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lunes, 2 de diciembre de 2019

SPACEARK ‎– SPACEARK IS ( 1978 ),ONE OF THE TOP OF THE TOP SOUL ALBUMS.WITH FULL INFO OF THE BAND. SPACEARK ‎– SPACEARK ( 1975 ),FABULOUS SOUL ( PUT BAD RUSSELL GREENE ).WITH JARED STEWART, KENNY CHAVIS...As a result, SpaceArk went forward and created their own self-financed record and promotion company. For 5 years, SpaceArk worked diligently, rehearsing, recording and playing live. They self-produced 2 full length albums and released 45rpm singles. Troy also managed other artists signed to Colorworld, SpaceArk's independent record label. Unfortunately, the times were not favorable, and after years of dedicated effort (and with some personnel changes along the way), in early 1979 Peter Alan Silberg left SpaceArk and the group ceased to exist. For a short time Troy assembled other musicians who performed his own solo compositions, but they sounded nothing like the original SpaceArk ensemble, no recordings were released, and the group didn't last long. Factors which led to some of the original group members leaving SpaceArk were Troy's sometime hard edged management style (well known to all), his efforts to market other artists at the same time as SpaceArk, and a lack of monetary success. In 1979, after a lengthy period of the group not performing live Peter left and dissolved his partnership with Troy. SpaceArk's dream was over....

Spaceark

by Spaceark

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Welcome To My Door 00:00 / 03:22

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

  £4.99 GBP  or more



  •  


    • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    Includes unlimited streaming of Spaceark via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 2 days

      £17.99 GBP or more 



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    • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Includes unlimited streaming of Spaceark via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 2 days

      £7.99 GBP or more 

    •  


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    about

    Brilliant self-released, private-press jazz/soul LP from 1975, recorded at Sunset Sound studios in LA.

    This is the super-rare debut album from SpaceArk, a band of brothers on an interstellar voyage to discover “electrifying new sounds”. It’s another one of those private press treasures – a dynamic group of talents seizing the moment and making magic in an astounding 12-hour turnaround at the legendary Sunset Sound studios.

    credits

    released October 26, 2018

    Official Mr Bongo reissue with liner notes by Amar Patel. Licensed direct from Peter Silberg. 

    Spaceark ‎– Spaceark

    Label:
    Color World ‎– CW1001
    Format:
    Vinyl, LP, Album
    Country:
    US
    Released:
    1975
    Genre:
    Jazz, Funk / Soul
    Style:
    Soul

    Tracklist Hide Credits

    A1 Welcome To My Door
    Written-By – Silberg*, Raglin*
    		 3:22
    A2 Our Love Will Last
    Written-By – Greene*, Raglin*
    		 3:53
    A3 I'm Walking
    Written-By – Silberg*, Raglin*
    		 4:17
    A4 Do What You Can Do
    Written-By – Reed*, Greene*
    		 3:08
    A5 This World
    Written-By – Austin*, Raglin*
    		 3:28
    B1 Everybody's Trying
    Written-By – Raglin*
    		 2:54
    B2 Understand
    Written-By – Silberg*, Raglin*
    		 2:56
    B3 Fever Pitch
    Written-By – Silberg*, Greene*, Raglin*
    		 2:56
    B4 I'm Only Me
    Written-By – Reed*, Silberg*, Greene*, Raglin*
    		 2:38
    B5 Jr. Blaster
    Written-By – Austin*, Raglin*
    		 2:56

    Companies, etc.

    Credits

    Notes

    1975 release, private pressing originally in plain white sleeve with spaceark sticker on front, tracklist and label stickers on rear (actually re-used from the 8-track cassette version), folded lyric insert and coupon for a free Spaceark poster.
    Used as a promotional LP, though not marked as such.

    Later with 12' x 12" black & white back and front paste-on slicks on top of card sleeves. Labels the same.

    released prior to Spaceark Is which came out in 1978.


    https://mrbongo.bandcamp.com/album/spaceark-is


    Spaceark Is

    by Spaceark

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    nicholas hamnett thumbnail
    nicholas hamnett Sometimes you need to put on an album that is easy on the ears and
    calming for the spirit.The kind of funky soul music that would set the perfect background for a dinner date...a red rose, candles, a warm crackling fire...

