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Papa J< lorsonrl s?riT By Jamos Rokosny Qam?cock Staff Writer Wednesday, April 4, 1979, should go down in history as one of the most rewarding evenings in the cultural struggle of Columbia, S.C. The legendary Papa John Creach boogied and jammed his heart out to a most grateful and satisfied audience. Hock and roll history was in our front door Wednesday night. Before the man of the day made his appearance, we were pleasantly entertained by Russell and Johnston, an acoustic-rock trio. Usually 1 get very impatient with the warm-up bands for big name acts, but for once I was impressed. Their easily flowing harmonies and rock-based acoustic guitar work were along the same lines as America, James Taylor, and CSNY. They sang about the highway, California girls, Hilton Head Island and loucnea me souis 01 me crowa wnn a delightful version of James Taylor's "Carolina in My Mind." If they could have the stage to themselves, they would produce a very impressive show. The tension mounted in anticipation of the great Papa John Creach. People began flocking to the stage before the lights were dimmed. By the time the show was over, it was a miracle the crowd ever calmed down. Papa John Creach danced and grinned as he gave us a rare delicacy of rock and roll. He almost appeared to be thanking his fans for being so loyal and apnrAntofiirA pa win tivv. After meeting Papa John Creach, I was in a slight trance. There I was chatting with him and carrying his violin out to the car for one of the most amazing, admirable figures in modern music. It takes a strong love of music and people to keep going for all these years and to still be able to electrify a crowd as few people are n l\l/\ 4 /x #|y\ auic IU uu. Even though he was in a hurry, he managed to give me a few moments to talk with him and his wife Gretchen. He and his band, which is comprised of such excellent musicians as Phil Pollack, keyboards; Walt Barr, lead guitar; Retd King, technician and backing vocals; Brian Rose, drums; and Bryan Tilford, bass, were more than happy to let their fans know they love the people and llin.. ?l :?, c? 11 , Uicjr lUVt'pictyillglUI mem. A member of both Jefferson Spacecrafts and Hot Tuna and now having his own band, Papa John has been actively involved in music from the 1960s right through the '70s. I inquired as to whether he rTh? QAMECOCK ) th? stodant I newepspar at the Unlvarslty of South I Iv-iutina inu is putJiiorieu tnre? umes a I weak on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the (all and spring semesters and onca weakly during tha fall and spring semestors and onca weekly on Thursdays during both summer sessions with the ! exception ol university holidays snd anamination periods. Opinions expressed In the OAMECOCK are those of the editors and not those of tha Unlvarsity of South Carolina. | The University of South Carolina ii an equal opportunity institution. Change of address forms, subscription requests and other correspondence should be sent to the OAMECOCK, Box SS131 Russell House, University of S.C., Columbia, S.C. 2?2W. Subscription rit?i are ?$ par semester and 12 (or tho summer sessions. Third class postage paid at Columbia, SC. }hn Greach fiddle act 1 likec^or disliked the musical trends that are rising now. He said, "I like them. You have to learn to listen to u/hat ic nAw Vni 1 pnn'J liup in tVio ?? V *a AW ?f . A vva VUII V II T V 111 Vliv past; you must progress with the times." He commented, "I know some guys who are out of work because they 're stuck in the '60s.'' From the time he walked on stage to the time he finally left after a second encore, Papa John and his band kept the crowd in a constant foot stomping, hand clapping outrage. It was great to see that this legend was received as he should be. The evening included songs from his most recent album Inphasion, released in 1978 by DJM Records. The title track, a jazz-influenced number, was a real crowd pleaser. "Southern Strut," which features Charlie Daniels on the studio version, displayed Papa John in rare form as he wailed away on his fiddle. A mellow, classical version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz was a surprise and probably the most beautiful song of the evening, as Papa John played his violin as it should be played. We were also blessed with an energy-filled I Make i Fro: I MAN A' ana TV PR igggjm GOULD Sorinchouse. PA 19455 . An lt|u.d Opfjonuntty f-mptoyM t Bhhhh i brinqs nm to campus ^fl|| version of the old Jefferson Starship song "Git Fiddlin" which line most o! the songs, kept the audience dancing and howling. Bryan Tilford is one of the most energetic bass players around. With his catchy base lines and stage theatrics, which included an occasional Chuck Berry shuffle, caught the attention of the crowd in a manner not too familiar of bass players. Nothing bad can be said of the band. It has rhythm, electricity, style, and most importantly, they moved the HSB(r audience. Papa John Creach is a legend, a Hv symbol of the greatness of rock and roll. When men his age are retiring and settling down, Papa juiui Keeps on irucKing ana boogieing. An important lesson can Br be learned from this man. He is W Jr what rock and roll is all about: K r WL good, down to earth, crowd- B $.f M l pleasing, dancing entertainment. Thanks to Contemporary Sounds, WL we received an historical performance which shouldn't have been missed. Papa John showed us HHHHHi all that rock and roll is here to stay. 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