Stray Dog (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 in Texas, United States |
| Defunct | 1975 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | United States, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums |
Stray Dog was a hard rock group from the United States, rooted in blues influences, established in Texas in 1973. They produced two studio albums prior to their breakup in 1975.
Career
The band initially performed under the name "Aphrodite" and moved to Denver, Colorado, where they developed a local following. After meeting Neville Chesters, who had previously managed tours for Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), the group relocated to London. With assistance from Chesters and tour manager Lorenzio Mazzio, Snuffy Walden was introduced to Greg Lake, resulting in a contract with ELP’s label, Manticore Records. During this period, Randy Reeder was replaced by drummer Leslie Sampson. Lake took on production duties for three songs on their 1973 self-titled debut album, Stray Dog, while the band handled production for the remaining tracks.
In March 1973, NME announced that Stray Dog would be opening for ELP on their global tour commencing in Germany.
Their follow-up album, While You're Down There (1974), was co-produced by Austin Godsey alongside the band and included new members Tim Dulaine (guitar and vocals) and Luis Cabaza (keyboards). These lineup changes brought a transition from the original blues-driven power trio format to a more mainstream AOR rock sound. Dulaine became the primary songwriter and lead vocalist, which diminished Snuffy Walden’s contributions. Only two songs retained the style characteristic of their first record.
Before joining Stray Dog, Leslie Sampson was part of the power trio Road with Noel Redding and Rod Richards; they released an album in 1972 on Rare Earth Records. Following Stray Dog’s dissolution, Walden gained recognition as a composer of theme music for American television series such as thirtysomething and The West Wing.
Personnel
- W. G. Snuffy Walden – lead vocals, guitar
- Alan Roberts – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
- Leslie Sampson – drums and percussion
- Tim Dulaine – guitar, lead vocals
- Luis Cabaza – keyboards, backing vocals
- Randy Reeder – drums, backing vocals
Guest musicians
- John "Rabbit" Bundrick – piano, organ
- Mel Collins – flute
Discography
- Stray Dog (1973)
- While You're Down There (1974)
- Fasten Your Seat Belts (1993)
- Live from the Whiskey a Go-Go (March 15, 1975) (2010)