    Those were things that anyone who grew up in the 70's was familiar with, times when the romantic meal with that someome special was the thing itself, those unrecorded, in the flesh moments; not the selfies of you doing it, beautified pictures of food, pictures of gleaming forks in gaping, botoxed mouths, that turn the warmth of true interaction into yet another souless commercial opportunity for your fictional self to later (or with spell-breaking simultaneity) bore your friends with on WhatsApp.
    This album is less love-of-self than love of the fleeting togetherness moment.

    This is the kind of music that the cool cat in a blaxploitation movie might have slid on whilst entertaining.I heard it as a kid, but it was adult music, and I was too young to appreciate the paradoxes of love, or music like this, with its simple yet sophisticated charms.

    This sense of 1970's mystique was only enhanced by the fact that, I like most, had never heard of these guys.

    I'd wait for a dinner date to put this on, but that will probably never happen as I'm a monogamist and the presence of the said third party anti-social media gooseberry would just ruin it for me.

    The Spaceark IS cover, is already up on my wall. It also captures the 70's flavour, but with a brilliant futuristic image that seems to have been informed by the Sci-fi design vision of the great Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, with a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright.Film posters are very collectable and this cover makes me think that one day original album art will be just as highly valued in itself.

    Spaceark are simply one of the coolest bands I have ever heard.For sophisticated laid back coolness, I've never heard better.

    If you like this album, you should definately check out Spaceark's first release on here, too.All of the above comments apply equally well to that album, and it is worth every penny, if only for the priceless line: "some people smoke dope, some people have hope!" Which is as amusing in it's way as Roky Erikson's "Jesus is not a hallucinogenic mushroom..." on his brilliant album: True Love Cast Out All Evil.

    Any slight criticism I have of Spaceark's first album, is of some the of outros: just when you think that all the love they've built up is going to caress you into a warm and gentle "...goodnight" you're dumped, abrubtly, as by an Ice Queen. Favorite track: Sexy Lady.

    Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.


    Spaceark ‎– Spaceark Is

    Label:
    Color World ‎– CW-78-1-403
    Format:
    Vinyl, LP, Album
    Country:
    US
    Released:
    1978
    Genre:
    Funk / Soul
    Style:
    Soul

    Tracklist Hide Credits

    A1 Sweet Hitch Hiker
    Written-By – T. Raglin*
    		 5:40
    A2 Take Her Out Dancing
    Written By – C. McAllisterWritten-By – T. Raglin*
    		 6:37
    A3 Sexy Lady
    Written-By – P. Silberg*, T. Raglin*
    		 5:42
    B1 Ja More Mon Amore (I Love My Love)
    Written-By – P. Silberg*, T. Raglin*
    		 4:51
    B2 Phantom Lover
    Written By – C. McAllisterWritten-By – T. Raglin*
    		 4:54
    B3 Each Song
    Written-By – T. Raglin*
    		 7:42

    Companies, etc.

    Credits

    Spaceark ‎– Spaceark

    Label:
    Creole Stream Music ‎– CSMCD-316
    Format:
    CD, Album, Reissue, Papersleeve
    Country:
    Japan
    Released:
    19 Feb 2012
    Genre:
    Jazz, Funk / Soul
    Style:
    Soul

    Tracklist

    1 Everybody's Trying
    2 Understand
    3 Fever Pitch
    4 I'm Only Me
    5 Jr. Blaster
    6 Welcome To My Door
    7 Our Love Will Last
    8 I'm Walking
    9 Do What You Can Do
    10 This World
    11 Beautiful Machine
    12 Big Locomotive Part I & II

    Companies, etc.

    Notes

    Tracks 11, 12 are bonus tracks.
     http://www.spacearklasoul.com/


    Hello, thank you for visiting SpaceArk's website.  

    Please also visit SpaceArk's Facebook page at:
    https://www.facebook.com/SpaceArk.lasoul

    A SpaceArk photo slideshow is available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201081497943977&l=7620446419698531718

    and Youtube at http://youtu.be/GeNx

    For licensing or general inquries:
    spaceark@mail.com

    SpaceArk's albums were digitally remastered for limited  release in CD format in Japan by Creole Stream Records in 2011.  

    In 2018, Mr. Bongo Records UK was granted world-wide rights to release SpaceArk's albums in vinyl and CD format.

