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Stoneground
Stoneground
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Tim Barnes, original Stoneground lead guitarist

Key Information

Stoneground was an American rock band formed in 1970 in Concord, California. Originally a trio, Stoneground expanded to a 10-piece band by the time of their eponymous 1971 debut album. The group appeared in two films, Medicine Ball Caravan (1971) and Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972), and released three albums before singer Sal Valentino quit in 1973. Three other band members—Cory Lerios, Steve Price and David Jenkins—left to form pop group Pablo Cruise. Stoneground continued as an act through 1982, with only Tim Barnes and Annie Sampson remaining from the early incarnation of the band. Barnes and Price led a re-formed Stoneground in 2003 and released a studio album the following year.

History

[edit]
Craig Randall, first bassist

Stoneground was formed in 1970 in the San Francisco Bay Area suburb of Concord, California. The original lineup consisted of Tim Barnes (guitars, vocals), Craig Randall (Bass), and Mike Mau (drums).[1] Band manager and former Autumn Records executive Tom Donahue introduced the band to ex-Beau Brummels singer Sal Valentino and John Blakely (guitars, bass), both of whom joined Stoneground.[1] Four female vocalists—Annie Sampson, Lynne Hughes, Lydia Phillips, and Deirdre LaPorte—were also added to the group.[1] While touring America[2] and Europe, the band added another new member, Kit Thomas on bass who left after recording with the band in England and was replaced by bassist/keyboardist Pete Sears, later of Jefferson Starship and Hot Tuna.[1] Stoneground's self-titled debut album, released in early 1971, featured seven different lead singers on the album's ten tracks.[3] The album was produced by Tom Donahue with Sal Valentino assisting on some tracks.[4] Music journalist Robert Christgau said the album was "certainly the aptest use of Sal Valentino since the Beau Brummels were on Autumn".[5] A Billboard review remarked that "Stoneground has a lot of advance publicity to live up to, and in light of their first LP the predictions may have been somewhat inflationary, though there's no denying the potential for excitement here".[3]

During this touring period, Stoneground was a "traveling house band" for Medicine Ball Caravan,[1] an attempt by Warner Bros. to promote the band[6] and capitalize on the success of the concert film genre following Woodstock.[7][8] The Medicine Ball Caravan film, which documented the 8,000 mile cross-country trip by 154 people[9] in a "hippie caravan"[7][10] of buses, trucks and musical groups, was directed by François Reichenbach—with Martin Scorsese as associate producer—and released in 1971.[8] Three Stoneground songs appear on the original soundtrack, which also contains songs by Alice Cooper, B.B. King, Delaney & Bonnie, Doug Kershaw, and The Youngbloods.[9]

Pete Sears left the band and returned to England to record on Rod Stewart's classic "Every Picture Tells a Story" album, later returning to the US with Long John Baldry. Cory Lerios (keyboards, vocals) and Steve Price (drums) joined the band prior to the recording of Stoneground's second album, the double-LP Family Album, released in 1971. Billboard described the music as "infectiously exciting and ... colored by a wonderfully lighthearted feeling", and praised Lynne Hughes' vocals on "Passion Flower",[11] the closest Stoneground ever came to having to a hit single.[12] The song was also included on Fillmore: The Last Days, a 1972 triple live album chronicling the final run of concerts organized by rock concert promoter Bill Graham at San Francisco's Fillmore West, which closed on July 4, 1971.[13] In 1972, the band released their third album, Stoneground 3. They also appeared in that year's Hammer Studios film Dracula A.D. 1972 starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.[14]

