Colours - Atmosphere torrent

Colours spelled their name in an English fashion, but were in fact from good old Los Angeles, CA. The explanation for this can be found in their British, Beatles inspired psych sound, including heavily layered and lush orchestration, which was unique for a U.S. band of the day.

The group formed in 1967 and included Jack Dalton (guitar), Gary Montgomery (piano), Chuck Blackwell (drums), Rob Edwards (lead guitar) and Carl Radle (bass). They signed to Dot Records and released their first 45 later that year, which includes the awesome ‘Brother Lou’s Love Colony’ b/w ‘Lovin”.

In 1968, they issued their debut, self titled LP which definitely has its moments in the outstanding ‘Love Heals’, ‘Rather Be Me’, and of course, the loony “Brother Lou”, which was later covered by the Moon. In 1969, they issued a follow up LP titled ‘Atmosphere’, but only Dalton and Montgomery are credited on the record. One highlight off this album is the light and breezy ‘You’re High’.

After the band broke up in late 1969, Radle went on to play in Delaney & Bonnie and, shortly afterward, Derek & the Dominoes, as well as with J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton. Chuck Blackwell also achieved some renown in the early 70s by playing with Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, Taj Mahal, Freddie King, and other artists.