    SpaceArk music is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and other streaming websites around the world.

    iTunes
    SpaceArk I http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/spaceark-i/id428998362
    SpaceArk IS http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/spaceark-is/id431720913

    Amazon US
    SpaceArk I
    SpaceArk IS
    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=spaceark&x=0&y=0

    Amazon UK
    SpaceArk I
    SpaceArk IS
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004U3QRCS/ref=dm_dp_adp


    Historical

    Biography

    SpaceArk was a pioneering 1970s Los Angeles-based Soul/Rock group formed in 1973 and dissolved in 1979. The band's current status is inactive. 

    This website exists so original and new fans can discover SpaceArk's music, and learn about the group's history.

    This website is maintained by Peter Alan Silberg, founding member and lead guitarist.   

    Your comments and messages are welcome on Facebook, or you can send email to spaceark@mail.com. 


    ========================================

    "Welcome to My Door"
    ========================================

    Peter Alan Silberg was born in London, England and emigrated to California at age 6.  His parents settled in Los Angeles, and he grew up in the beach city of Santa Monica. Peter took up guitar after seeing Dick Dale "King of the Surf Guitar" perform live at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in 1961.  He had played the viola in the school orchestra, which won first place in a state-wide competition, but once he was exposed to the power of the electric guitar in the hands of Dick Dale, the viola was quickly discarded and guitar became Peter's passion.

    During his high school years, Peter was a lead guitarist for a local surf band "The Intoxicators" (1963-65).  They were in demand at school dances and local clubs, playing instrumental surf rock and 1950s R&B songs.  The Intoxicators won numerous battle of the band competitions, and obtained a small recording contract with TJ Records, an independent label in 1963.   They accompanied solo artist, Mel Thompson, whose single release was "Goin' Down That Lonesome Road" and "I Never Look For Trouble", both catchy pop songs which did not chart.

    Peter joined Epic recording artists, "The Bad Boys" (1965), as lead guitarist.  Their first single was a rock version of "River Deep Mountain High" - later made famous by Dick & DeeDee and Tina Turner.

    Peter joined "The Black Watch" (1966-71), a local band, comprised of former members of The Intoxicators and other groups.   One of the musicians was keyboard player, Mark Weitz, who went on to fame as a member of the Strawberry Alarm Clock whose  classic hit was "Incense & Peppermints."

    The Black Watch appeared in shows with The Challengers, Bobby Fuller 4, Sam The Sham & The Pharoahs, The Coasters, Standells, Strawberry Alarm Clock, Ben E. King, and other groups.

    He joined The Glass Menagerie, a group of local musicians who performed at many high school, college parties, and clubs.  The musical focus was the Beatles and British Invasion groups which had taken over AM radio.  The group performed hits by The Byrds, Arthur Lee & Love, The Grassroots, The Leaves, The Doors, Yardbirds, Kinks, Rolling Stones, Animals, Searchers, and the Hollies. 

    Peter was influenced by Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Jeff Beck, and formed a guitar power trio with a female lead singer, performing at local clubs, colleges, and US military base clubs.

    However, after not really advancing career-wise in Los Angeles, Peter decided it might be advantageous to go back to England and check out the music scene in London. 

    ========================================================

    SpaceArk's Beginnings
    ========================================

    Two weeks before Peter was to leave Los Angeles, the phone rang early one morning and songwriter/singer Troy Raglin introduced himself, and explained he was seeking a guitarist and collaborator for a songwriting partnership.  When the two met Troy played his song demos which had been recorded professionally at Capital Records in San Francisco.  Troy had come to Los Angeles to seek a recording contract, and had some well known industry contacts.  This appeared to be a promising opportunity to explore, so Peter stayed in Los Angeles. 

    They worked on original songs and started with Troy's compositions.  It was apparent something special was happening music-wise.  Troy had a natural gift of melody, could compose lyrics off the top of his head, and had a strong vocal style.  Along with Peter's guitar expertise, they became a songwriting team.

    Peter and Troy spent the summer of 1973 composing original songs, and recorded demos on a 2-track reel-to-reel tape machine.  They shopped their tapes to Troy's industry contacts, hoping to be signed to a songwriting contract.  When this didn't happen, the next step was to form a group to play their musical compositions live.  Numerous musicians were auditioned and after a few months, they found the players with the talent and personalities that jelled together and the group SpaceArk was born. 