By 1973, the band was dropped by Warner Bros. due to disappointing record sales, and tensions within the group had risen after three years of constant touring.[12] Stoneground's original formation played their final concert on January 6 at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium.[12] The performance was released as an album, The Last Dance: Live January 6, 1973, by Dig Music in 2001.[12] Within weeks of the concert, Sal Valentino left the group[15] and moved on to a short-lived Beau Brummels reunion.[12] Three other members—Lerios, Price, and David Jenkins—left to form the pop group Pablo Cruise.[16][17] Barnes led various rosters of Stoneground for another ten years,[12] along with original member Annie Sampson and singer Jo Baker, who joined in 1974.[18] Other members included Terry Davis (guitars, vocals), Fred Webb (keyboards, vocals) and Sammy Piazza (drums).[19] The band released three more albums during this period: Flat Out (1976), Hearts of Stone (1978), and Play it Loud (1980).[20] In 1982, Stoneground released "Bad Machines and Limousines", an E.P. with early band member Pete Sears appearing as a guest on keyboards. In 2004, a re-formed Stoneground—featuring Barnes and Price—released the album Back with a Vengeance.[21]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year Album details
1971 Stoneground
1971 Family Album
  • Label: Warner Bros. Records
1972 Stoneground 3
  • Label: Warner Bros. Records
1976 Flat Out
  • Label: Flat Out Records
1978 Hearts of Stone
  • Label: Warner Bros. Records
1980 Play It Loud
  • Label: Crystal Clear Records
2001 The Last Dance: Live January 6, 1973
  • Label: Dig Music
  • Release date: October 9, 2001
2004 Back with a Vengeance
  • Label: Exploding Star Music
  • Release date: April 14, 2004

EP

[edit]
Year Album details
1982 Bad Machines and Limousines
  • Label: Line Records

Singles

[edit]
Year Song
1971 "Queen Sweet Dreams"
  • B-side: "Total Destruction"
  • Label: Warner Bros. (#7452)
1971 "Looking For You"
  • B-side: "Added Attraction (Come And See Me)"
  • Label: Warner Bros. (#7496)
1971 "You Must Be One Of Us"
  • B-side: "Corrina, Corrina"
  • Label: Warner Bros. (#7535)
1972 "Passion Flower"
  • B-side: "Super Clown"
  • Label: Warner Bros. (#7546)
1978 "Prove It"
  • B-side: "Prove It" (mono)
  • Label: Warner Bros. (#8676)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Stoneground was an band formed in in , initially as a that rapidly expanded into a large ensemble known for its eclectic fusion of rock, , , , and influences. The band originated from a trio featuring guitarist Tim Barnes, drummer Michael Mau, and guitarist Luther Bildt, but under the influence of San Francisco rock promoter Tom Donahue, it grew to include notable additions like Sal Valentino (formerly of ) on vocals, bassist John Blakeley, and a quartet of female vocalists—Annie Sampson, Lynne Hughes, Deirdre LaPorte, and Lydia Phillips—resulting in a 10- to 11-piece lineup by their recording debut. Stoneground's early career was marked by their participation in the countercultural Medicine Ball Caravan tour and film project in 1971, which took them across the and to , where they developed a dedicated for their dynamic live performances and harmonious, multi-vocalist arrangements. During their tenure with Records from 1971 to 1972, the band released three albums: the self-titled debut Stoneground, the live double album Family Album, and Stoneground 3, all showcasing a diverse range of originals and covers but achieving limited commercial success despite critical interest in their innovative sound. Following internal lineup changes in 1973, core members Annie Sampson and Tim Barnes reconfigured the group, continuing to record and tour through the late 1970s and early 1980s on various labels, with albums like Flat Out (1976) and Hearts of Stone (1978), before disbanding in the early 1980s amid shifting music trends. The band reformed in 2004 with original members Tim Barnes and Steve Price, releasing Back with a Vengeance and performing sporadically, preserving their legacy as a quintessential Bay Area rock act influential in the communal band style of the era.

History

Formation and early development (1970–1971)

