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I've got to admit that I had never heard of the GoldeBriars before I
got this e-book (Sure I had heard of Curt Boettcher), so I had no idea
what to expect. Before I started reading I watched the film clip that is
included of their 1964 performance on ABC Hootenanny Show to get an idea
of their music. The first thing I thought after viewing it, "They
sound just like The Mamas & The Papas! But wait - this was early
1964, before John Phillips trademark sound with The Mamas & The
Papas!" So, I was intrigued and hooked. This book contains Dotti's
story of the band, complete with diary entries from the time, scrapbook
pictures and drawings, as well as "where are they know" info.
While the GoldeBriars only lasted between February 1963 and June
1965, they left a lasting influence on The Mamas & & The Papas,
but also the "sunshine pop" bands that would follow. During
their short tenure as a band, the core members included: Curt Boettcher,
Ron Neilson, Dotti Holmberg & Sheri Holmberg. There would be many
lineup changes as the band developed from the 'standard' folk lineup to
eventually adding electric instruments and a drummer. At one time even
Beatles' manager Brian Epstein expressed interest in bringing the group
to play in the U.K. Not only did they come up with a unique sound, but
they experimented with fashion styles - at one point all the guys were
wearing earrings! This was waaaay before it was "trendy" to do
so.
The GoldeBriars were the link between early '60s folk music and
"Sunshine Pop", as evidenced by Cass Elliot's statement to
Keith Olsen: "We (The Mamas & The Papas) stole the
GoldeBriars's sound." The break-up of the band in June 1965 is a
little hazy in the story - you feel that there is something that
happened that isn't completely told. It must have been something big,
with the impending release of their all-important 3rd album (and the one
they were really trying to put some commercial hits on).
While this e-book is a very interesting read, you are left wanting
more information! How did the band's sound evolve? What actually led to
the breakup? It is a tantalizing tease to (hopefully) a full-blown, in
depth biography of the band. If you want to reevaluate your knowledge of
"Sunshine Pop" of the '60s, check out this book and stop
thinking of The Mamas & The Papas as the group that kicked it off.
Although the group lasted only a little more than two years and never
had a major hit, The GoldeBriars influence was substantial.
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"The
GoldeBriars' Story-Whatever Happened to Jezebel?" (E-book)