    SpaceArk's songs were arranged with all of the band members' input, though the initial song ideas might come from a single band member, or from songs co-written by Troy or Peter.  After a series of live performances the musicians became a crack performance and recording group. 

    During the 1970s opportunities to play original music did not exist in Los Angeles (unless you were a successful recording group and on the radio).  So bands played the "hits of the day," to get club bookings.   SpaceArk learned the way to success was to play music the audiences liked and then inserted their own compositions into live sets. 

    SpaceArk's sets consisted of popular hits by Marvin Gaye, the OJay's, Commodores, Earth, Wind & Fire, among many other contemporary R&B acts of the time.  When they played originals, they closely watched audience reaction, and discovered which songs worked and which did not. 

    SpaceArk performed extensively at numerous Southern California music clubs in the Los Angeles area.  They also performed at military service bases (Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy) in Southern California, and played for service members that came from all over the USA. 

    At live performances, SpaceArk gave away 45rpm singles, 8-track tapes, and LP albums as a promotional tool.  The records eventually made their way around the world -- much like "messages in a bottle."  Interestingly, years later, SpaceArk vinyl albums became highly sought-after collectibles in England, Europe, and the Far East, and were classified as "Northern Soul."   The vinyl records sold for hundreds of dollars on Ebay and other record/vinyl collector websites around the globe.  

    SpaceArk was ahead of the times, both in musical ideas, and were self-produced, promoted, and owned the rights to their songs.  Unfortunately, SpaceArk was not ultimately successful in bringing their music to a wider audience beyond Southern California as they were not signed and promoted by a major record label. 

    Record companies did not know how to market SpaceArk.  The group's music could not be classified as soul, rock, disco, or pop, and contained many styles, as represented by the individual songs.  Record company personnel agreed the group was talented but SpaceArk's music didn't fall into a comfortable marketing category.  This uniqueness was the major factor that caused record company executives to pass over signing the group even though they liked SpaceArk's music and performance strengths.

    As a result, SpaceArk went forward and created their own self-financed record and promotion company.  For 5 years, SpaceArk worked diligently, rehearsing, recording and playing live.  They self-produced 2 full length albums and released 45rpm singles.  Troy also managed other artists signed to Colorworld, SpaceArk's independent record label.

    Unfortunately, the times were not favorable, and after years of dedicated effort (and with some personnel changes along the way), in early 1979 Peter Alan Silberg left SpaceArk and the group ceased to exist. 

    For a short time Troy assembled other musicians who performed his own solo compositions, but they sounded nothing like the original SpaceArk ensemble, no recordings were released, and the group didn't last long.

    Factors which led to some of the original group members leaving SpaceArk were Troy's sometime hard edged management style (well known to all), his efforts to market other artists at the same time as SpaceArk, and a lack of monetary success.  In 1979, after a lengthy period of the group not performing live Peter left and dissolved his partnership with Troy.  SpaceArk's dream was over...

    ========================================
    SpaceArk's Musicians
    ========================================

    SpaceArk's founding members were Peter Alan Silberg (lead guitar) and Troy "Troiel" Raglin (lead vocals).  Original band members were Reggie Austin (bass), Bryan "Skip" Reed (drums), and Russell Greene (keyboards). 

    Subsequent band members were Mahlon Hawk (bass2), Allen "Kenny" Chavis (bass3), and Jared Stewart (keyboards2).  During the late 1970s, SpaceArk added 2 female singers, Dolores Hardy (vocal lead on "Don't Stop"), and another singer whose name Peter has unfortunately forgotten.

    The musicians of SpaceArk came from different backgrounds and each brought a unique playing style and ideas to the group.  Peter contributed lead guitar and melodic chording, and Troy had a strong interest in melodic pop songs, R& B classics, and had an engaging performance style.  Brian Skip Reed was a classic Pittsburgh soul drummer with jazz leanings, Russell Greene was classically trained and loved playing barrelhouse piano, and Reggie Austin anchored the group with his distinctive bass parts.  SpaceArk collectively created danceable, melodic compositions with meaningful lyrics.  To this day SpaceArk's sound and unique vision have not been duplicated.

    The band members' musicianship and dedication was of the highest level,  each person was passionate and brought skill and vision to the group.  They enjoyed playing and hanging out together through good times, and the hard times all musicians go through.  SpaceArk was a high-energy live act, and achieved enthusiastic audience response to their music.  They were full-time musicians, believed in themselves, and did everything they could to be successful. 

