LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

• Edition: First official release of previously unreleased 1969 recordings
• Source: Original master tapes
• Artwork: Silver-foil cover artwork by Fez Moreno
• Packaging: Includes an insert with liner notes by original member Richard “Hombre” Price and a download card

Evaluations uncovers a remarkable lost chapter in the development of American psychedelic and Southern rock. Recorded in Jacksonville during April 1969, the album remained unreleased after The 2nd Coming were unable to pay the studio bill. The master tapes were left in storage and did not return to the musicians until decades later.

The line-up featured guitarist Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt, who later joined Iron Butterfly and co-founded Captain Beyond; organist Reese Wynans, later associated with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe Bonamassa; bassist Richard “Hombre” Price; and drummers Monty Young and John Meeks. Their music grew from the same late-1960s Florida scene that produced musicians connected with the Allman Brothers Band.

Heavy guitar riffs, swirling Hammond organ, two-drummer rhythms and extended improvisation place the recordings somewhere between hard psychedelia, blues rock and the emerging Southern jam sound. Alongside compact original songs, the album includes an atmospheric interpretation of “For What It’s Worth / Season Of The Witch,” the extended instrumental “Roller” and two revealing bonus performances.

Restored from the original master tapes and finally given its first official release, Evaluations is an important archival discovery for listeners of Captain Beyond, Iron Butterfly, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, the Allman Brothers and vintage American heavy psych.

Track listing:

Side A
1. Evaluation – 3:36
2. Medulla Oblangta – 2:38
3. Back Where You Belong – 4:23
4. No Pretty Colors – 3:50
5. Made Me Love – 4:51

Side B
1. Shufflebored – 4:13
2. For What It’s Worth / Season Of The Witch – 5:23
3. Roller – 7:54
4. Funk In 5/4 – 5:39
5. Shoot That Load Boogie (Live 1969) – 17:35