Redbone
Band members Related acts
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line up 1 (1968-73) - Tony Bellamy (RIP 2009) -- rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals backing vocals
supporting musicians (1973) - Eddie Cacideo -- percussion - Johnny Lopez -- backing vocals - Butch Rillera -- drums, percussion - Joe Sample -- piano, vibraphone - Sherry Williams - backing vocals
line up 2 (1973-74) - Tony Bellamy (RIP 2009) -- rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals NEW - Arturo Perez -- vocals, drums, percussion (replaced Pete
DePoe)
line up 3 (1973-75) - Tony Bellamy (RIP 2009) -- rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (replaced
Arturo
Perez)
supporting musicians (1974) - Ronnie Barron -- percussion - Gordon DeWitty -- piano - John Fiore -- background vocals - Michael Freda --background vocals - Terry Furlong -- slide guitar - Chipper Laverone -- percussion - David Oliver -- background vocals - Red Rhodes -- steel guitar
line up 4 (1977) NEW-
Aloisio Aguiar -- keyboards, percussion NEW - Eddie Summers -- drums, percussion (replaced Butch Rillera)
line up 5 (2005) - Tony Bellamy (RIP 2009) -- rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
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- The Avantis (Pat Vegas and Lolly Vegas) - The Deuce Coupes (Pat Vegas and Lolly Vegas) - The Individuals (Pat Vegas and Lolly Vegas)
- Mr. Clean and the Cleansers (Pete DePoe) - Pat Vegas (solo efforts) |
Genre: rock Rating: *** (3 stars) Title: Redbone Company: Epic Catalog: EGP 501 Year: 1970 Country/State: Grade (cover/record): VG/VG+ Comments: double album, gatefold sleeve (our copy has less ring wear than that shown in the picture) Available: 1 Catalog ID: not yet listed Price: $25.00
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Having recorded a series of early-'60s surf singles as members of The
Avantis, The Sharks and under their own names (see separate entries), by mid-'60s brothers Lolly and Pat Vegas has attracted minor attention as sessions players and songwriters. Among their efforts, the duo enjoyed limited success penning
"Nicki Hokey" for P.J. Proby. Playing clubs as a duo, in 1968 the brothers hooked up with guitarist Tony Bellamy and drummer Pete DePoe to form Redbone.
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Genre: rock Rating: *** (3 stars) Title: Potlatch Company: Epic Catalog: E-30109 Year: 1971 Country/State: Fresno, California Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: minor ring, edge and corner wear Available: 1 Catalog ID: not yet listed Price: $15.00
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With front men Lolly and Pat Vegas responsible
for virtually all of the material (lead guitarist Tony Bellamy was credited
with co-writing 'Chant: 13th Hour'), 1971's
"Potlatch" found
Redbone turning in a more confident and diverse album. Co-produced by Lolly and Pete Welding, the collection found the band taking stabs at a wide variety of genres, including sappy MOR ballads
('Who Can Say?'), meltdown psychedelics (the instrumental 'Without
Reservations') and social commentary ('Alcatraz' and 'Chant:13th Hour'). While the material occasionally bogged down
amidst ill-defined arrangements and lyrical pretense, for the most part these guys wanted to rock. Propelled by Lolly's slinky voice
and distinctive phased guitar sound and Pat's booming bass lines, tracks
like as the hit single 'Maggie,' 'Light As a Feather' (sounding like a CCR outtake),
'Judgment Day' and 'Bad News Ain't No News At All' demonstrated these guys were at their best when working a
swamp-rock groove. It certainly wasn't a perfect set, but exemplified by the
reflective ballad 'Alcatraz' and the jazzy closer 'New Blue Sermonette'
even the also-ran tunes frequently incorporated interesting
components. Propelled by the single 'Maggie' and generally favorable reviews (in the midst of the Alcatraz siege, what critic was about to cast dispersions on a band composed of native Americans?), the parent album provided the band with their first taste of commercial
success ultimately reaching # 99 on the US Billboard charts. 1.) Maggie (Lolly Vegas) - 5:06 rating: **** stars Propelled by Lolly's growling vocals and Pat's thundering bass line, 'Maggie' churned out a classic slice of Redbone's style of Louisiana swamp funk. This is simply one of those songs that most folks are going to find it hard to sit still to. Always loved the skittery lead guitar solo. Guessing that Lolly got it by playing through a Leslie, or Fender Vibratone speaker. Great choice for the lead-off single:
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1971's 'Maggie' b/w
'New Blue Sermonette' (Epic
catalog number 5-10670) YouTube has a clip of the band performing the
tune on NBC's The Midnight Special television program. And, yes they
are playing live: Maggie
- Redbone | The Midnight Special (youtube.com) Penned by Pat, 'Light As a Feather' displayed a far more commercial, pop sound. Lolly's vocals instantly identified it as a Redbone effort, but it wasn't nearly as good as the opening track. The song was also far too short, though that didn't stop Epic from releasing it as a single:
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1971's 'Light As a Feather' b/w 'Who Can Say?' (Epic catalog number 5-10712) The
atypical ballad 'Who Can Say?' sported a pretty melody with interesting
lyrics and an unexpected woodwind arrangement courtesy of Pete
Robinson. Nice change of pace, but not a track that was going to stick
with most listeners for a long time. Returning
to a rock sound, 'Judgment Day' found the band adding a touch of social
commentary to their patented sound. Nice vocal arrangement and Lolly
certainly had some preacher moves in his repertoire. Okay,
technically 'Without Reservation' was an instrumental since the last couple
of sections included a refrain of the 'Judgement Day' chorus. After a
wild, discordant opening the track shifted into funk-meets-jazz mode. Much
of the spotlight was on Lolly's unique guitar sound. At times it
almost sounded like a Zappa jam. (side 2) 1.) Chant:13th Hour (Pat Vegas - Lolly Vegas - R.A. Bellamy) - 5:36 rating: **** stars Of
course Epic was going to capitalize on their Native American heritage.