Stoneground originated as a in 1970 in , a suburb in the region of the . The founding members were guitarist and vocalist Tim Barnes, guitarist Luther Bildt, and drummer Mike Mau, drawing inspiration from the vibrant local music scene that included acts like the and . Under the guidance of band manager and radio promoter Tom Donahue, formerly of Autumn Records, the group quickly gained attention for their raw, energetic sound rooted in and emerging rock influences. By early 1971, Stoneground had rapidly expanded from its trio format to a 10-piece ensemble, incorporating horns, keyboards, and additional vocalists to develop a richer, more dynamic rock-soul style. This larger lineup allowed for greater versatility in live settings and recordings, blending gritty blues elements with soulful arrangements and multiple lead voices. The addition of Sal Valentino, former frontman of , as the band's primary vocalist and guitarist, helped solidify their identity and contributed to the ensemble's seven lead singers on their debut efforts. In 1971, the band signed with Records, leading to the recording and release of their self-titled debut Stoneground in of that year. Produced by Tom Donahue and featuring a mix of original material and covers, the album showcased the expanded group's multifaceted sound, with tracks highlighting the contributions of various vocalists including Valentino. That same year, Stoneground gained early media exposure through their participation in the Medicine Ball Caravan, a documentary chronicling a cross-country tour organized by promoter Bill Graham. The band contributed a medley of "Freakout" and Bob Dylan's "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" to the film's , alongside performances by acts like and . Stoneground built a regional following in the through initial live performances at local clubs and festivals, such as shows at Pepperland in San Rafael alongside and Cold Blood in January 1971, and a for the in March 1971 broadcast on KSAN-FM. These appearances, including a set at the during its closing week in June 1971, helped establish their reputation for energetic, communal stage presence amid the area's thriving music venues.

Warner Bros. era and commercial peak (1971–1973)

In late 1971, Stoneground released their second album, the double LP Family Album, on Records, which combined live recordings from Bay Area performances with new studio material to highlight the band's expanded 10-piece configuration and diverse instrumentation. The album featured covers like Johnny Cash's "Get Rhythm" and original tracks such as "Passion Flower," showcasing the group's fusion of rock, soul, and folk elements through contributions from vocalists like Lynne Hughes and Sal Valentino. Earlier that year, the band issued the single "Queen Sweet Dreams" b/w "Total Destruction" on Warner Bros., which received some regional radio airplay and exemplified their eclectic sound blending with influences. In 1972, Stoneground followed with Stoneground 3, also on Warner Bros., produced by frontman Sal Valentino, emphasizing shorter, more focused original compositions including "You Better Come Through" and further integrating horns into their arrangements. A live version of "Passion Flower" from the band's performances appeared on the multi-artist compilation Fillmore: The Last Days, capturing their energetic stage presence during the venue's closure shows. That same year, Stoneground gained broader exposure through their appearance in the Hammer Films production , where they performed "Alligator Man" and "You Better Come Through" during a sequence set in a . This media outing aligned with the band's peak activity under Warner Bros., though commercial success remained modest. By 1973, after the release of Stoneground 3, Sal Valentino departed the group, ending the core Warner Bros.-era lineup and prompting subsequent changes in personnel.

Later years, disbandment, and reunions (1974–2005)

Following the departure of lead singer Sal Valentino in 1973, Stoneground continued with drummer Tim Barnes and vocalist Annie Sampson as the primary lead voices, alongside shifting supporting members including guitarist Steve Salit and drummer Steve Price. In 1973, following the band's period, members , Steve Price, and David Jenkins departed to form the group . The band released their album Flat Out in 1976 on their self-established Flat Out Records label, marking a departure from and a turn toward independent production amid financial and creative challenges. In 1978, Stoneground returned briefly to for Hearts of Stone, produced by of the Four Seasons, which adopted a more polished rock orientation with elements of and subtle influences but achieved only modest commercial reception. The group followed with Play It Loud in 1980 on Crystal Clear Records, a direct-to-disc recording captured live in the studio to emphasize high-fidelity sound, reflecting their adaptation to markets during a period of waning mainstream rock popularity. Their final release before hiatus, the EP Bad Machines and Limousines in 1982 on Line Records, featured guest contributions from keyboardist and maintained a raw rock edge, though it drew limited attention as the Bay Area scene shifted toward punk and new wave. Facing declining interest in traditional Bay Area rock ensembles by the mid-1980s, Stoneground disbanded around , with members like Barnes and pursuing individual projects. A brief reunion in 2003, spearheaded by Barnes and —who had collaborated in Mick Martin's blues band—revived the group with new additions including vocalists Dana Moret and Kelly Stephens, leading to the 2004 studio album Back with a Vengeance on Globe Records, which incorporated fresh material from songwriters Jo Baker and Fred Webb. This effort also tied into the 2001 release of the archival live recording The Last Dance: Live January 6, 1973, though major activities ceased by 2005, limited thereafter to sporadic one-off performances documented in fan networks. Post-1973 lineup fluctuations, including the addition of figures like Lenny Lee Goldsmith on vocals for Hearts of Stone, underscored the band's evolving ensemble nature.