    ========================================
    Spaceark's Music
    ========================================

    During the mid-1970s, SpaceArk released 2 independently produced and promoted albums, along with some 45rpm singles released on their Colorworld record label.  SpaceArk recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, and at Ocean Way Studios in Santa Monica and Hermosa Beach, California. 

    They financed recordings through individual investors (similar to crowd-sourcing), supplemented by earnings from live performances - a novel approach some 30 years ago.  It should be mentioned none of the group members earned any money from SpaceArk recordings.

    SpaceArk records were stocked at Tower Records (the largest record store chain in Southern California at the time) and other small record chains and stores.  Troy Raglin assembled a small team of dedicated assistants to promote the group and create publicity. 

    SpaceArk's first album was released in Brazil by Pirate Records.  SpaceArk's album tracks and singles were played on AM and FM radio in Los Angeles, including the 2 biggest stations at the time, KRLA-AM and KMET-FM, and helped the band get bookings and build a fan base. 

    In 2011, SpaceArk albums were re-released in digital and CD format for the Far East market by Creole Stream Records Japan.

    In 2018, Mr. Bongo Records UK released the first SpaceArk album in CD and vinyl format, for the European market and world-wide distribution.  The 2nd SpaceArk Is album is scheduled to be released February, 2019.

    There were over 100 songs SpaceArk wrote and performed over a 6 year span.  Unfortunately, most of the songs were not professionally recorded, with the exception of the 2 LPs, and a few singles. 

    Primitive demos of songwriting sessions from the beginning of the Raglin/Silberg duo survive, and there are recordings of other songs composed by Peter and Troy independently which may be released at some point in the future.

    Over the years, Peter attempted to locate live recordings of the group but it was not until 2008 that a musician contacted Peter and provided a treasure-trove of photos, cassette and tape reels, documenting SpaceArk's history, rescued from being discarded after Troy Raglin passed on.   A special thank you is given to Randy & Lisa for that generous effort and saving them from oblivion.  Lastly, memory can recall a handful of unrecorded song ideas, but some of the old cassette tapes contained song fragments of rehearsal recordings. 

    Fortunately, SpaceArk's studio recordings survived along with a collection of photographs taken by Michael McAllister, our second roadie and professional photographer.

    ========================================
    SpaceArk I - Recording Notes
    ========================================

    SpaceArk's albums were recorded on 16-track analog 2-inch tape machines.  The original master tapes were lost during the years, being in the possession of Troy Raglin.  They may have been re-used to record other projects.   The first album was recorded and mixed in 12 hours at Sunset Sound Studios.

    The SpaceArk 1 album re-release by Creole Stream Records for the Japanese market in 2013 was digitally duplicated from the original vinyl album, and also sourced from an earlier 2-track stereo R/R master mixdown tape in Peter's possession.  The main difference between the two mixdown sources is that after the first mixing session, Troy Raglin decided to VSO (speed up) the songs, and these versions were mastered and pressed to vinyl.  Song versions from the original mix on the reel-to-reel mix tape were more true to the original tempo/feel of the songs as performed live. 

    Song credits - lyrics and music as noted:

    Everybody's Trying - Raglin
    Understand - Silberg/Raglin
    Fever Pitch - Silberg/Raglin/Greene
    I'm Only Me - Reed/Greene/Silberg/Raglin
    Jr. Blaster - Austin/Raglin
    Welcome To My Door - Silberg/Raglin
    Our Love Will Last - Raglin/Greene
    I'm Walking - Silberg/Raglin
    Do What You Can Do - Reed/Greene
    This World - Austin/Raglin  

    ========================================
    The "Lost" SpaceArk II Album
    ========================================

    After Spaceark's first album, a new group of songs were composed, rehearsed, and performed before live audiences.  The rhythm tracks were recorded at Ocean Way Studios in Hermosa Beach, California, for a second album but these songs would not be completed. 

    Troy decided the songs weren't commercial enough and he wanted to record more pop hits.  This unilateral decision distressed the group members, and was a primary factor in original keyboardist, Russell Greene, leaving the group.  

