Wow! This is a great find for all fans of the Ozark Mtn Daredeveils! When I was searching for other available shows from 'The Daredevils', I came across this blog 'Tell it to the Devil's Lost Classics' that featured, not just a very early show from OMD, but their very first gig as a band, at the New Bijou Theater, Springfield MO in early 1971! How cool is that? How often do you get the chance to actually hear the very first gig from a classic band? In fact, at this stage they weren't actually even a band yet, just a group of guys that had recently started hangin' out and playing together. Steve Canaday, the owner of the New Bijou, needed a last-minute replacement for a band that had cancelled, and he had heard of this group of local musicians that had recently started playing together, so he gave them a call. They didn't have a name yet, but since they were being called in as an 'emergency' replacement, they dubbed themselves 'The Emergency Band'. As for the show itself, given the spontaneous nature of the circumstances, it's of remarkably good quality. They already had several of the songs that would make it onto their albums over the next few years, as well as several other new songs that never would be released. Even at this stage, they show much of the cross-genre styles and songs that would be their trademark and strength, ranging from country, pop, folk, and rock to jazz (There also are some extended jams or songs that go on a bit too long here, but that was probably because they were short on material and needed to fill the set). The recording quality is also amazingly good for this type of show, quite clean and clear throughout. After this they would become regulars at the New Bijou, until they made it big a couple years later. A true must-have for anyone that is a fan of this fine group. So, definitely check it out. I have no idea where they got this, but much thanks to the 'Tell It To The Devil' blog (now defunct).
Tracklist:
01. Fly Away Home
02. Walkin' Down the Road
03. Satisfied Mind
04. Rhythm of Joy
05. Throw Away The Cahins
06. Rain Bird
07. Wild Parrots
08. Road To Glory
09. Because I Love You
10. Running Away
11. You Know Like I Know
12. Season of the Witch (Donovan Cover)
13. Evening Skies
New Link! Updated 12/05/23
Ozark_Mtn_Daredevils_Emergency_Band_First_Gig.rar
As previously posted, OMD also has an official web site, where you can buy all their official CDs and merchandise at reasonable prices (http://www.ozarkdaredevils.com/). Many of the original lineup have gotten back together to do occasional
shows and small tours over the years, and have even recently put out a new album (updated 2020).