Band members

Original and core lineup

The original lineup of Stoneground formed in 1970 in the as a , consisting of and vocalist Tim Barnes, and vocalist Craig Randall, and Mike Mau. This foundational group emerged from the local music scene in , where Barnes, as the primary creative force and founder, shaped the band's early blues-rock direction through his songwriting and guitar work. Randall contributed to the rhythmic backbone and vocal harmonies that added depth to the trio's sound, while Mau handled the drumming during the initial club performances before the band's expansion. In , the band expanded significantly under manager Tom Donahue, incorporating former frontman Sal Valentino on lead vocals and guitar, who brought established star power and a folk-rock sensibility to Stoneground's evolving ensemble. Valentino's tenure from to 1973 defined the group's vocal diversity, as he handled lead vocals on key tracks from the self-titled debut album and the follow-up Family Album, while also contributing guitar arrangements that blended the band's raw energy with more polished elements. Complementing this, Annie Sampson joined as a lead female vocalist in , delivering soulful harmonies and powerful leads that became a hallmark of Stoneground's communal, multi-voiced style; she remained a core presence through the mid-1970s, contributing to the band's live dynamism and studio recordings during its peak. Barnes and emerged as the enduring core figures, with Barnes serving as the constant presence and primary songwriter across the band's active periods from 1970 to 1984 and in reunions through 2005, while Sampson's vocal contributions anchored the group's identity amid frequent lineup shifts. Mau departed shortly after the initial expansion in 1971, and Randall's involvement tapered off by 1973, but their roles in the founding trio laid the groundwork for Stoneground's transition from a local act to a larger known for its eclectic, harmony-driven performances.

Notable contributors and lineup changes

Throughout its history, Stoneground maintained a notably fluid lineup, often expanding to 10 or more members during peak periods to accommodate diverse instrumentation, including horn sections for live performances that contributed to the band's eclectic studio recordings. The 1971 expansion included a quartet of female backing vocalists—Lynne Hughes, LaPorte, Phillips, and Annie Sampson—along with John Blakeley on and bass, and Luther Bildt on , who all contributed to the debut album and early live shows. These members helped define the band's large-ensemble sound before some departed by 1973. Pete Sears joined Stoneground as bassist and keyboardist in 1970, playing on the band's self-titled debut album released in 1971 and participating in key early shows, such as appearances at London's Roundhouse and festivals alongside . He departed after 1971 to work on Rod Stewart's , later becoming a longtime member of from 1974 to 1987. Cory Lerios replaced Sears on keyboards, serving from 1971 to 1973 and contributing compositions like "Butterfly" to the 1972 album Stoneground 3. After leaving Stoneground, Lerios co-founded the pop-rock band Pablo Cruise in 1973 alongside fellow ex-members Steve Price and David Jenkins. Steve Price, primarily on drums, was part of Stoneground from 1971 to 1973, providing rhythmic foundation during the Warner Bros. era before departing to form Pablo Cruise. He rejoined the band for reunion activities in 2003–2005, including the completion of a new album with original member Tim Barnes. David Jenkins briefly joined on guitar and bass in 1972, contributing songwriting to Stoneground 3 during a transitional phase. His tenure ended in 1973 when he co-founded with Lerios and Price. Following Sal Valentino's exit in 1973, Jo Baker joined as a in 1974, sharing duties with Annie Sampson and providing vocal continuity through the band's later releases, including Hearts of Stone (1978). She remained with various iterations of Stoneground until around 1984. Sammy Piazza assumed drum duties starting in 1976, replacing prior rhythm section elements and supporting the band's shift to independent releases like Flat Out (1976) and Play It Loud (1980) through 1984. His tenure helped maintain stability amid ongoing personnel shifts in the post-major label period.

