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Some five years ago a family singing group named the Cowsills hit the pop charts with a number of songs (two of their biggest were “Indian Lake” and “Hair”) which brought them a good measure of fame and fortune.
But it’s been two years since the four brothers, sister and mother act has had a hit, so about six months ago Bill, Barry, John and Bob decided to put their own thing together sans sister Susan and mom.
“We got very bored doing the same thing for so many years and since we weren’t happening the way we used to, it seemed only logical for us to try something new,” drawled Bob backstage at the Ice House in Pasadena where the Cowsills are working out the kinks before going on the road.
“Something new” is an understatement. More than half of the group’s show is pure country and pure pleasure to listen to.
Bill Cowsill handles the lead vocals and does so with ease and assurance, displaying a voice which would be right at home on the Grand Ole Opry. With brothers Bob and Barry supplying tasteful (and tasty) harmony work, Bill worked his way with delightful results through such well-known songs as “Kiss an Angel Good Morning,” “Today I started Loving You Again,” and “Truck Drivin’ Man.”
Bill’s original composition, “I Fall In Love Every Day,” smacks of being a potential country smash single.
The second half of the Cowsills’ show is less satisfying artistically, but pleasant nonetheless. Switching to electric instruments (lead and rhythm guitars, bass and drums) the group knocked out competent version of several old Beatle songs (which seem to be having a slight come-back generally), did a couple of their own hits and threw in a pretty fair rendition of the old Chuck Berry song “Route 66.”
But as the Cowsills are quick to admit, this material is being utilized primarily as filler and will be phased out as they add more original material to their repertoire.
In short, although the Cowsills’ performance as it stands now is pretty rough in spots (not just musically; their continuity material could do with some buffing), the basic ingredients would seem to be there.
If they can write a lot more songs of the caliber of “I Fall In Love Every Day” (contemporary country is quite obviously their strongest suit) the Cowsill’s “comeback” (it is, in essence, a brand new venture) attempt might well prove successful.
The Cowsills will e appearing at the Ice House through Saturday night.
- Michael Sherman
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