Who wouldn't? That said, the first two minutes of 'Chant: 13th Hour'
was one of the few tunes that blatantly tread on that facet of their
background. Once you got through the opening tribal chanting the rest
of the song reflected something along the lines of a Chicano version of
Felix Cavaliere and the Young Rascals. One of the album's hidden
treasures. I'm guessing the pretty acoustic ballad 'Alcatraz' was inspired by the American Indian college students who occupied the island for over a year (November 1969 - June 1971) in an effort to get Federal funding for a cultural and education center. The government eventually cut off power, fresh water and phone services and in mid-June 1971 forcibly removed the handful of protesters still on the island. 3.) Drinkin' and Blo (Pat Vegas) - 2:17 rating: *** stars In
case you couldn't guess from the title,
'Drinkin' and Blo' returned to the band's trademarked rock sound.
Can't say I agree with the sentiments, but it was an energetic performance. Powered
by a nifty Pat bass line, 'Bad News Ain't No New At All' was a nice mix of
their funkier sound and a more commercial orientation. Nothing
outstanding, but it was a nice showcase for their vocal harmonies. 'New Blue Sermonette'
introduced jazzy and blues moves into their sound. Odd, but
intriguing, it was a nice platform for Lolly's instantly recognizable
voice. The track also appeared as the slip side to their 'Maggie'
45.
There's a nice Redbone website at: Redbone (redbone-band.com)
© Scott R. Blackerby June 2024
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Genre: rock Rating: **** (4 stars) Title: Wovoka Company: Epic Catalog: KE-32462 Year: 1973 Country/State: Fresno, California Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: -- Available: 1 Catalog ID: -- Price: $40.00
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Produced by
brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas, 1973's "Wovoka" has
always struck me as an odd entry in the Redbone catalog. Their fifth
studio release, recording the LP found the band struggling with Epic Records
over their growing interest in exploring Indian social and political
awareness. Inspired by events like the slaughter of Sioux Indians at
Wounded Knee and more recent confrontations between Native Americans and law
enforcement agencies, "We
Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee"
was seen as so controversial Epic refused to release it as part of the
album. Elsewhere, translating as "wood cutter" in the Pauite
language; the title track was inspired by Indian spiritual leader Wokova (aka
Jack Wilson). Reflected a mixture of Christian and Native American
beliefs, including living clean lives and following Native American
traditions, Wokova founded the second episode of the Ghost D
"Wokova" track listing: 1.) Wovoka (Pat Vegas - Lolly Vegas) - 3:00 rating: **** stars Perhaps because the "Wokova" historical background was more obscure than the tragedy of Wounded Knee, Epic management didn't object to the song's inclusion on the album. That decision was certainly odd given the lyrics were every bit as controversial as the banned "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee". Still, powered by some awesome Lolly lead guitar, punchy horns and an ear-candy refrain. the song offered up a near perfect mixture of Indian history and top-40 commerciality. The track was so catchy I'm pretty sure the Jack Wilson story line was missed by most listeners. With Epic refusing to include "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee" on the US version of the album (the Vegas had intended to release it as a single), they opted to release the title track as the album's second single.
