You might not have heard of Rhinoceros, but they’re a really interesting band. One of those bands that promised much but never quite happened. They were an American rock band formed in 1967, notable for being assembled by Elektra Records producers Paul Rothchild (known for his work with The Doors) and Frazier Mohawk. Rather than forming organically, the band was the result of an ambitious "supergroup" project, with musicians individually auditioned and brought together.
The concept for Rhinoceros originated with Rothchild and Mohawk, who sought to create a new, highly talented group. They held auditions in late 1967, bringing together a diverse array of musicians. The initial core lineup for their debut included: John Finley (vocals) - formerly of Jon and Lee & The Checkmates, Alan Gerber (keyboards, vocals), Danny Weis (guitar) - formerly of Iron Butterfly, Doug Hastings (guitar) - briefly with Buffalo Springfield, Michael Fonfara (organ, piano) - also from Jon and Lee & The Checkmates and Electric Flag, Jerry Penrod (bass) - also from Iron Butterfly, Billy Mundi (drums) - formerly of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention.
Before their own debut, several members of Rhinoceros served as backing musicians for David Ackles' 1968 album. I have a mint copy of their debut album, a cut-off still in its shrink wrap, which is amazing after nearly 60 years.
Rhinoceros's sound was a blend of rock, blues, soul, and funk, with some psychedelic and proto-prog elements. They aimed for a raw, live sound in the studio.
Their self-titled debut album, Rhinoceros, was released in 1968, produced by Paul Rothchild. Despite significant promotion and critical acclaim, it didn't achieve the commercial success Elektra Records had hoped for. The album featured notable tracks like the instrumental "Apricot Brandy" (which gained popularity as a BBC Radio One theme - you’ll know it when you hear it) and "I Will Serenade You" (later covered by Three Dog Night).
Following the debut, the band experienced some lineup changes. Jerry Penrod departed and was replaced by Steve Weis (Danny's brother), and then by Peter Hodgson (Finley's cousin and also from Jon and Lee & The Checkmates). Doug Hastings, Alan Gerber, and Billy Mundi also left.
Their second album, which was called, bizarrely, Satin Chickens, was released in 1969. It continued their groove-based rock sound with soul influences. The band then moved to New York and, with a revised lineup including Larry Leishman (guitar) and Duke Edwards (drums, vocals), recorded their third and final album, Better Times Are Coming, released in 1970. Further drummer changes saw Richard Crooks and Malcolm Tomlinson join the band before their eventual dissolution.
Despite the immense talent within the band and the backing of a major label, Rhinoceros struggled to live up to the "supergroup" hype. A significant misstep was their management declining an invitation to play at the Woodstock festival in favor of another gig. Doh! They probably thought it’d just be another festival on the circuit and couldn’t know it was going to be such a cultural motherlode. This, combined with internal friction and fluctuating lineups, hindered their long-term success.
While they may not have achieved superstardom, their music remains appreciated by fans of late 1960s rock, blues, and soul. They’re a classic example of the sort of eclecticism before things became rigidly categorised. They reunited for a concert at the Kitchener Blues Festival in Ontario, Canada, on August 7, 2009, featuring original members John Finley, Alan Gerber, Danny Weis, and Michael Fonfara, along with Peter Hodgson and new members Bernie LaBarge and Mike Sloski.
You rarely see their UK releases, but if you do, they should be no more than £15. Elektra has a lot of excellent long forgotten bands (except by me). It’s worth looking up their catalogue for inspiration.
The concept for Rhinoceros originated with Rothchild and Mohawk, who sought to create a new, highly talented group. They held auditions in late 1967, bringing together a diverse array of musicians. The initial core lineup for their debut included: John Finley (vocals) - formerly of Jon and Lee & The Checkmates, Alan Gerber (keyboards, vocals), Danny Weis (guitar) - formerly of Iron Butterfly, Doug Hastings (guitar) - briefly with Buffalo Springfield, Michael Fonfara (organ, piano) - also from Jon and Lee & The Checkmates and Electric Flag, Jerry Penrod (bass) - also from Iron Butterfly, Billy Mundi (drums) - formerly of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention.
Before their own debut, several members of Rhinoceros served as backing musicians for David Ackles' 1968 album. I have a mint copy of their debut album, a cut-off still in its shrink wrap, which is amazing after nearly 60 years.
Rhinoceros's sound was a blend of rock, blues, soul, and funk, with some psychedelic and proto-prog elements. They aimed for a raw, live sound in the studio.
Their self-titled debut album, Rhinoceros, was released in 1968, produced by Paul Rothchild. Despite significant promotion and critical acclaim, it didn't achieve the commercial success Elektra Records had hoped for. The album featured notable tracks like the instrumental "Apricot Brandy" (which gained popularity as a BBC Radio One theme - you’ll know it when you hear it) and "I Will Serenade You" (later covered by Three Dog Night).
Following the debut, the band experienced some lineup changes. Jerry Penrod departed and was replaced by Steve Weis (Danny's brother), and then by Peter Hodgson (Finley's cousin and also from Jon and Lee & The Checkmates). Doug Hastings, Alan Gerber, and Billy Mundi also left.
Their second album, which was called, bizarrely, Satin Chickens, was released in 1969. It continued their groove-based rock sound with soul influences. The band then moved to New York and, with a revised lineup including Larry Leishman (guitar) and Duke Edwards (drums, vocals), recorded their third and final album, Better Times Are Coming, released in 1970. Further drummer changes saw Richard Crooks and Malcolm Tomlinson join the band before their eventual dissolution.
Despite the immense talent within the band and the backing of a major label, Rhinoceros struggled to live up to the "supergroup" hype. A significant misstep was their management declining an invitation to play at the Woodstock festival in favor of another gig. Doh! They probably thought it’d just be another festival on the circuit and couldn’t know it was going to be such a cultural motherlode. This, combined with internal friction and fluctuating lineups, hindered their long-term success.
While they may not have achieved superstardom, their music remains appreciated by fans of late 1960s rock, blues, and soul. They’re a classic example of the sort of eclecticism before things became rigidly categorised. They reunited for a concert at the Kitchener Blues Festival in Ontario, Canada, on August 7, 2009, featuring original members John Finley, Alan Gerber, Danny Weis, and Michael Fonfara, along with Peter Hodgson and new members Bernie LaBarge and Mike Sloski.
You rarely see their UK releases, but if you do, they should be no more than £15. Elektra has a lot of excellent long forgotten bands (except by me). It’s worth looking up their catalogue for inspiration.
