does that make the Beachland Ballroom your favorite Ohio venue? |
| MD: |
"Yes, along with the Barking Spider and The Rock Hall in Cleveland and the Savannah in Westlake." |
| OO: |
Long term plans? |
| MD |
"To hit the road for a short tour sometime this year and keep the fire burning." |
| OO: |
Final thoughts we didn't cover? |
| MD: |
"The Live At The Beachland Ballroom disc is available at CDBaby and Amazon online." |
