Sugarloaf rarities 1971-1977

Sugarloaf rarities 1971-1977

Sugarloaf was Denver’s “supergroup” of the classic-rock era, the best players on the scene coming together for “Green-Eyed Lady,” one of the giant hits of 1970. In recent years, guitarist Bob Webber, a founding member of the band, launched Sugarloaf Canyon Productions, a new Colorado studio. A highly skilled recording and mix engineer, he has used state-of-the-art digital software to provide CoME with significant audio glimpses into what was going on inside and outside of the Sugarloaf sphere from 1971 to 1977.

Sugarloaf

Them Changes/Inner City Blues/Peter Gunn Theme

A recently discovered tape recorded at a concert in Odessa, Texas during the 1975 Sugarloaf tour was restored and remastered for vinyl by original member Bob Webber. The complete digital version of the “Them Changes”/“Inner City Blues”/“Peter Gunn Theme” medley features Myron Pollock’s ripping drum solo, always a highlight of the band’s sets.

Sugarloaf

Communication

After “Green-Eyed Lady” peaked on the charts, Sugarloaf added singer, guitarist and composer Bob Yeazel for an adventurous second album, Spaceship Earth, and continued touring for 18 months. At some point the song “Communication”—credited to Yeazel, Ron Morgan and Jimmy Greenspoon (of Three Dog Night)—was recorded but never released.

Jerry Corbetta

I Got a Song

In 1977, Sugarloaf frontman Jerry Corbetta played a showcase gig at the Complex in Denver, with record company talent scouts in the audience. His performance of “I Got a Song”—the title track from Sugarloaf’s third album, recorded on the failing Brut label a few years prior—featured one of his best vocal performances, honed at that point by months of touring.

Chalk & Webber

Hot Rod Lincoln/It Doesn’t Matter Anymore

A Denver East High School grad, Gene Chalk played in many Denver-based ’60s bands—including All Over the Road, the Soul Survivors and the Esquires—before he and Bob Webber joined with Denny Flannigan and Bob MacVittie to form the short-lived Beggars Opera Company. Post-Sugarloaf, Chalk & Webber worked as a duo. Chalk passed away in 2009.

Beggars Opera Co.

Strange True Love

From the Esquires and the Vaqueros to the Poor and the New Moonrakers, the best players from Colorado bands mixed and matched until the consummate lineup emerged in Sugarloaf. In 1967, Denny Flannigan, Bob Webber and Bob MacVittie of the Moonrakers teamed with Gene Chalk from the Soul Survivors, forming the short-lived Beggars Opera Co.

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