Pure Food and Drug Act (band)
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Don "Sugarcane" Harris |
| Defunct | 1973 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Pure Food and Drug Act Recognized in both The All Music Guide to the Blues and the Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music, this American blues rock ensemble was established in the early 1970s by Don "Sugarcane" Harris. The initial roster featured Paul Lagos handling drums, Larry Taylor on bass guitar, and Randy Resnick as the guitarist. Resnick was pioneering innovative one- and two-handed tapping guitar techniques that would eventually become widely adopted by players.
While pursuing a recording contract, the group performed at intimate Los Angeles venues such as the Troubadour and the Ash Grove. During this timeframe, Taylor became disillusioned with Don's habitual tardiness and departed to join John Mayall. To enhance the band's appeal and solidify its lineup, Harvey Mandel, noted for collaborations with Charlie Musselwhite, Canned Heat, and Mayall, was brought on board. The new bassist, Victor Conte, recruited from the funk ensemble Common Ground, later contributed to Tower of Power and Herbie Hancock's Monster Band.
Their only album, Choice Cuts, was a live recording made in Seattle in 1972 but did not achieve significant commercial traction. Due to Don's inconsistent attendance, rehearsals were sporadic; live performances often featured lengthy solos and improvisational segments, with some tracks extending beyond 20 minutes. Following multiple personnel adjustments, the band dissolved a few years after releasing their album.