Seatrain - they're one of those bands that deserved more fame and fortune that I was first aware of in my early days of exploring west coast bands. They were formed in 1969. The band, which originated in Marin County, California, and later moved to Marblehead, Massachusetts, was co-founded by flutist/bassist Andy Kulberg and drummer Roy Blumenfeld, both formerly of the Blues Project.
Throughout its existence from 1969 to 1973, Seatrain had multiple lineup changes. The initial members included Kulberg and Blumenfeld, along with guitarist John Gregory, extraordinary violinist Richard Greene, saxophonist Don Kretmar, and lyricist Jim Roberts. The group's first album, Planned Obsolescence, was released in 1968 but was under the Blues Project name due to contractual obligations. Confusing isn’t it?
After a few lineup changes, the band released their first self-titled album, Sea Train (1969), on A&M Records. I think it’s safe to say it’s a lost classic being a more folky type of Grateful Dead but with violin. Blumenfeld, Gregory, and Kretmar were replaced by drummer Larry Atamanuik, keyboardist Lloyd Baskin, and guitarist Peter Rowan. This lineup released their second self-titled album, Seatrain (1970), which featured the minor hit single "13 Questions." and a great cover of Little Feat's ‘Willin’. This album was notable for being the first rock album produced by George Martin after his work with the Beatles. It’s a classy record. Martin also produced their 1971 follow-up album, The Marblehead Messenger. At which point they actually toured Britain supporting Traffic.
Following the release of The Marblehead Messenger, Greene and Rowan left the band to form a band called Muleskinner. Kulberg and Baskin, the remaining members, recruited guitarist Peter Walsh, keyboardist Bill Elliott, and drummer Julio Coronado for their final album, Watch (1973). The band disbanded in 1973, with Andy Kulberg being the only member to have played on all four of their albums.
Perhaps they weren’t easy to market being a blend of different styles but all these years on we can appreciate their eclecticism and if you’ve not come across them for a while. Do go back and investigate.