    The original songs for the second album concept were group-composed and had been performed live for months, prior to going in the studio.  The songs were inspiring, well-written, and the band members had all contributed to this collection.  But Troy reasoned SpaceArk needed to focus on releasing more pop songs (which he had composed) in an effort to become successful. 

    As far as the original "lost album" songs, they included:

     Beautiful Machine (demo) - music composed by Peter Silberg; and Troy dubbed a guide vocal.  Troy was so enthusiastic about this song he pressed an in-studio acetate to promote without even completing the recording. This song was not released.

    Don't Stop (featuring Dolores Hardy - released as a 45 single under the pseudonym "Dollyway & SpaceShip Earth").  Dolores Hardy sometimes performed with SpaceArk.  The music was composed by Peter, lyrics by Troy.  Musicians on the session were SpaceArk augmented by a studio horn section.  Don't Stop was a featured song at SpaceArk live performances.  This song was included on the 2013 re-release of the SpaceArk Is album on Creole Stream Records, Japan. 

    Big Locomotive On The Tracks Of Love - the only composition from an outside writer.  This song was performed by vocalist and percussionist, Charles Breckinridge Overton.  SpaceArk was the backing band and also played this song live, with Troy singing as Charles Overton sometimes performed with the group.  This song was also included on the SpaceArk first album release on Creole Stream Records, Japan.

    Sexy Lady - included on the SpaceArk Is album.  Music by Peter Silberg, lyrics by Troy Raglin.

    ======================================SpaceArk SpaceArk Is -- Recording Notes
    ========================================

    Troy Raglin selected a new group of songs and recorded the rhythm tracks for a "new" second album entitled "SpaceArk Is."  The SpaceArk Is album was recorded and mixed in approximately 24 hours' studio time at Ocean Way Studios. 

    Troy Raglin composed the majority of the songs for the SpaceArk Is Album and directed the recording efforts.   SpaceArk's band members (without Peter) recorded the rhythm music tracks, and Peter overdubbed guitar parts in a subsequent session.  Skip Reed sang lead vocals on "Take Her Out Dancing."

    The album re-releases were digitized from the original vinyl record.  No master recording tapes survived. 

    Song credits - all lyrics and music by Troy Raglin, except as noted:
    Sweet Hitchiker - Raglin
    Take Her Out Dancing - Raglin/McAllister
    Sexy Lady - Silberg/Raglin
    Ja More Mon A More (I Love My Love) - Raglin/Silberg
    Phantom Lover - Raglin/McAllister
    Each Song - Raglin  

    ========================================

    What happened to SpaceArk's members after the group ceased to exist?

    ====================================

    After Peter left SpaceArk, in 1980, Troy Raglin formed his Fire Mountain record label and represented and marketed other artists.  He subsequently retired to the High Desert area of Southern California and left the Los Angeles music scene. 

    After SpaceArk, Peter joined Poly, an 80's power pop group, and played bass guitar.  Poly performed at club venues in Hollywood and tried to obtain a recording contract but were not successful.  Peter then joined a country-rock group as a bassist, and performed regularly at clubs for a few years.  Peter later spent time writing new material and recording demos, but didn't have any success marketing to record labels. 

    In the mid-1980s, he changed career direction and became involved in the computer industry, providing IT services to major corporations.  Music and guitar playing continued as a life-long interest.

    In 2008, while searching the internet Peter discovered that Troy Raglin, Russell Greene, and Michael McAllister, the group photographer and second roadie, had unfortunately passed away. 

    In 2009, Peter received an email from Dolores Hardy's daughter, who informed him Dolores had tragically lost her life in the mid-1980s attempting to help someone being assaulted on the streets of Hollywood.  Peter was able to provide Dolores' daughter with copies of photographs and recordings of the time Dolores spent working with SpaceArk.

    Allen "Kenny" Chavis, the 3rd bass player lives in the Southern California area.  An internet search revealed 2nd bass player Mahlon Hawk resided in the Phoenix area, and Jared Stewart, 2nd keyboardist resides in the LA area. 

    Unknown are the whereabouts of Jerry Horton, SpaceArk's faithful roadie and record promo man, and the second female singer (name forgotten)  who performed with SpaceArk during the late 1970s. 

    Reflecting back all these years later, "Rip" was the nickname Troy gave Peter for playing fast and aggressive guitar.  Troy's self-moniker was "Rags" for the patchwork jeans he had a habit of always wearing. 

    RIP Rags... 

