Papa Bear's Medicine Show - At The Retinal Circus (live) 1968

First time on CD (in 2003) for this legendary band that existed from 1967-1969. Their only album was actually a bootleg, made in 1970 in an edition of 105 copies. This is different material entirely from that original album, recorded in 1968 in Vancouver's main psychedelic venue, the Retinal Circus. Good soundboard sound and music in the vein of the Doors, Lovin' Spoonful with a touch of old timely music thrown in.

Papa Bear's, as they were commonly called, were a good time band that borrowed form previous eras, coming off like a cross between Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks and the New Vaudeville Band. Rhythm guitarist/banjoist Craig Wood was "Papa Bear". They had some very serious musicians in their ranks, including drummer Kat Hendrickse, who would play on countless sessions and groups coming out of Vancouver, including Tom Northcott and Heart. Organist Robbie King is one of the kingpins in the Vancouver music scenes, with considerable talent on his instrument and as an arranger/producer.
 Lead guitarist John Murray played wonderful inventive guitar in a large range of styles. I had the privilege of being in his circle of friends, and jammed with him and his brother and drummer Pete, another excellent musician. John Murray would start another long playing Vancouver band after leaving Papa Bear's. Called Weather, they were club regulars in Western Canada for well over a decade.
Their other secret weapon was "The Golden Voice", or "Den Gyldne Stemme" in his native Danish. He sang European songs and played the accordion and told jokes, reminding me a bit of Victor Borge.
PBMS played all the important gigs, and got to open the show for visiting headliners during their short time (1967-1970 by my memory). They released at least one single on Capitol Records, and did a 4 song EP for CBC, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. They also released a couple of singles on 6th Avenue Records, the future Mushroom Studios.
Live you could expect a banjo driven "Alabama Bound", a funky "Slo Moshun", or the beautiful ballad "Golden Girl", which was released as a single, and re-recorded for the "Benefit" album.
Craig Wood hosted a half hour music-variety show called "Banjo Parlor" in the early 1970s.
There is a limited edition 12" vinyl album released in the late 1990s, but it is very hard (and expensive) to get.

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