The Tangerine Zoo
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 in Swansea, Massachusetts, United States |
| Headquarters | Swansea , United States |
| Products | Psychedelic rock music, albums, singles |
The Tangerine Zoo was a psychedelic rock group originating from Swansea, Massachusetts in 1966. They were integral to Boston’s psychedelic movement and the Bosstown Sound, achieving regional acclaim and issuing two albums under the Mainstream Records label. Although they received an invitation to perform at the Woodstock Festival, they chose not to participate. Their music has since been rediscovered and appreciated by collectors of 1960s psychedelic rock.
History
Robert "Benny" Benevides (lead guitar), Tony Taveira (bass guitar), and Donald Smith (drums) initially played together in the garage rock outfit the Ebb Tides, which was formed in 1966. The Ebb Tides gained local recognition and released the single "My Baby's Gone" with a B-side cover of "Summertime" on Arco Records. Following internal conflicts, the band dissolved, prompting Benevides, Taveira, and Smith to establish the Flower Pot, marking a transition toward psychedelic rock.
They expanded their lineup by adding Ron Medeiros (keyboards, harmonica) and Wayne Gagnon, who had previously collaborated with Taveira in the Rockin' Teens. Immersed in Boston’s burgeoning psychedelic scene, their music incorporated Hammond organ and fuzz guitar effects, positioning them for broader success. In 1967, they auditioned for Mercury, RCA Victor, and Mainstream Records; ultimately, Mainstream extended a contract covering both a single and an album, which they accepted. As part of this agreement, they adopted the name Tangerine Zoo.
Their debut album, titled Tangerine Zoo, was issued in February 1968 and included seven original compositions alongside a notable six-minute rendition of Them’s "Gloria". Though their version of "One Is the Loneliest Number" was never officially released by them, it later became a national hit for Three Dog Night in 1969. The track "Nature's Children" was covered locally by the Kidds and featured on Pebbles, Volume 10. To support their album release, Tangerine Zoo performed at key Boston venues such as the Boston Tea Party, sharing stages with prominent acts including Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, and the Amboy Dukes.
Promoted as part of the commercially driven Bosstown Sound alongside groups like Ultimate Spinach and Beacon Street Union, Tangerine Zoo experienced lineup changes when Taveira departed prior to their second album. In 1969, they turned down an invitation to play at Woodstock due to other obligations. The band ultimately disbanded in 1970 amid creative disagreements. Subsequently, Gagnon joined Wadsworth Mansion, which achieved a Top 10 hit with "Sweet Mary" in 1971. The Tangerine Zoo briefly reunited during 1988, 1990, and 1993.
Singles
- "One More Heartache" b/w "Trip to the Zoo" - Mainstream Records (682), 1968
- "Like People (Part 1)" b/w "Like People (Part 2)" - Mainstream Records (690), 1968
Albums
- Tangerine Zoo - Mainstream Records (56107), 1968
- Outside Looking In - Mainstream Records (S-6116), 1968