    Once Peter left the group he didn't have any contact with the band members until 2009.  Peter found a YouTube video of Brian "Skip" Reed's jazz group performing close to where he lived.  He surprised Skip with an uannounced visit, and brought Reggie Austin to the meeting.  A joyous one-night reunion took place.  Peter sounded the musicians out about potentially getting together but there was no real interest - everyone had moved on with their lives...

     ======================================== 

    For general inquiries including licensing of SpaceArk compositions email spaceark@mail.com

    Peace to all,

    Peter Alan Silberg, founder and lead guitarist of SpaceArk
    November 11, 2018

     ======================================== 

    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE -- MP3s ON THIS WEBSITE ARE NOT TO BE REPACKAGED AND SOLD FOR PROFIT, AND ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR MUSICAL ENJOYMENT.

    ALL LEGAL RIGHTS RETAINED AND RESERVED UNDER U.S. & UK COPYRIGHT LAWS.  


    http://souldennis.blogspot.com/2011/10/memories-of-spaceark.html

    Friday, October 14, 2011


    Memories of SpaceArk

    Peter Silberg

    First of all, I want to thank Peter Silberg co-founder, lead guitarist, songwriter and member of the group SpaceArk for all his info.

    One year ago I had the pleasure to find a rare single entitled "Just one look / Darling" by Fatu. It was released on Fire Mountain Records in 1980. Immediately I noticed that composer on the track "Just one look" was Troy Raglin and Peter Silberg members of the group SpaceArk. Of cource I knew this group because some years ago, I heard the song "Phantom lover" by SpaceArk from a site. For this reason I found out info about this group.

    SpaceArk
    SpaceArk was an obscure soul/rock group from Los Angeles that began in 1973 and disbanded in 1979. SpaceArk's founding members were Peter Silberg (lead guitarist) and Troy "Troiel" Raglin (lead singer). Original members were Reggie Austin on bass, Bryan "Skip" Reed on drums and Russell Greene on keyboards. Subsequent members were Mahlon Hawk on bass, Allen "Kenny" Chavis on bass, and Jared Stewart on keyboards. Two female singers periodically sang for the group. Dolores Hardy and another wonderful singer whose name is unknown. The members of SpaceArk came from different musical backgrounds and brought unique playing styles and ideas to the group.
    SpaceArk released two albums. The  first album was released in 1975 on Color World Records. The first 1000 white albums with 8-track labels were given away free as promotional materials.


    The "real" cover was the full size black/white artist drawing of the group. My favorite song is entitled "Do what you can do". Composed by Bryan "Skip" Reed and Russell Greene. Produced by Troy Raglin.



    After the first album the group started recording new songs for creating a new album. Although the group had recorded the original instrumental rhythm tracks, Troy Raglin decided to abandon the recordings because the direction of the group was not as Troy wanted. For this reason the original keyboardist Russell Greene decided to leave the group. However these songs were performed at live concerts. As far as the original second album's songs, they were never released except one song entitled "Don't stop". Another unreleased song was "Beautiful Machine".

    Dolores Hardy

    "Don't stop" was released as a single on Color World Records by Dolores Hardy with SpaceArk under the name Dolly Way & Space Ship Earth. Dolores Hardly was one of the female singers who sometimes appeared with SpaceArk. "Don't stop" was a featured song at SpaceArk live performances.


    Music was composed by Peter Silberg and lyrics by Troy Raglin. Produced by Troy Raglin & Michael Waxman. Horns arrangements by Bobby Keyes (the sax player for the Rolling Stones) and David Leech.



    I want to mention that SpaceArk and Dolores Hardy recorded one more song called "This spell" which was a flip side (B Side) of "Don't stop". However Troy Raglin, at the last moment, decided to include the instrumental version of "Don't stop" and not the song "This spell".




    "Beautiful Machine" was released only as a demo and never released as a sinlge. This song was written by Peter Silberg, with original lyrics by Troy Raglin. This track was unreleased, and until now has been unheard by anyone, except fans who attended the group's live stage shows.

    Beautiful Machine (Unreleased) (Sample)



    Troy Raglin

    Two years later after the group dispanded, Troy Raglin created a new record company called Fire Mountain Records. Troy Raglin released a single on his own label entitled "Just one look / Darling" under the name Fatu. Singer is Fatu Lauletolo who lived in the Tampa Bay area. Troy and Fatu had re-recorded the unreleased song "Beautiful Machine" and changed the lyrics and title to "Just one look".

