Long before the term ‘Americana’ was likely used, some of it’s seeds were being planted in Ann Arbor Michigan. Out of a friendship forged in a fraternity kitchen at the University of Michigan arose a band, eventually known as Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen. That was in 1963 and the Commander was at that time known only as George Frayne. The Commander Cody name was taken from a 1950 move starring Kristen Coffen as Kommando Kody.  They were billed with many of the huge bands of the day, including The Greatful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, Jefferson Airplane and the Doors.  Some of their more famous songs include I’m Down To Stems And Seeds Again and the 1972 hit Hot Rod Lincoln.  Rolling Stone Magazine named their 1974 album Live From Deep In The Heart Of Texas as one of the 100 All Time Best Albums. The bands history could cover pages as could a list of the musicians who moved through it’s ranks.  Today’s incarnation consists of The Commander, (piano and lead vocals),Steve Barbuto (drums/vocals), Rick Mullen (bass) and Mark Emerick, (lead guitar and vocals).  Ann Arbor also saw the birth of Blind Pig Records in the back of a blues club of the same name, in 1977. Blind Pig has grown to be a prominent label in the blues world, and is releasing the new Commander Cody cd, Dopers Drunks and Everyday Losers on April 21.  This is the first Cody studio release in 20 years.

Well, even after 40 some years The Commander can still rock!  Apparently the 60’s haven’t worn off either.  The disc includes covers of Roll Yer Own and Last Call for Alcohol as well as a updated versions of their classic Seeds And Stems Again as well as Wine Do Yer Stuff. The pounding boogie-woogie piano of Frayne dominates the high energy music. Guest vocalist Circe Link showcases her great voice on Seeds and Stems Again. The disc ends whimsically with the No No Song made popular by Ringo Starr.

Frayne doesn’t limit his artistic expression with music alone.  He holds a masters degree in sculpture and painting from the University of Michigan. One of his paintings is featured at the top of this review.  You can see more of his artwork and learn more at www.commandercody.com.

In addition to this new disc from Commander Cody, Blind Pig is also releasing new music by guitar virtuoso Roy Rogers and roots rocker Webb Wilder on April 21.  Happy listening!

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