Clear Light
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Psychedelic rock music, one studio album (Clear Light) |
| Parent | Elektra Records |
Clear Light was a psychedelic rock ensemble originating from Los Angeles, California in 1966. They produced a single studio album titled Clear Light, which garnered moderate recognition nationwide prior to their dissolution.
History
Initially known as The Brain Train, the band was managed by Sunset Strip personality Bud Mathis and recorded the single "Black Roses" in 1966. Subsequently, they adopted the name Clear Light—an idea championed by guitarist Bob Seal, who drew inspiration from Eastern spiritual concepts rather than drug culture—and secured a contract with Elektra Records. Management duties were assumed by Paul A. Rothchild, famed producer for The Doors.
The principal lineup consisted of:
- Bob Seal – lead guitar and vocals
- Robbie "The Werewolf" Robison – rhythm guitar and vocals
- Doug Lubahn – bass and vocals
- Dallas Taylor – drums
- Michael Ney – second drummer
- Wolfgang (Wolfe) Dios – songwriter and guitarist
This formation made an appearance in the 1967 motion picture The President's Analyst, with Barry McGuire portraying their lead singer. Eventually, Cliff De Young joined as the frontman and was featured on their only album’s cover art.
During the recording sessions, Rothchild replaced Robison with keyboardist Ralph Schuckett due to dissatisfaction with Robison’s guitar performance.
A pivotal event took place during a show at a Park Avenue venue where aggressive heckling provoked Schuckett to retort sharply; the group then exited the stage, which contributed to their rise in underground popularity.
Their album Clear Light included "Mr. Blue," a psychedelic rendition of a Tom Paxton folk tune that received significant underground radio play. The track, lasting six minutes, interwove spoken word elements with melodic passages and vivid lyrics. The record also featured an updated version of "Black Roses" alongside Bob Seal’s psychedelic folk-rock compositions such as "With All in Mind" and "They Who Have Nothing." Although the album achieved some success in the UK market, it reached only number 126 on the U.S. Billboard charts. Subsequently, Rothchild insisted on Seal’s removal from the band.
Seal was succeeded by former Fug member Danny "Kootch" Kortchmar, and De Young soon exited as well. After initiating work on a follow-up album, Clear Light disbanded in 1968. Two tracks from these sessions—"Darkness of Day" and "What a Difference Love Makes"—were eventually released in 2006, revealing a stylistic shift toward more mainstream influences attributed to Kortchmar.
Aftermath
Cliff De Young pursued a prolific acting career, appearing in over 80 films and television productions. Dallas Taylor, who had previously collaborated with John Sebastian and The Factory, went on to join Crosby, Stills and Nash, Manassas, and the Stephen Stills Band before passing away on January 18, 2015, at age 66 due to complications from viral pneumonia and liver disease.
Ralph Schuckett contributed keyboard work to The Monkees’ single "Porpoise Song" and The Peanut Butter Conspiracy's album For Children of All Ages. He later became part of Todd Rundgren’s band Utopia and established himself as a prominent session musician for television soundtracks. Michael Ney also participated in recordings such as "Porpoise Song" and For Children of All Ages, along with other session projects. Doug Lubahn played bass on multiple albums by The Doors, including Strange Days, Waiting for the Sun, and The Soft Parade. Additionally, he co-wrote Pat Benatar’s hit "Treat Me Right" and performed with Billy Squier’s band. Lubahn passed away on November 20, 2019, aged 71.
Robbie Robison moved to Oregon where he died in 2000.
Bob Seal continued his musical career performing with Gale Garnet and the Gentle Reign, Transatlantic Railroad, and Redlegs. Meanwhile, Danny Kortchmar worked alongside Carole King before embarking on an extensive collaboration with James Taylor.
Albums
- Clear Light, released by Elektra in 1967
Singles
- "Black Roses" backed with "She’s Ready to Be Free," Elektra EK45622, 1967
- "Black Roses" backed with "She's Ready to Be Free," Elektra EKSN45019, 1967 (United Kingdom release)
- "They Who Have Nothing" backed with "Ballad of Freddie and Larry," Elektra 45626, 1967
- "Night Sounds Loud" backed with "How Many Days Have Passed," Elektra EKSN45027, 1968 (exclusive to UK)