    Produced by Troy Raglin. Arranged by David Leech and Troy Raglin.

    Just One Look (Sample)

    SpaceArk


    Back to 1978, Troy Raglin directed and recorded a "new second" SpaceArk album, released as "SpaceArk Is" on Colorworld Records.


    Troy Raglin composed most of the songs on SpaceArk's album "SpaceArk Is". Peter Silberg contributed the guitar overdubs, and was the composer of "Sexy Lady." SpaceArk's band members contributed the rhythm tracks (Skip Reed on drums, Kenny Chavis on bass and Jared Stewart on keyboards). Skip Reed sang lead on "Take Her Out Dancing".
    My favorite song is entitled "Phantom Lover," composed by Troy Raglin and G.McAllister. "SpaceArk Is" was produced by Troy Raglin, and arranged by SpaceArk.

    Phantom Lover (Sample)

    SpaceArk released a total of 2 full length albums and a handful of 45 singles, including recording solo artists that were signed to Colorworld, SpaceArk's record label. But the times were not favorable, and after many years of effort, in the late 1979 Peter Silberg left the group and SpaceArk ceased to exist.
    An artist who collaborated with SpaceArk was a vocalist Charles Breckinridge Overton known as C.B.Overton. Charles Overton had released a few singles on Shock Records such as "If I can't stop you" in 1977 and "Superstar lady / When it rains it pours" in 1978 respectively.
    Charles Overton also performed sporadically with SpaceArk, playing congas/percussion. Charles Overton, with backing from SpaceArk released a single entitled "Big Locomotive" on Colorworld. "Big Locomotive" was recorded and performed by SpaceArk (entirely) with Charles Overton as lead vocalist. The record was produced by Marshall McQueen Jr. who was a great songwriter/producer, and a long-time associate of Troy Raglin.


    Big Locomotive (Sample)


    After SpaceArk dispanded and Colorworld Records ceased to exist, Troy Raglin created a new record company called Fire Mountain Records. I have already mentioned the record by Fatu and Troy Raglin. Troy Raglin would take old recordings created by members of SpaceArk, and re-record and rename then as his own compositions.
    Another release of Troy Raglin's Fire Mountain label was artist Lucy Stone. Lucy Stone was not her real name but a ficticious name given by Troy Raglin to a girl he had met. Troy Raglin coached her for months to sing, and finally recorded songs he wrote for her. Lucy Stone released a single entitled "If somebody needs somebody / Giving love instead of gold" in 1980 on Fire Mountain Records, produced by Troy Raglin and arranged by David Leech and Troy Raglin. The solo flute was performed by David Leech.


    If somebody needs somebody (Sample)


    One of the main issues which caused Peter Silberg to leave SpaceArk was Troy's continued focus on other "artists" careers, without first getting SpaceArk to be successful. After the group dispanded, Troy eventually took the name "SpaceArk" and used it as his production entity name.

    Sirviving members of SpaceArk are Peter Silberg, Reggie Austin, Bryan "Skip"Reed, Allan Chavis and Jared Stewart. Troy Raglin passed on a number of years ago, as did Dolores Hardy.
    https://www.discogs.com/artist/79035-Spaceark

    Spaceark

    Profile:
    SpaceArk was an obscure soul/rock group from Los Angeles that began in 1973 and disbanded in 1979. SpaceArk's founding members were Peter Silberg (lead guitarist) and Troy "Troiel" Raglin (lead singer). Original members were Reggie Austin on bass, Bryan "Skip" Reed on drums and Russell Greene on keyboards. Subsequent members were Mahlon Hawk on bass, Allen "Kenny" Chavis on bass, and Jared Stewart on keyboards. Two female singers periodically sang for the group. Dolores Hardy and another wonderful singer whose name is unknown. The members of SpaceArk came from different musical backgrounds and brought unique playing styles and ideas to the group.
    SpaceArk released two albums. Their albums were released in 1975 and 1976 on Color World Records. Both albums have been re-released on Creole Stream (Japan) in 2013, and most recently on Mr. Bongo (UK) in late 2018 and the 2nd album upcoming in Feb. 2019). Contact SpaceArk @ spaceark@mail.com.  




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