Kaleidoscope was a seminal American psychedelic folk-rock band that was active from 1966 to 1970. They had a really unique and experimental sound.
The band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1966, from the remnants of several local folk and jug bands. The core of the group was the partnership between David Lindley and Solomon Feldthouse, both of whom were exceptional multi-instrumentalists.
David Lindley was a master of stringed instruments who passed away in 2023, Lindley's background was in American folk and bluegrass music. He was a champion fiddle and banjo player, and his virtuosity on electric guitar became a hallmark of the band's sound and of his future career.
Solomon Feldthouse was raised partly in Turkey, he brought an extensive knowledge of Middle Eastern and Eastern European music to the band. He played a vast collection of exotic instruments, including the saz, bouzouki, and oud, whatever they are.
Rounding out the original lineup were Chris Darrow (who also played a variety of stringed instruments), Chester Crill (who used various pseudonyms like "Fenrus Epp" and "Max Buda"), and drummer John Vidican.
Kaleidoscope's sound was a "melting pot" of genres. They fused psychedelic rock with folk, blues, country, and world music, creating a sound that was unlike any of their contemporaries. Their live shows were known for being a spectacle, sometimes featuring belly dancers and flamenco dancers apparently.
Their experimental approach, particularly their long, improvisational jams and their use of non-traditional instruments, earned them a cult following and the admiration of other musicians.Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page called them his "favourite band of all time."
The band released four studio albums on Epic Records during their active period, the first two of which were groundbreaking.
Side Trips (1967): Their debut, showcasing their diverse instrumentation and eclectic mix of blues, folk, and psychedelia. It includes standout tracks like "Egyptian Gardens" and "Oh Death."
A Beacon from Mars (1968): This album delved deeper into psychedelic improvisation, with the epic 12-minute title track being a prime example of their sonic exploration. Really far out stuff.
The last two albums were Incredible! Kaleidoscope (1969), Bernice (1970)
After the band's dissolution in 1970, the members embarked on successful solo careers and collaborations.
David Lindley became one of the most respected session musicians in the industry, working with artists like Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, and Ry Cooder. He also had a successful solo career with his band El Rayo-X. Chris Darrow joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and also became a noted session musician and solo artist. Chester Crill continued to work in music and art.
Though they never achieved widespread commercial success, Kaleidoscope is now recognized as a highly innovative and influential band. Their adventurous music and fusion of disparate genres are seen as a precursor to modern world music and jam band scenes. They were trailblazers.
