Rayburn - Rayburn

Hail Arkansas’ unluckiest prog-rockers

It wasn’t easy being a prog-rockin’ beardie longhair in early 70s Arkansas. It’s interesting to see how this young, pre-college band presented themselves officially – hair neatly parted, sporting smart jackets and ties. In private, they were more dangerously casual; but getting lynched by rednecks was the least of this talented combo’s problems.

Signed to RCA offshoot Mega, Rayburn were mysteriously dumped. Only years later did it emerge that Steve Stephens’ father had bought out their contract to steer his son into the family banking business. Then Jimmy Roberts – married to future model/recording star Rosie Vela – died of cancer, aged just 21. It lends Got To Get Ready To Die an ominous weight.

Musically, there’s a unique stripe of traditional Americana running through these prog grooves and, as the voices carry an unselfconscious spirituality, the whole can occasionally chime with the contemporary sound of young America’s questing souls. Stephens’ vast Hammond and some horizon-gazing vocals lift the effect way above jazzed-up DIY prog – at best echoing 70s Love and Mu, as well as Roberts’ and bassist Mack Price’s formative folk choir.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Psych Of The South | 4502

Reviewed by Derek Hammond
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