Musical style and influences

Genre and sound characteristics

Stoneground's core genre is blues-rock, fused with elements of , , , and , drawing from the San Francisco Bay Area's psychedelic and R&B traditions. This eclectic blend results in a sound that seamlessly shifts between high-energy rock grooves and soulful, introspective passages, characterized by boogie-infused rhythms and psychedelic undertones. The band's signature sound stems from its large ensemble configuration, often featuring up to ten members, including dual and triple lead vocals from a rotating cast of singers such as Sal Valentino, Annie Sampson, Lynne Hughes, Deirdre LaPorte, and Lydia Phillips. This multi-vocal approach creates a communal, harmonious texture, augmented by horn sections providing soulful accents and guitar-driven riffs that merge raw rock intensity with folk-country twang. The overall aesthetic evokes the loose, improvisational spirit of jam bands, with instrumentation emphasizing searing electric guitars, stabs, and rhythmic bass lines. Lyrically, Stoneground's songs frequently delve into themes of relationships, personal freedom, and introspection, conveyed through raw, emotive delivery that infuses the music with passion and immediacy. Production across their discography highlights this vitality: early works like Family Album (1971) capture live-wire energy via predominantly live recordings that preserve the band's onstage dynamism and audience interaction. By the late , as heard on Hearts of Stone (1978), the sound shifted toward more structured rock arrangements with polished funk-rock elements.

Key influences and evolution

Stoneground's sound drew heavily from the vibrant Bay Area music scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s, incorporating elements of rock, , , and that echoed local acts like the Mystery Trend and the Charlatans. The band's communal jamming style was influenced by the Grateful Dead's improvisational approach, particularly through their involvement in ' Caravan project, where Stoneground served as the after the Dead's withdrawal. Additionally, Sly and the Family Stone's integration of funk and shaped Stoneground's eclectic vocal harmonies and rhythmic drive, while country-rock pioneers contributed to their rootsy undertones via covers of artists like . Lead singer Sal Valentino's prior experience with infused pop and folk-rock sensibilities, adding melodic accessibility to the group's raw energy. From 1970 to 1973, Stoneground evolved rapidly from a blues-oriented featuring guitarist Tim Barnes, drummer Michael Mau, and guitarist Luther Bildt into an expansive 10-piece ensemble that emphasized vocal interplay among seven lead singers and extended live . This shift culminated in their self-titled debut , a diverse blend of styles captured during intense recording sessions, and the double live LP Family Album, which highlighted their dynamic stage presence and communal ethos. The period marked a peak of creative experimentation, reflecting the broader Bay Area movement while incorporating soulful grooves and gospel-infused arrangements. Following Sal Valentino's departure in 1973 amid internal tensions, the band's lineup stabilized around core members Annie Sampson and Tim Barnes, leaning toward a more straightforward rock sound with lingering funk and roots elements on albums like Flat Out (1976). This phase, spanning 1974 to 1984, saw Stoneground release four additional LPs, including Hearts of Stone (1978) and Play It Loud (1980), but struggled commercially against the rise of disco and new wave, ultimately disbanding after Bad Machines and Limousines (1982). In the reunion phase from 2004 to 2005, led by Barnes and original drummer Steve Price with new additions like vocalist Claudia Knauer, Stoneground returned to their classic soul-rock foundations, blending nostalgic originals and covers on the album Back with a Vengeance (2004). This revival was spurred by renewed interest in 1970s Bay Area rock, allowing the band to recapture their improvisational spirit for live performances before a final hiatus. Overall, Stoneground bridged the improvisational of the San Francisco scene with more accessible roots-rock, fostering a in despite commercial underachievement that curtailed wider influence.

