Neil Merryweather & Carey - Vacuum Cleaner (1971)
Neil Merryweather. Biography:
Renamed Heather Merryweather after a song the band performed with lyrics by band friend, June Nelson, the group soon shortened it to simply Merryweather. In the summer of 1968, the band moved to Los Angeles but Livingston dropped out before the band signed to Capitol Records.
Shortly before the release of the band’s eponymous debut, produced by John Gross, Lillie changed his name to Merryweather. The group’s second (double album), “Word of Mouth” (released in September 1969) was recorded in Los Angeles with the same basic line-up of Merryweather, Roth, Hall and Burt, plus Steve Miller, Barry Goldberg, Charlie Musselwhite, Dave Mason, Howard Roberts and Bobby Notkoff.
Although the album was reasonably successful, the group still fragmented, with Burt, Hall and Roth hooking up with Ricky James Matthews in a new group called Salt ‘N’ Pepper.
Merryweather flew back to Toronto to recruit replacements, then returned with them to record an interesting album for the important blues label, Kent in early 1970. The resulting album, credited to Merryweather, ex-Ugly Ducklings drummer Robin Boers, guitarist John Richardson from Nucleus (and before that Lords of London) and ex-49th Parallel member JJ Velker attracted only limited interest, as did a follow-up album for RCA, "Ivar Avenue Reunion", featuring the same basic group plus Goldberg, Musselwhite and Neil's new girlfriend, ex-CK Strong singer Lynn Carey.
Neil Merryweather and Lynn Carey, using a pool of musicians, recorded the "Vacuum Cleaner" LP for RCA, then came out with a more permanent unit, Mama Lion, which recorded two albums.
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Lynn Carey aka Mama Lion. Biography:
Lynn Carey is a singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist in the band "Mama Lion." She is the daughter of actor Macdonald Carey. She is remembered for her beauty and figure as well as her powerful voice.
Mama Lion recorded an album in 1972 called "Preserve Wildlife." In addition to performing on the album as a singer, Lynn Carey appeared on the inside of the album cover with her blouse open and breast exposed, pretending to nurse a lion cub.
Lynn Carey was Penthouse Magazine's Pet of the Month in December 1972.
She performs big band music these days. Her personal website is http://www.lynncarey.com
Ms. Carey talked about her career and activities in an interview with Steve Escobar in 2001:
http://www.steveescobar.com/rock/lynn.html
CREDITS:
Sidney George Horn
Richie Shmitt Engineer
J.J. Velker Keyboards, Organ
Neil Merryweather Arranger, Bass, Choir, Chorus, Guitar, Harmonica, Whistle (Human), Vocals, Producer, Percussion, Main Performer, Guitar (Bass)
Hugh Sullivan Piano
Brian Bruderlin Engineer
Kal David Choir, Chorus, Guitar
Edward Roth Clavinet, Triangle, Violin, Piano, Flute, Keyboards, Organ
Robin Boers Drums
Coffi Hall Drums, Percussion
John Richardson Guitar
Lynn Carey Arranger, Vocals, Percussion, Choir, Chorus
NEIL MERRYWEATHER -Vacuum Cleaner 1971
Tracks:
01 - Living in the U.S.A.
02 - Let It Shine
03 - So Fine
04 - Few and Far Between
05 - No Worries
06 - If I Were You
07 - Introduction to Second Side by Kim Fowley
08 - Shop Around
09 - Sugar Man
10 - Can I Get a Witness
11 - Five Days on the Trail
12 - Captain Terrific
13 - Get Straight With Your Brother
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