- 1973's "Wovoka" b/w "Sweet Lady of Love" (Epic catalog number 5-11131)
YouTube has a clip of the band lip-synching the song for the Dutch TopPops television program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiHWbU2oFP0 2.) Sweet Lady of Love (Lolly Vegas) - 3:01 rating: **** stars Powered by Lolly's wonderful voice and Pete DePoe's frequently overlooked drums, "Sweet Lady of Love" was built on a smooth and charming New Orleans flavored melody. The song's icing-on-the-cake came in the form of the band's sweet harmony vocals. The Neville Brothers would have approved. The song also appeared as the "B" side to the "Wovoka" 45. 3.) Someday (A Good Song) (Pat. Vegas - Tony Bellamy) - 4:12 rating: *** stars "Someday (A Good Song)" offered up a sweet country-rock ballad. Quite commercial, though it didn't sound like your typical Redbone song. Lolly's electric sitar touches were kind of cool. 4.) Liquid Truth (Lolly Vegas) - 5:03 rating: **** stars While I'm not a big drinker, I have seen the devastating impact alcohol can have on people. I also remember enough history to know what alcohol did to Native Americans. Not to sound soppy, but I have to tell you "Liquid Truth" is simply a stunning message song ... Built on some great Lolly lead guitar (think he was using a Leslie guitar effect) and a funky rhythm the tune sported a melody, awesome harmonies and those thought provoking lyrics.
(side 2) 1.) Come and Get Your Love (Lolly Vegas) - 4:59 rating: **** stars Originally recorded as a demo under the name "Hail", "Come and Get Your Love" was one of the songs that made their career. To this day a classic slice of '70s rock that will live on forever as a prime track to be reutilized for commercials and film soundtracks (anyone see "Guardians of the Galaxy"?). Showcasing Lolly's slightly slurred, slinky vocals, his electric sitar and a flypaper sticky chorus, what's not to like? Try to sit still through this five minutes of pop perfection !!!
Dropping the slow, '50s vocal introduction, an edited version of the album version was released as a single: - 1974's "Come and Get Your Love" b/w "Day To Day Life" (Epic catalog number 5-11035) # 5 US Billboard Hot 100 charts
YouTube has several "live" performances of the song. Here's a link to a 1974 performance on NBC's Midnight Special. The performance appears to be live with Tony Bellamy featured on the opening dance segment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnJqFrVD3uE It wasn't released until 2020, but there's a promotional video for the track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA4rSO-h9Io 2.) Day to Day Life (Pat Vegas - Tony Bellamy) - 2:42 rating: **** stars Powered by Pat's vocals and a nifty bass line "Day to Day Life" found Redbone getting funky !!! One of my favorite performances (and the only song I've ever heard that includes a lyric referring to a common-law wife). The tune also appeared as the "B" side on the "Come and Get Your Love" 45. 3.) Chant Wovoka / Clouds In My Sunshine (Pat. Vegas) - 4:43 rating: ** stars / *** stars "Chant Wovoka" was a brief fifty-eight second Indian chant that morphed into the album's most commercial pop tune - "Clouds In My Sunshine". A heavy orchestrated ballad with considerable commercial potential, it was another track that showcased the band's sweet harmony vocals and Lolly's electric sitar. 4.) 23rd and Mad (Lolly Vegas - Peter DePoe) - 6:46 rating: **** stars Lyrically "23rd and Mad" has always been a mystery to me (anyone got a clue?), but the combination of a delicious Motown vibe, Lolly's slinky voice, his awesome electric sitar solo and a freak-out closing made it another album highlight.
Originally dropped from the US album, but included on the UK release "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee" was a less than subtle recollection of the slaughter of Lakota Sioux Indians by the 7th Cavalry. The song was subsequently released as a single across the world, including in the US, though sales were hurt when numerous US radio stations banned the track.
- 1974's "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee" b/w "Speakeasy" (Epic catalog number 5-10979)
YouTube has a performance of the song taken from an appearance on the Dutch TopPop show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvZbmLJlSoM&list=RDAvZbmLJlSoM&start_radio=1 There's also a fascinating black and white promotional video filmed for Belgian television: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9qcs8DAVW8 There's also an interesting 2003 interview with Pat Vegas where he talks about the song's history (much of it is in Dutch): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLR4jqI1kNQ
© Scott R. Blackerby May 2025
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Genre: rock Rating: *** (3 stars) Title: Already Here Company: Epic Catalog: KE-31598 Year: 1973 Country/State: Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gatefold sleeve Available: 1 Catalog ID: 1296 Price: $15.00
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1973's "Already Here' was released in the wake of a personnel change that saw original drummer Pete DePoe quit in the wake of his father's unexpected death. He was quickly replaced by Arturo Perez. Musically the album found the band shifting their sound away from the commercial Cajun-rock moves that had made them radio favorites. With the exception of "Condition Your Condition", "Fiat-Do" and an energetic remake of Leiber and Stoller's "Poison Ivy" the rest of the album was far more varied and experimental that previous studio sets. "Power (Prelude To a Means)" was a decent radio-friendly ballad, while "Speakeasy" found the band trying their hand at country. The title track was an even bigger change in direction with the band dipping their collective toes into Jeff Beck-styled jazz-rock fusion. The results were certainly interesting, but not the place for a casual fan or a curious listener to start exploring the Redbone catalog.
