Circus Maximus (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Founder | Bob Bruno, Jerry Jeff Walker |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Psychedelic rock music |
Circus Maximus was a U.S. band active in the late 1960s, known for merging elements of folk music, rock, and jazz to create a psychedelic rock sound.
History
Initially formed in 1967 under the name Lost Sea Dreamers by Bob Bruno and Jerry Jeff Walker, the group adopted the name Circus Maximus following Vanguard Records' suggestion to eliminate any drug culture connotations linked to "LSD." Their debut self-titled album featured Bruno's composition "Wind," which achieved modest success on progressive FM radio stations across the United States and was praised for its unique musical style.
In December 1967, Circus Maximus collaborated with early music group New York Pro Musica for a series of "Electric Christmas" concerts. These performances combined adaptations of medieval and Renaissance music with original works by Bruno. Although the arrangements were inventive, critics offered mixed feedback, highlighting a lack of cohesion between classical and popular music audiences.
By mid-1968, differing artistic directions caused the band to dissolve. Following the split, Walker focused on folk performances at venues such as the Bitter End, sharing stages with artists including Joni Mitchell. Bassist Gary White went on to compose Linda Ronstadt's initial solo hit, "Long, Long Time." Bruno gravitated toward jazz, collaborating with Noah Howard and participating in the New York Free Jazz Festival; he appears on Noah Howard Live at the Village Vanguard released by Freedom Records.
Music critic Robert Shelton cited their 1968 album Neverland Revisited as an example of the broad range present in contemporary rock music.
Members
- Jerry Jeff Walker, rhythm guitar and vocals (credited as "Jerry Walker" on debut album; passed away October 23, 2020)
- Bob Bruno, lead guitar, organ, piano, vocals
- David Scherstrom, drums (June 28, 1946 – February 1, 2017)
- Gary White, bass guitar
- Peter Troutner, vocals, tambourine, occasional guitar (deceased January 11, 2008)
Albums
- Circus Maximus, Vanguard VRS-9260 (mono) / VSD-79260 (stereo) (1967)
Includes tracks such as: "Travelin' Around" (Bruno), "Lost Sea Shanty" (Walker), "Oops, I Can Dance" (Walker), and "You Know I've Got The Rest Of My Life To Go" (Bruno), among others.
- Neverland Revisited, Vanguard VSD-79274 (1968)
Features songs like: "Hello Baby" (Bruno), "How's Your Sky, Straight Guy Spy" (Bruno), "Come Outside, Believe In It" (Walker), "Parallel" (Bruno), and "Hansel and Gretel" (Walker).
References
- Allen Hughes, "Pro Musica et Circus Maximus To Meet in 14th-Century France; Romanesca Variant Multimedia Collage", The New York Times, December 15, 1967.
- Theodore Strongin, "Contemporary Classical Disks Rising; 'Catholicity of Taste' Pioneer Disk Top Seller", The New York Times, December 20, 1967.
- Harold C. Schonberg, "Like Ahab in Quest of the White Whale", New York Times, December 24, 1967.
- Donal Henahan, "Noel Plugged in at Carnegie Hall: Pro Musica Collaborates With Electric Circus", The New York Times, December 27, 1967.
- Robert Shelton, "Singer-Songwriters Are Making a Comeback", The New York Times, July 5, 1968.
- Robert Shelton, "The Best of Rock: A Discography", The New York Times, November 24, 1968.