AUTUMN PEOPLE

Autumn People were based in Phoenix Arizona and released one album in 1976. According to drummer Steve Barraza the band were the most popular group in Phoenix at that time, and had extensive live activity that saw them playing clubs and ballrooms coast to coast. One of the band's friends from the period posting as Gregg in a music blog noted that they were always on the road between Texas and California, and that "Larry Clark was one of the two best guitarists I have ever heard live, always very quiet and always amazing! The group did all sort of music live, Progressive, Pop hits and even cabaret, putting on one of the best live shows ever." It was mentioned that they had almost secured an opening slot for Styx at one point only to have it fall through.

What we have here is a sincere local/regional act which possessed a fair amount of talent, especially guitarist Clark and drummer Barranza. I'm certain Gregg is correct that the band was much better live than on this album. But the Autumn People album is really of interest to prog-rock collectors and specifically those with an interest in somewhat cheesy 70s hard rock with proggy dressing. The band seems to be combining elements of groups like Wishbone Ash, Kansas, and Styx with a bit of Southern rock and hard rock, but it is a 2nd or 3rd rate impersonation at best, sorry to be harsh. There is a bit of progressive rock influence in the keyboards and arrangements, but only a bit. We're treated to some decent guitar playing as mentioned and some tight drumming, with a few lengthy instrumental passages here and there. The vocals are average at best. There are moments of nice mellotron and flute to give a proggy feel but it always veers back to essentially groovy, dated riff-rock with melodic choruses.

Granted, the poor sound of the Radioactive Records CD issue does not help matters, but there is little in the composition which is memorable. The most interesting thing about Autumn People to me is the band story Gregg and others posted on the net, it's always fun to read about obscure groups and their adventures from those days. This is not horrible music by any means and it might please some, but I can't quite get to a 3 star rating here. Perhaps hearing the original vinyl or a remaster with richer sound would have enhanced the listening. Most of the group continued on in music with other bands and still play.

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