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Biografia
The seeds of The Association were sewn with the meeting of Jules Alexander and Terry Kirkman in Hawaii in 1962. The two men were budding musicians and jammed together while they could, finding that they had genuine creative chemistry with each other. However, Alexander was in Hawaii while serving a stint in the Navy, and wasn’t going to be discharged until a year later. They made a pact to form a band together once Alexander was discharged, and a year later they made good on it, moving to Los Angeles together in the mid-1960’s. The first group they formed was called The Inner Tubes, which expanded into a thirteen piece band called The Men, notable for being the first act to call themselves a “Folk-Rock” band.
However after a spell as the house band at L.A’s legendary Troubadour venue, the band split up. Not to be deterred, Alexander and Kirkmen formed the first incarnation of The Association soon afterwards, and after five months of solid rehearsal time, they scored a regular slot playing live at Pasadena, California’s Icehouse club. They auditioned for a number of record labels and were finally signed to Valiant Records, who would release their first national hit “Along Comes Mary” in 1966. The song peaked at number 6 on the Billboard charts and led to the release of the band’s first album proper “And Then...Along Comes the Association”. The album didn’t set the charts alight, but their follow up single “Cherish” did exactly that.
The song was a number one smash hit, and the band spent the rest of the 1960’s as one of California’s premier hit-makers, with another number one hit in the form of 1967’s “Windy”. Ever since then the band could populate a large village with their past members but for most part, Alexander has stayed with the band, and helms them to this day. They might not have had the staying power that some of their peers had but they have a back catalogue that no-one could argue with, and a live show that can only come from over half a century of experience. For that, The Association comes highly recommended.
Avaliações ao vivo
Sometimes there seems to be little rhyme and reason in the music business. There are many instances when incredibly talented and ingenious bands slip under the spotlight while atrocities manage to create a stir in the mass public. The Association is an example of one of the music industries conundrums. The group had originality, an outstanding sense of harmonization, an understanding of song construction and a persevering drive that outreached many of their contemporaries. While they sported several hit songs and had more than a substantial career, they never managed to hit the “big time” so to speak. At least comparative to many of the pop sensations culminating in the 60s. Perhaps the lost opportunity of properly reissuing their recordings on cd may have contributed to the fizzling out of the groups career; however, for those who first had the chance to hear the bands recordings did not easily give up on the group.
The song “Windy” was one of the first tracks from my early youth that I have a conscious memory of. In my opinion that song was just as good as a Beatles tune. Of course back then I was less clouded by the bias of persisting music trends and my social climate. The Association had a sound that instantly struck a chord with their audience. Like the Beach Boys their music was so open and relatable that it seemed to apply to almost everyone.
Not only were they skilled songwriters they were natural born musicians who had an incredible sense of chemistry. In fact they are still performing to this day and haven’t seemed to decline in quality in the slightest. The group has keen precision and a knack for controlling the audience. Their instrumentation is fairly modest, but they are always able to produce interesting sounds. At some of their shows they pull out a toy-like recorder, and showcase some of the most catchy melodies on it. However their strong-suit lies in their vocal performance. Everyone in the group has a voice of gold and they make things exciting switching between members for vocal leads. But the real charm of their music comes from their godly harmonizations. The Association are a classic act and though their career has unjustly been overshadowed they absolutely should not be missed.
wjmcc
I have wanted to see the Association forever. I can remember the first time I heard one of their songs in the mid-sixties when I joined the Navy. So, you can imagine how excited I was to get two tickets to see the band live at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas on Friday night, November 29, 2019.
Sadly, the show was absolutely miserable. The two remaining original members are tired and the keyboard, guitar, singer son of an original member does not look like he fits in. His mannerisms and hair style (plus a black fedora) are more appropriate for a small venue bar band. The amplification system, which was probably adequate years ago, is ineffective and out of date. The video introduction doesn't compare to others I have seen for same period artists. In short, the show fell far short of expectations.
The Association has an incredible music collection. In fact, the lead singer, mentioned that three Association songs are among the top 100 of all time as measured by Billboard. With that kind of a repertoire, I was really put off when they spent nearly ten minutes playing a set of covers from the 1983 movie, "The Big Chill." My guest and I did not buy tickets to hear the Association play other group's hits.
farnow
Summer of 66 was the summer of the Association, the Beatles, Mama and the Papas and others. This evening was 95 minutes of wonderful songs of that time. As you looked around you saw those who remember that time and those who were not alive for years to come. What was common was the joy that is in that music. You could see it in everyone’s face. This is not your high production show that so often passes for entertainment in Vegas. No this is music that hit everyone in the room in their soul. If they are coming near you do yourself a favor and go see the Association. I promise you will enjoy the evening and leave with joy in your soul.
We have seen several groups with names of groups of the 1960s/1970s. Many have one original member, but always you left wanting to hear the original sound of the group. Going to The Association concert you will leave having just heard the songs you love song correctly.
bruce-binder
Lots of good songs. Probably played about 15, only 3 of which were not their big hits (even Walk Away Renee by another artist). All the singing and harmonies were on except a couple times Jim Yester (original member @ 78!) had some difficulty at the beginning hitting the high notes (improved as the show went on). They were funny in between the songs and the music was lively and tight. I would highly recommend them to those who remember good music from the late 60s. Two of the members are originals, one is the son of an original and a couple others had stints with the group in the 80s/90s. These guys can still perform and kick out great tunes!
The Association was AMAZING and I highly recommend their show. I would go again in a heart beat. They were really funny when talking about their past and demos that they've gotten and people they have performed with. Loved "Avocado" and the "Dubuque" song. Of course they played their famous songs: "Cherish", "Windy", "Along Comes Mary", "Never My Love" and so many more. They sounded the same and their harmony is amazing. The venue is also amazing.
vicki-van-hauen
Hi I hope you fellows read these. Is there anyway you can come to the Detroit area to do a show? Maybe you could hook up with Tommy James n the Shondells. They live in the area and you both have some outstanding tunes. Just a thought. But I grew up in my teens when you were popping off hits on the radio, and I really Love your band. Please come out if your able to.
All my best, Mary Solak.
mary-lavery-solak
Generally, the group played their songs well but lead singer Jim Yester has a difficult time hitting the notes he used to do with ease. I think he's a little to old to be singing lead. The music was nostalgic and brought back good memories of when music was great!
Although Larry Ramos passed away they are still worth spending my money to see. I saw them at the Metropolis in Arlington Heights and met them after their concert. It was probably the best concert of my life. Meeting the guys was just a bonus!
BIFF65