Discography

Studio albums

Stoneground's studio spans from their early 1970s Warner Bros. releases to later independent efforts, reflecting the band's evolution from a large ensemble rooted in rock to more streamlined rock configurations. The debut album, Stoneground, was released in 1971 by Records. Co-produced by band member Sal Valentino and promoter Tom Donahue, it was recorded at Sunwest Studios in and showcased the group's diverse lineup through seven different lead vocalists, including Valentino, Annie Sampson, Lynne Hughes, Deirdre LaPorte, Lydia Phillips, Tim Barnes, and Luther Bildt, emphasizing their ensemble chemistry across , , and rock styles. Later that year, Warner Bros. issued Family Album, a double album blending studio recordings with live tracks that captured the band's energetic Bay Area performances. Produced by Ron Elliott, Sal Valentino, and Tom Donahue, it highlighted the collective's versatility with original material and covers performed by the full ten-piece ensemble. Stoneground 3, released in 1972 by Warner Bros. Records, marked a polished production shift under band member Sal Valentino, who brought clarity to the band's horn-infused rock arrangements and integrated elements from their emerging singles. After departing Warner Bros., the band moved to independent Flat Out Records for Flat Out in 1976, an album that adopted a rawer, self-directed approach with contributions from core members like Tim Barnes and Steve Price, alongside new collaborators on bass, keyboards, and engineering. Returning to Warner Bros. for Hearts of Stone in 1978, the album was produced by of the Four Seasons, who contributed keyboards and aimed for broader commercial appeal through refined AOR-rock tracks featuring lead vocals by Annie Sampson and Lenny Lee Goldsmith. In 1980, Stoneground released Play It Loud on the audiophile-focused Crystal Clear Records, employing direct-to-disc recording technology with a live at the label's studios to capture high-fidelity guitar-driven rock anthems in a single-take format. The reunion effort Back with a Vengeance arrived in 2004 via independent Exploding Star Music, reuniting original members Tim Barnes and Steve Price to revisit the band's foundational rock sound with contemporary production techniques.

Live albums and EPs

Stoneground's live releases and EPs provide insight into the band's dynamic stage presence and post-major-label explorations, often drawing from archival tapes and independent efforts. The live album The Last Dance: Live January 6, 1973, released in 2001 on the independent Dig Music label, is an archival recording of the band's performance at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Capturing their final show during the era, it includes 13 tracks such as "," "Love's Made a Fool of You," and a standout rendition of "Passion Flower." In 1982, Stoneground issued the independent EP Bad Machines and Limousines on Big West Records, featuring four tracks that reflect their late-era creativity with experimental funk-rock elements, including "Rock 'n' Roll Guitars," "Too Much Money," "Fool for Your Love," and "Bad as You." The band also contributed live performances to notable compilations, extending their recorded legacy beyond solo releases. On the 1972 triple album Fillmore: The Last Days (Columbia Records), Stoneground appears with "Passion Flower," recorded during the venue's final week of shows in 1971. Similarly, the 1971 soundtrack Medicine Ball Caravan (Warner Bros. Records) includes two Stoneground tracks from the film's touring caravan performances: "You Don't Have to Play the Loser" and "Long Way Down."

Singles

Stoneground's debut single, "Queen Sweet Dreams" backed with "Total Destruction," was released in 1971 on Records (catalog no. 7452). This promo 7-inch vinyl featured lead vocals by Sal Valentino on the A-side and highlighted the band's eclectic , drawing from their early performances in the Bay Area scene. It received regional airplay primarily in , helping to build local buzz ahead of their self-titled debut album. Later that year, the band issued additional singles to promote their growing catalog, including "Looking for You" b/w "Added Attraction (Come and See Me)" (Warner Bros. 7496) and "You Must Be One of Us" b/w "Corrina, Corrina" (Warner Bros. 7535). The latter saw a release on Warner Bros. K 16126 in November 1971, marking one of Stoneground's few international pushes, though promotion remained U.S.-focused with minimal overseas traction. These tracks, drawn from their Family Album double LP, showcased the ensemble's diverse lineup and influences, but did not achieve national chart success. In 1972, "Passion Flower" b/w "Super Clown" (Warner Bros. 7546) emerged as the band's most notable single, with Lynne Hughes delivering the lead vocal on the A-side. A live version appears on the compilation Fillmore: The Last Days (Columbia KC 31113), recorded at in June 1971, and is often regarded as their signature track for its blend of and soulful delivery. Despite some radio play, it represented the peak of their commercial visibility, with no subsequent singles charting nationally. Stoneground's singles output tapered off after 1972, with later attempts like "Prove It" (Warner Bros. 1978) and "Deeper Than Love" (Warner Bros. 1978) failing to reignite interest amid lineup changes and shifting musical landscapes. Overall, their discography emphasized U.S. markets, with limited UK and European distribution reflecting the band's regional cult following rather than mainstream breakthrough.

References

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