Dillard & Clark

Last updated
Dillard & Clark
Origin Los Angeles, California, United States
Genres
Years active1968 (1968)–1969 (1969)
Labels A&M
Past members Gene Clark
Doug Dillard

Dillard & Clark was a country rock collaboration between ex-Byrds member Gene Clark and bluegrass banjo player Doug Dillard. [1]

Contents

History

Their collaboration began in 1968, shortly after Clark departed the Byrds and Dillard left the Dillards. [1] They were considered part of the Southern California country-rock scene in the late 1960s, along with Poco, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Michael Nesmith and the First National Band, Rick Nelson & The Stone Canyon Band, and the latter-day Byrds. [2]

Their first album The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark was released in 1968 on A&M. [3] Recording personnel included Clark (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica), Dillard (banjo, fiddle, guitar), Bernie Leadon (vocals, lead guitar, bass, banjo), David Jackson (bass), Don Beck (mandolin, resonator guitar), with guests Chris Hillman (mandolin), Byron Berline (fiddle), and Andy Belling (harpsichord). [1] Most of the songs were written by Clark, Dillard, and Leadon. Drummer Michael Clarke assisted with a few early live performances. [4]

The album is praised by connoisseurs for its iconic quality and innovative character, at the intersection of country rock and americana.

The duo's only other album, Through the Morning, Through the Night , was released in 1969. [1] Donna Washburn (guitar, vocals) joined the group, and Bernie Leadon departed to co-found the Eagles (in 1971). [1] Further band members were Berline, Jackson, and Jon Corneal (drums). Leadon, Hillman, and Sneaky Pete Kleinow (pedal steel guitar) made guest appearances.

After his work with Dillard, Gene Clark resumed a solo career. [1] Dillard kept performing as Doug Dillard & The Expedition for a short time, but soon pursued his own solo career. Byron Berline went on to form the Country Gazette with guitarist/bassist Roger Bush.

Discography

Albums

Date of Official ReleaseTitleLabelRecording Date
October 1968
A&M
1968
August 1969
A&M
1969

[1]

Singles

Compilations

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<i>The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark</i> 1968 studio album by Dillard & Clark

The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark is a country rock album by Dillard & Clark. The album was recorded in 1968, shortly after Gene Clark departed the Byrds for the second time, and Doug Dillard left the Dillards. The album is hailed by critics and musicians as a unique masterpiece at the intersection of country rock and Americana.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gene Clark discography</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bernie Leadon discography</span>

Bernie Leadon is an American musician and songwriter. In addition to his solo album and recordings with Eagles, Hearts & Flowers, Dillard & Clark, and the Flying Burrito Brothers, he has been featured as a performer and composer on many albums by other artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doug Dillard</span> Musical artist

Douglas Flint Dillard was an American musician noted for his banjo proficiency and his pioneering participation in late-60s country rock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doug Dillard discography</span>

Doug Dillard is an American bluegrass banjo player. In addition to his solo albums and recordings with the Dillards and Dillard & Clark, he has been featured as a performer and composer on numerous albums by other artists.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 374/5. ISBN   1-85227-745-9.
  2. Roberts, Randall (May 18, 2012). "Dillard & Clark: Celebrating an unsung L.A. country rock classic". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  3. Curtis, Jill (June 11, 1969). "The Fantastic Expedition Of Dillard and Clark". The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  4. staff writer (November 30, 2007). "The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark". The Rising Storm. Retrieved June 30, 2017.