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Originally privately released in 1968, Song Of A Gypsy has become one of the most celebrated and elusive American psychedelic albums of its era. Pressed in tiny quantities on Damon's own Ankh label and barely distributed at the time, original copies have since become prized collector's pieces, while the music itself has developed an equally formidable reputation among fans of underground psych.
Behind Damon was California singer and songwriter David Del Conte, whose highly individual style combined psychedelic rock, Eastern-flavoured melodies and an unusually intimate, mystical atmosphere. Fuzz guitar, finger cymbals, hand percussion and Damon's haunting vocal delivery create a sound that feels simultaneously fragile, exotic and deeply psychedelic.
After spending time performing around Southern California during the early 1960s, Damon eventually moved away from the conventional club circuit. During a period in Big Sur, an encounter with George Harrison and Ravi Shankar helped inspire the distinctive five-string guitar approach and Eastern elements that became central to the album's sound. Guitarist Charlie Carey and a small circle of musicians joined Damon for the recordings.
The title track immediately establishes the record's hypnotic character, while Poor Poor Genie, Don't You Feel Me and Did You Ever combine dreamlike vocals with piercing fuzz guitar and unusual percussion. The second side continues the atmosphere through the nocturnal The Night, the beautifully melodic I Feel Your Love and the reflective closing track Road Of Life.
Rediscovered years after its original release, Song Of A Gypsy is now regarded as a cornerstone of private-press psychedelic music: strange, heartfelt and completely unlike the work of most contemporary bands.
Tracklist:
Side A
A1. Song Of A Gypsy
A2. Poor Poor Genie
A3. Don't You Feel Me
A4. Did You Ever
A5. Funky Funky Blues
Side B
B1. Do You
B2. The Night
B3. I Feel Your Love
B4. Birds Fly So High
B5. Road Of Life
