Elizabeth (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Defunct | 1970 |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia , United States |
| Products | Psychedelic rock, progressive rock music |
Elizabeth was a psychedelic and progressive rock ensemble from the United States, active between 1967 and 1970, with roots in Philadelphia. Their sound was distinguished by a fusion of baroque, classical, folk, as well as American and British rock, country, and ragtime elements. The lineup featured Steve Weingarten (lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals; deceased 2007), Bob Patterson (rhythm guitar, lead and backing vocals), Jim Dahme (flute, lead and backing vocals), Steve Paul Bruno (bass, organ, backing vocals), and Hank Ransome (drums).
History
The band's debut album, titled Elizabeth, was released in 1968 under Vanguard Records with production by Sam Charters. At that time, Vanguard's artist roster included notable names such as Joan Baez and Buffy Sainte-Marie. Elizabeth shared the stage with influential performers like Cream, Blue Cheer, Joni Mitchell, Ritchie Havens, and The Chambers Brothers. Their live shows in the Philadelphia region took place at venues including The Main Point, The Second Fret, The Electric Factory, and Belmont Plateau Be-INs.
The formation of Elizabeth involved Steve and Robert "Stewkey" Antoni, who initially were traveling to Florida but paused in Philadelphia to assist in founding the band. Among the guitarists who auditioned were Todd Rundgren (then part of Woody's Truck Stop) and Nick Jameson (later founder of The American Dream). Shortly after, Stewkey departed to join Rundgren’s newly formed band The Nazz. Linda Cohen, a classical guitarist from Philadelphia who briefly served as Elizabeth’s first drummer, later partnered with Michael Kac of Mandrake Memorial to create a classical-pop fusion duo. Cohen passed away in 2009 due to lung cancer. Throughout their careers, Mandrake Memorial and Elizabeth frequently performed together.
Post-Elizabethan life
Following the group's dissolution in 1970, members embarked on varied paths both within and outside the music industry. Hank became a member of Good God. Steve pursued a career in recording and engineering, working initially at Vanguard and Electric Lady Studios. Bob moved to Florida where he continued his work as a singer, songwriter, storyteller, and visual artist. Linda Cohen produced three albums between 1971 and 1973 under the guidance of Craig Anderton from Mandrake Memorial. Stewkey contributed to three albums with The Nazz from 1968 to 1971.
In 2000, Elizabeth’s original album was remastered from the initial tapes and reissued on CD by Akarma Vanguard with packaging that replicated the original foldout cover design. The song "You Should Be More Careful" was included in Vanguard’s 2010 vinyl compilation Follow Me Down: Vanguard's Lost Psychedelic Era (1966-1970), alongside tracks by The Vagrants, The 31st of February, and other artists.
Band members
- Steve Weingarten – lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
- Bob Patterson – rhythm guitar (6- and 12-string), lead and backing vocals
- Jim Dahme – flute, lead and backing vocals
- Steve Paul Bruno – bass guitar, Hammond B-3 organ, backing vocals
- Hank Ransome – drums, percussion
Elizabeth
- LP: Vanguard Records VSD-6501, Stereo, 1968
- CD: Akarma Vanguard VMD-6501, Stereo, 2000 (remastered edition)
- Produced by Sam Charters for Vanguard Records
- Compositions by Weingarten (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6); Patterson (2, 5, 8, 10); Dahme (9); co-written by Weingarten & Dahme (7)