|
If there is any musical ensemble in the world deserving to be referenced as unique, certainly the legendary progressive rock phenomenon Pavlov’s Dog fit’s the bill. Founded in 1973 by former Chuck Berry drummer and current band member Mike Safron, Pavlov’s Dog captured the world’s attention due to the astonishing voice and songs of guitarist David Surkamp. Love it or hate it, David’s singular talents left no space in between for opinion makers. Each of his compositions captured a tapestry of power and emotion, sending critics and fans alike scrambling for description.
Pavlov’s Dog signed its initial recording contract with ABC Records in 1973 for the unheard of figure of $500,000.00. The group was dropped within weeks of the release of its debut »Pampered Menial,« an unparalleled document that has never been out of print since its release. Columbia Records re-released »Pampered Menial« within a month of the ABC debacle, following it’s own $500,000.00 advance, and the album began charting on two labels simultaneously on the Billboard charts ( A first and last for the recording industry).
»Pampered Menial« contained at least two classic songs, »Julia« and »Songdance,« music that still touches listener’s hearts today. One can only imagine how many love affairs began with David’s refrain to the familiar »Julia,« »I can’t live without your love.«
Pavlov’s Dog’s sophomore release, »At The Sound Of The Bell,« was an equally intriguing treasure , with David’s talents exploding full-bloom. With the core group splintering around him, he found himself forced to reach out for some of the brightest talents of the era. Consequently, members of the Yes/King Crimson coalition, Roxy Music, Steely Dan, and jazz giant Michael Brecker , contributed to David’s musical landscape Following a pair of iconic releases the dream was over……. The invisible controllers of the radio dial began its program of corporate mediocrity, leaving David’s voice and vision a wreckage of commercial interests. David left the band for the emerald forests of Seattle, with a truckload of mellotrons and Fender guitars. Hooking up with his friend Iain Matthews (Fairport Convention & Matthews Southern Comfort, etc…), the pair released two underground classics as HI-FI, before David began the pursuit of his journalistic interests as a contributor to the Pulitzer family of newspapers.
Curiously, the rumors and legends continued to swirl around his recorded work. Some said he took his own life as a suicide, and worse. Normally reclusive, obviously much of this appealed to David’s natural instincts as a semi-reluctant performer. Still, unbelievably, all the rumors and naughtiness continued to raise Pavlov’s Dog’s cult following to unimagined heights.
A pair of »Pavlov’s Dog« releases found their way into the world during the 80’s and 90’s. The long- rumored lost third recording of unfinished work, »Has Anyone Here Seen Siegfried?,« and the »modern« »Lost In America.« The irony of a band too progressive for the 70’s, finding themselves challenged by the stupidity of corporate interests of the modern world was not lost on David.
Unexpectedly, David discovered his muse again on a solo album in 2001, »Roaring With Light,« a personal favorite. Following a tour of Italian concert and television appearances, with his wife Sara, David was forced to take a second look at his legacy. A pairing with the Italian diva Andrea Miro, on her classic recording »Lucidamente,« (with production by the iconic Enrico Ruggeri), cemented his decision.
The original 1974/75 Pavlov’s Dog lineup came together for a 30th anniversary concert for the benefit of the children of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in a one-off concert in 2004. The band earned $160.000,00 and gave every penny to the charity. The entire performance was broadcast by Microsoft for 30 days, allowing fans around the globe to revel once again in the power and glory that is David’s music.
Europian tours followed in 2005 and 2006, culminating in a breathtaking performance at the Arrowrock Festival in Holland in front of 54,000 fans David, Sara, and their daughter Saylor , contributed a dynamic track to the »NO BORDERS« compilation for »Doctors Without Borders», by request of their friend David Tibet. And 2007 begins with the release of »Dancing On The Edge Of A Teacup,« David’s latest collection of music. Appearances in Greece, Germany, England etc, are coming!!!! Apparently, Pavlov’s Dog is still hungry.
|