1.) Fait-Do (Pat Vegas - Lolly Vegas) - 2:36 rating: ** stars Yeah, Epic released it as a single, but to my ears it sounded like a subpar attempt to jump on the Sly and the Family Stone bandwagon. Kind of a mindless funk tune without a great deal going for it. YouTube has a black and white promo clip for the tune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkRlLVcKGrc The track was released as the album's lead-ffo single:
- 1972's 'Fais-Do' b/w 'Fais-Do' (Epic catalog number 5-10910) 2.) Motivation (Pat Vegas - Tony.Bellamy - Lolly Vegas) - 2:13 rating: **** stars 'Motivation' was one of the album's more interesting tunes, mixing some punchy horn charts with a driving rock base. Nice harmony vocals on this one. 3.) Power (Prelude To a Means) (Pat Vegas) - 4:29 rating: **** stars 'Power (Prelude To a Means)' was a pretty, if somewhat over-orchestrated ballad that highlighted Tony Bellamy's wah wah guitar and Lolly's nifty voice. He's always reminded me a bit of John Fogerty. Apparently a carry over from earlier recording sessions, the song featured original drummer DePoe. Would have made a nice single. 5.) Speakeasy (Lolly Vegas) - 3:50 rating: ** stars Hum, I Wasn't expecting a country-tinged number ... thoughtful lyrics, but the melody wasn't particularly memorable. The track also appeared as the "B" side to their "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee" 45. 5.) Condition Your Condition (Pat Vegas - Tony Bellamy - Lolly Vegas) - 2:51 rating: **** stars 'Condition Your Condition' was one of the few tunes that carried over their earlier Cajun-rock. Nice rocker and one of the album highlights.
(side 2) 1.) Where Is Your Heart (Lolly Vegas) - 3:05 rating: **** stars My favorite tune, in spite of the hackneyed orchestration, 'Where Is Your Heart' was a soulful ballad that got better as it went along. Lolly had such a cool voice. 2.) Good Enough for Jesus (Pat Vegas) - 2:37 rating: **** stars Another country-influenced tune, Pat explained 'Good Enough for Jesus' as being inspired by audience responses to their long hair and counter-culture appearance. 3.) Poison Ivy (Jerry Leiber - Mike Stoller) - 3:00 Probably the album's biggest surprise, anyone who grew up with The Coasters' version of 'Poison Ivy' was likely to find Redbone's funkified cover quite different. I can certain remember being surprised by the tune the first time I heard it on the radio. Very nice and one of the album highlights. The song was released as the album's second single:
- 1972's 'Poison Ivy' b/w 'Condition Your Condition) (Epic catalog number 5-10946)
YouTube has a clip of the band lip-synching the tune for French TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcgLkSm3tO4 4.) Already Here (Brujo) (Lolly Vegas) - 9:21 rating: **** stars To my ears the title track came off as an overly long slice of jazz-rock fusion. Yeah, Jeff Beck might have been proud of the performance, but stretched out over nine minutes Tony Bellamy's discordant guitar and the rest of the jam quickly became tiring. Not sure if 'Bruno' has a unique meaning in the Indian languages, but in Spanish I think it translates as sorcerer, or witch doctor.
Only 70, Lolly Vegas died of lung cancer in March 2010.
© Scott R. Blackerby June 2024
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ance
movement which followers believed would see the resurrection of Paiute dead
and the expulsion of whites from North
America. Epic management was apparently unaware of the song's message
as they didn't ban it, or the equally controversial "Liquid
Truth". On the other side of the equation the album featured
some of the band's most commercial material. Released as a single,
Lolly Vegas' "Come
and Get Your Love' proved
one of the band's biggest hits. Equally appealing were the New Orleans
flavored ballad "Sweet Lady of Love", the funky "Day to Day
Life" and the eclectic sitar powered closer "23rd and
Mad." Peaking at # 66 on the US Billboard album charts, it
certainly wasn't their most successful release, but it may be my favorite
Redbone album. With the exception of
the throwaway "Chant Wovoka" there wasn't bad song on the
collection and their mixture of "statement" material and radio
friendly tunes was both fascinating and enjoyable. Besides, how can you not
like an album that includes the '70s classic "Come and Get Your
Love"?
